The college football standings are getting extremely close through the first four weeks of the season. Both in real life and in our picks against the spread.
Michelle Martinelli grabbed the lead this week, but only two games separate first and last place. We may not see much separation after Week 4, either, as our panel has consensus picks for four of the 10 spreads on the slate.
Tail responsibly and best of luck out there.
All odds via BetMGM
Name
Last Week
YTD
Michelle Martinelli
5-5
20-14
Christian D’Andrea
4-6
19-15
Mitchell Northam
6-4
19-15
Blake Schuster
5-5
18-16
Tyler Nettuno
5-5
18-16
No. 22 Nebraska vs. No. 24 Illinois, Friday, 8 p.m. ET on Fox
Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports
Opening Line: Nebraska -8
Blake Schuster: Nebraska -8.5
This line flirted around 10 for a bit and made me really consider taking Illinois. Then I remembered the Illini defeated Kansas because Jalon Daniels threw picks to their safeties like he was aiming for them. I don’t think Dylan Raiola makes those same mistakes.
Mitchell Northam: Nebraska -8.5
I don’t feel good at about putting this much faith in Nebraska, but they’re at home and they have the better quarterback. So, yeah, the Huskers improve to 4-0.
Christian D’Andrea: Nebraska -8.5
The fine people of Lincoln finally have something to cheer for. Illinois exists to ruin things for others, but on the road? I dunno, man.
Michelle Martinelli: Nebraska -8.5
I previously picked against Illinois this season and got burned, but I guess I can’t help doing it again — even if I’m not that high on this Cornhuskers team yet.
Tyler Nettuno: Nebraska -8.5
Illinois has my attention after beating Kansas, even if I’m not sure the Jayhawks are all that good. But I’m really buying this Nebraska team, especially in front of what should be a rocking home crowd on Thursday night.
No. 21 Clemson vs. NC State, Saturday, Noon ET at ABC
Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Opening Line: Clemson -7.5
Blake Schuster: NC State +20.5
That’s a huge line for a Clemson that hasn’t scored more than three points against a Power 4 team this year. The Tigers win, but three touchdowns is a big ask.
Mitchell Northam: NC State +20.5
It feels like this line shifted because the Wolfpack are going to start a rookie quarterback in Death Valley instead of grizzled Sun Belt veteran Grayson McCall, but CJ Bailey simply outplayed him in the last game. Also, what exactly has Clemson done to earn a three-touchdown advantage over a team that was ranked two weeks ago? I just don’t see a Dave Doeren-coached team getting blown out this way. And remember, this same Clemson team lost in Raleigh last year. Looking at the rosters on-paper, NC State is better. Clemson isn’t.
Christian D’Andrea: NC State +20.5
I’m skeptical of any line shift that drastic and NC State was ranked two weeks ago. I’m not suggesting they should be ranked now, just that they may not be three touchdowns worse than an uneven Clemson team.
Michelle Martinelli: NC State +20.5
Gotta be skeptical when the line shifts this much. Clemson somewhat unexpectedly rocked App State, and the Wolfpack had a little trouble beating Louisiana Tech last week. But three touchdowns just seems like way too big a spread.
Tyler Nettuno: NC State +20.5
This line rapidly shifted in Clemson’s direction, and while I’m very skeptical of the Wolfpack and am less bearish on Clemson offensively after it dropped 66 on Appalachian State, this just feels a bit too big.
No. 18 Michigan vs. No. 11 USC, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS
Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Opening Line: Michigan -8.5
Blake Schuster: USC -6
The Trojans are coming off a bye week before their first trip to the Big House and it sure seems like they’re catching Michigan at the right time for their first matchup as conference foes.
Mitchell Northam: Michigan +6
This game feels like it’s lacking buzz. Perhaps that’s because Michigan already lost to a marquee opponent at the Big House this year. Anyways, I can’t see the Wolverines getting badly beaten at home twice in one season, and I’m still not sure I believe in USC being a legitimate playoff contender.
Christian D’Andrea: Michigan +6
I’m not yet sold on the Trojans, and the Big House is gonna be rocking for the first showdown between these teams as Big Ten rivals.
Michelle Martinelli: USC -6
Zero confidence in either team’s defense, but with Michigan now starting quarterback Alex Orji, I have little confidence he can lead the Wolverines’ offense to go score for score against the Trojans. Even at the Big House.
Tyler Nettuno: USC -6
The Trojans look like they could be a much bigger factor in the Big Ten race than I expected, and Michigan has all sorts of issues. The Big House didn’t help the Wolverines against Texas, and while this one should be closer, it won’t get them the win against USC, either.
No. 14 Oklahoma State vs. No. 12 Utah, Saturday, 4 p.m. ET on Fox
Opening Line: Utah -2
Blake Schuster: Oklahoma State +2.5
The Cowboys haven’t needed Ollie Gordon II to play his best in order to start 3-0, but they sure need him now. That said, I think Utah is about to learn games in Stillwater never go how you expect (See: Arkansas).
Mitchell Northam: Utah -2.5
If Cam Rising plays for the entirety of this game, Utah should win comfortably in Stillwater.
Christian D’Andrea: Utah -2.5
I’m still not sold on Oklahoma State being more than “pretty good” and, ope, here comes a quarterback averaging 12 yards per pass attempt.
Michelle Martinelli: Oklahoma State +2.5
Such a bummer for Cam Rising that his health is so often a question mark, but whether he’s healthy or not, Cowboys running back Ollie Gordon is too good to ignore and will carry his team to at least cover.
Tyler Nettuno: Utah -2.5
My pick here entirely depends on Cam Rising’s health. With him, this may be the best team in the Big 12. Without him, it had to come from behind to beat Utah State. He’s expected to play Saturday, so assuming that’s the case and he’s 100%, I’ll take Utah.
Auburn vs. Arkansas, Saturday, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Opening Line: Auburn -3
Blake Schuster: Arkansas +3
If you told me Auburn was the home dog in this one I’d have believed it. Arkansas might not run away with a win, but I feel comfortable giving this offense a few more points.
Mitchell Northam: Arkansas +3
I’m not sure we can call this an Anxiety Bowl because Auburn doesn’t seem ready to dump Hugh Freeze just yet, but folks in the Plains will start getting antsy if he loses this SEC opener at home, right? Meanwhile, if you’re Sam Pittman, you probably have to win this game to keep your job, no?
Christian D’Andrea: Arkansas +3
The Tigers have looked bad. The Razorbacks have looked… less bad. Give me the hot seat head coach whose replacement is literally on staff next to him.
Michelle Martinelli: Arkansas +3
The Payton Thorne experience for Auburn may be over — or at least on hold — but that doesn’t mean the Tigers will be better for it. Still, Arkansas looks a bit more put together.
Tyler Nettuno: Auburn -3
I feel absolutely dreadful about this pick and have zero faith in either team. Arkansas’ offense is tantalizing, but it struggled against UAB. I’ll put my faith in Hank Brown being at least slightly better than Payton Thorne.
No. 15 Oklahoma vs. No. 6 Tennessee, Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC
Opening Line: Oklahoma -3.5
Blake Schuster: Tennessee -7
Oklahoma wanted the SEC. Well, now it’s a touchdown home underdog for the first time in about 25 years. Be careful what you wish for, Sooners.
Mitchell Northam: Tennessee -7
Through three games, the Vols have the nation’s top-scoring offense and the third-best defense. Are those numbers inflated a bit by playing mostly bad teams? Sure. But is Tennessee still capital-G good? I think the Vols are about to show us in Norman that, yes, they are.
Christian D’Andrea: Oklahoma +7
I don’t love it, but the Sooners have the horses to keep up and home field advantage.
Michelle Martinelli: Tennessee -7
Sure, it’s based on a small sample size, but the Vols’ offense and defense are No. 2 in the FBS in yards (or yards allowed) per game, and I’m not picking against that.
Tyler Nettuno: Tennessee -7
I know this game is in Norman, but what were the oddsmakers smoking when OU opened as the favorite here? I don’t trust this offense, especially against Tennessee’s (potentially) elite defense. I could see this one getting ugly.
Minnesota vs. Iowa, Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Opening Line: Iowa -3.5
Blake Schuster: Iowa -2.5
Shocked this line isn’t bigger. I know this game is at Minnesota, but the Hawkeyes look pretty dang competent on offense now.
Mitchell Northam: Iowa -2.5
I know this is a road game, but they should still play “Many Men” when Kirk Ferentz walks out onto the field. This is the newest Big Ten tradition.
Christian D’Andrea: Iowa -2.5
I have concerns about the seaworthiness of this boat.
Michelle Martinelli: Iowa -2.5
I hate picking Iowa to score, but the Hawkeyes have shown some real signs of offensive life this season that shouldn’t be ignored.
Tyler Nettuno: Iowa -2.5
If you weren’t paying attention, Iowa dropped 38 points on an FBS opponent Saturday! Side note: Don’t look up Troy’s results so far this season. Still, this offense seems at least slightly improved, and I’m not sure Minnesota’s offense with Max Brosmer will be able to score at all in this game.
Colorado vs. Baylor, Saturday, 8 p.m. ET on Fox
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Opening Line: Colorado -2.5
Blake Schuster: Colorado -1.5
Probably not a game the Buffs win on the road, but at home their reintroduction to the Big 12 should be a pretty celebratory event.
Mitchell Northam: Baylor +1.5
Like Pittman going to Auburn this weekend, this is probably one of those games Dave Aranda has to win if he wants to keep his job. After 14 years, welcome back to the Big 12, Buffs.
Christian D’Andrea: Baylor +1.5
I trust Dave Aranda to find a way to exploit Colorado’s blocking.
Michelle Martinelli: Colorado -1.5
I’m not high on the Buffs, and their defense outside of Travis Hunter has plenty of room for improvement. But I think the home team can win this one in its return to the Big 12.
Tyler Nettuno: Colorado -1.5
Don’t get mad at me, but I’m actually cautiously buying the Buffs this year. They’re not a Big 12 contender by any means but the lines of scrimmage do seem to be improved. Baylor also seems slightly improved after a disastrous 2023, but Colorado is the more talented team here.
No. 19 Louisville vs. Georgia Tech, Saturday, 3:30 p.m ET on NBC
Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images
Opening Line: Louisville -9.5
Blake Schuster: Georgia Tech +10.5
Hey, listen…are we sure Louisville is this good? Like I know its scored a bunch of points already, but the Cards have only faced Austin Peay and Jacksonville State.
Mitchell Northam: Georgia Tech +10.5
An ACC team favored by double-digits against this pesky run-the-damn-ball Georgia Tech team? Proceed with caution, Louisville bettors.
Christian D’Andrea: Georgia Tech +10.5
Tech’s offense is decent enough to keep this in single digits.
Michelle Martinelli: Georgia Tech +10.5
Consider that this Georgia Tech team has played four games together, while Louisville is coming off an early bye with two wins against not-super-challenging teams. I would have picked the Yellow Jackets to cover regardless, and yes, they may be more tired, but they’re also more put together.
Tyler Nettuno: Georgia Tech +10.5
It’s been a nice start for the Cardinals, but this is their first opponent with a pulse. The Yellow Jackets came crashing down to Earth with a loss to Syracuse in their ACC opener, but this is still a solid team that I expect to keep this one close enough to cover.
No. 25 Texas A&M vs. Bowling Green, Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET on SEC Network
Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
Opening Line: Texas A&M -24.5
Blake Schuster: Bowling Green +22.5
The Aggies are switching quarterbacks and still figuring things out under Mike Elko. A perfect time for Bowling Green to come to town for a scare.
Mitchell Northam: Texas A&M -22.5
The Aggies are ranked?
Christian D’Andrea: Bowling Green +22.5
Partially because the Falcons hung with Penn State on the road, and partially because I enjoy hilarious things.
Michelle Martinelli: Texas A&M -22.5
Phewwww I hate this pick and think the spread is too big. Magical MACtion taking over here would be spectacular, but I don’t see it happening this time.
Tyler Nettuno: Texas A&M -22.5
This game feels like such a trap after the way Bowling Green played against Penn State in Beaver Stadium. I just don’t know if the Falcons have another game like that in them, especially against an Aggies team riding high off a dominant road win in the Swamp.
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