The top game of the week has two top-25 programs facing off when ninth-ranked UCLA takes its perfect 3-0 record on the road to face Arizona, who is also 3-0. Both schools have young quarterbacks leading the way, but the Bruins defense has played much better in 2015 and that could become the difference in this critical contest.
(18) Utah is also 3-0 on the year, but its week 4 game at (13) Oregon will be a litmus test for the program. The Utes have won with tough defense, solid special teams play, and limited mistakes on offense, but to beat the Ducks on the road would set this squad up for a big season and put Utah on the map as a legitimate playoff contender.
USC took a big drop in the polls this week after losing to Stanford, but the Trojans could get back on track on Saturday night with a in at Arizona State. Both teams will enter the game 2-1, but the loser can kiss the PAC Championship goodbye and will find it tough to get a bid to a major bowl game at seasons end.
No other conference has two ranked teams playing each other in week 4, but there’s plenty of quality games on the schedule. (3) TCU will look to keep its National Championship hopes alive when they travel to Lubbock, Texas to face 3-0 Texas Tech.
This figures to be a high-scoring affair with two explosive offenses, but with all big games, turnovers and mental errors will play a crucial role in who wins and who will have an uphill climb the rest of the college football season.
Each week is crucial as Alabama and USC found out over the weekend, and despite the NCAA now having a playoff system in place, losing games is not an option for those who wish to play for a title. This weekend has some big match ups and for those who win, they keep the dream alive, at least for one more week.
