Three previews for the Week 4 NCAAF games and our picks based on spreads for 10 games on the slate.
Liberty vs Syracuse
I am really looking forward to this game. Malik Willis, Liberty’s quarterback, will get a rare chance to display his talent on national TV. Coming into the game, Syracuse has a 2-1 record, with its sole loss being to Rutgers 17-7. Meanwhile, Liberty has started the year at 3-0 with wins over Campbell, Troy, and Old Dominion.
In addition to leading the team in passing yards, Willis leads the Flames in rushing. For the season, Willis has completed 49 of 69 passes for 613 yards and seven touchdowns (against zero interceptions). On the ground, Willis has amassed 225 rushing yards on 34 carries (6.6 YPC).
Junior RB TJ Green has rushed 23 times for 132 yards and zero touchdowns, while Senior Joshua Mack has also pitched in 127 yards on 40 carries with a touchdown. Freshman Demario Douglas (16 catches for 185 yards and two TD’s) and senior DJ Stubbs (six catches for 102 yards and zero touchdowns) lead the team in receiving.
In Syracuse’s last game vs Albany, Junior quarterback Tommy Devito and Sophomore transfer Garrett Schrader both played. Scheader replaced an injured Devitio in the first quarter, but Devito later returned. On the day, Devito completed six of nine pass attempts for 147 yards and one touchdown, while Scrader completed 11 of 15 for 190 yards and one TD. Devito is currently listed atop the depth chart.
The best offensive weapon for Syracuse is Sean Tucker. On an offense that has more rushing yards than passing yards, Tucker has had 51 carries for 367 yards and six touchdowns. In the receiving department, Tucker has 7 catches for 148 yards and an additional TD. Junior Taj Harris leads the team in receiving with 14 catches for 151 yards and no touchdowns.
NCAAF Devy Players to Watch
- Malik Willis – QB – Liberty: Willis was the devy QB8 in the preseason. As is always the case, Willis will have to be a dual-threat for Liberty to pull off a win at the Carrier Dome.
- Sean Tucker – RB – Syracuse: in what should be a very interesting matchup of individual talent, Tucker (RB57) will need to continue being involved in both the rushing and receiving departments. The winner of this game will be the team that gets the best performances out of their secondary players.
Syracuse +6
- Brandon @hayeb3: Syracuse +6
- Brian @vandygrad92: Liberty -6
- Joe @TheHQNerd: Liberty -6
(7)Texas A&M vs (16)Arkansas
We have a battle of 3-0 ranked NCAAF teams as Texas A&M squares off with Arkansas down at Jerry World in Arlington, Texas. Arkansas is off to a surprising perfect start this year, highlighted by a 40-21 win against Texas. Signal caller K.J. Jefferson has been effective through the air and on the ground so far in 2021. The Hogs go with a committee approach at running back, using many bodies week in and week out.
Trelon Smith and Raheim Sanders have led the way for the most part, with AJ Green and Dominique Johnson getting sprinkled in. Star wide receiver Treylon Burks leads the way for Arkansas through the air. Burks has accounted for 13 receptions for 206 yards and one touchdown. He will be counted on heavily of Arkansas looks to pull off the upset.
Texas A&M is led by superstar running back Isaiah Spiller. Spiller has 330 total yards and two touchdowns on 6.2 yards per carry through three games. He’s backed up by talented speedster Devon Achane who has 203 yards rushing and three touchdowns on 6.8 yards per carry. Redshirt freshman Haynes King suffered an injury that led to Sophomore Zach Calzada taking over. He performed well in their win over New Mexico, accounting for three touchdowns.
Calzada will rely heavily on talented tight-end Jalen Wydermeyer and versatile weapon Ainias Smith. Smith left the New Mexico game with a concussion and is day-to-day. The Aggies will need him this week if they want to get their fourth win.
This one should be a fun neutral site game on a fast track. Both offenses have some issues in the passing game. Whoever can make the most plays against these two stout defenses and keeps the ball turnover-free will have the advantage. The winner of this SEC West matchup will take the lead for the frontrunner to keep pace with Alabama in the division.
NCAAF Devy Players to Watch
- Treylon Burks – WR – Arkansas: Highly touted four-star recruit Treylon Burks is an elite Devy asset at this point. Burks broke out in a big way last year with 51 receptions for 820 yards and seven touchdowns in only nine games. He’s picked where he left off so far in 2021, leading the charge for the Hogs offense. He’s a size-speed freak at 6’3 225 pounds. Burks is a top wide receiver in the 2022 class.
- Jalen Wydermyer – TE – Texas A&M: We all know about star running back Isaiah Spiller, but the Aggies have another weapon on offense at the tight end position. At 6’5 255 lbs, Wydermyer already has NFL size. In his first two years at Texas A&M, Wydermyer totaled an impressive 78 receptions for 953 yards and 12 touchdowns. He’s off to another impressive start this year as well. Keep a close eye on Wydermeyer, as he is one of the top tight ends in the 2022 class.
Arkansas +5
- Brandon @hayeb3: Texas A&M -5
- Brian @vandygrad92: Texas A&M -5
- Joe @TheHQNerd: Arkansas +5
(12)Notre Dame vs (18)Wisconsin
Wisconsin is considered the home team in this matchup that will take place at Soldier Field. Both teams are top-20 NCAAF teams, but they have been lackluster so far.
Notre Dame is 3-0 but has had scares against Florida State and Toledo before a double-digit win against Purdue. The added storyline is the starting QB for Notre Dame is former Wisconsin Badger, Jack Coan. The offense runs through stars Kyren Williams and Michael Mayer. The defense for the Irish is not as strong as the offense, so they will continue to play close games.
Wisconsin had a disappointing, turnover-filled loss to Penn State in their first game. They then had a solid 27 point win against Eastern Michigan. QB Graham Mertz has been unimpressive and in a surprise, the leading back is Chez Mellusi instead of Jalen Berger. The Badgers had a bye week to get ready and will look to establish the run and play solid defense.
Both offenses lean toward the conservative side and this should be a low-scoring close battle. With a win by either side, momentum will be gained for the push for the rest of the season.
NCAAF Devy Players to Watch
- Kyren Williams – RB – Notre Dame: Williams continues to be a dual-threat for the Irish, with over 360 total yards on the season and 4 TDs. He has over 100 total yards in each of the first three games and looks to keep the streak alive against Wisconsin.
- Michael Mayer – TE – Notre Dame: Mayer continues to be one of the top Devy TEs even though he is not draft-eligible until 2023. He leads the team in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving TDs. He is a matchup nightmare and with great hands is a great weapon for the Fighting Irish.
Wisconsin -6.5
- Brandon @hayeb3: ND +6.5
- Brian @vandygrad92: Wisconsin -6.5
- Joe @TheHQNerd: Wisconsin -6.5
Other NCAAF Game Picks Based on the Spread
Brandon Haye
Brandon grew up in Jacksonville, Florida and works as a health insurance data analyst. He has no children, but two fur babies - Squirt and Brownie. He and his wife, Katie, spend their time playing poker and enjoying time with their pups. Brandon is a huge Michigan Wolverine and Jacksonville Jaguars fan. He at one time was in 77 fantasy leagues and loves the game of football. Brandon started writing for The Leauge Winners in 2021.