What we learned from CFB Week 3, with a peek at Week 4

Hook 'em

Former coach Nick Saban may want to rethink his preseason assessment that the Longhorns weren't going to hold their own in SEC. Not only is Steve Sarkisian's team a threat in the conference standings, but they have also dethroned the Georgia Bulldogs atop the AP rankings. 

SEC purists will argue they haven't faced a conference opponent yet, making their success subjective. We won't get that pleasure until October when they visit Oklahoma and host Georgia the following week. For the time being, backing Texas with your college football bets looks like money well spent.

Rivalry palooza

Suffice it to say, the early-season in-state rivalry games did not disappoint. The Cougars improved to 3-0 on the season with a big win against the Huskies in the Apple Cup, the Ducks got a much-needed road win against the Beavers and the Buffs upended the Rams 28-9 in the Rocky Mountain Showdown.

Colorado needs to give massive props to Travis Hunter for getting them back into the win column. The wide receiver and long time Deion Sanders protege ended the day with 13 receptions for 100 yards and two touchdowns. Fans should keep an eye on him as the season progresses — and NFL mock drafts become more solidified.

Have the Tide found their stride?

It sure looked like it on Saturday when they rolled into Madison and rolled over the Wisconsin Badgers 42-10. However, an even bigger test is right ahead of them. 

As of this publication, sportsbooks have yet to post the odds for the big Week 4 matchup between Alabama and Georgia. That's a game you won't want to miss, however — regardless of which side of the spread you choose to back.

What to watch for in Week 4

Can the Bears stay golden?

Calling next Saturday's Cal-Florida State game an in-conference matchup still sounds weird, but here we are. And it should be an interesting one given that the Bears are 3-0 on the season following a 31-10 win against San Diego State in Week 3.

DraftKings has Fernando Mendoza's team listed as 2-point underdogs against the Seminoles. They look like the team to cover given how well they're playing, but do keep in mind: Cal is making yet another cross-country trip for this game. This team hasn't shown signs of travel fatigue yet, but you never know when it could seep in.

Will the Trojans storm the Big House?

Yardbarker's own Zach Wadley is calling Saturday's matchup against No. 11 USC and No. 18 Michigan a must-watch — and he is also predicting the Trojans to beat the defending CFP champs in their own yard.

DK agrees, listing USC as the 5.5-point favorite to come out on top in Week 4.