Week 4 College Football Predictions and Results

Predictions
Thursday
Texas A&M at Miami (Florida): Neither club has a true quality win yet, so I'm curious to see how this game plays out. For how awful the ACC has looked thus far, I'm going to give the edge to A&M.
Texas A&M 28 Miami (Florida) 17
Miami (Florida) 34 Texas A&M 17 (0-1)

Western Kentucky at Middle Tennessee: Western Kentucky was welcomed to Division I-A in their opening game by defending National Champion Florida with a 49-3 whooping. Since then, they've beaten up on two Division I-AA opponents. It's back to I-A and back to losing for the Hilltoppers. Middle Tennessee has to be thanking their lucky stars to have the honor of playing Western Kentucky after having to face Louisville and LSU in successive weeks.
Middle Tennessee 31 Western Kentucky 17
Western Kentucky 20 Middle Tennessee 17 (0-2)

Friday
Oklahoma at Tulsa: This is OU's toughest road test thus far! In fact, I think it may be their first road test! Tulsa is no club to sleep on, as they're 2-0 following a big 55-47 defensive slugfest win over BYU last week. Even with their usually potent offense, it won't be enough to topple OU. Sooners should win fairly comfortably on Friday.
Oklahoma 49 Tulsa 24
Oklahoma 62 Tulsa 21 (1-2)

Saturday
North Carolina at South Florida: USF had a much deserved week off after their 26-23 overtime win at Auburn. The 2-0 Bulls now face the young and up-start Tar Heels, who are coming off a very tough 22-20 loss to Virginia. With the game at home and Matt Groethe at the helm to disrupt the young Tar Heels' defense, I look for the Bulls to improve to 3-0 on the season with a win at home.
South Florida 31 North Carolina 21
South Florida 37 North Carolina 10 (2-2)

Illinois at Indiana: I never thought I'd say this, but this is actually a pretty big early season game. Illinois came a late touchdown within coming back and defeating Missouri in their opener. Since then, they've gone 2-0, including a drubbing of Syracuse this past weekend. Indiana has started the year 3-0, by beating three relatively average to below average non-conference opponents. The winner will start the year 1-0 in conference play, at either 3-1 or 4-0, and off to a great start on a potential bowl run. With how the game ended last year on a last second field goal by the Hoosiers and how efficient Juice Williams has been at quarterback for the Illini, I look for Illinois to get some revenge and start the year 1-0 in Big Ten play and 3-1 overall.
Illinois 27 Indiana 21
Illinois 27 Indiana 14 (3-2)

Syracuse at Louisville: What could be a better rebound game for the Louisville Cardinals, who are coming off a 40-34 defeat at the hands of their inner-state rival, Kentucky, than to play a home game against Big East foe Syracuse? An 0-3 club who has been outscored 118-32 against the likes of Washington, Iowa, and Illinois? Louisville wins big.
Louisville 70 Syracuse 21
Syracuse 38 Louisville 35 (3-3)

Clemson at North Carolina State: The 3-0 Clemson Tigers should have no problem moving to 4-0 and 2-0 in the ACC Conference with a win against the Wolfpack. NC State won their first game a week ago by defeating I-AA Wofford 38-17. With that, a 2-point loss to Central Florida, and a 20-point loss to Boston College, the 'Pack's resume' isn't impressing me enough to take them in the upset over Tommy Bowden's club.
Clemson 31 North Carolina State 17
Clemson 42 North Carolina State 20 (4-3)

Temple at Bowling Green: The Owls were oh so close to winning a game this past weekend, falling on the short-end of a 22-17 affair with Connecticut. They should've cashed in when they had a chance. This is a winnable game for Temple, but I don't see them putting together back-to-back solid road efforts. One was a tall task as it is.
Bowling Green 34 Temple 17
Bowling Greeen 48 Temple 35 (5-3)

Georgia Tech at Virginia: For how poorly Al Groh's Cavaliers played in their opener, losing 23-3 to Wyoming and for how solid Georgia Tech looked against Notre Dame and of course, I-AA Samford, the two clubs are looking in completely different directions right now and the direct opposite from where it would've appeared in Week 1. Following two consecutive ACC wins, UVA is 2-1, unbeaten in conference at 2-0, and have a golden opportunity to make that 3-0 with a home win on Saturday. The Yellow Jackets, meanwhile, are coming off a 24-10 loss to Boston College which makes them 0-1 in conference play, in desperate need of a conference victory this weekend to even their record at 1-1, as opposed to 0-2 if they fall to the Cavs. While UVA has won two consecutive conference battles, they were against Duke and North Carolina, arguably the two worst teams in the conference and by a combined score of 46-33 (average of 23-16.5). Tech's rambling wreck defense should prove to be too much for UVA's inconsistent offense.
Georgia Tech 27 Virginia 13
Virginia 28 Georgia Tech 23 (5-4)

East Carolina at West Virginia: West Virginia's spread offense was stifled last year against the Pirates. The Mountaineers won, but ECU gave them all they could handle. Look for more of the same in the first half of play, but for WVU to pull away in the third quarter with the insanely quick backfield of Pat White, Steve Slaton, and new freshman phenom Noah Devine.
West Virginia 31 East Carolina 17
West Virginia 48 East Carolina 7 (6-4)

Kent State at Akron: Just solely based upon the Zips tough play against Ohio State and semi-tough play against unbeaten Indiana, I'm going to give them the home edge in this one.
Akron 31 Kent State 24
Akron 27 Kent State 20 (7-4)

Florida at Mississippi: One shouldn't forget how close Ole Miss was to defeating the Gators last year in the swamp. Following a dominating nationally televised performance against rival Tennessee this past Saturday, Florida is due for a let-down. While I can't bring it in me to pick the Rebels in the upset, I'm going to say that it'll be closer than the "experts" think.
Florida 24 Mississippi 13
Florida 30 Mississippi 24 (8-4)

Ball State at Nebraska: Learning how to run again - that should be Nebraska's motto this weekend, following their 31 rushing yards against USC (27 of those in scrub time). With Marlon Lucky wanting to redeem himself, I think NU will do just that. While I think NU should win fairly handily, they can't let the hangover from the USC defeat carry on into this upcoming Saturday. Ball State is within two points of being a perfect 3-0, including an overtime win over Navy this past weekend and let's not forget their near upset over Michigan last year.
Nebraska 35 Ball State 10
Nebraska 41 Ball State 40 (9-4)

Army at Boston College: Army is looking worse than usual. BC could be due for a potential let-down week following their huge conference win in Atlanta against Georgia Tech. But, who are we kidding? It's Army! Boston College should roll past the Black Knights to 4-0 on the season.
Boston College 42 Army 6
Boston College 37 Army 17 (10-4)

Duke at Navy: One team is coming into the game with a one-game winning streak and the other lost last week's game. But, the team that won and lost last week probably aren't the same team's you'd expect. The reason I refer to the one game being a "streak" is the fact Duke won last week, beating Northwestern, to end their nation-leading 22-game losing skid. Another may be started this weekend, as Navy should even their record at 2-2 with a win over the Blue Devils.
Navy 31 Duke 14
Navy 46 Duke 43 (11-4)

Wyoming at Ohio: Ohio played Virginia Tech tough for 2 1/2 quarters before the Hokies went on their 21-0 run to end the game. But, even then, the Bobcats are 2-1 and appear to be on their way to another year of contention in the MAC. Wyoming will be a tough opponent, but with the game at home, I'm picking the Bobcats.
Ohio 24 Wyoming 21
Wyoming 34 Ohio 33 (11-5)

Air Force at BYU: Air Force has been winning the close games thus far and BYU has done the opposite, losing those tightly-contested games. When these two teams get together, especially with the solid start the Falcons are off to this year, I expect the bouts to be close. I look for the two trends to continue.
Air Force 31 BYU 28
BYU 31 Air Force 6 (11-6)

Miami (Ohio) at Colorado: After losing two straight tough non-conference games to Arizona State and Florida State, Colorado has a great opportunity to finish their fairly tough non-conference schedule (also included a win against Colorado State) at an even 2-2. With their fourth and final game of the non-conference slate being one against Miami (Ohio) in Boulder, I have to believe Dan Hawkins will make the most of that opportunity and head into Big XII play with an even record.
Colorado 27 Miami (Ohio) 10
Colorado 42 Miami (Ohio) 0 (12-6)

Michigan State at Notre Dame: This just in... Lou Holtz will probably pick the Irish at home for their first victory of the season. This just in... Not going to happen. For whatever reason, Michigan State has had the Irish's number over the past few years and that even includes Notre Dame's good teams. This year's club has a total of 13 points in three games (4.3 ppg) and -14 yards rushing (-4.7 ypg). Meanwhile, they've allowed 102 points (34.0 ppg). That's right, they're not only 0-3, but are getting outscored by approximately 30 points an outing and are failing to rush for positive yards. Michigan State, meanwhile, is 3-0 and from what I've seen thus far, should be able to improve to 4-0 with a win in South Bend.
Michigan State 28 Notre Dame 10
Michigan State 31 Notre Dame 14 (13-6)

South Carolina at LSU: Mississippi State (2-1), Virginia Tech (2-1), Middle Tennessee State (0-3), and now South Carolina (3-0). LSU's opponents have a 4-5 record going into this game and 7-5 including the Gamecocks. How have they fared thus far? 45-0 over Mississippi State, 48-7 over Virginia Tech, and 44-0 over Middle Tennessee State. They have outscored their 4-5 opposition by the score of 137-7 (average of 45.7 - 2.3). For how dominant their defense appears to be under the tutelage of Beau Pelini, it's hard for me to see anybody beating the Tigers right now, especially in Baton Rouge. That includes you, Spurrier!
LSU 31 South Carolina 10
LSU 28 South Carolina 16 (14-6)

Penn State at Michigan: How many consecutive home games is Michigan playing? Geesh. Appalachian State, Oregon, Notre Dame, and now Penn State. I keep going back and forth about this one (as I do with so many things...), but I have a gut feeling that Michigan is rejuvenated and with this game at home, senior Mike Hart won't let the Wolverines lose three out of four home games to start the season.
Michigan 24 Penn State 21
Michigan 14 Penn State 9 (15-6)

Maryland at Wake Forest: Wake Forest finally won a game! They beat Army 31-10 this past weekend to improve to 1-2. Their regular starting quarterback, Skinner, is hoping to be back in the line-up this weekend, but that's not a certainty yet. Either way, I like the Deacons, with their seemingly non-stop motion on offense, to win the game at home and even their record at 2-2.
Wake Forest 27 Maryland 24
Wake Forest 31 Maryland 24 OT (16-6)

Northwestern at Ohio State: Ohio State's offense finally woke up from a deep slumber in the second half against Washington this past Saturday, scoring 30 points (33 total). Northwestern became victim (punchline of a joke) of Duke, ending the Blue Devil's 22-losing streak. The Buckeyes should have no problem with THE team that ended Duke's skid.
Ohio State 34 Northwestern 3
Ohio State 58 Northwestern 7 (17-6)

Texas Tech at Oklahoma State: If quarterback Bobby Reid starts for the Cowboys, then I think they have a legitimate shot to win this game, but that's no guarantee and regardless of who plays quarterback, Texas Tech should have no problems putting up points in the bunches against OSU's defense.
Texas Tech 45 Oklahoma State 27
Oklahoma State 49 Texas Tech 45 (17-7)

Memphis at Central Florida: The only way I can see the Golden Knights losing this one is if they're not focused, due to their near upset win over Texas last weekend. But, I don't see George O'Leary allowing for that to happen, especially at home. UCF wins to improve to 2-1 on the season.
Central Florida 38 Memphis 24
Central Florida 56 Memphis 20 (18-7)

Colorado State at Houston: With a week off to prepare and two very tough losses behind them (31-28 in overtime to Colorado and 34-28 to Cal), I look for Sonny Lubbick and his CSU Rams to win a hard-fought battle in Houston.
Colorado State 34 Houston 31
Houston 38 Colorado State 27 (18-8)

Northern Illinois at Idaho: Northern Illinois likes to lose the close games. They fell by 13 points to Iowa in Week 1, 3 points to Southern Illinois, and then 2 points to Eastern Michigan. With this game being away and Idaho having just racked up 28 points against Washington State this past Saturday, I look for the Huskies to lose yet another close one.
Idaho 24 Northern Illinois 21
Northern Illinois 42 Idaho 35 (18-9)

Kentucky at Arkansas: This is a huge game for both clubs. Kentucky is coming off a gi-normous (a word in my book) win over in-state rival Louisville and Arkansas fell 8 seconds short of beating Alabama in what had been an amazing comeback. With a let-down possible for the Wildcats, especially on the road and Arkansas needing to bounce back at home, I look for the 'Hogs to even their SEC record at 1-1 with a big win against up-start Kentucky.Arkansas 38 Kentucky 28
Kentucky 42 Arkansas 29 (18-10)

Arizona at California: Cal's offense is, for lack of a better word, fast and Arizona's defense isn't, to be kind, the Desert Storm of the '90s. Jeff Tedford can't take any conference opponent for granted, but DeSean Jackson and company won't allow for that to happen.
California 45 Arizona 17
California 45 Arizona 27 (19-10)

Baylor at Buffalo: Baylor has beaten Rice and I-AA Texas State, only beating them this past weekend 34-27. Their loss was a shut-out at the hands of TCU. Buffalo has fallen to tough potential BCS teams in Rutgers and Penn State and blew-out Temple 42-7. With the game at home and Baylor being, well, Baylor, I look for the Bulls to even their overall record at 2-2 with a big win over a Big XII opponent.
Buffalo 31 Baylor 28
Baylor 34 Buffalo 21 (19-11)

New Mexico State at Auburn: I said last week that with how Auburn has been playing over the past year, they could potential lose any and every SEC game they played this year. What happened? They fell to 1-2 with a 19-14 loss to Mississippi State. They're lucky to have that one victory, as they could've very well lost to Kansas State in their 23-13 opening win. While it's hard for me to believe Hal Mumme's Aggies will prove to be much of a challenge to the Tigers, I wouldn't completely rule them out. Mumme was, of course, an SEC coach (Kentucky) before he headed west and if Mumme is known for one thing, it's making defenses feel a bit uneasy with his array of tricks. Either way, I just have to pick Auburn. Like Michigan, they couldn't lose three straight in general, let alone at home, right? We'll see...
Auburn 34 New Mexico State 17
Auburn 55 New Mexico State 20 (20-11)

Connecticut at Pittsburgh: After their tough 17-13 loss in East Lansing last weekend to Michigan State and the mediocre first couple years under his helm, Dave Wanstedt and his Panthers need this win to start the year on the right foot in conference play and to improve their bowl eligibility chances. If they don't make a bowl again this year, the third-year coach may be in trouble. Fortunately for him, a game at home against UConn (3-0, against Duke, Maine, and Temple) should prove to be no problem.
Pittsburgh 28 Connecticut 13
Connecticut 34 Pittsburgh 14 (20-12)

Florida Atlantic at North Texas: Howard Schnellenberger's kids are 2-1, can you believe it? Florida Atlantic? Well, it's true, following their 42-39 win against Minnesota (scored 35 points in the first half). North Texas had a week off to prepare for Schnelly's bunch, but even that extra week won't do them much good, as FAU improves to 3-1 on the season.
Florida Atlantic 35 North Texas 21
Florida Atlantic 30 North Texas 20 (21-12)

Rice at Texas: Not even Texas can sleepwalk their way to a loss against Rice in Austin and for how they've played their past 7 games, that's saying something.
Texas 56 Rice 7
Texas 58 Rice 14 (22-12)

Troy at Louisiana-Lafayette: How about them Trojans? Following their 41-23 thrashing of Oklahoma State (41-10 until they put their scrubs in!) on Friday night, Troy will face their first conference opponent of the season. They just better not have a let-down, following a tough three-game stretch against the likes of Arkansas (lost 46-26), Florida (lost 59-31), and Oklahoma State (won 41-23). If they stay focused, they should have no problem with the Rajun' Cajuns.
Troy 45 Louisiana-Lafayette 21
Troy 48 Louisiana-Lafayette 31 (23-12)

Florida International at Kansas: The Jayhawks have been scoring a multitude of points in their first three games. I can't see that stopping anytime soon, especially against a team who has lost their last 15 games at home in Lawrence.
Kansas 63 Florida International 6
Kansas 55 Florida International 3 (24-12)

Arkansas State at Tennessee: The 'Vols can't take Arkansas State for granted as Texas did in Week 1, the Longhorns outlasting ASU 21-13. This could be an easy week for Tennessee to play lackadaisically, following their 59-20 beat-down at the hands of rival Florida. I don't believe Phil Fulmer, Erik "Don't Call Me Danny" Ainge and company will allow that to ensue, however. 'Vols win at home.
Tennessee 38 Arkansas State 17
Tennessee 48 Arkansas State 27 (25-12)

Iowa State at Toledo: At least Iowa State is consistent offensively. The now 1-2 Suckclones have scored 14, 13, and 15 points in their three outings thus far. If they keep that up, I have a hard time seeing them win a game in Toledo, a school who has a rep for scoring a few points (more than 15 in a game).
Toledo 27 Iowa State 20
Toledo 36 Iowa State 35 (26-12)

Marshall at Cincinnati: That hard-fought West Virginia loss proved to be quite costly to the Thundering Herd, as they fell to I-AA New Hampshire this past weekend 45-33. Things won't be looking any better against the seemingly new and improved 3-0 (now 4-0) Bearcats of Cincinnati.
Cincinnati 49 Marshall 14
Cincinnati 40 Marshall 14 (27-12)

Georgia at Alabama: I've picked against the Tide in Tuscaloosa each of the last two weeks, in their 24-10 win against Vanderbilt and then their 41-38 last second win over the Razorbacks of Arkansas. I'm not going to do it again. In Tuscaloosa, this time against the 'Dawgs, I'm going with the Tide. (Watch, they lose...)
Alabama 24 Georgia 17
Georgia 26 Alabama 23 OT (27-13)

Washington State at USC: If this game were played in Pullman, I'd ponder about taking Wazzoo in the upset, after an emotional Game of the Week blow-out of Nebraska in Lincoln. But, with the game at home, the best I can see from the Cougars is making it a close game until about halftime. The second half will be the Trojans'.
USC 52 Washington State 24
USC 47 Washington State 14 (28-13)

Iowa at Wisconsin: Here's one game I'd keep my eye on. I'd pick Iowa if the game were played in Iowa City, as Hawkeyes' head coach, Kirk Ferentz, had to be all over his team this week in practice following their embarrassing 15-13 loss to in-state rival Iowa State. Wisconsin has looked anything but impressive thus far, beating a 2-win team from a year ago, UNLV, by 7 points and giving up 31 points to I-AA The Citadel in the Badgers' 45-31 win this past weekend. But, with the game at home, I'm hard-pressed to go against the Bah-gers in this one. But, as has been the trend so far this year, the win won't be pretty.
Wisconsin 24 Iowa 14
Wisconsin 17 Iowa 13 (29-13)

San Jose State at Utah State: Two 0-3 schools lock horns in Week 4 of the season. San Jose State, a bowl team from a year ago, is off to a porous start and Utah State is off to their typical one. The Spartans' Dick Tomey should get his club ready to go for this one, or else Tomey could be in for a very long season as head coach of SJSU.
San Jose State 31 Utah State 10
San Jose State 23 Utah State 20 (30-13)

SMU at TCU: Where has TCU's offense gone? Following their 27-0 shutout of Baylor in Week 1, the Horned Frogs have scored 30 points in their two losses, while allowing 54 to Texas and Air Force. At home against 1-2 SMU, who appears to have anything but a stout defense, Gary Patterson's crew should be able to get back on track with a win to level their record at 2-2.
TCU 27 SMU 13
TCU 21 SMU 7 (31-13)

Purdue at Minnesota: Neither team has faced a tough opponent, yet Purdue is 3-0 and Minnesota is 1-2. The Gophers started the year by losing 32-31 in overtime to Bowling Green, before beating Miami (Ohio) 41-35 in triple overtime, and this past weekend, falling to Florida Atlantic by the final score of 42-39. They've allowed 109 points (36.3 ppg) to three mid-major schools with a combined record of 4-4. Purdue will give the Gophers' defensive coordinator even bigger headaches by the time this game is done.
Purdue 59 Minnesota 21
Purdue 45 Minnesota 31 (32-13)

Oregon State at Arizona State: ASU has faced three average to below average teams to start the season. Even with the game in Tempe, I have to go with the better prepared Beavers over the Sundevils.
Oregon State 31 Arizona State 24
Arizona State 44 Oregon State 32 (32-14)

Oregon at Stanford: When Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon is on, his Ducks are tough to beat. Well, as Houston, Michigan, and Fresno State can attest to, he's on and Stanford will find that out this Saturday.Oregon 38 Stanford 17
Oregon 55 Stanford 31 (33-14)

Utah at UNLV: What happened this past week in Salt Lake City, Utah? Was there something special in the air? Did Joseph Smith wave his magic wand upon the Ute football team? Utah went from an underachieving 0-2 football team, losing to Oregon State and Air Force, to defeating then 2-0 UCLA 44-6. That's not a typo, as I had first suspected when witnessing it on the scoreboard at Memorial Stadium. Unless they suffer a huge let-down, they should win handily in Vegas.
Utah 38 UNLV 10
UNLV 27 Utah 0 (33-15)

Washington at UCLA: This is a big early season conference game for the two schools. After each starting the year 2-0, UW went into the half against Ohio State with a 7-3 lead, only to fall 33-14 and UCLA got pummeled by Utah 44-6. With the game at home, I like UCLA's defense to get back on track and for head coach Karl Dorrell's tough-mindedness to pay off in this game. A loss here could really set them back a ways, especially from a confidence standpoint.
UCLA 27 Washington 21
UCLA 44 Washington 31 (34-15)

Week 4 Record: 34-15 (.694)

Overall Record: 109-40 (.732)