College football picks, schedule: Predictions against the spread, odds for NCAA's top 25 games in Week 4

Week 4 of the 2024 college football season is underway and brings plenty of exciting action, with three games featuring top-25 teams highlighting the weekend schedule. Two games feature opponents ranked in the top 15 in the most recent AP Top 25 poll, and several programs will make their official conference debut when league play begins.

That includes No. 11 USC, which is playing its first Big Ten game and faces No. 18 Michigan. The Wolverines have already lost one top-25 game at home this year, so there's plenty of motivation to beat a favored Trojans team and keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive.

No. 12 Utah enters its third conference of the century, traveling to No. 14 Oklahoma State for a Big 12 matchup. All eyes are on the condition of Utes quarterback Cameron Rising, who missed his team's Week 3 win with a finger injury on his throwing hand. Coach Kyle Whittingham said Rising's return is planned, but the situation is still something to keep an eye on.

Then No. 15 Oklahoma hosts No. 6 Tennessee in a game full of storylines. Josh Heupel returns to Norman as Tennessee coach while Oklahoma plays its first SEC game. The winner takes a major step toward College Football Playoff berth.

Stay with CBS Sports all day Saturday for college football coverage from opening kickoff. Let's take a look at our expert picks for the best games in Week 4.

SportsLine Consensus Odds | All Times Eastern

No. 11 USC at No. 18 Michigan

3:30 p.m. | CBS, Paramount+ with ShowtimeCBSSports.com, CBS Sports App — Michigan is relying on mobile junior Alex Orji at quarterback in hopes of getting its offense back on track after a worrisome start. But it's clear that the Michigan staff doesn't trust Orji to throw the football, meaning the Wolverines will continue to be one-dimensional. The Trojans appear far more competent defensively under new coordinator D'Anton Lynn and should have the luxury of upgrading against the run. USC also has enough offensive power to exploit the weak spots in a Michigan defense that isn't as dominant as its 2023 counterpart. Selection: USC -5.5 -David Cobb

No. 12 Utah at No. 14 Oklahoma State

4 p.m. | Fox, fubo (Try for free) — The Utes were picked to top the Big 12 standings for a reason, and now they have a chance to flex their muscles in a road game in Stillwater. Oklahoma State has proven very vulnerable in run defense and against mobile quarterbacks, giving Rising the opportunity to attack the outside positions. If Ollie Gordon II can't get on track, the Utes have a good chance to win. Selection: Utah +130 — Shehan Jeyarajah

No. 6 Tennessee at No. 15 Oklahoma

19:30 | ABC, fubo (Try for free) — There is some concern with this being a road game for Tennessee; the Volunteers haven't been great in big road games under Josh Heupel, and this will be quarterback Nico Iamaleava's first start in a truly hostile environment. But this seems like a perfect matchup for Tennessee. Oklahoma's offensive line hasn't been great. The Vols have one of the best defensive lines in the country. Oklahoma has struggled to score consistently. Tennessee has only punted twice. Both defenses are really good, so this could be a tough slugfest early on, but Tennessee's offense will hit enough plays to come out of Norman victorious. Selection: Tennessee -7 — Will Backus

Marshall at No. 3 Ohio State

Noon | Fox, fubo (Try for free) — Could Marshall pull off an upset? Of course, anything is possible, but chances are it will be another one-sided affair. The Buckeyes have yet to allow a touchdown this season, and even taking their starters out early hasn't stopped them from scoring points in their first two games. The Buckeyes have allowed themselves three preseason games with this non-conference schedule and will likely suffer another loss. Selection: Ohio State -39.5 — Tom Fornelli

What college football picks can you confidently make in Week 4? Visit SportsLine to see which teams will win and cover the spread — all based on a proven computer model that has returned over $2,000 in profit since its inception — and find out.