Frogs O’ War Staff Picks: College Football Week 4

Big 12

Oklahoma State Cowboys vs Tulsa Golden Hurricane – Fri. Sept. 19, 6:30 PM, ESPN

Anthony: While the Pokes may be in contention for worst P4 team, Tulsa remains one of the worst FBS teams. Boone Pickens Stadium may not exactly be jumping for this Friday night contest, but OK State is able get to 2-1 on the season, the last time it will be above .500 for the rest of the year.
Austin: There’s no denying a 66-point loss is abysmal, even at the hands of the Oregon Ducks. Mustering three points sounds the loudest possible alarm. Yet, the Oklahoma State Cowboys get a reprieve in week four against the 1-2 Tulsa Golden Hurricane. The Cowboys win.

Caleb: Two weeks to stew on a 66 point loss is a long time, I’d expect the Pokes to be fully prepared for this week’s matchup against a skidding Tulsa team. The bigger question is whether or not Gundy can parlay this victory into further success as the season rolls on. My guess is also no, but I’m still a fan of the Zane Train.
Drew: I had Oregon winning last week against Oklahoma State last week, but did not think the Ducks would hang almost 70 points on OSU. Even after that performance last week, I still have Oklahoma State winning this one at home against a Tulsa team that has not looked good to start the year.
Russ: After an embarrassing performance against Oregon, Oklahoma State recovers with a win over Tulsa.

Texas Tech Red Raiders at Utah Utes – Sat. Sept. 20, 11:00 AM, FOX

Anthony: Cannot wait for the narratives that will be driven out of the result of this game, the takes will be scorching hot. The winner immediately becomes the favorite in the Big 12 while the loser will spend the rest of the season with little margin for error if it wants a rematch in Arlington. Neither team has played anyone with a pulse as it turned out, but at least Utah attempted with road trips to UCLA and Wyoming. With Big Noon Kickoff on campus in SLC, the atmosphere at Rice-Eccles will be electric and the Utes get its first meaningful Big 12 win.
Austin: Who would’ve guessed a week four matchup between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and Utah Utes would be one of the best of the early portion of the season? Well, here we are. Texas Tech is ranked 17th, while Utah comes in at 16. Even though the Red Raiders are on the road for the first time this season, they come up with a huge conference win.
Caleb: This is going to be the most interesting Big 12 matchup of the weekend. The rebounding Utes vs. the $30 million roster, a battle in the trenches that will test two of the best in the conference. Utah has home field advantage and they’ve been tested more mightily than Tech has, but has Tech’s lack of roadblocks allowed them to pick up enough speed? I think Tech will be fired up for the challenge and emerge victorious on the road before heading into their bye & Utah will take this home loss out on West Virginia the following week.
Drew: Is this the year that Texas Tech finally lives up to the Big 12 dark horse offseason hype that they receive every year? I think it could be if Behren Morton can stay healthy. Texas Tech’s offense has looked unstoppable through three weeks while Utah’s week one win over UCLA is looking less impressive every time UCLA plays a football game. I have the Red Raiders picking up a huge road win over the Utes here.
Russ: A fascinating matchup featuring a potent Texas Tech offense and a Utah defense led by longtime head coach Kyle Whittingham. Both Behren Morton and Devon Dampier have been stellar to start the season, but I’m going to give the Utes the slight edge and the win in this pivotal Big 12 matchup.

UCF Knights vs. North Carolina Tar Heels – Sat Sept. 20, 2:30 PM, FOX

Anthony: The hate has already swung too far on Bill Belichick’s squad. Yes they got embarrassed on the national stage by the Frogs to open the season, but seem to have found some juice in the running game with Demon June. Tar Hells get the hype train rolling again with this upset win going into its bye week.
Austin: North Carolina picks up its first significant win of the season, defeating the UCF Knights, who have struggled against Jacksonville State and have only dominated an FCS opponent so far.
Caleb: Scott Frost has had two weeks to prepare after pocketing two victories in his first matchups back in Disneyland. Belichick’s squad has put some things together but unfortunately the textbook on how to beat them is also on tape from game 1 against the Frogs. The Knights get the victory this week.
Drew: Both teams stumbled out of the gate with UNC getting blown out by the Frogs and UCF struggling against Jacksonville State at home. I think coming off of a bye week and playing at home gives UCF the advantage here. I’ll take the Knights.
Russ: North Carolina has bounced back from its trouching by the Horned Frogs, earning wins against Charlotte and Richmond, but I think UCF wins here. The Knights score just enough points for the victory and the 3-0 start.

West Virginia Mountaineers at Kansas Jayhawks – Sat. Sept. 20, 5:00 PM, FS1

Anthony: Mountaineers riding high after its non-conference rivalry win while the Jayhawks are still reeling from its non-conference rivalry loss. Jalon Daniels and KU bring Rich Rod back down to earth with a dominant victory in Lawrence.
Austin: After losing an affair in which they led 21-6, the Kansas Jayhawks bounce back for a win against the West Virginia Mountaineers.
Caleb: If this game was in Morgantown, I might give the Mountaineers a chance but Jalon Daniels and crew will be focused on finishing this week after seeing their early lead against Mizzou evaporate. They have the run game to do so, and I expect the emotional comedown from last week to hinder WVU’s performance. Rock Chalk, Jayhawks win.
Drew: West Virginia picked up an emotional win against Pitt last week at home but I can’t see them taking down Kansas on the road. I’ll take the Jayhawks behind a big game from Jalon Daniels.
Russ: West Virginia had its first impressive performance of the season last weekend, taking the Backyard Brawl against Pittsburgh. But the Jayhawks have been clicking on offense and as two-score favorites, I’ll roll with Kansas in this Big 12 contest.

Arizona State Sun Devils at Baylor Bears – Sat. Sept. 20, 6:30 PM, FOX

Anthony: Another terrific Big 12 showdown that will have major implications for the conference race. ASU bounced back nicely by handling a pesky Texas State squad while the Bears got an FCS break after its shocking 2OT comeback win at SMU. Sawyer Robertson has put up elite numbers through three games, but he gets outdueled by Sam Leavitt and the Sun Devils pull off the road upset.
Austin: Baylor wins behind another strong effort from quarterback Sawyer Robertson. The Arizona State Devils looked much better against Texas State, but the passing game is still lagging and won’t be able to compete against Robertson and Co.
Caleb: Drawing direct comparisons, Baylor’s SEC matchup was never really in doubt and ASU (despite the choke job) was close closing out Miss St. on the road. I don’t think this will be as much of a QB battle as pundits believe, as Robertson is easily the more polished QB of the two. However, Leavitt gets the benefit of playing Baylor’s abhorrent defense and Robertson has the taller task against ASU’s front. Jordan Tyson & Raleek Brown go off as ASU outscores Baylor in Waco.
Drew: Expect this game to have plenty of fireworks with two of the better quarterbacks in the conference squaring off in Sawyer Robertson and Sam Leavitt. I think Jordan Tyson is due for a big performance and Arizona State comes up with a big road win.
Russ: I think the premise of this game will be rather simple: Which quarterback plays better? Sawyer Robertson has outplayed Sam Leavitt over the early portion of the season and I think he does just enough to score the home win over the Sun Devils.

BYU Cougars at East Carolina Pirates – Sat. Sept. 20, 6:30 PM, ESPN2

Anthony: Another week and another Big 12 team on the road at a pesky non-P4 opponent. Cougars get the win, but it may be more of a challenge than expected.
Austin: East Carolina is a worthy opponent, but the BYU Cougars come away with the road victory. It should be a close contest. While the Cougars have won both of their games decisively, their offense has yet to truly impress.
Caleb: BYU has had a week to prep for this one and ECU will likely be in their own head about playing Army’s triple option on short week thereafter. There’s also a talent gap tilted in BYU’s favor so this formula bodes well for the Cougars, I see them getting the victory this week.
Drew: ECU gave North Carolina State a scare in week one and has looked solid the last two games, albeit against lesser opponents, but I have BYU winning this one on the road.
Russ: This will be the first somewhat significant test for the Cougars, but the play of Bear Bachmeier at quarterback has been encouraging. BYU remains undefeated with a road win against the Pirates.

Colorado Buffaloes vs. Wyoming Cowboys – Sat. Sept. 20, 9:15 PM, ESPN

Anthony: Buffs took an ugly loss at Houston and seems to still have not sorted out its QB situation. The Colorado roster is just much better overall here and should be able to waltz past the Cowboys in Boulder. Buffs win.
Austin: I had higher hopes for the Buffaloes last week, and, well, that didn’t go so well. This time, I’m sticking with Colorado, but it might be the final straw if they can’t get past the Wyoming Cowboys.
Caleb: After some soul-searching the first 3 weeks, Prime has decided to put the ball back in Kaidon Salter’s hands and that’s the right decision. Salter has protected the football this season and the same can’t be said for Ryan Staub after his debut as starter last week. The Buff’s roll this week at home against an inferior opponent and Ryan Staub’s trust in Deion Sanders is gone forever. Pretty insane to thrust a young QB into the spotlight after an unnecessary rotational tryout in a non-conference game and then bench him after one start.
Drew: Colorado has been all over the place through the first three weeks with problems on both sides of the ball but I think they get back on track here against Wyoming at home. I’ll take the Buffaloes.
Russ: I think Colorado wins this game, but there are major questions at the quarterback position. Does Prime have a signal caller he can count on? Maybe the Buffaloes find out in this one.

Top National Games

Arkansas

Razorbacks at Memphis Tigers – Sat. Sept. 20, 11:00 AM, ABC

Anthony: The American has some really intriguing teams at the top, already picking up several victories over power conference opponents and other potential G5 contenders, the race to the top there should be exciting all season. The Tigers are able to contain Taylen Green and add another pelt on that wall, knocking off its SEC neighbor in the Liberty Bowl
Austin: Although Arkansas is the favorite, my allegiance here is with the 3-0 Memphis Tigers. Memphis boasts an excellent ground attack, which the Razorbacks have yet to face this season.
Caleb: Huge trap game implications for Arkansas, coming off an emotional loss to Ole Miss and looking ahead to Notre Dame next weekend. This will be Memphis’ Super Bowl, as you look on their schedule, and they’ve been itching to play at home after 2 weeks on the road. Memphis wins and Arkansas calls Rhett Lashlee to name his price.
Drew: Memphis will be a major contender in the AAC this season but I can’t see them keeping up with Taylen Green and Arkansas. I’ll take the Razorbacks.
Russ: Taylen Green has been quite impressive for the Razorbacks, who hit the road and pick up a win over the Tigers.

Auburn Tigers at Oklahoma Sooners – Sat. Sept. 20, 2:30 PM, ESPN

Anthony: The Jackson Arnold homecoming will become a nightmare. Both coaches have eased his hot seat with a successful start to the season, but life is about to turn ugly for both squads – a loss can very quickly become a losing streak again putting these coaches on the fan bases’ bad side. The crowd in Norman and the much-improved OU roster overpower Hugh Freeze and the Tigers.
Austin: Oklahoma is the better team. John Mateer has been a revelation for the Sooners following a quarterback carousel in 2024, which included now-Auburn starter Jackson Arnold. Oklahoma wins in a surprisingly dominant fashion.
Caleb: The spotlight in Norman has always been too bright for Jackson Arnold and he hasn’t proven any doubters wrong about his accuracy thus far. Mateer is a gamer and I expect his OU brethren to play well at home, give me the Sooners.
Drew: I am not sold on Jackson Arnold’s ability to lead an effective passing attack despite the many weapons that Auburn has at receiver. I think Oklahoma’s defense keeps Arnold in the pocket and John Mateer leads the Sooners to a home win.
Russ: Jackson Arnold returns to Norman, where John Mateer has assumed the reigns and will lead the Sooners over the Tigers in an SEC clash.

Tulane Green Wave at Ole Miss Rebels – Sat. Sept. 20, 2:30 PM, ESPN

Anthony: Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall may acquit himself well in this next interview for an open SEC job, but his Green Wave are undermanned in this one. Even if Rebels starting QB Austin Simmons is unable to return, backup Trinidad Chambliss went inane last week in the win over Arkansas and can be trusted to do enough to give Ole Miss the win in Oxford.
Austin: Tulane has squeaked out some quality wins in back-to-back weeks, but can’t get it done on the road in Oxford. The Ole Miss Rebels run up the score in a two-touchdown victory.
Caleb: Ole Miss rolls, the talent gap is too wide for Tulane to keep up here. Retzlaff has landed on his feet after being cast down from BYU as a confirmed sex-haver but his supporting cast is suspect in comparison to Austin Simmons’ (who is apparently back this week).
Drew: Lane Kiffin has proven to be one of the premier play callers and offensive minds in college football and I think he schemes up enough offense to take down Tulane regardless of which quarterback plays for Ole Miss.
Russ: Tulane has two Power 4 wins (Northwestern and Duke) already and former BYU star Jake Retzlaff has played very well at the quarterback position. I think Ole Miss wins, but don’t be surprised if the Green Wave keep this one close.

Michigan Wolverines at Nebraska Cornhuskers – Sat. Sept. 20, 2:30 PM, CBS

Anthony: Bryce Underwood has shown flashes of greatness, but the Michigan true freshman QB had a miserable day on the road at Oklahoma and will struggle again in Lincoln. Dylan Raiola and the Cornhuskers score a B1G win.
Austin: Nebraska secures the impressive victory over the Michigan Wolverines in front of their home crowd. The Cornhuskers start 4-0 for the first time since 2016.
Caleb: Patrick Maho- I mean Dylan Raiola puts on another solid home performance as Michigan drops their 2nd straight on the road. The entire population of the state will be there and the crowd will be more hostile than the Sooners, Underwood will have another scar to grow from as he grows into a great quarterback. Huskers win.
Drew: Although I have liked what I have seen from Bryce Underwood through three weeks, I am not sold that the weapons around him are up to par. I think Nebraska shuts down the Michigan offense and picks up an upset win at home.
Russ: Upset Alert! Dylan Raiola outplays Bryce Underwood and the Cornhuskers, who have scored 127 points over their last two games, score a noteworthy home victory against the Wolverines.

Illinois Illini at Indiana Hoosiers – Sat. Sept. 20, 6:30 PM, NBC

Anthony: The Hoosiers got to live the good life last season, earning a trip to the College Football Playoffs, in part because the Illini were not on the schedule and Illinois was never even considered in the CFP discussion. Although Indiana has another cupcake schedule, including perhaps the nation’s easiest non-conference slate, Illinois goes ahead and derails that potential return to the Playoffs for Indiana.
Austin: The Fighting Illini earn a marquee win against the Hoosiers before an upcoming gauntlet that featured USC, Ohio State, and Washington. Illinois has proven to be a well-rounded team thus far, led by quarterback Luke Altmyer, who’s totaled 709 yards and eight scores through three games.
Caleb: Indiana dog-walked an inferior opponent and then got to take Saturday off last weekend, their confidence has to be soaring with an opportunity to take on an AP Top 10 opponent at home. I’m sure the Hoosiers doesn’t like the idea that everyone thinks they’re soft after cruising through an easy schedule last year, but it’s true. They’ll dial in their energy for this one and win before getting wasted a few times in the heart of their conference slate. Illinois will use this “great loss” to pitch an at-large bid to the CFP at the end of the year.
Drew: While I like the Cal transfer Fernando Mendoza at quarterback for Indiana, I think Bret Bielema and Illinois are set to be a serious threat in the Big 10 this season. I’ll take the Fighting Illini here.
Russ: Upset Alert Again! Being an Illinois native, I think this is a huge game for Luke Altmyer, who leads the Illini over the Hoosiers in a close Big Ten battle.