2022-23 College Football: Week 4 Review

After a relatively tame Week 3, we got some serious fireworks this week. The ACC came to play with the week's most intriguing matchup, the SEC provided a couple of Top 25 clashes, and the PAC-12 featured a couple of nail-biters for some ranked teams on the road. We also saw a couple of unranked teams go on the road to pull off some upsets. The action was fast and furious and left us with a lot of questions about some of the conferences as conference play starts to get into full swing. 

Game of the Week- #5 Clemson 51, #21 Wake Forest 45 (2OT) (Winston-Salem, NC)

During the preseason, the ACC Atlantic looked to be a three-horse race between Clemson, Wake Forest, and NC State. On this day in Winston-Salem, two of those horses would come to battle. The worry pre-game was whether Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei would be able to meet the challenge in a big spot after some less-than-stellar performances and he made it clear he was up for it. Clemson would strike for two touchdown passes in the first ten minutes to take an early lead and it was looking a little bleak for the home squad. Wake Forest is not known for going away quietly. Sam Hartman would respond with his first passing touchdown of the afternoon and the slugfest was on. What would proceed was four quarters of back-and-forth scoring. Whenever Clemson scored, Wake Forest wasn't too far behind. When the clock hit zeros in the fourth quarter, the sides were tied at 38 and overtime would be needed. Hartman would open overtime with an easy touchdown, but Uiagalelei forced more football with a touchdown of his own. The Clemson offense, getting the ball first in the second overtime, struck quickly, but failed on the two-point conversion, meaning the defense would need to take over and get it done. That's exactly what they did, forcing Hartman to throw into triple coverage on fourth down to force the incompletion and survive the upset bid in this critical conference battle. Both quarterbacks played phenomenally and had comparable numbers. Hartman tied the ACC record with six touchdown passes while throwing for 337 yards. Uiagalelei played easily his best game in his college career, throwing for 371 yards and five touchdowns and running for another 52 yards. This win also sets up a huge battle next week between Clemson and undefeated NC State in Death Valley. 

Upset of the Week- Middle Tennessee 45, #25 Miami 31 (Miami, FL)

There was a game in Norman that could've ended up with this distinction, but history would dictate it wasn't that big of an upset. This, on the other hand, was a shocker. Call it ironic that Miami was unable to perform while a hurricane pounded South Florida. This game was never close as the Blue Raiders from Middle Tennessee made Miami and quarterback Tyler Van Dyke look like amateurs. Miami was forced to turn the ball over on each of its first three possessions within seven plays, including a pick-six. Middle Tennessee also had a knack for busting out big plays, scoring from 69, 71, and 98 yards during the game as quarterback Chase Cunningham threw for 408 yards. Miami trailed 24-3 in the second quarter and even once Van Dyke was benched in the third quarter, things weren't getting any better for the Hurricanes. It felt like every time Miami scored, Middle Tennessee had an answer in an even more extravagant way. The win for the Blue Raiders marked their first ever against a ranked team while leaving Miami with a lot more questions than answers. This looks like it's another season where the Coastal Division in the ACC is up for grabs. 

Other Notable Games

#11 Tennessee 38, #20 Florida 33 (Knoxville, TN)

As well as things have been going in Knoxville this season, this could've easily been a letdown game for them. It felt like they were trying everything in their power to make it close and give Florida a huge road win. Leading by as much as 17 in the fourth quarter, Florida had it down to 11 points with just a few minutes left and after Tennessee went for it on fourth down to try and ice things, Florida scored again to make it a five-point deficit. They then recovered the onside kick, but the Tennessee defense bailed them out by pressuring Anthony Richardson into an interception as time expired to end it. 

#23 Texas A&M 23, #10 Arkansas 21 (College Station, TX)

Props to the Aggies for not allowing a 14-0 hole to deflate them. They got a great game from running back Devon Archane (159 yards and a touchdown) and a huge fumble recovery for a touchdown in the first half that would prove to be the major difference in the game. Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson was excellent himself, accounting for over 100 yards passing and rushing and scoring all three of the team's touchdowns. They should've won this game but, as we've seen plenty of times already this season, a missed field goal late would sink the Razorbacks and give Texas A&M the lucky win. 

Kansas State 41, #6 Oklahoma 34 (Norman, OK)

Recent history would seem to dictate that this result wasn't much of a surprise. For the third time in four years and the second straight time in Norman, the Wildcats took it to the Sooners and this game will likely be remembered as the Adrian Martinez game. The Nebraska transfer was deadly with his legs, rushing for 148 yards and four touchdowns, including the eventual dagger late in the fourth quarter. He threw for 234 yards and a touchdown as well. Dillon Gabriel tried to will the Sooners back, throwing for 330 yards and three touchdowns, but it was too little too late. 

#15 Oregon 44, Washington State 41 (Pullman, WA)

I don't think I'd be wrong if I said Oregon won this game in the fourth quarter. The Ducks trailed Washington State 27-15 entering the fourth quarter and were still down by 12 with 6:42 left before scoring 22 points in 2:47, capped off by a pick-six, to jump ahead by ten points. The Cougars scored before the end of the game with one second left, but the Ducks escaped Pullman with a huge road win despite not looking good for most of the game. Bo Nix was able to recover from an early pick-six to throw for 428 yards and three scores. 

#7 USC 17, Oregon State 14 (Corvallis, OR)

This was the first time all season that the Trojans' offense looked like they were human. Quarterback Caleb Williams completed less than half of his throws and was held to 180 yards passing. They'd only managed a field goal through three quarters before Travis Dye ran one in to start the fourth. USC's defense was holding things together, picking off Chance Nolan four times, but they still trailed 14-10 late in the game. Williams led the offense on a late drive and he found Jordan Addison in the endzone to avoid the upset. 

Notre Dame 45, North Carolina 32 (Chapel Hill, NC)

It's about time Notre Dame started to look like a competent football team. Many had expected North Carolina and their high-power offense to have a day against Notre Dame and it wasn't a bad one for them. Drake Maye threw for 301 yards and five touchdowns, but it was their defense that had a tough time. Notre Dame's run game ran all over the Tar Heels, rushing for 289 yards and three touchdowns as a team to go along with three passing touchdowns for Drew Pyne. It's too early to say that Notre Dame has turned it around, but this was a good sign. 

Kansas 35, Duke 27 (Lawrence, KS)

The battle between two of college basketball's blue bloods didn't fail to excite. While the final score would seem to indicate a close game, this was all about Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels getting the job done on the ground and through the air. Daniels torched the Blue Devils for 324 yards passing and 82 yards rushing, scoring all five of Kansas' touchdowns. Riley Leonard had almost 400 yards of his own for Duke, but it was the big plays from the Jayhawks offense that would bite Duke in the behind and hand them their first loss as Kansas remains undefeated. 

My Top 25

1. Georgia (4-0, W 39-22 Kent State) (-)

I almost overreacted to Kent State looking halfway decent against the Bulldogs, but I'm holding strong with them at #1. If not for the play of Brock Bowers, this could've gotten really interesting.

2. Ohio State (4-0, W 52-21 Wisconsin) (-)

Through four weeks, I think CJ Stroud has to be the leader in Heisman contention after another five-touchdown performance. The Buckeyes dominated the Badgers to open conference play, putting up 52.

3. Alabama (4-0, W 55-3 Vanderbilt) (-)

Bryce Young isn't going to let Stroud get away without a fight, throwing for 385 and four touchdowns in their conference opener. Alabama is about to enter a tough three-week stretch, starting in Fayetteville.

4. Michigan (4-0, W 34-27 Maryland) (-)

After roughing up far inferior talent, Maryland gave the Wolverines some stiff competition. Blake Corum ran for 243 yards and two scores to secure a win to start Big Ten competition.

5. Clemson (4-0, W 51-45 (2OT) #21 Wake Forest) (-)

The Tigers' offense finally came to life in a huge game on the road and survived a scare against Wake Forest. DJ Uiagalelei needs to use this as momentum with a Top 10 fight looming against NC State.  

6. USC (4-0, W 17-14 Oregon State) (+1)

It got a little dicey for the Trojans and their transfers in Corvallis, but they got a late touchdown to give them the win. I'm sure Lincoln Riley will use this as motivation moving forward. 

7. Tennessee (4-0, W 38-33 #20 Florida) (+5)

It almost was a disaster in the final minutes as their big lead shrunk to five points, yet the Volunteers prevailed. They're ranked in the Top 10 for the first time in six years with their win over Florida. 

8. Oklahoma State (3-0, BYE) (-)

The Cowboys were off this week and got to watch things in the Big 12 become even more interesting. They now look to be the frontrunners of the conference, though that can change very quickly. 

9. NC State (4-0, W 41-10 Connecticut) (+1)

They clearly didn't look past the Huskies this week with a date against Clemson next week. Devin Leary threw for four touchdowns and the defense held UConn to 160 yards of offense. 

10. Kentucky (4-0, W 31-23 Northern Illinois) (-1)

Northern Illinois made a late push, but Will Levis and his four touchdowns were a little too much for them to handle. I didn't love the end of this one for Kentucky, hence their slight drop in my rankings. 

11. Penn State (4-0, W 33-14 Central Michigan) (+8)

One of the biggest risers in my rankings, the Nittany Lions completed their non-conference schedule with an easy victory. Sean Clifford threw for three touchdowns as Penn State looks towards conference play.

12. Oklahoma (3-1, L 31-24 Kansas State) (-6)

History was not on Oklahoma's side last night as they failed to find an answer to Adrian Martinez. There is still plenty of time to get back into playoff contention, but this doesn't look good for Oklahoma.

13. Oregon (3-1, W 44-41 Washington State) (-2)

A late push in the fourth quarter won this game for the Ducks despite some early struggles for the offense. I don't think this is the start to the season Oregon expected, but they're in a good position.

14. Texas A&M (3-1, W 23-21 #10 Arkansas) (-)

Luck was clearly on the side of Texas A&M in their win over Arkansas as the offense continues to look shaky. I'm not sure what they need to do to change things on offense, but their defense has looked strong.

15. Baylor (3-1, W 31-24 Iowa State) (+2)

Oklahoma's loss is great for Baylor because now they're back into things despite an early loss. They handed Iowa State its first loss behind three touchdowns from Blake Shapen. 

16. Utah (3-1, W 34-13 Arizona State) (-)

Utah is another team that has returned to form after an early loss, capitalizing on the uncertainty of Arizona State's situation. Their defense allowed just six yards on the ground in a blowout win.

17. Ole Miss (4-0, W 35-27 Tulsa) (+1)

The Rebels are a sneaky 4-0 team that isn't getting too much love. Jaxson Dart threw and ran for over 100 yards as the Rebel's rushing attack piled up 308 yards and three touchdowns in a tight win.

18. Washington (4-0, W 40-22 Stanford) (+7)

There was no letdown for the Huskies after their huge win last week as they dominated Stanford from the jump. Michael Penix Jr stayed red hot with over 300 yards passing and two touchdowns.

19. Pittsburgh (3-1, W 45-24 Rhode Island) (+3)

Kedon Slovis returned to action for the Panthers this week and played a strong game against Rhode Island. Israel Abanikanda ran for four touchdowns and 177 yards to set the pace for the Coastal favorites. 

20. Wake Forest 3-1, L 51-45 (2OT) #5 Clemson) (+1)

This loss doesn't take Wake Forest out of contention in the Atlantic Division and it shouldn't discourage them. They played a solid game for over 60 minutes, they just weren't able to outscore the Tigers.

21. Florida State (4-0, W 44-14 Boston College) (+9)

Ladies and gentlemen, the Seminoles are finally back. After another excellent performance from Jordan Travis and the Florida State offense, they could add an interesting wrinkle to a tight division race. 

22. BYU (3-1, W 38-24 Wyoming) (+2)

Jaren Hall led a furious offensive assault for the Cougars against Wyoming, throwing for four touchdowns in their win. The loss last week to Oregon won't deter them from making a run.

23. Minnesota (4-0, W 34-7 Michigan State) (+6)

Minnesota really kicked Michigan State while they were down by dominating both sides of the ball. The Golden Gophers moved the ball with ease while the defense shut the Spartans down.

24. Arkansas (3-1, L 23-21 #23 Texas A&M) (-11)

If only the right goalpost was moved about three inches to the right. The Razorbacks wasted a strong performance from KJ Jefferson as one kick made all the difference in the game.

25. Kansas State (3-1, W 31-24 #6 Oklahoma) (NR) 

The Wildcats seem to have the Sooners' number lately, picking up another win over Oklahoma in Norman. They've made the race in the Big 12 a lot more interesting. 

The Next 5

26. Kansas (4-0, W 35-27 Duke) (NR)

It's official, I'm riding on the Kansas hype train right now as they remain undefeated against Duke. The Jayhawks have been riding the performance of Jalon Daniels to one of the best starts ever.  

27. LSU (3-1, W 38-0 New Mexico) (NR)

The Tigers sit just outside my Top 25 after a perfect performance against New Mexico. They ran the ball effectively, scoring four times on the ground in the shutout win.

28. Cincinnati (3-1, W 45-24 Indiana) (NR)

Though their season started with a tough loss, the Bearcats have won three straight after a win over Indiana. Ben Bryant torched the secondary for 354 yards and four touchdowns.

29. Syracuse (4-0, W 22-20 Virginia) (NR)

Another undefeated team in the Atlantic Division of the ACC, Syracuse picked up its second conference win in a sloppy win over Virginia. Despite turning the ball over four times, a late field goal sealed it.

30. UCLA (4-0, W 45-17 Colorado) (NR)

UCLA has yet to play any tough competition through four games, but they're undefeated nonetheless. They are about the get three Top 25 opponents in a row to prove whether they're legitimate or not.

Week 5 Preview

1. #10 NC State v. #5 Clemson (Clemson, SC)

If you pay attention to ACC football, you'll know that this game is huge for the Atlantic Division. After beating Wake Forest this week, Clemson now has to do it again against another high-quality offense. While it's too early to say this will decide the division, the winner has to be the favorite to win it.

2. #2 Alabama v. #20 Arkansas (Fayetteville, AR)

The Crimson Tide got off to a good start in the conference with its win over Vanderbilt, while Arkansas has a bitter taste in its mouth after its road loss to Texas A&M. I don't think Arkansas will win this game, but they're going to be pretty upset for this game.

3. #9 Oklahoma State v. #16 Baylor (Waco, TX)

After a bye week and now coming into a new week as the highest-ranked team in the Big 12, the pressure is now on Oklahoma State to be the team to beat. Baylor has played well since losing in Provo two weeks ago, so this could be a track meet. 

4. #7 Kentucky v. #14 Ole Miss (Oxford, MS)

The Rebels haven't faced too many tough teams yet, so this will be their first true test of the season as they start their conference schedule. Both of these teams had one-score wins over Group of 5 teams last week, so they both have something to prove. 

5. #22 Wake Forest v. #23 Florida State (Tallahassee, FL)

After returning to the Top 25 this week, Florida State is going to be met with a Wake Forest team that despite losing to Clemson is playing very well offensively. Jordan Travis will need a huge game as he battles Sam Hartman for an advantage in the Atlantic. 

6. #15 Washington v. UCLA (Los Angeles, CA)

Two undefeated teams will collide in Los Angeles, but both have had very different seasons up to this point. UCLA has four easy victories while Washington has been through the wringer already. UCLA needs to prove this 4-0 start is legitimate by completing a huge upset over the Huskies.  

7. #17 Texas A&M v. Mississippi State (Starkville, MS)

The Air Raid offense of Mississippi State is exactly the opposite of what the Aggies want to see right now. Will Rogers has two 400+-yard games and has 16 touchdowns through four games, proving to be the antithesis of everyone Texas A&M has done all season on offense. 

8. #18 Oklahoma v. TCU (Fort Worth, TX)

The Sooners still have plenty of time to work themselves back into the Top 4, especially if they win out. After losing to Kansas State, Dillon Gabriel and the team need to shake off the loss and fight for one on the road against one of the few undefeated teams left in the conference. 

9. Oregon State v. #12 Utah (Salt Lake City, UT)

Cameron Rising hasn't let the opening loss to Florida knock Utah off its path to repeat as the champions of the PAC-12. Oregon State just played a great game against USC so, despite the loss, they should be feeling good about their chances. 

10. Iowa State v Kansas (Lawrence, KS)

As long as they're undefeated, Kansas is going to be must-watch football to see if they can continue this hot start. They already have a conference win and now will welcome Iowa State to Lawrence to try and extend their start to 5-0.