College football Week 4 expert picks, predictions, and best bets are back as we gear up for an exciting slate of college football action in Week 4.

As conference play kicks into high gear, we’ve seen significant shifts in the top 25 rankings. With the season progressing, teams are battling intensely for a spot in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. Early upsets and standout performances have reshaped the national landscape, making the race for playoff spots even more competitive. Each week now carries added weight as programs look to solidify their place among the nation’s best and lock in a coveted postseason berth.

In Week 4, we’re looking for the best bets across the college football landscape. So, what are the Week 4 college football picks and best bets?

College Football Week 4 Picks and Best Bets

Illinois vs. Nebraska

• Spread
  Nebraska -7.5
• Moneyline
  Illinois +245, Nebraska -305
• Over/Under
  43 points
• Game time
  8:00 p.m. ET
• Location
  Memorial Stadium | Lincoln, NE
• How to Watch
  FOX

Both teams enter this matchup on a high after dominant wins. Nebraska’s offense put up 423 yards against Northern Iowa, including 281 through the air, averaging an impressive 8.8 yards per play and racking up 22 first downs. On defense, the Cornhuskers limited Northern Iowa to 301 total yards (162 passing) and held them to just 6-of-16 on third-down conversions.

Illinois has shown offensive prowess in 2024, but it has yet to face a defense as strong as Nebraska’s, and the Friday night atmosphere in Lincoln will be unlike anything the Illini have experienced this season.

It promises to be an electric evening in Lincoln, with Husker fans eager to support a team that’s finally emerging as a legitimate contender. Now ranked, Nebraska is poised to secure its first win over a ranked opponent in years, building on the excitement and momentum surrounding the program. Expect the Huskers to deliver in primetime.

• Prediction: Nebraska 24 – Illinois 13
• Best Bet: Nebraska -7.5

There is not a better walkout in college football this year

Skrilla x Nebraska pic.twitter.com/D4DsYLBXly

— Mikey O’ver (@MikeyOver1) September 12, 2024

USC vs. Michigan

• Spread
  USC -5.5
• Moneyline
  USC -218, Michigan +180
• Over/Under
  46.5
• Game time
  3:30 p.m. ET
• Location
  Michigan Stadium | Ann Arbor, Mich.
• How to Watch
  CBS

In Week 3, the Michigan Wolverines struggled to secure a 28-18 victory over Arkansas State. Despite jumping out to a 28-3 lead, Michigan never fully controlled the game.

The Wolverines’ passing game continues to be a major concern. Against Arkansas State, Michigan managed just 134 passing yards, completing 13 passes while throwing three interceptions. While their defense may keep them competitive early on, USC’s experienced quarterback play and dynamic skill players could eventually wear down Michigan’s defense.

This underwhelming performance came after a 31-12 defeat to No. 3 Texas, where Michigan was outclassed in all phases. Former starting quarterback Davis Warren has only thrown for 322 yards this season, a number dwarfed by USC’s Miller Moss, who exceeded that total in his Week 1 win over LSU.

Moss, stepping into the spotlight as the replacement for Heisman winner Caleb Williams, has already tallied 600 passing yards and two touchdowns in USC’s first two wins.

The disparity between the two quarterbacks highlights Michigan’s core issues: Can their offense keep pace with USC, and will their defense hold strong for all four quarters? Given Michigan’s recent struggles, it seems unlikely.

• The Prediction: USC 24, Michigan 13
• Best Bet: USC -5.5

USC Trojans football team might have the toughest hype video of all time 🤯🔥

(via @uscfb)pic.twitter.com/LQGaYOwwoy

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 1, 2024

Check out all of our college football expert picks and best bets!

UCLA vs. LSU

• Spread
  LSU -24
• Moneyline
  UCLA +1275, LSU -2730
• Over/Under
  55.5
• Game time
  3:30 p.m. ET
• Location
  Tiger Stadium | Baton Rouge, LA
• How to Watch
  ABC

It’s difficult to imagine a more challenging scenario for UCLA than heading into LSU’s Death Valley after suffering a blowout home loss to Indiana. Playing at LSU is challenging under any circumstances, but it becomes even more formidable when you’re struggling, and the Tigers are poised to capitalize on weaknesses.

Head coach Deshaun Foster and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy have tried to shape UCLA into a tough, hard-nosed team that controls the line of scrimmage and excels in the run game. However, their efforts fell short against Indiana’s strong and athletic defense. It’s hard to see a different outcome in Baton Rouge, where LSU’s battle-tested defense awaits.

UCLA’s best chance might be if LSU overlooks them. They have already faced a top-25 showdown with USC and are coming off a hard-fought SEC road win in Columbia. Maybe the Tigers will slip into complacency.

That seems unlikely. With a game against South Alabama up next and College Football Playoff aspirations still alive, LSU head coach Brian Kelly will likely have his team sharp and ready for this nationally televised afternoon game. Unfortunately for UCLA, this matchup doesn’t look promising.

• The Prediction: LSU 44, UCLA 16
• Best Bet: LSU -24

Kyren Lacy WR1 SZN🐯
⁰(🎥: @LSUfootball)

pic.twitter.com/oXegy29GZT

— PFF College (@PFF_College) August 5, 2024

NC State vs. Clemson

• Spread
  Clemson -17
• Moneyline
  NC State +535, Clemson -775
• Over/Under
  48
• Game time
  Noon ET
• Location
  Memorial Stadium | Clemson, SC
• How to Watch
  ABC

The key question heading into this matchup is the health of NC State quarterback Grayson McCall. The veteran passer and Coastal Carolina transfer is still questionable after exiting last week’s game against Louisiana Tech early.

If McCall is unable to play, true freshman CJ Bailey will be tasked with making his first collegiate start in the hostile environment of Death Valley. Bailey struggled at first after stepping in for McCall, throwing an interception that led to a Louisiana Tech field goal and a 17-6 halftime deficit. However, he recovered well and led NC State to a 30-20 comeback win.

Even if McCall is cleared to play, his performances this season have been underwhelming, especially given the high expectations following his impressive career at Coastal Carolina. Furthermore, the entire NC State offense has not lived up to its potential in 2024.

While it would be great to imagine NC State putting up a fight against Clemson, it’s hard to envision them sustaining that effort for four quarters. Clemson’s offense has started to find its rhythm, and with their playmakers, the Tigers are likely to pull away in this one.

• Prediction: Clemson 34, NC State 13
• Best Bet: Clemson -17