Clay’s 2024 CFB Week 4 Picks
Welcome back to another week of college football picks! First off, I want to apologize for missing last week’s recap. One of my kids was sick all week, and family comes first, so I had to put the blog on hold for a bit. But we’re back, and it’s time to dive into Week 4! We’ve already seen some surprises this season, and this week promises even more action as teams start to hit their stride. Let’s get into the matchups and see what’s in store for the weekend!
James Madison at North Carolina (-10.5)
North Carolina is about to start their 3rd QB in 4 weeks. Don’t love that.
James Madison beat Gardner-Webb 13-6 last week. I don’t love that.
Pick: UNC (+10.5)
NC State at No. 21 Clemson (-20.5), Noon, ABC
I can't figure out either of these teams. Clemson looked awful against Georgia, but then, while not as impressive now, they absolutely ran through App State. NC State was a dark horse ACC contender in my mind. They have kind of stunk. It's week 3, though, some things start to stabilize in this game, and NC State makes it a tough one going into the fourth.
Pick: NC State (+20.5)
No. 11 USC (-6) at No. 18 Michigan, 3:30 p.m., CBS
A theme for this Saturday is: Which quarterback do I trust more? This game is pretty clearly USC because Miller Moss is kind of awesome. I can't believe I am saying that, but it's true, and he has shown up in several big moments already. I don't think the Big House will scare him too badly. On the other sideline, Michigan has shown they don't even trust their quarterback room, as they have turned to Alex Orji.
Pick: USC (-6)
Georgia Tech at Louisville (-6.5), 3:30 p.m, ESPN 2
Louisville has outscored their first two opponents 111-14. Georgia Tech is seriously improved under Brent Key, and Haynes King looks really solid with 962 throwing, 158 rushing, and 9 touchdowns. I am shocked this line is that high. I would have guessed Louisville -3. So, for that reason. Georgia Tech covers.
Pick: Georgia Tech (+6.5)
UCLA at No. 16 LSU (-24.5), 3:30 p.m., ABC
Shout out to UCLA for proving my take on Indiana to be true. Indiana is actually good! UCLA is not. Their opponent this week, LSU, is kind of good. Which leads to all that being said, 24.5 is a lot of points. Backdoor cover by UCLA.
(I hate this pick already)
Pick: UCLA (+24.5)
No. 12 Utah at No. 14 Oklahoma State (-2.5), 4 p.m., Fox
Even though I will be pre-occupied by Coastal and Notre Dame. I can't wait to watch this game. These two teams are just the epitome of interesting. Utah is the team that is always competitive, and Oklahoma State is a crapshoot every week. With that, winner gets an early inside track to the Big 12 Title game. There is no rhyme or reason for picking a winner here. This is all down to what your heart says.
Pick: Oklahoma State (-2.5)
No. 6 Tennessee (-7) at No. 15 Oklahoma, 7:30 p.m., ABC
Josh Heupel might try to put a million points on that scoreboard. Total revenge game opportunity. Plus, back to the formula - I trust Nico more than Jaxon Arnold.
Pick: Tennessee (-7)
No. 13 Kansas State (-6.5) at BYU, 10:30 p.m., ESPN
Kansas State is just so well-coached every single year. They capitalize on every mistake that you make.
They have 62 Kick or Punt Return touchdowns since 2005. That’s absurd.
Pick: Kansas State (-6.5)