Week 4 brought both highs and lows, depending on the team. It gave some programs the chance to step into the spotlight for the first time and test their new rosters and play-callers against worthy opponents. For others, it offered redemption from earlier losses. And for teams that already had a signature win, it was an opportunity to continue their dominance. Some teams thrived in Week 4, while others wished they could rewind to Weeks 1–3—or even back to the offseason.
Teams First Test
Texas Tech traveled to Salt Lake City to take on the Utah Utes in a battle of 3–0 teams, both ranked inside the AP Top 20. The Red Raiders were eager to showcase their newly bolstered roster—built in part by a generous donor who poured $30 million into the program. Utah, meanwhile, had also invested heavily in the transfer portal this offseason, hoping to rebound from last year’s 5–7 campaign. Neither squad had faced a true test yet, with Utah’s Week 1 opponent UCLA and Texas Tech’s Week 3 opponent Oregon State both still winless against multiple Group of Five opponents.
For Utah, it was quarterback Devon Dampier’s first chance to prove himself on the Power Four stage. A transfer from New Mexico, Dampier dazzled Mountain West fans last year, but this was the national spotlight—Big Noon Kickoff with a ranked opponent in Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Texas Tech opened the game strong, forcing a three-and-out before marching 85 yards in seven plays to take a 7–0 lead. From there, the first half turned sloppy: two fumbles, three interceptions, and a lot of wasted drives. The Red Raiders’ kicker drilled a career-long 58-yard field goal, and it looked like Tech would head to halftime up 10–0. But a late pass interference call set Utah up for a long field goal attempt. The kick sailed nowhere near the uprights, but a convincing flop by the kicker drew a roughing-the-kicker penalty. With a second chance from 15 yards closer, Utah converted to cut the lead to 10–3 at the half.
The third quarter was a punt-fest, with neither side gaining momentum. Utah managed just one first down, and Tech QB Behren Morton left the game after taking a hit in the end zone. That brought in backup quarterback Will Hammond, and suddenly the Red Raiders’ offense came alive. Hammond missed just one throw—a would-be touchdown—and Tech settled for a field goal to extend the lead to 13–3. Utah finally answered with a 75-yard drive capped by a Wayshawn Parker touchdown run, trimming the deficit to 13–10 and reviving the Rice-Eccles crowd with just over 10 minutes left.
But the energy didn’t last. Hammond led Tech to touchdowns on their next three possessions, while the Red Raider defense forced a three-and-out and an interception on Utah’s next two drives. In a blink, the Utes went from being within striking distance to getting blown out at home.
Hammond finished 13-of-16 for 169 yards, two passing touchdowns, and 61 rushing yards—providing the spark Tech needed. The win puts Texas Tech in the Big 12 driver’s seat, with their toughest remaining games at Arizona State and home dates against Kansas, BYU, and UCF. In a league where one (or even two) losses can still get you into the conference championship, the Red Raiders’ NIL gamble appears to be paying off.
For Utah, the loss drops them to 2–8 in Big 12 play since joining the league—and still winless at home. Rice-Eccles is billed as one of the toughest venues in the country, but visiting Big 12 teams have had little trouble. Offensively, the Utes looked uncomfortably similar to last year’s unit under Andy Ludwig, when the weekly question was whether Cam Rising would play. Dampier struggled under pressure, the highly touted offensive line was manhandled in the trenches, and Utah barely cracked 100 rushing yards. The defense held strong for three quarters, but football is a four-quarter game—and the Red Raiders took full advantage down the stretch.
There is a lot about Utah in the past being able to pick up on teams signs and decipher other teams codes. Since the emergence of in helmet radios, which Utah coach, Kyle Whittingham was in favor of, Whittingham's Comments , there seems to be a problem with the offense of the Utes. This is all speculation but Utah needs to figure their offense out fast because they travel to Morgantown next week before a bye and then host Arizona State. If they don't figure it out, Whittingham is looking directly into another disappointing season to say the least.
Illinois and Indiana delivered another Top 20 showdown between teams that had yet to face a true test. Illinois could argue that their road win at Duke counted, but let’s be honest—Duke is still Duke, and this isn’t basketball. The Illini were rewarded with a spot in the Top 10 for that victory, but their real proving ground was a trip to Bloomington to face the Hoosiers.
Early on, it looked like fans were in for a competitive matchup. After trading punts to open the game, the teams exchanged touchdowns to make it 7–7. But that’s where the balance ended. Indiana exploded for the next four touchdowns, and suddenly it was 35–7. From there, head coach Curt Cignetti made sure to send a message to the college football world: last year was no fluke. The Hoosiers kept piling it on, cruising to a 63–10 rout. As Cignetti bluntly put it, Indiana “broke their will.”
The stat sheet tells the same story. Illinois finished with just 2 rushing yards, compared to Indiana’s 312. Even without factoring in the ground game, the Hoosiers still outgained the Illini by 108 yards through the air. In every phase, Indiana dominated. Bloomington turned into a showcase of Big Ten football, with no ifs, ands, or buts. The Hoosiers aced their test, while Illinois failed as badly as a team can.
Upsets and G5 Contenders
Week 4 delivered three major upsets, as Power Four teams fell to Group of Five opponents.
We start in Stillwater, Oklahoma, where Tulsa stunned in-state rival Oklahoma State for the first time since 1998—and the first time in Stillwater since 1951. The Cowboys were dominated in every phase, and even after forcing a turnover, they never looked like they had a chance to win. Head coach Mike Gundy’s seat is scorching hot at this point; he might need a new wardrobe, because every pair of pants he owns should have holes in them. There’s never an easy time to fire the longest-tenured coach in the FBS, but if not now, when?
Speaking of hot seats, Sam Pittman’s Arkansas Razorbacks blew a 28–10 lead in brutal fashion. Driving for what looked like a go-ahead field goal, they fumbled on the Memphis 7-yard line and watched the Tigers escape with a 32–31 win. With seven of their last eight games against ranked opponents, Pittman’s margin for error is nonexistent. Once again: if not now, when?
Meanwhile, Cal laid an egg in San Diego. The Bears were shut out 34–0 by San Diego State—a baffling result considering SDSU had just been beaten 36–13 by Washington State, who had surrendered 59 points in each of its last two games. Cal, fresh off a win over Minnesota, looked lifeless, turning the ball over three times and reminding everyone why trusting Cal football is a dangerous game.
As for Clemson—this is the last time they’ll even count as an “upset.” The Tigers lost at home to Syracuse, falling to 1–3 in what has become a nightmare season. Another all-around collapse leaves fans and experts alike wondering what happened to a program that was once a national championship fixture.
Elsewhere, Tulane got humbled in Oxford as Ole Miss flexed SEC muscle in a lopsided win. South Florida rebounded by handling FCS opponent South Carolina State with ease. And with Memphis’s win over Arkansas, the American Conference suddenly looks like a three-team race between Memphis, Tulane, and USF—with Navy and North Texas lurking as potential spoilers for that coveted Group of Five playoff spot.
The Apple Cup
A long-standing Washington tradition, usually reserved for the weekend after Thanksgiving, came early this year thanks to conference realignment. The 117th meeting between Washington and Washington State marked just the second time the game had been played in Pullman since 2018.
The Cougars entered looking to build on last year’s 24–19 victory, while the Huskies were out for revenge. But after Wazzu’s 59–10 loss to North Texas a week ago, expectations weren’t high. Still, with a quarterback change looming and whispers that Washington might be overlooking their rival, the door was cracked open for drama.
Oddsmakers had the Huskies favored by 20.5, and it seemed like a fair line. Either this would be a one-score battle—or Washington would blow past the spread entirely. As it turned out, both outcomes played out at different points in the night.
Much to Cougar fans’ delight, Zevi Eckhaus was named the starting quarterback. But Washington struck first, capitalizing on a tipped-pass interception and punching in two early touchdowns for a 14–0 lead. To their credit, the Cougs battled back, trading scores to go into halftime down 24–10. Out of the break, Eckhaus engineered a crisp seven-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to make it 24–17. WSU even tried a surprise onside kick, but it failed—head coach Jimmy Rogers seemingly realizing his defense wasn’t going to stop Washington and needing to steal a possession.
The teams continued trading touchdowns, and WSU entered the fourth quarter trailing just 31–24. Cougar fans everywhere were thinking the same thing: “Just one stop.” The problem was, nobody actually believed a stop was coming. They were right. Forced turnovers on desperate late drives snowballed into a 59–24 final—the second straight week WSU has given up 59 points.
Despite holding Jonah Coleman to just 59 rushing yards, the Cougars had no answers elsewhere. Washington averaged over nine yards per play and converted 8 of 9 third downs, slicing through a defense that just two weeks ago was considered a bright spot. Rogers has since confirmed Eckhaus will remain the starter, and while the offense showed promise, the Cougs will need solutions on defense if they want to stay afloat.
Washington now gets to host #1 Ohio State next week and see how they stack up against a real team while they put their 22 home game win streak on the line.
Other Marquee Games
Michigan went into Lincoln and leaned on its running game to fend off a late rally from Nebraska, escaping with a 30–27 win. All three of Michigan’s touchdowns came on long runs—one from each of their running backs—while Bryce Underwood added another. The Wolverines’ favorable Big Ten slate continues with a bye before facing a struggling Wisconsin team. Only USC and Ohio State remain as ranked opponents on their schedule. Nebraska also heads into a bye, left to stew on this narrow loss. Like Michigan, the Huskers have just two ranked opponents left: USC and Penn State.
In Norman, Oklahoma took care of business against Auburn. Quarterback Mateer wasn’t spectacular, but he did enough to keep himself in the Heisman conversation—especially after orchestrating a six-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to retake the lead with under five minutes left. Jackson Arnold performed decently in his return to Norman, but Auburn’s downfall was Oklahoma’s defense, which set a program record with 10 sacks. Both teams face brutal stretches ahead, with ranked SEC opponents scattered across their remaining schedules. Each has the chance to prove its legitimacy—or bow out quietly.
Meanwhile, Miami dismantled Florida, holding the Gators to just 141 yards of total offense. Florida’s brutal schedule continues, while Miami enjoys a bye before heading to Tallahassee for what’s shaping up to be a top-10 showdown with Florida State on October 4.
Game of the Week: Arizona State 27, Baylor 24
In a game that could have carried even bigger stakes had both teams not stumbled earlier against SEC opponents, Arizona State and Baylor still squared off with major Big 12 implications. Both entered with championship aspirations, and this matchup showcased two of the league’s top quarterbacks in Sam Leavitt (ASU) and Sawyer Robertson (Baylor).
The first half was a grind, ending in a 10–10 tie. A Baylor fumble on its opening drive was the only real miscue of the half, as both defenses held firm. But the third quarter flipped the script, with the Bears coughing up another fumble and an interception. Arizona State, however, failed to fully capitalize—settling for two field goals to lead 16–10, leaving the door open for Baylor.
Robertson made them pay. He led a 10-play, 75-yard drive capped by a touchdown pass to give the Bears a 17–16 edge. Leavitt responded immediately with an 85-yard march of his own, finishing with a touchdown strike to Jordyn Tyson and a two-point conversion to push ASU back in front, 24–17. Robertson then answered with a 64-yard drive, finding Michael Trigg for a 33-yard touchdown to tie it at 24–24—though the score came earlier than Baylor fans would have liked, leaving Leavitt just under two minutes to operate.
Leavitt didn’t flinch. With surgical precision, he guided ASU 49 yards in 11 plays, managing the clock flawlessly with timely first downs and smart sideline throws. That left kicker Jesus Gomez with a 43-yard attempt as time expired. Baylor head coach Dave Aranda used his final timeout to ice him, but Gomez drilled it straight through as the clock hit zero, sealing a 27–24 Sun Devil victory.
In a Big 12 where two losses may still be enough to reach the conference championship, stealing a road win like this is massive. For Arizona State, it restores the confidence lost in their late collapse at Starkville. For Baylor, the margin for error is gone—they’ll need to be perfect at home and steal some wins on the road to stay in the race.
The back-and-forth drama of this matchup stood out in a primetime slate otherwise dominated by blowouts, making Arizona State vs. Baylor the College Footblog Game of the Week.
Stat Line of the Week
Eric McAlister (TCU): 8 REC 254 YDS 3 TD
In the final scheduled Iron Skillet meeting, SMU briefly took a 24–21 lead in the fourth quarter. But TCU’s McAlister quickly made sure that wouldn’t last. He broke loose for a 70-yard touchdown and followed it up with a 44-yarder to put the Horned Frogs ahead for good. On top of that, his six other receptions went for 140 yards and another score. The Mustang defense either had no answer—or no interest—in slowing McAlister down.
Will’s Corner
BYU 34, East Carolina 13
Evan Johnson’s two interceptions—including a pick-six—were the highlights of what was otherwise a choppy performance from the Cougars. The offense sputtered through much of the first half before Bachmeier and Martin sparked things in the second, combining for three touchdowns (one passing, two rushing). Still, BYU has started slow in every game this season. As they head to Boulder for their first Big 12 matchup against Colorado, getting off the bus ready will be a must.
Tennessee 56, UAB 24
The high-flying Josh Heupel offense is officially back. Quarterback Aguilar and wideout Brazzell looked every bit like the new Hooker-to-Hyatt combo, and the Volunteers rolled even after easing off the gas. The win marked Heupel’s 40th at Tennessee, and he’ll look for No. 41 next week when the Vols visit Mississippi State.
Washington 59, Washington State 24
Washington buried its in-state rival with another explosive offensive showing, while WSU’s defensive woes continued. The Cougars will try to regroup when they travel to Colorado State next weekend.
AP Poll Reaction
Miami Jumps to #2
Oklahoma climbs into the Top 10.
TCU and BYU enter the Top 25, replacing Utah and Auburn
Biggest loser: Illinois drops 14 spots to #23.
Indiana jumps 8 spots all the way up to #11.
CFB News
The NCAA announced Wednesday that the Division I Administrative Committee has voted to eliminate the spring transfer portal window. While no firm dates have been set for adjustments to the current transfer window, it’s clear the NCAA is working toward a new structure. This is still early in the process, but on the surface, it feels like a necessary move to bring more control and consistency to player movement. NCAA Eliminates Spring Transfer Portal Window
College Gameday heads to University Park Pennsylvania for Oregon and Penn State. The first time a college gameday will not feature a SEC team this year.
Big Noon Kickoff goes to Champaign, Illinois, for USC at Illinois. Would have been a lot cooler in the Illini hadn't laid an egg this week against Indiana but oh well.
Games to Watch – Week 5
TCU @ Arizona State – Sept 26, 9:00 PM ET (FOX)
1. Ohio State @ Washington – Sept 27, 3:30 PM ET (CBS)
4. LSU @ 13. Ole Miss – Sept 27, 3:30 PM ET (ABC)
6. Oregon @ 3. Penn State – Sept 27, 7:30 PM ET (NBC)
5. Georgia @ 17. Alabama – Sept 27, 7:30 PM ET (ABC)
Guest Guesser Update
My loyalty to Washington State and the last second field goal by Arizona State cost my two games against my mom this week resulting in here taking another point from me this week.
I’d love to hear from readers, too. Think my takes are dumb? Want my opinion on something I missed? Email me at thecollegefootblog@gmail.com.
