ATLANTA — Week 4 delivers a prime collision course in college football: ranked teams, heated rivalries, and storylines that will define seasons. Below is your preview of the biggest matchups scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 20, including records, rankings, times and what to watch. Buckle up.
Miami (FL) vs. Florida
No. 4 Miami (3–0) hosts the Gators (2–1) in Miami Gardens with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC. The Hurricanes are rising in the AP Poll after a dominant win over USF; Florida, fresh off a loss at LSU, must repair its defense and find consistency. Miami enters as a slight favorite; this season is shaping up for them, and a win keeps their playoff resume clean. For Florida, this rivalry is a must in every dimension—pride, recruiting, momentum.
Auburn vs. Oklahoma
No. 22 Auburn (2–1) travels to No. 11 Oklahoma (3–0) in Norman, with the game slated for 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC. Oklahoma’s look has been solid, feeding off balanced offense and opportunistic defense. Auburn needs to prove it can win on the road against a ranked opponent. If Auburn can keep this close, it’d be a win of respect even if it ends in a loss.
Michigan vs. Nebraska
Michigan (2–1) visits Nebraska (3–0) in Lincoln at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS. Nebraska’s offense looks explosive so far, especially passing, while Michigan has leaned on its defensive identity. Wolverine fans want to see the offense click under pressure; Husker fans want Nebraska to continue building legitimacy. This one could be a shootout, or defensive breakdowns aplenty.
Apple Cup: Washington vs. Washington State
Washington (2–0) travels to Pullman to face Washington State (2–1) at 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS. Washington State is still deciding who starts at QB, still integrating many new starters, and certainly licking wounds after a rough loss to North Texas. The Huskies are favored; a domination would be expected, but rivalry games often defy logic. Keep an eye on turnovers; those probably swing this one.
South Carolina vs. Missouri
Missouri (23rd in AP, 3–0) hosts South Carolina (2–1) in Columbia around 7 p.m. ET on ESPN. The Gamecocks are still trying to get back on track after a loss to Vanderbilt ended their ranking status; Missouri wants to use its undefeated slate to creep up the rankings. The QB situation, offensive line performance, and ability to avoid penalties will likely decide this one.
Texas Tech vs. Utah
No. 17 Texas Tech (3–0) heads to Salt Lake City to face No. 16 Utah (3–0) in a top-25 duel at 12 p.m. ET on FOX. Both teams are undefeated, both have something to prove. For Tech, it’s about showing offense can win in cold, altitude-charged atmospheres. For Utah, defending home turf and controlling the tempo will be vital.
Bonus Matches to Watch
- Oregon vs. Oregon State (Civil War game) — always heated, and Oregon (No. 6, 3–0) will try to avoid looking past their backyard rival.
- Illinois vs. Indiana — No. 9 Illinois (3–0) aims to stay undefeated; Indiana (No. 19) wants to prove the Big Ten has more than two or three contenders. No big brand names here, but an exceptional matchup, even if it’s overlooked. Big stakes across the board, as the winner sets up a playoff run.
- Texas vs. UTEP and Florida State vs. Kent State offer relief games, but as we know, upsets lurk in every underdog’s heart this time of year.
What to Watch
- How undefeated teams protect ranking credibility — Miami, Utah, Oklahoma, etc.
- Which offenses break through and which defenses buckle under pressure.
- Coaching decisions in rivalry games: QB choices in Pullman, game plans in Columbia, willingness to risk in big spots.
- Turnovers and special teams — always the hidden X-factor, especially with new starters or backups getting snaps.
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