Best NCAA Football Games to Bet in Week 4
The 2022 season has been a renaissance for old Big East rivalries. After squaring off with its Backyard Brawl partner to open the season, West Virginia will travel to Virginia Tech to renew another rivalry with an old conference partner. The Mountaineers have had a rough stroke of luck over their first three games.
West Virginia, a 2-point favorite over the Hokies, blew a fourth-quarter lead and lost by a touchdown to Pitt. The Mountaineers also lost to Kansas in overtime. West Virginia is a better team than its record would imply.
Quarterback JT Daniels has passed for 743 yards, and wide receiver Bryce Ford-Wheaton has developed into a strong top target with 296 yards. Virginia Tech hasn't been impressive to start the season. The Hokies lost their season-opener by three points to Old Dominion.
In Virginia Tech's last two games, the Hokies has recorded two victories over not-strong competition. Playing West Virginia will be a step up. The Hokies' offense has struggled all season, scoring 23.7 points per game. While Virginia Tech's defense has been solid, the Hokies haven't played anyone.
Bet on West Virginia to cover the 2 points on the road. With that in mind, here's a look at some other action from Week 4.
Coastal Carolina (-2.5) vs. Georgia State
When it comes to watching the Chanticleers this season, buckle up. Coastal Carolina is scoring 35.7 points per game with an offense that piles up 432.3 yards per game. The Chants have struggled with turnover issues, giving the ball away five times in three games.
Coastal Carolina, which hasn't played any tough competition this season, returns quarterback Grayson McCall, who is the two-time defending Sun Belt Player of the Year. Last season, McCall's missed the meeting between the teams, and Georgia State was able to escape with a 42-40 victory. McCall's top target at wide receiver, Sam Pinckney, is a transfer from Georgia State.
Georgia State also returns its starting quarterback from last season in Darren Grainger. Grainger is a dual-threat option but isn't an accurate passer. Grainger has only completed 51.7 percent of his passes this season.
Baylor (+110) vs. Iowa State
Defending Big 12 champion Baylor will see how legitimate its odds of repeating are where it goes on the road to Iowa State to open conference play. The Bears' only stiff test in the non-conference action resulted in an overtime loss to BYU, which is also ranked in the top 25. Baylor's offense has been led by Blake Sharpen, who has passed for 535 yards and four touchdowns so far this season.
On the ground, the Bears have remarkable balance. Baylor has three rushers who have gained 100 or more total rushing yards so far this season. Richard Reese is the Bears leading rusher, having gained 237 yards on 34 carries and scored five touchdowns. Iowa State will host the conference opener against No. 17 Baylor riding high.
The Cyclones are off to a 3-0 start and beat rival Iowa for the first time in six tries. Iowa State running back Jirehl Block has blossomed into a top tailback, wracking up 280 yards on 50 carries to lead the team with a 5.6 yards per carry average. Iowa State quarterback Hunter Dekkers has thrown for 745 yards and eight touchdowns but has struggled with turning the ball over.
Dekkers has thrown three interceptions already this season. This will be a great conference opener for both teams. Despite Iowa State's success so far this season, Baylor will sneak out of Ames with a victory.
Michigan State (+120) vs. Minnesota
The Spartans may have been exposed as frauds last week during a loss to Washington. However, Michigan State has the opportunity to prove the same thing about Minnesota as home underdogs. The Golden Gophers enter East Lansing with a 3-0 record but haven't beaten anyone of substance.
Minnesota does have a big win over Colorado, but the Buffaloes are a program in turmoil. Michigan State junior quarterback Payton Thorne must be more efficient if the Spartans are going to upset the Golden Gophers. Thorne has passed for 768 yards and seven touchdowns this season but has also thrown four interceptions.
The Spartans also need to get their run game back on track. Running back Jalen Berger started the season with back-to-back 100-yard games but was held to 27 yards by the Huskies. Minnesota was hit with tough news this week when it found out leading wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell is now out for the season with an injury.
The question is how will that impact a dominant Golden Gophers' running game? Minnesota running back Mohamed Ibrahim is averaging 6.9 yards per carry and has compiled 464 yards and seven touchdowns so far this season.
There is a chance Minnesota bullies Sparty on the ground, but Michigan State at plus money, or as 2.5-point underdogs, is too tempting to pass up.
Derek Hudson
Derek is a long time sports bettor who grew up in Providence, RI. Derek is data driven and believes the key to betting the sportsbooks is finding an edge in analytics. Derek is happily married and has two young boys. Derek will bet on anything if you let him.
