College Football Week 4 Recap

    Week 4 was filled with some big games, and almost all of them came down to the wire.

    The Big 10's woes continued. This week, many teams struggled vs non-BCS opponents. #14 Ohio State had some bumps vs UAB, #18 Michigan State only pulled away at the end vs Eastern Michigan, and Wisconsin continued their trend of problems vs small schools with an 11-point win vs lowly UTEP.

Ohio St. running back Jordan Hall vs UAB

    And the upsets of Big 10 teams persisted. Iowa lost to Central Michigan at home, and Illinois lost to Louisiana Tech by 28 points at home. It didn't help either that #16 Michigan lost to #13 Notre Dame.

    Penn State was able to pick up another win vs Temple, and Minnesota quietly is 4-0 after a win against Syracuse. Right now, the best team in the Big 10 may be #21 Northwestern. The Wildcats are 4-0, with wins vs Syracuse, Vanderbilt, Boston College and South Dakota.

    #3 LSU survived a potential major upset vs Auburn, #6 South Carolina pounded Missouri, and Arkansas is quickly becoming the biggest disappointment of the season after a loss to Rutgers.

    #19 Kansas State looks like they are legit this year, and #4 Oklahoma looks a bit overrated, as the Wildcats beat the Sooners 24-19 in Oklahoma's first test.

   #2 Florida State also proved that they are back as one of the nation's best in their win over #9 Clemson 49-37.


 Top 25:

1. Alabama 4-0
2. Florida State 4-0
3. LSU 4-0
4. Oregon 4-0
5. South Carolina 4-0
6. Georgia 4-0
7. Texas 3-0
8. West Virginia 3-0
9. Notre Dame 4-0
10. USC 3-1
11. Stanford 3-0
12. Kansas State 4-0
13. Oklahoma 2-1
14. TCU 3-0
15. Ohio State 4-0
16. Clemson 3-1
17. Louisville 4-0
18. Michigan State 3-1
19. Florida 4-0
20. Oregon State 2-0
21. N.C. State 3-1
22. Northwestern 3-0
23. Michigan 2-2
24. Mississippi State 4-0
25. Boise State 2-1

Next 5 In: Virginia Tech 3-1, Nebraska 3-1, Rutgers 4-0, Cincinnati 2-0, Ohio 4-0


What To Watch:

#11 Stanford (3-0) @ Washington (2-1)
9:00 pm ET, ESPN

This is a must-win for the Huskies. They have now become an afterthought to the rest of the PAC 12, and if they can win this one, they can get back into the picture. They do have a chance, but Stanford might just be too much for Washington.

Prediction: Stan 37 UW 24   

Arkansas (1-3) @ Texas A & M (2-1)
12:20 pm ET, SEC Network

It's now or never for Arkansas. A fourth loss to anyone but Alabama or LSU will already make this season a disappointment. TAMU is in a prime position to win a big game vs an SEC-foe.

Prediction: TAMU 31 Ark 28

#15 Ohio State (4-0) @ #18 Michigan State (3-1)
3:30 pm ET, ABC

Both these teams can take controll of the Big 10 with a win. Ohio State has not looked good, and has been slow to start vs all opponents this year. Michigan State was feeling hungover after a loss to Notre Dame, and had problems vs Eastern Michigan last week. Should be intresting.

Prediction: MSU 27 OSU 21  

#7 Texas (3-0) @ Oklahoma State (2-1)
7:50 pm ET, FOX

Oklahoma State is out to prove they are still one of the best teams in the Big 12, and that the Arizona loss was a fluke. After Oklahoma's loss to Kansas State, this game could be a battle for the top of the Big 12 South. Oklahoma State's offense has been explosive, and I am calling the upset here.

Prediction: OSU 48 Texas 41

#17 Lousiville (4-0) @ Southern Miss (0-3)
8:00 pm ET, CSTV

Louisville is on a hot start, and despite USM's struggles, they are a talented team. The Eagles could put up a fight here, but Louisville should pick up their fourth win. 

Prediction: UL 30 South Miss 17  

  

Big 10 Preview

    
ACC   Big East   Big 12   Pac 12    SEC   Other Conferences    Bowls and Top 50

   
    The Big 10 took a step down last year and was not as strong as usual. Teams still made bowl games, but Big Ten teams were beaten badly in most of them. 

    This year may not be much different. Wisconsin is the favorite again, with Michigan, Nebraska and Michigan State close behind. These four teams all have a great shot at a BCS appearance this season. 

Montee Ball, Wisconsin

    Ohio State should be better than last year and post a winning record. But it will not be a record the Buckeyes are accustomed to, and they are still not bowl eligible. 

    Northwestern and Iowa figure to be the next best teams. Both the Wildcats and Hawkeyes will make a bowl game, but will hover around seven or eight wins. 

    Purdue, Illinois, and Indiana will not challenge for the Big 10 title, but they still can make lower-tier bowls this year.

    Minnesota is still a couple of years away and will remain in the cellar.

    The biggest disappointment this year will be Penn State. With the heavy sanctions, having no bowl game, people everywhere rooting against them, and this scandal hanging over their program, it will be hard for Penn State to win more then two games, especially with starters leaving. Penn State will have problems this year and for the years to follow.


Projected Standings:

Leaders:

1. Wisconsin 11-1 (7-1)

2. Ohio State 9-3 (5-3)

3. Illinois 6-6 (4-4)

4. Purdue 6-6 (3-5)

T5. Indiana 5-7 (1-7)

T5. Penn State 2-10 (1-7)


Legends:

1. Michigan 10-2 (7-1)

2. Michigan State 10-2 (6-2)

T3. Nebraska 9-3 (5-3)

T3. Northwestern 8-4 (5-3)

5. Iowa 8-4 (4-4)

6. Minnesota 4-8 (1-7)


Big Ten Championship: Wisconsin over Michigan