College Football Week 4 Game Predictions

Notre Dame (4-0) has a huge matchup this week against Ohio State (3-0), and a win would give the Irish a major resume boost heading into what is the most challenging stretch on the schedule. There are other big battles raging, and there are several that Fighting Irish fans should have their eye on.

The Irish Breakdown staff will have our eyes on those games, and we decided to make predictions for each of them!

#4 FLORIDA STATE (3-0) at CLEMSON (2-1)

Gametime: Saturday - 12:00 PM ET
Network: ABC
Line: Florida State -2.0, O/U: 55

This game is of great interest to Notre Dame fans. If the Irish keep winning the ACC Champ will be a team they contend against for a playoff berth. Florida State and Notre Dame will have four common opponents, and both play at Clemson. If the Noles win this game it will put them on top of the league and knocks Clemson down a notch, which also makes the matchup between ND and Clemson in November a bit less important. A Clemson win does the exact opposite, and also knocks the Seminoles below the Irish, should Notre Dame win this weekend.

Bryan Driskell, Publisher - Clemson 30, Florida State 27

I could end up looking very foolish for this pick, but I'm just not quite ready to write off the Tigers. Clemson's defense has been lights out so far and it should be able to keep Florida State's points down enough to give the offense the chance it needs to get hot enough to pull off this win and maintain their presence on top of the ACC. Of course, Florida State could also smash them and put a final nail in the coffin of the Clemson dynasty.

Vince DeDario, Football Analyst - Clemson 34, Florida State 31

This is an intriguing game and probably my #2 game that I would like to watch this weekend. Could this be the official passing of the torch in the ACC? Can Clemson regain their top spot in the conference or has the fat lady sung on their ACC dominance? I am going to need to see it before I am a believer in the Seminoles, especially after the game against Boston College. I think this is also a preview of things to come in the conference title game. Clemson gets round one. We will see if they can get round two in a few months.

Ryan Roberts, Recruiting Director - Clemson 27, Florida State 24

Since Florida State demolished LSU in their opening game, the play has been a little bit up and down. They are a very good team but this just feels like a chaotic year of college football. Clemson is able to muster enough offensively in this one.

Sean Stires, Staff Writer - Florida State 35, Clemson 27

This is a crossroads game for both teams. Clemson had to go through Florida State in its rise to the top of the college football world a decade ago and now the Seminoles look to end a seven-game losing streak to the Tigers as they try to get back on top. Quarterback play will be the difference.

Andrew McDonough, IB Contributor - Clemson 31, Florida State 30

I'm picking Clemson this week for the same reason I picked Florida to upset Tennessee last week - it's a circle the wagons game. Dabo Swinney's team was embarrassed at home against Duke in Week 1, and you know the Tigers will be ready to fight. Florida State looked mortal in the second half against BC last week, and Cade Klubnik and Will Shipley will find a way to pull this one out with a late drive to win the game.

#19 COLORADO (3-0) AT #10 OREGON (3-0)

Gametime: Saturday - 3:30 PM ET
Network: ABC
Line: Oregon -21.0, O/U: 70

The Pac 12 has been outstanding this season, and for the first time in several seasons there's a good chance a one-loss team from this league could be a playoff team. So watching the league beat itself up is important for a team like Notre Dame. This game will knock off one of the Pac 12 unbeatens.

Bryan Driskell, Publisher - Oregon 44, Colorado 38

I'm not quite ready to write off Colorado, who showed a lot of heart last week coming back against Colorado State. Could Oregon whip them? Sure. But I also sat and watched Oregon get outplayed by Texas Tech (who is 1-2) for most of that game, and the Red Raider offense isn't close to the Buffalo group. I'm going with Oregon because they are at home, but I think this is another shoot out.

Vince DeDario, Football Analyst - Oregon 45, Colorado 21

Is there room on the hype train after a loss? I think we will all see come Sunday morning. We are asking way too much of this Colorado team to go into Eugene and pull off yet another upset. Oregon is just too talented offensively and not having the services of Mr. Everything Travis Hunter will hurt the Buffaloes. The experts have this as a 21 point game. I think if you are Coach Sanders if you can get inside that number it is a moral victory and something to build on.

Ryan Roberts, Recruiting Director - Oregon 38, Colorado 13

There may not be a better story in college football this year than the Colorado team. They are playing well, really depending on their top shelf skill position talent. Oregon is, however, just the better football team. Reality hits in this one.

Sean Stires, Staff Writer - Oregon 42, Colorado 32

This is a tough time for Travis Hunter to be out for Colorado. He’ll be missed on both sides of the ball, but he wouldn’t help Colorado stop Oregon’s run game. The Buffs allow 195 on the ground and the Ducks run for 216.

Andrew McDonough, IB Contributor - Oregon 63, Colorado 31

The dream ride for the Buffaloes hits reality against a stout Oregon team that will have no problem playing the villain and running up the score on America's favorite team, having already hung 81 on in-state brethren Portland State in Week 1. Colorado ranks 129th in the country in rushing, averaging 1.99 YPC, and even though Shedeur Sanders and the offense are good enough to move the ball through the air and get some points, the Buffaloes will have no ability to control the clock and limit Oregon possessions. Ducks big.

#15 OLE MISS (3-0) AT #13 ALABAMA (2-1)

Gametime: Saturday - 3:30 PM ET
Network: CBS
Line: Alabama -6.5, O/U: 55.5

There are a lot of reasons this game matters to Notre Dame fans, including that both teams could be contenders for a playoff berth. I realize Alabama is struggling, but if they run the table you can bet they will be in the Top 4. So seeing the Tide get knocked off again is important, as it takes out another playoff contender. Ole Miss would remain undefeated, but I'm not a believer in the Rebels being in playoff contention when it's all said and done.

Bryan Driskell, Publisher - Alabama 34, Ole Miss 24

It seems like everyone is under the impression that the Clemson and Alabama dynasties are over, and that would certainly be good for Notre Dame, but I'm just not there yet. Alabama's ground game gets back on track and the Tide pull this one out.

Vince DeDario, Football Analyst - Ole Miss 35, Alabama 31

If ever there was a time for Lane Kiffin to get his old boss, this is the week to do it. Alabama is searching for answers on offense while their defense is being called by Nick Saban himself according to Kiffin. Prepare yourself for all the soundbites leading up to this game and certainly after it is over.

Ryan Roberts, Recruiting Director - Ole Miss 34, Alabama 27

The Alabama troubles continue. Ole Miss has their flaws but offensively they are dangerous. The Crimson Tide have had their struggles on both side of the play and that sloppy play continues on Saturday.

Sean Stires, Staff Writer - Ole Miss 37, Alabama 34

Alabama’s quarterback carousel continues, with Nick Saban going back to Jalen Milroe. Quarterback Jaxson Dart is carrying the Rebel offense, completing 66% of his passes and running for 215 yards with nine total touchdowns.

Andrew McDonough, IB Contributor - Alabama 20, Ole Miss 17

Death, taxes, and Nick Saban finding a way to keep his team in playoff contention. The Tide trailed late in the third quarter last year in Oxford but found a way to limit Jaxson Dart and the Rebel offense down the stretch. That formula - with a heavy dose of Dallas Turner - and the legs of Jalen Milroe are the difference in this one.

#24 IOWA (3-0) AT #7 PENN STATE (3-0)

Gametime: Saturday - 7:30 PM ET
Network: CBS
Line: Penn State -15.0, O/U: 40

There are three Big Ten teams that right now look like legitimate playoff contenders, and the Big Ten still has a chance to get two teams in. Notre Dame can knock off one of those three teams if they can beat Ohio State, and Penn State is another one of those teams. Iowa's defense is big time, but will it be enough to pull of this huge upset? We'll see.

Bryan Driskell, Publisher - Penn State 27, Iowa 13

I would LOVE to pick Iowa in this game, but I don't trust Brian Ferentz, at all. I hope he proves me wrong, but I think the athletes at Penn State carry the day.

Vince DeDario, Football Analyst - Penn State 35, Iowa 17

Look, it is Iowa. Do we really think this is going to be an offensive shootout? I think Penn State can score and score quickly but the Iowa defense is legit. Penn State will do everything it can to get the ball in space to their playmakers and not have their QB have to go out and win the game for them. It is a home game for Penn State so that certainly helps. I think Iowa hits the under for points scored in this one to get their OC the bonus he wants.

Ryan Roberts, Recruiting Director - Penn State 31, Iowa 13

The Iowa defense hasn’t been quite as good as last year, although still good. The offense has been better but they are facing off against one of the most talented Penn State teams in years. Nittany Lions win this one decisively.

Sean Stires, Staff Writer - Penn State 24, Iowa 13

Penn State’s offense has been solid, but not as prolific as many thought it would be. Iowa’s offense at least has a pulse, but not enough to knock off the Nittany Lions.

Andrew McDonough, IB Contributor - Penn State 17, Iowa 9

The Hawkeye defense is good enough to keep this one close, but the offense isn't good enough to win. Iowa QB Cade McNamara averaged just 154 yards passing in 2 prior games against the Nittany Lions while at Michigan, and that was when he had weapons to throw to. Penn State holds Iowa out of the end zone and wins despite a second straight shaky performance from Drew Allar.

SEASON RESULTS

Andrew McDonough - 10-0
Ryan Roberts - 8-2
Bryan Driskell - 7-3
Vince DeDario - 7-3
Sean Stires - 7-3

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