College football's best Week 4 games today: What you should watch on the schedule

Get ready for an action-packed and impactful slate of games on the Week 4 college football schedule
College football's best Week 4 games today: What you should watch on the schedule
College football's best Week 4 games today: What you should watch on the schedule /

Early season games don't usually make or break a team's year, but there's no denying that teams which end up on the wrong side of those matchups have a steeper hill to climb later in the season when wins and losses matter far more. Week 4 of the college football schedule presents many such opportunities for some teams high in the rankings, and for those looking to climb a little higher.

Rankings: AP top 25 | Coaches

Get your remote ready and cancel any plans you have for Saturday. Here are the best games you should be watching.

No. 4 Florida State at Clemson

Clemson Tigers running back Will Shipley on a rushing attempt during a college football game in the ACC.
Clemson vs. Florida State / USA Today Images

Line: Florida State -2.5

When: Sat., Sept. 23
Time: 12 p.m. Eastern
TV: ABC network
Stream live: fuboTV (Try for free)

Why watch? It's go-time for Clemson, already at one loss and under the microscope after missing the playoff for two straight years, at home in an epic conference fight against a Seminole team that shot up to the top-five after an impressive win over LSU, but itself coming off a shaky win at BC. Clemson's offense has taken some modest steps in the right direction, but this game is the showcase to take that big leap forward, and for its defense to prove it's of playoff caliber against an FSU skill rotation that is among the nation's very best and most dynamic.

No. 19 Colorado at No. 10 Oregon

Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders attempts a pass during a college football game.
Colorado vs. Oregon / USA Today Images

Line: Oregon -21.5

When: Sat., Sept. 23
Time: 3:30 p.m. Eastern
TV: ABC network
Stream live: fuboTV (Try for free)

Why watch? Colorado has done nothing but surprise everyone, starting off 3-0 including a win over a ranked TCU, and boasting some credible skill threats who rank among the most talented in the nation. Can the Buffaloes keep it up? There are some concerns around their ability to protect quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who has garnered Heisman buzz after going over 1,200 yards with 10 touchdowns already, and when running the ball. Almost 7 in 10 bettors are siding with CU to cover here, but it's in for a fight against a very talented Oregon team stacked with its own skill targets and playing at home.

No. 15 Ole Miss at No. 13 Alabama

Nick Saban has led Alabama to domination in the Top 25 college football rankings and the national championship race.
Ole Miss vs. Alabama / USA Today Images

Line: Alabama -6.5

When: Sat., Sept. 23
Time: 3:30 p.m. Eastern
TV: CBS network
Stream live: fuboTV (Try for free)

Why watch? We could be on the cusp of a changing of the guard not only in the SEC, where it's arguably already happened thanks to Georgia, but also in college football nationally as it appears the great Alabama dynasty is in retreat. That's very debatable, however: remember, Bear Bryant had a late-career slump, too, before winning three more national titles. But right now, the Rebels are a threat to dump Bama to 2-2, coming in with a powerful attack that's scored 100 second-half points this year, but are dealing with injury concerns around top back Quinshon Judkins and lead receiver Tre Harris. Is this the year Lane Kiffin finally gets the GOAT?

No. 6 Ohio State at No. 9 Notre Dame

Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker JD Bertrand at the line of scrimmage during a college football game.
Ohio State vs. Notre Dame / USA Today Images

Line: Ohio State -3

When: Sat., Sept. 23
Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern
TV: NBC network
Stream live: fuboTV (Try for free)

Why watch? A remarkably close line for the Buckeyes here, proof of the suddenly narrowed gap between these two rosters since last year's game, a 21-10 win for OSU. Kyle McCord is still a question at quarterback, but Ohio State's other skill players are not. This is the best WR room in the nation and the Buckeye backs can slash you inside and out on long gainers. Sam Hartman is the answer to Notre Dame's prayers offensively, hitting 71% of his throws with 10 TDs and no turnovers and Audric Estime is over 100 yards rushing in 3 of 4 games (the fourth was 95) and averaging more than 8 yards per touch. There are great players all over the field in a great atmosphere for a game loaded with playoff implications.

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James Parks
JAMES PARKS

James Parks is the founder and publisher of College Football HQ. He previously covered football for 247Sports and CBS Interactive. College Football HQ joined the Sports Illustrated Fannation Network in 2022.