Gridiron Guru: College Football Picks Week 4

Gridiron Guru is the ultimate college football picks showdown, where Clemson Sports Media’s writers battle it out by picking five games from across the country. It’s like watching your buddies debate football at a tailgate party but with experts. Check out their picks below each week for a dose of football excitement – it’s all about the pure joy of college football! Don’t miss out!
Clemson vs NC State Which Team Will DOMINATE?  | Around The Paw S2E5
Clifton Canady12-4
Griffin Barfield9-7
Angelo Feliberty9-7
Casey Cregan13-3
Garrett Mitchell12-4
Lacey Steele12-4
Anthony Weeks3-2
Records thru Week 3

Clifton Canady – Staff Writer

NC State @ 21 Clemson- Noon

I believe Clemson will indeed have the upper hand against NC State. Clemson’s offensive line has been performing exceptionally well, as noted by Dabo Swinney, and this strength should allow them to effectively run the ball with Phil Mafah, potentially overpowering NC State’s 3-3-5 defense. Clemson’s offense has shown explosive potential, as evidenced by their record-setting performance in Week 2. While NC State will focus on preventing big plays, Clemson’s confidence and offensive momentum should carry them through.

Clemson 34, N.C. State 17

18 Michigan @ 11 USC- 3:30 PM

I believe USC will win against Michigan. They are favored with a 65.2% chance of victory, showing strong performances early in the season. USC has a superior quarterback and coaching staff, giving them an edge. Despite Michigan’s potential challenges, USC’s form suggests a win. I predict USC will win 28-24.

USC 28, Michigan 24

6 Tennessee @ 15 Oklahoma-7:30 PM

I believe Tennessee will win against Oklahoma in their upcoming matchup. Tennessee is favored by 6.5 to 7 points, indicating confidence in their ability to secure a victory. The Volunteers have demonstrated strong performances, including a dominant 71-0 win over Kent State and 51-10 over N.C. State. While Oklahoma poses a challenge, Tennessee’s defensive line and overall team strength suggest they will come out on top.

Tennessee 31, Oklahoma 21

12 Utah @ 14 Oklahoma State – 4:00 PM

With the uncertainty surrounding Cam Rising’s injury, this game is a tough call. However, recent updates suggest that Rising is expected to play against Oklahoma State, which could significantly boost Utah’s chances. Despite this, Oklahoma State playing at home gives them a potential edge, especially with the line movement favoring them slightly. Considering these factors, I will pick Oklahoma State to win, leveraging their home-field advantage.

Oklahoma State 27, Utah 24

Cal @ Florida State – 7:00 PM

Considering the current form and circumstances, I am inclined to pick Cal to win by two scores against winless Florida State. The Golden Bears enter this matchup with a strong 3-0 record, while Florida State is struggling at 0-3. Cal’s momentum and confidence should give them an advantage, even though the game is at Florida State’s home field. Despite the Seminoles being slightly favored by the line at -2.5, Cal’s performance so far this season suggests they can overcome this and secure a decisive victory.

Cal 31, FSU 17

Garrett Mitchell- Staff Writer

NC State @ 21 Clemson – Noon

This was a much-hyped contest before the season began. Then the Wolfpack got rolled by Tennesse before losing their starting quarterback in the second game of their season. N.C. State will be relying on a true freshman against Clemson and the Tigers might have found themselves on offense. Bad news for the Pack. Clemson big.

Clemson 42, N.C. State 17

18 Michigan @ 11 USC – 3:30 PM

USC has played well in the season’s first two games. Michigan is the defending national champions but have not been nearly as prolific in 2024. The Wolverines are still solid but the Trojans might have found a defense after limiting LSU and shutting out Utah State. USC wins a tight one.

USC 31, Michigan 28

6 Tennessee @ 15 Oklahoma – 7:30 PM

Oklahoma is 2-0, but Tennessee has looked like a well-oiled machine through its first couple of games. The Volunteers even onside kicked Kent State up 30-0 in the first quarter. That’s cold! The Sooners will put up a fight, but Rocky Top will pull away in the second half.

Tennessee 38, Oklahoma 28

12 Utah @ 14 Oklahoma State – 4:00 PM

Maybe the best game in the country this week. Two teams playing well, two good offenses, and anytime Mike Gundy is on the sidelines, it is sure to be a fun watch. This one could go either way but it’s hard to pick against the mullet. Give me the Cowboys in an instant classic.

Oklahoma State 38, Utah 35

Cal @ Florida State – 7:00 PM

Who would have thought the Seminoles would be 0-3. Against the likes of Georgia Tech, Boston College, and Memphis? Sorry FSU fans, it doesn’t get much better this week. I almost feel sorry for the ‘Noles. Almost. Cal looks resurgent and the Bears roar again this week.

Cal 27, FSU 17

Casey Cregan – Staff Writer

NC State @ 21 Clemson – Noon

The Monkees sang, “I’m A Believer” way back when. It doesn’t take much for me to get all hope back for the Tigers. 66 points against App State. NC State gave up 51 to Tennessee. Defense wins championships, but it seems like whoever has the better offense has won the Textile Bowl in recent years. No Grayson McCall for the Pack, insert 6’5″ true freshman who can move, CJ Bailey. Bailey will likely give Clemson some issues, but I still think the Tigers prevail comfortably.

Clemson 38, N.C. State 14

18 Michigan @ 11 USC – 3:30 PM

How is Michigan still ranked? This is why I hate pre-season polls. They’ve shown nothing on the field to even sniff the top 25, yet they’re ranked 18th in the country. Connor Stallions weaseled his way to a high school head coaching job now, he’s not coming back. USC has wins against LSU and Utah State. We’re not quite sure just how good they are as of yet, but I know they’re better than Michigan.

USC 41, Michigan 21

6 Tennessee @ 15 Oklahoma – 7:30 PM

It’s the battle of the two worst fanbases on Twitter. And for those of us that live for tremendous message board posts, this one should be a dandy regardless of who wins. I do think that Tennessee has looked the better part this early in the season. Oklahoma has struggled with Tulane and Houston in the early going. Tennessee has struggled with no one. I like Tennessee here.

Tennessee 44, Oklahoma 20

12 Utah @ 14 Oklahoma State – 4:00 PM

Is Cam Rising playing? That’s anyone’s guess. The 12th year junior is such a good quarterback for the Utes, but “the best ability is availability” and it seems like Rising has been less available than In-N-Out Burger on the East Coast. Oklahoma State has a tremendous back in Ollie Gordon. He’s been a little banged up early in the season. I have a soft spot for Kyle Whittingham and the Utes, and I’m not sure why. Give me the Utes in a close one.

Utah 24, Oklahoma State 21

Cal @ Florida State- 7:00 PM

If you’re not seeing what “Cal Twitter” has been doing on that app this season, do yourself a favor and seek that out. They have been a welcomed addition to the ACC, at least on the bird app. Florida State has looked like bird doo-doo early in the season, dropping a third straight game to start the 2024 season to Memphis a week ago. Now Cal, a pre-season pick for the basement of the ACC comes in as only a 2.5 point underdog in Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee. I can’t pick Cal, but I want to.

Florida State 12, Cal 10

Lacey Steele – Staff Editor

NC State @ 21 Clemson Noon

This game has turned into a rivalry with the home team being victorious the last few years. I expect the same outcome this year. 

NC State 14, Clemson 27

18 Michigan @ 11 USC 3:30PM

This one will be close but USC will have enough offense to pull away at the end for the win. 

Michigan 13, USC 24

6 Tennessee @ 15 Oklahoma 7:30PM

Tennessee has too much offensive power for Oklahoma to handle and runs away with this one. 

Tennessee 44, Oklahoma 20

12 Utah @ 14 Oklahoma State 4:00PM

This game will be tight and could go either way. I’m taking Oklahoma State in this toss up game. 

Utah 22, Oklahoma State 23

Cal @ Florida State 7:00PM

Cal will get the lead and hold on for the upset win against Florida State. 

Cal 27, Florida State 17

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