Clemson and Utah Shine as USC Falls in Week 4

In Week 4 of college football, Clemson showcased its dominance with a decisive 66-20 victory over Appalachian State, followed by a 59-35 win against NC State. This performance solidified their position as a contender for the College Football Playoff (CFP). Meanwhile, Tennessee proved its strength with a 25-15 win against Oklahoma, relying heavily on its running game and a strong defense, which has positioned them favorably in the CFP race. Oklahoma struggled offensively, leading to a quarterback change during the game. USC faced a setback against Michigan, where despite the Wolverines' poor offensive showing, the Trojans could not secure a win. This loss has left USC with a narrow margin for error moving forward, as they may only afford one more loss to remain in contention for an at-large CFP bid. In contrast, Utah's strong defensive performance against Oklahoma State in their Big 12 opener highlighted their potential, although they will need their quarterback, Rising, healthy to compete effectively in the conference. The Group of 5 CFP spot remains highly competitive, with Liberty emerging as a strong candidate after a 35-24 win against East Carolina, bringing their record to 4-0. Other early favorites have stumbled, making the race for the fifth CFP spot wide open as teams enter conference play. The landscape of college football is shifting, with several teams vying for playoff positions as the season progresses. Overall, the results from Week 4 have reshaped the playoff picture, revealing the strengths and weaknesses of various teams and setting the stage for an exciting remainder of the season.