College Football Week 4: Big Wins, Painful Losses, and New Opportunities for Bettors

NCAAF
September 22, 2025

Indiana shines, Texas Tech makes a statement, and Florida sinks in a week full of surprises

 

Week 4 of college football (NCAAF) delivered an explosive mix of emotions, comebacks, unexpected losses, and performances that are already shaping the road to the 2025 playoffs. And for sports betting fans, it was a week that reinforced how thrilling and unpredictable this sport can be—making NCAAF Odds shift more than ever.

Let’s take a look at this week’s big winners and losers, and how these results are impacting the betting landscape.

 

Winner: Indiana Hoosiers – On a steady path to the playoffs!

 

Indiana is no fluke. After making history by qualifying for the new 12-team College Football Playoff format in 2024, many thought their success was a one-time wonder. But the Hoosiers (4-0) just crushed Illinois 63-10, proving they’re not just here to compete—they’re here to win.

Quarterback Fernando Mendoza delivered one of the best performances of the year: 21 of 23 completions, 267 yards, and five touchdowns. These numbers place him firmly in the Heisman Trophy conversation and drastically boost Indiana’s NCAAF Odds on major betting sites.

Their defense was also flawless, limiting Illinois to just 161 total yards. While other high-profile programs like Clemson and SMU are struggling, Indiana stays calm, focused, and undefeated.

Tip for bettors: Indiana is shaping up to be a strong team to cover large spreads. If you see high lines in upcoming games, seriously consider betting in their favor.

 

The Loser: Florida Gators – Total Crisis in Gainesville

 

Florida (1-3) is going through one of its worst slumps in the past decade. This week, they fell 26-7 to the Miami Hurricanes, and the most alarming stat was their 32 total offensive yards in the first half.

D.J. Lagway, the highly touted freshman QB, has gone from rising star to a cloud of uncertainty. He threw for just 61 yards, following a five-interception game last week against LSU.

In betting terms, Florida has become a team to avoid. Their offensive line is weak, their quarterback is losing confidence, and their opponents are capitalizing on every mistake.

NCAAF Odds in freefall: The Gators have gone from being favorites in several games to clear underdogs. If this bad streak continues, the odds will continue to reflect a complete lack of faith in this team.

 

The Winner: Texas Tech – The New Big 12 Powerhouse

 

Texas Tech made a bold statement. In a key Big 12 matchup, the Red Raiders (4-0) beat Utah 34-10, leaving no doubt about their potential to dominate the conference.

What’s more impressive is that they did it with their backup QB. Will Hammond threw for 169 yards and two touchdowns after stepping in for Behren Morton, who left early in the third quarter due to injury. Their defense also shone, with 4 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles.

Smart bet: If Texas Tech keeps winning even with key injuries, their NCAA Odds to win the Big 12 or make the playoffs could be one of the best value plays out there right now.

 

Winner: The American Athletic Conference – The best outside the Power 5?

 

It’s no exaggeration to say that The American is having a dream season. In Week 4, Memphis edged out Arkansas 32-31, notching the conference’s sixth win against Power 5 teams this season.

Tulsa beat Oklahoma State, South Florida beat Boise State, and North Texas crushed Washington State 59-10. With these results, the NCAAF Odds of an American Conference team sneaking into the playoffs have skyrocketed.

 

Value tip: Sportsbooks often underestimate “Group of Five” teams. Pay close attention to high-value lines in non-conference matchups—there are golden opportunities for sharp bettors.

 

Loser: Clemson Tigers – The decline continues

 

Clemson is in free fall. After losing 34-21 to Syracuse, they’re now 1-3—their worst start since 2004. Veteran coach Dabo Swinney is under increasing scrutiny, and the mistakes keep piling up.

For bettors, Clemson has gone from being a spread-covering machine to a dangerous trap.

NCAAF Odds in trouble: Before the season, their odds to win the ACC were +500. Today, few believe they’ll even qualify for a bowl game.

 

Pass protection – QBs are paying the price

 

Teams like Nebraska and Auburn paid dearly for their lack of pass protection. Nebraska lost to Michigan after allowing 7 sacks, and Auburn fell to Oklahoma after giving up 10 sacks, including one in the final minutes that resulted in a safety.

Betting implications: Teams with poor offensive lines often fail to cover spreads—especially against aggressive defenses. Be sure to consider this metric before placing your bets. 

 

Winners: Josh Hoover and Eric McAlister – TCU’s new dynamic duo

 

TCU won the rivalry game against SMU (35-24) with a standout performance from QB Josh Hoover (379 yards, 5 TDs) and wide receiver Eric McAlister, who caught 8 passes for 254 yards and 3 touchdowns.

This kind of offensive connection completely reshapes the outlook for a team that had some question marks, but now looks very dangerous.

Strategic bet: If TCU continues this explosive offense, betting the over in their games will be an appealing play in the coming weeks.

 

Loser: Trent Dilfer and UAB – A project on the verge of collapse

 

UAB was steamrolled 56-24 by Tennessee. Head coach Trent Dilfer was seen casually on his cell phone before kickoff, and during the game, one of his players showed shocking unsportsmanlike conduct. The locker room is toxic, and the situation is deteriorating fast.

NCAAF Odds reflect the chaos: UAB’s betting lines not only show them as underdogs weekly, but they rarely cover the spread. Betting against them could continue to be profitable.

 

Winner: Louisville and their guest mascot – Good football and good vibes

 

Louisville won both on and off the field. By welcoming viral internet cat “Pudge” with his own locker and letter, the team gained fan love and charisma. On the field, they won big and remained undefeated.

NCAAF odds rising: Louisville is starting to turn heads in the ACC, and their odds for big games are improving week by week.

 

Loser: Ball security – Fumbles that cost games

 

Key fumbles ruined games for North Texas (almost), Miami (Ohio), and Arkansas. These plays flipped outcomes—and betting lines—in seconds.

Bettor’s tip: Ball security is crucial when evaluating NCAAF Odds. Teams with high turnover rates often struggle to maintain coverage. Take note!

 

NCAAF Week 4 Betting Analysis

 

College football is unpredictable—but that’s precisely what makes it exciting and profitable for savvy bettors. NCAAF odds are constantly adjusting after every surprise, injury, and standout performance.

 

Key takeaways for your future bets:

 

  • Indiana and Texas Tech are more solid than expected.
  • Clemson and Florida are on the decline—be cautious betting on them.
  • American Conference teams are delivering big upsets.
  • Ball security and pass protection are vital indicators when betting.

 

We are Ready for Week 5, and you?

 

At this stage of the season, information is power. Analyze, compare odds, and get ready to take advantage of the best NCAAF Odds heading into Week 5.

Week 4 of college football delivers high-voltage matchups and massive betting opportunities. With fierce rivalries, breakout players, and rankings on the line, NCAAF Odds become a critical tool to evaluate value and strategy.

Don’t sit on the sidelines. Get in on the action and bet on Sunday night Football Week 2 matchups? It’s easy to get started with online football betting at a sportsbook like BUSR. We’re celebrating a decade of excellence as the go-to platform for secure and rewarding sports betting, offering an extensive selection of NCAAF betting lines and odds.

There’s nothing better than watching the NCAAF season with friends. And now, you can get rewarded for it. Share your unique referral link to BUSR with your friends. When they sign up and make a deposit, you’ll get up to $250. It’s a win-win for your friends ‘ team.

When you win, BUSR ensures fast and secure payouts, allowing you to enjoy your winnings without delay. Beyond the gridiron, we offer markets on virtually every sport imaginable, proving why we’re truly one of the best NFL betting sites. Don’t just watch the action unfold; be a part of it.

It’s time to turn your game-day passion into profit. Join BUSR today.

 

Score up to $1,500
on your first deposit

100% Welcome Bonus + 25 Casino Spins

Join the BUSR Experience. Stream LIVE all major sport leagues, enjoy live in-game moments with live betting, exclusive team props, and season futures. You control your winnings with our new Early Cash-Out option, no need to wait for game endings. Enjoy 24-hour payouts, dive into over 1,000 casino games, and access to exclusive lines and boosted odds.