Week 4 College Football: Afternoon Betting Insights
As Week 4 of college football unfolds, fans are treated to an exhilarating afternoon slate that promises to deliver drama and excitement. Among the marquee matchups, No. 11 USC takes on No. 18 Michigan, while No. 12 Utah faces off against No. 14 Oklahoma State. Additionally, No. 7 Missouri will host Vanderbilt in what could be a pivotal game for both teams. While these contests are sure to capture the national spotlight, our NCAAF staff has turned its attention to uncovering the best betting value available this Saturday afternoon.
Saturday College Football Best Bets: Afternoon Picks
The following games have been highlighted by our betting experts, each offering unique insights and potential betting opportunities.
Arizona State vs. Texas Tech Best Bets
By Mike McNamara
After a rocky start to the season, the Texas Tech Red Raiders appear to have found their footing, especially after a convincing win against North Texas last week. Quarterback Behren Morton is playing at a high level, and the return of star running back Tahj Brooks adds another dimension to their offense.
This matchup presents a favorable situation for Texas Tech as they begin conference play at home. Meanwhile, Arizona State is coming off an emotional comeback victory against Texas State, which could leave them vulnerable on the road. The Sun Devils’ methodical offense may struggle to exploit the Red Raiders’ defensive weaknesses, particularly given Texas Tech’s ability to create explosive plays.
In this high-scoring affair, I believe Texas Tech will outpace Arizona State, making a bet on Texas Tech -3 (with a play to -3.5) a solid choice.
Rutgers vs. Virginia Tech Best Bets
By Patrick Strollo
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are set to clash with the Virginia Tech Hokies in a matchup that rekindles memories of their Big East rivalry. Virginia Tech, eager for revenge after losing to Rutgers last season, will look to leverage their home-field advantage at Lane Stadium.
Rutgers has been impressive on the ground, averaging 307.0 rushing yards per game. However, this statistic is somewhat misleading due to the weak competition they have faced thus far. Virginia Tech’s defense, while not without its flaws, should be better equipped to challenge Rutgers’ one-dimensional attack.
With the spread opening at 5.5 and now sitting at 3, there’s value in backing Virginia Tech to cover the spread. The Hokies are poised to exploit Rutgers’ vulnerabilities and secure a victory at home, making Virginia Tech -3 a recommended play.
Kent State vs. Penn State Best Bets
By Thomas Schlarp
Kent State enters this matchup with a dismal record, having been outscored 149-41 in their first three games, including a staggering 71-0 loss to Tennessee. On the other hand, Penn State is coming off a bye week, eager to bounce back from a lackluster performance against Bowling Green.
Head coach James Franklin has a history of running up the score, and with a struggling Kent State defense that has allowed 65 points in a single half, it’s hard to see how they can contain Penn State’s potent offense. The Nittany Lions are likely to score at will, and with a ranked Illinois team looming on the horizon, they may be motivated to make a statement.
Given the circumstances, a bet on Penn State -48.5 (with a play to 49) seems prudent. The expectation is for Penn State to dominate, potentially winning by a margin that exceeds 50 points.
Kent State vs. Penn State: Over/Under Insights
By Joshua Nunn
Kent State’s defensive struggles have been well-documented, with metrics indicating a historically poor performance. They have allowed explosive plays and have been outmatched in all three phases of the game. Penn State, fresh off a bye, is likely to exploit these weaknesses early and often.
While Kent State’s offense has struggled, the expectation is that Penn State will score frequently, potentially reaching 60 points on their own. The over/under for this game is set at 55.5, and given the circumstances, I believe there’s significant value in betting the over (with a play to 58). Even if Kent State fails to contribute significantly, Penn State’s offensive firepower should ensure a high-scoring affair.
Final Thoughts
As the afternoon slate of college football unfolds, these matchups present intriguing betting opportunities. With expert insights and analysis, bettors can navigate the landscape of college football with confidence, looking to capitalize on the best value available. Whether you’re backing Texas Tech, Virginia Tech, or Penn State, the excitement of college football betting is alive and well this Saturday.