CFB Week 4 betting preview: Key matchups, nuggets, and insights

Odds and data via theScore Bet and ESPN Bet

Texas' dominance through three weeks led to its first No. 1 ranking in the AP Poll since 2008. Georgia slipped to No. 2 after a scare against Kentucky.

Most teams around the country are beginning conference play this weekend, leading to some intriguing ranked matchups. Let's get to our game previews and betting nuggets.

Big game previews

No. 24 Illinois @ No. 22 Nebraska (-7.5, O/U 42.5), Friday 8 p.m. ET

Nebraska was considered a preseason dark-horse contender to compete for the Big Ten title and a spot in the College Football Playoff. Many pundits predicted a 7-0 start before an Oct. 26 matchup against Ohio State. Illinois will likely be the Cornhuskers' toughest test on their journey to seven straight wins to open the season.

Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola has been a sensation as a true freshman, completing 74% of his passes, throwing for 670 yards, and tossing five touchdowns in three starts. Raiola's surrounded by a cast of experienced weapons on a veteran-laden roster.

Matt Rhule has Nebraska trending in the right direction following a 5-7 finish in his first season as head coach and a slew of disappointing campaigns before his arrival. The Cornhuskers' year-to-year improvement was evident when it handled Colorado 28-10 in Week 2 after losing 36-14 to the Buffaloes a year earlier.

Illinois has a quality win over Kansas, but it hasn't played any competition close to Nebraska's level, leading to the Cornhuskers opening as more than a touchdown favorite.

No. 11 USC @ No. 18 Michigan (+5.5, O/U 46.5)

It's never a good sign when a team benches its quarterback after Week 3. But Michigan had no choice after putrid performances from Davis Warren. The problem is Warren beat out Alex Orji for the starting job, which doesn't bode well for Orji's potential as he assumes the starting role.

Orji is a run-first quarterback who's severely limited as a passer. The Wolverines' offense can't compete with top teams without a competent quarterback, and better yet, it can barely beat lower-level programs.

After an embarrassing home loss to Texas, Michigan narrowly defeated Arkansas State 28-18 last weekend. The Wolverines' strength is their defense, but USC's elite passing will pose a challenge in Ann Arbor. Texas outlined how to exploit Michigan's defense. The Trojans will likely follow a similar blueprint.

USC already owns a win over LSU and has the nation's seventh-best passing offense. Lincoln Riley found another stud quarterback to lead his offense. Miller Moss isn't Caleb Williams, but his incredible arm talent makes him the perfect replacement to lead USC's offense.

The Trojans are coming off a bye and should have success taking advantage of a Michigan squad in a rebuilding season.

No. 12 Utah @ No. 14 Oklahoma State (+2, O/U 54.5)

Utah is the favorite to win the Big 12 at +260, but Oklahoma State has the third-best odds at +550. This conference clash could shake up the oddsboard and impact the Big 12 standings at the season's conclusion.

Both teams are 3-0 but haven't played challenging opponents. Oklahoma State's overtime victory over Arkansas at home was the best win between the programs.

Utah quarterback Cam Rising missed all of last season, sinking the Utes' potentially promising campaign. His return to the team elevated expectations for Utah in a new-look Big 12. However, Rising suffered a hand injury in Week 2 against Baylor and missed last week's game against Utah State.

Rising is expected to return against Oklahoma State. Utah needs Rising healthy and his hand unaffected to beat the Cowboys.

No. 6 Tennessee @ No. 15 Oklahoma (+7, O/U 56.5)

Tennessee leads the nation in points per game and is second in total yards. The Volunteers have played suspect competition, but their offense looks unstoppable. They decimated NC State 51-10 earlier this season.

Tennessee's balanced offensive attack features one of the nation's best quarterbacks, Nico Iamaleava, and a running game with over 1,000 rushing yards through three contests.

Iamaleava is tied for the third-best odds to win the Heisman. He has the size, arm talent, and accuracy to hear his name called in the first round when he's draft-eligible. For now, he's looking to bring Tennessee to the College Football Playoff. The Volunteers have their toughest test so far at Oklahoma.

The Sooners are a touchdown underdog at home after shaky performances the last two weeks. Oklahoma narrowly escaped a subpar Houston squad, then stumbled in the second half against Tulane after building a sizable lead.

Questions surround Oklahoma quarterback Jackson Arnold, who's in his first season as a full-time starter. He completed 60% of his passes the last two weeks and threw two interceptions. Tennessee will have success if it puts Arnold in uncomfortable situations.

Week 4 nuggets

• No. 10 Penn State is the largest favorite of Week 4 as a 49-point favorite over Kent State.

• Georgia Southern @ Ole Miss has the highest total of Week 4 at 66.

• Iowa again has the lowest total of the weekend at 35.5 despite all three Hawkeyes games going over the total. More Iowa contests have gone over the total this season (3) than last campaign (2).

• Bettors are out on Michigan. USC's spread has attracted 86% of bets.

• Bettors are buying Nebraska's start. The Cornhuskers' spread has received 68% of bets.

• USC @ Michigan and Tennessee @ Oklahoma have garnered more money wagered than any other Week 4 game.

• The public needs Army to cover. Army -6 against Rice is the most lopsided spread of the weekend, with 99% of the money on Army's spread.

• UL Monroe @ Texas is the most lopsided total of the weekend, with 99% of the money on the game going over 52.5 points.

Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X @soshtry for more betting coverage.