Happy Bye Week to everyone who observes! Go ahead and air out those lucky undies.
There are many reasons to love bye week, even when you haven’t won a huge road game. In addition to rest for our dear beloved Bulldogs, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy good football without your self-worth hanging in the balance. Whether you are into state rivalries, conference-shaping clashes, or hate-watching an orange team, there’s something for everyone!
Here’s your Week 4 TV Preview
THURSDAY
Rice at Charlotte ESPN
7:30pm EST (6:30 CT)
Though Rice took a tough loss to Houston they head to the Queen City with a 2-1 record and a stout running attack to face a 49ers squad that has already struggled against FBS teams. The Owls seem well-positioned to start their conference 1-0, but it is a Thursday night, so hopefully, there will be some weird stuff.
FRIDAY
Tulsa at Oklahoma State ESPN 7:30 EST (6:30 CT)
Who knows how many more times you will get to see Mike Gundy’s glorious mane on the sideline? The winningest coach in Cow-Poke history is in hot water after getting vaporized by Oregon, 69-3. Could we be watching a farewell tour? In the meantime, it’s all business up front for Oklahoma State as they host Tulsa and try to get back on track.
SATURDAY
17 Texas Tech at 16 Utah FOX Noon EST (11:00 CT)
Texas Tech is having an exciting year! After jumping into the NIL era with both feet, the Red Raiders have averaged 60 points a game this season, and QB Behren Morton has thrown 10 TDs to just 1 INT this season. Their high-flying offense will be tested in high desert as they face Utah’s significantly tougher defense in Salt Lake City. On average the Utes have allowed fewer than 9 points per game. Utah is heavily favored by most metrics, but this Texas Tech recalls Crabtree levels of excitement.
Oregon State at 24 Oregon Big Ten Network 3:00pm EST (2:pm CT)
I had to check my calendar when I saw this matchup so early. It is just the third time in the rivalry’s 129-year history that these two teams have faced each other before November. The Platypus Trophy typically spends more time in Eugene than Corvalli,s and Oregon looks good enough for a three-peat under the leadership of former Defensive Coordinator, Dan Lanning.
22 Auburn at 11 Oklahoma ABC 3:30pm EST (2:30 CT)
Auburn travels to Norman to face Oklahoma for only the fourth time since 1971. In that time, the Sooners are perfect against Auburn. Brett Venables has taken the “if you need a job done right…” approach to their defense, and they are averaging less than a touchdown per game. Pair that with certified fun-guy-to-watch, QB John Mateer, and the Sooners have everything they need to notch a significant conference win early in the season.
Florida at 4 Miami ABC 7:30pm EST (6:30CT)
Florida had a rough one last week. Miami is looking more like the early aughts every week. Gameday is heading to Coral Gables. Let’s see what happens!
Cal at San Diego State CBSSN 10:30pm EST (9:30 CT)
For a nightcap, Cal is favored to stay perfect against the Aztecs in San Diego. The Aztecs are coming off a bye week after a tough loss against Washington State. Cal often feels like an underground mixtape of a team that makes you feel cool for being in on early, only to disappoint at the bigger shows. This time, head coach Justin Wilcox has something special going with QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele. The Golden Bears are passing significantly more this season for good reason, as Sagapolutele has almost 800 yards passing across three games.
Are there any games that you think should be included? Should we be paying more attention to South Carolina at 23 Mizzou (ESPN 7pm EST 6 CT)? Let me know for next week in the comments!
Y’all be good and Go, Dawgs!
