CFBSep 26
Texas-Tennessee leads pivotal Week 4 as SEC schedule heats up
Texas faces its first road test, Ole Miss visits a dangerous Florida offense, and Oregon heads to USC with little room for another setback.
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Texas faces a different challenge in Knoxville
After five ranked matchups across the opening three weeks, college football gets six in Week 4, bringing a sharper test of the early contenders. Top-ranked Texas leaves Austin for the first time this season to face Tennessee and freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon. The Volunteers rank eighth in points per drive, but their productive start has come against modest opposition. Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp will try to disrupt Brandon’s quick decisions and force him into tougher passing situations. Tennessee backs DeSean Bishop and Daune Morris can help ease that burden, though the Longhorns present their toughest defensive front yet. Texas also has an opening on the ground against a Tennessee defense ranked 127th in yards allowed per rush. Hollywood Smothers is questionable, leaving Raleek Brown as another important option alongside Arch Manning. Texas is favored by 4.
Florida threatens Ole Miss momentum
No. 4 Ole Miss follows its emotional victory over LSU with a trip to Florida, where the Gators’ offense presents an immediate danger. Florida leads the nation in points per drive, powered by Jadan Baugh’s running and Aaron Philo’s accuracy. Philo has completed 73% of his passes, while Dallas Wilson and Vernell Brown III have supplied explosive receiving production. The Rebels may need another big performance from Trinidad Chambliss against a Florida defense that has struggled to generate pressure. Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy is questionable. The Gators are favored by 3.5.
Rebound opportunities and rising stakes
LSU and Texas A&M meet after conference losses, with the Aggies needing more explosiveness from Marcel Reed against a strong Tigers run defense. LSU is favored by 8.5. Mississippi State, meanwhile, welcomes Missouri for its first ranked test behind emerging quarterback Kamario Taylor. Beyond the SEC, Oregon visits No. 12 USC with its margin for error reduced by the upset loss to Oklahoma State. No. 18 Michigan hosts Iowa, adding another consequential matchup to a weekend that should clarify the national picture.
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