What we learned from CFB Week 4, with a peek at Week 5

Vols movin’ on up?

After Texas took over the No. 1 spot in the AP rankings last week, the top four teams have stayed the same after Week 4. But Tennessee is knocking at the door and establishing itself as a weekly betting favorite, which makes the race for the top that much more interesting. 

The Vols moved up to No. 5 following a 25-15 win against SEC opponent Oklahoma, which puts them at 4-0 on the season. They are also 4-0-0 ATS and have gone from 22-1 longshots to 11-1 at DraftKings to win the national championship this year. 

Josh Heupel’s men have a steep task next week against SEC opponent Arkansas, who are 3-1 on the season and 3-1-0 ATS. Lines for that game haven’t been posted yet, so keep your eyes peeled if you want to back the Vols to keep rolling.

USC-Michigan did not disappoint

Sure, we wrongly predicted that the Trojans would win and cover at the Big House in Week 4. But it was still a heck of a game, and taught us some lessons about both programs.

We learned that Michigan’s best bet is to run the ball given the precarious nature of its QB tandem. Alex Orji completed 7-of-12 passes for a total of 32 yards on Saturday, which NBC Sports tells us were Michigan’s “fewest [passing yards] in any game since Oct. 31, 1987.” That won’t get them back to the CFP championship game, and they are now 120-1 longshots at DK to defend their title.

We also learned that USC’s defense can keep them in games while they go through their Big Ten growing pains. They face another conference opponent in Wisconsin next week, where they are the 14.5-point favorites to win at home. 

Colorado has a Heisman contender

Are the Buffs going to make a full turn-around this season? Probably not with how the Big 12 is shaping up. But they are keeping things entertaining, and they have some real star power in two-way player Travis Hunter.

The wide receiver/cornerback had seven catches for 130 yards and forced a game-winning fumble in overtime for Colorado to top Baylor 38-31. He is listed at 20-1 odds at DK to win the Heisman, but if he can utilize his wide range of talents on a regular basis, those odds are sure to shorten.

What to watch for in Week 5

Do the Buckeyes finally have competition?

As expected, Ohio State rolled Marshall in Week 4. The real test begins in Week 5 as they battle a string of conference opponents starting with Michigan State. 

The Buckeyes are early 25-point favorites ahead of the big to-do at Spartan Stadium and haven’t lost to Michigan State since 2015. However, bettors should keep in mind that they are 1-2-0 ATS this season including last weekend against Marshall, while the Spartans are 2-2-0.

Alabama-Georgia, finally

If it feels like this game has been hyped up since the season began… well, it has. And the anticipation continues to grow since these SEC foes are both 3-0 on the season and ranked very high.

The No. 2 Bulldogs are 2-point favorites to top the No. 4 Crimson Tide, although they fell 27-24 when these teams last met in December 2023. Georgia is also 1-2-0 ATS this season while Alabama is 2-1-0.

Whether you have the confidence to wager on this game or not, it proves to be a battle that shouldn’t be missed.