Week 4 college football picks: Previews and analysis for loaded slate, including six ranked matchups

If the first three weeks of the season helped establish the contenders, Week 4 should begin separating them. Saturday features six ranked matchups -- more than the first three weeks combined and the most on a single day since Sept. 23, 2023.

From Arch Manning returning to Knoxville with his stock dropping to top-five Ole Miss visiting a resurgent Florida, this slate is loaded with games carrying real conference and College Football Playoff consequences. As always, we'll spotlight one player who could swing each matchup, break down the personnel edges and make a pick against the spread.

Clemson at California

Line: Clemson -1.5

Player to Watch: California S Kingston Lopa

A four-star Oregon transfer who rejoined Tosh Lupoi shortly after his departure from Eugene, Lopa has been nothing short of phenomenal since arriving in Berkeley, leading the country with five interceptions in just three games. A Swiss-army kife in the secondary with excellent length and playmaking ability, Lopa could present problems for young Tait Reynolds in his first career road start.

The Pick: Through three weeks, no team in the country has allowed more tackles for loss than Clemson. The Tigers are also converting just over 20% of their third-down attempts, ranking No. 136 among 138 FBS teams. Add a 10:30 p.m. ET body-clock kickoff for Dabo Swinney's team, and you have a formidable recipe for Tosh Lupoi's first ACC home victory.

Pick: California +1.5

Score prediction: California 27, Clemson 21

No. 1 Texas at No. 14 Tennessee

Line: Texas -4.5

Player to Watch: Texas QB Arch Manning

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