Top 6 Week 4 matchups that could prove decisive for college football playoff picture ft. USC at Michigan
Every week, there are matchups that have serious playoff implications. From this season, a 12-team playoff bracket has been introduced from the previous four-team format.
As per the revised format, the five highest-ranked conference champions will receive automatic bids. The remaining seven spots will be filled by the next seven highest-ranked teams.
On that note, let's take a look at six matchups this week that could be decisive with respect to the playoff.
#6 Georgia Tech vs. Louisville
This ACC matchup has all the reasons to be a thrilling contest. The Yellowjackets have upset the Florida State Seminoles and are looking forward to doing the same against a less tougher opponent in the Cardinals.
#5 Kansas State vs BYU
The No. 13 Kansas State Wildcats are coming off a big win over Arizona, but a matchup against BYU Cougars would be another game where they will have to be on their toes.
The Cougars are just seven-point home underdog and have the roster to pull off an upset over the Big 12 favorites.
#4 NC State vs Clemson
Although Clemson's record is 1-1, the one defeat they endured was against the Georgia Bulldogs, which was expected. The No. 21 team awaits an important matchup against the NC State for their first conference matchup.
The good thing for the Tigers is that NC State will field freshman quarterback C.J. Bailey instead of the injured Grayson McCall. While Bailey could get the offense going, Clemson's secondary should get on top of him.
#3 Utah vs Oklahoma State
The biggest Big 12 matchup on offer this week is between the No. 14 Oklahoma State, who will host the No. 12 Utah Utes at Boone Pickens Stadium.
The Cowboys avoided a loss to Arkansas, who dragged them through overtime last week. Meanwhile, Utah's offense has been in sublime touch, registering easy wins along the way.
#2 USC vs Michigan
The No. 11 USC Trojans will be on the road to face the No. 18 Michigan Wolverines in Ann Arbor.
The Trojans, making their Big 10 debut, will be delighted to defeat the Wolverines, who have ruled the division in the last couple of years. Moreover, a win over the reigning champions would go a long way in their bid for the playoffs.
Sherrone Moore has announced a change in quarterback: Alex Orji will start in place of Davis Warren. The Trojans could use that to their advantage, as Orji hasn't been tested as a passer.
#1 Tennessee vs Oklahoma
The best SEC matchup this week on offer would be between the No . 15 Oklahoma Sooners and the No. 6 Tennessee Vols.
Coming into the matchup, the Vols have been dominant in previous games, while the Sooners have won all three but had close games. The Sooners are a 7-point home underdog for this one, though.