After a crazy Week 3 of college football betting, this week’s slate is a little more subdued. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t value to be had during Week 4 of the NCAA schedule.

IowaHawkeyes at Penn State Nittany Lions (-10)

While Week 3 was highlighted by big revenge games, the Nittany Lions have their own version of payback in store for the Hawkeyes. It was Iowa that spoiled PSU’s title game hopes with an 24-23 upset last November. The Lions are the premiere defense in the Big Ten but could have two major cogs dinged up for this weekend – linebackers Sean Lee and Navorro Bowman are nursing injuries heading into this match up. Bowman was back at practice earlier this week while Lee sat out drills; however, both are listed as probable.

Iowa is coming off an impressive win over Arizona on Saturday. The Hawkeyes rank at the bottom of the conference in offensive pop but have proven to be dangerous on defense. They’ve allowed just over 300 yards per game and have picked off six passes and forced four fumbles. That ability to spark turnovers could keep this contest much closer than Penn State would like.

California Golden Bears at Oregon Ducks (+5.5)

Cal running back Jahvid Best put his name at the top of the Heisman ballot with a five-touchdown performance against Minnesota last weekend. The junior has rushed for over 137 yards per game this season while adding a total of 59 yards and a touchdown through the air. Not to be outdone, quarterback Kevin Riley is keeping defenses honest with his arm. The junior has a completion percentage of 64.8 and has passed for almost 700 yards and five touchdowns. More importantly, he hasn’t been picked off yet.

The Ducks took a step forward in putting their opening-game ugliness behind them with a win over Utah last weekend. Oregon was able to rush for 217 yards behind backup running back LaMichael James, who totaled 156 yards and a score on the ground. Quarterback Jeremiah Masoli passed for just 95 yards and an interception and has struggled to find his receivers this season. Masoli boasts a completion percentage of just 45 and has yet to pass for a touchdown.

Miami Hurricanes at Virginia Tech Hokies (+3)

The Hurricanes are the fastest improving team in college football. Miami’s talented defense was incredible against Georgia Tech’s rush-heavy offense, holding the Jackets to just 95 yards. The Canes’ offense has been equally impressive, averaging 35.5 points in their first two games. Sophomore quarterback Jacory Harris tops the ACC in passing with 328 yards per game and a completion percentage of 69.5. This will be Miami’s third straight Top 25 opponent and, with Oklahoma on next week’s slate, backers should beware of a look-ahead.

The Hokies took a 16-15 win over Nebraska on Saturday, holding the Huskers to five field goals. Virginia Tech’s defense was outdone on the ground but managed to pick off two passes and hold Nebraska to just 136 yards passing. The Hokies’ ground game is second in the ACC, rushing for almost 200 yards per game. The passing attack, namely quarterback Tyrod Taylor, is slowly improving and can build on a solid performance against the Huskers.

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