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College football is back, and that means our college football viewing guide is back to help you navigate the busy schedule ahead.
Each week we will do the heavy lifting, and figure out the top games that will be playing during each television window across college football. Week 4 is upon us, and while Wisconsin vs. Notre Dame is one of only two games that feature a pair of ranked opponents, there are plenty of other matchups to monitor this weekend.
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Thursday, September 23
Marshall (2-1) at Appalachian State (2-1) —> 6:30 p.m. CST on ESPN
Rasheem Ali has been a touchdown machine for Marshall so far this season through three games, but Appalachian State and Chase Brice have looked really good this season as well. The Mountaineers nearly beat Miami two weeks ago, and have a victory over ECU, who is Marshall’s lone loss this season. This could be a fun C-USA and Sun Belt battle on Thursday evening.
Friday, September 24
Wake Forest (3-0) at Virginia (2-1) —> 6 p.m. CST on ESPN2
This is a sneaky good ACC game. Wake Forest is out to an undefeated start, and already has a conference win over Florida State behind the arm of Sam Hartman. On the other side, Virginia has a really fun offense. Quarterback Brennan Armstrong has the Cavaliers averaging north of 40 points per game. I would expect a shootout in this Friday night matchup.
Saturday, September 25
Morning games
No. 12 Notre Dame (3-0) vs No. 18 Wisconsin (1-1) —> 11 a.m. CST on FOX
This is the top game of the weekend, and as a Badger-centric blog, this is the only place to start off Saturday morning. The Coan Bowl has plenty of storylines, and the fact that it takes place at Soldier Field makes it all the more interesting. Coming off of a bye week, we will see if Wisconsin can get going on offense and secure a huge win.
Other morning games of interest:
- LSU at Mississippi State on ESPN at 11 a.m. CST
- Texas Tech at Texas on ABC at 11 a.m. CST
- No. 2 Georgia at Vanderbilt on SEC Network at 11 a.m. CST
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Afternoon games
No. 7 Texas A&M (3-0) vs No. 16 Arkansas (3-0) —> 2:30 p.m. CST on CBS
The other big contest this weekend takes place in the SEC. Texas A&M has a new quarterback in Zach Calzada due to an injury, but they are still a top-10 team. The Aggies were tested by Colorado, but this should be a much bigger challenge. Arkansas has looked good this season and will look to get an upset win in the SEC West. This game will tell us a lot about both teams.
No. 9 Clemson (2-1) at NC State (2-1) —> 2:30 p.m. CST on ESPN
Clemson has struggled offensively this year, and they will have a tough road game against NC State this week. The Wolfpack have been up and down this season, but they are a talented team that had high aspirations coming into the season. Clemson has been able to maneuver through the ACC easily the past few seasons, but after a scare last week against Georgia Tech, they have a lot to prove.
Other afternoon games of interest:
- No. 14 Iowa State at Baylor on FOX at 2:30 p.m. CST
- Rutgers at No. 19 Michigan on ABC at 2:30 p.m. CST
- Illinois at Purdue on BTN at 2:30 p.m. CST
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Primetime games
Nebraska (2-2) at No. 20 Michigan State (3-0) —> 6 p.m. CST on FS1
The primetime window is pretty bland this week, however, if you haven’t had the chance to watch RB Kenneth Walker and Michigan State this is a nice opportunity. The Spartans have been much better under Mel Tucker, and they welcome a Nebraska team that put a scare into Oklahoma on the road last week. This is an under-the-radar good game.
West Virginia (2-1) at No. 4 Oklahoma (3-0) —> 6:30 p.m. CST on ABC
Oklahoma has nearly lost to Tulane and Nebraska in recent weeks and does not look nearly as strong as previous seasons. They welcome a pesky West Virginia team who just this past week beat No. 15 Virginia Tech.
Other primetime games of interest:
- Tennessee at No. 11 Florida on ESPN at 6 p.m. CST
- No. 21 North Carolina vs. Georgia Tech on ACCN at 6:30 p.m. CST
- No. 25 Kansas State at Oklahoma State on ESPN+ at 6 p.m. CST
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After dark
Oregon State (2-1) at USC (2-1) —> 9:30 p.m. CST on FS1
This game offers a little intrigue given the quarterback questions at USC. The Trojans dropped a tough game to Stanford but did bounce back nicely last week against Washington State.
Arizona (0-3) at No. 3 Oregon (3-0) —> 9:30 p.m. CST on ESPN
The late-night menu is pretty bleak, but Oregon is a really good team this year. I expect the Ducks to handle Arizona fairly easily, but you never know with Pac-12 After Dark.