NCAAF Picks Week 4: USC, TCU Best Bets

There’s a balance of teams with preseason expectations (looking at you Michigan) versus squads that are outperforming this same fodder. With temperatures starting to cool off, it is prove-it time for college football teams.

The same can be said for bettors with three weeks of data to pull from when making our CFB picks. Here’s an early look at my best college football bets for Week 4.

Best 8 College Football Bets to Make in Week 4

1. Kansas State (-7) Offense Too Much for BYU to Handle

We’re starting to see the dynamic Kansas State offense that we heard so much about this offseason. As for BYU, it’s fair to say the Cougars have already outperformed preseason expectations by starting 3-0 with wins over SMU and Wyoming.

Avery Johnson did it all in No. 14 Kansas State’s 31-7 win against No. 20 Arizona 🔥@KStateFB pic.twitter.com/vMXrIR75iC

— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) September 14, 2024

I just think this Wildcats’ offense is going to be too much for the Cougars to slow down. Bet online for No. 13 Kansas State to cover the -7 against the spread (ATS).

2. Illinois (+9) Hangs With Nebraska

Everyone is loving Nebraska this season thanks to freshman phenom Dylan Raiola. Yet, it is possible we are overhyping the No. 22 Cornhuskers, who now have wins over UTEP, Colorado and Northern Iowa.

Illinois has wins over Kansas and Central Michigan. We don’t know much about either team, but the Illini’s win over the Jayhawks tells me Illinois hangs with Nebraska. Take Illinois to cover +9 ATS at the BetUS sportsbook.

3. Utah (-1½) Outright Pick vs Oklahoma State

This opened as one of the more surprising NCAAF lines of the weekend. Utah was a 3-point underdog versus Oklahoma State after being the Big 12 favorites throughout the preseason, but the Utes are now favored by 1½..

Utes quarterback Cam Rising’s uncertain status is likely a major factor in this spread. It sounds like Rising has a good chance to play. No team creates more misdirection on player injuries than Utah.

The Utah Utes do have some insurance with former highly touted recruit Isaac Wilson, who is the brother of Zach Wilson. The freshman threw for 239 yards, three touchdowns and an interception versus Utah State.

Isaac Wilson in his first career start:

• 20/33 (60.6%)
• 239 passing yards
• 3 touchdowns
• 1 interception
• Victory over Utah State

Utah has their QB of the future 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Ylcsp5U9ZT

— Jacob C. Edmunds (@JacobCEdmunds) September 15, 2024

Give me Utah to cover the small spread and I like the Utes’ moneyline action as well.

Bet on Utah favored by 1½ Against Oklahoma State

4. USC (-5½) Should Cruise vs Overmatched Michigan

I’m not going to spend a lot of time on this one. USC was underrated heading into the preseason while Michigan is in danger of a TCU-like slide a year after its CFB Playoff run.

Southern California Trojans coach Lincoln Riley had a bye week to get a head start on preparation for Michigan. Take USC to cover the -5½ in the NCAA football odds.

5. TCU (-2 ½) Tops SMU in Dallas Showdown

I had a chance to see TCU in person this past weekend, and the Horned Frogs’ offense should keep them in games. TCU sustained an epic collapse versus UCF and would love to take out their frustration on crosstown rival SMU.

UCF HAS COME BACK AND TAKEN THE LEAD

The Knights trailed TCU 28-7 early in the third quarter 🤯#GoKnights | @UCF_Football
pic.twitter.com/qqP2SBQ7d2

— Always College Football (@AlwaysCFB) September 15, 2024

There’s a good chance SMU entered the season with a little too much hype as the Ponies moved to the ACC. TCU has won nine of the last 11 matchups versus SMU. Take the Horned Frogs to cover in the NCAAF lines versus SMU.

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6. Georgia Tech (+10½) Covers vs Overhyped Louisville

I’m not saying Louisville is not good, but how do we know? The Cards have played Austin Peay and Jacksonville State to open the season.

Georgia Tech comes in a bit more tested with games against Florida State (I know), Georgia State and Syracuse. The Yellow Jackets’ offense could give Louisville fits. Take Georgia Tech to cover the college football spread versus Louisville.

Bet on Georgia Tech (+10½) Covers the Spreads

7. Auburn (-3½) the Right Side Versus Arkansas

Auburn was able to bounce back with a 45-19 blowout victory versus Cal. The Tigers are 3½-point favorites versus the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Candidly, I am not sure either of these squads are good. I do trust Hugh Freeze to scheme up a plan to put up points versus Arkansas. Grab Auburn to cover ATS versus Arkansas.

8. NC State (+19) Gives Clemson a Scare

I realize everyone is circling the Dabo Swinney bandwagon after Clemson’s 66-20 win over Appalachian State a week ago. Yet, we’ve seen enough of these NC State-Clemson games to know things can get weird.

There’s nothing about this Clemson team that has me trusting the Tigers to cover the 19-point spread. Take NC State to cover ATS in the CFB lines.

Bet on College Football Best Bets for Week 4

Questions of the Day

Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets.