College football Week 4 preview – DJ Lagway, Arch Manning try to get right

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Bill ConnellySep 19, 2025, 07:00 AM ET
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You could say that Saturday brings the first act of the 2025 college football season to a close.

Next week, we’ll get a couple of mammoth helmet games — Oregon at Penn State, Alabama at Georgia — and conference play will be fully underway. We’ll head into October talking a lot about playoff implications and the hierarchy among the sport’s top teams.

First, however, we have to tie up some loose ends. We get another week to figure out which of a large group of hyped-but-struggling quarterbacks — Texas’ Arch Manning, Clemson’s Cade Klubnik, Florida’s DJ Lagway, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier — will steer out of a current skid. We get a huge Illinois-Indiana game (just an amazing combination of words there). We get a matchup of two of the Big 12’s best and meanest teams to date (Texas Tech at Utah). We get former Sooners quarterback Jackson Arnold and Auburn heading to Norman in a battle of SEC unbeatens. And we get another massive week in the Group of 5, with American Conference unbeatens Memphis and Tulane getting shots at SEC upsets and ambitious teams such as UNLV, North Texas and Boise State facing big road tests.

At the start of the college football season, 11 teams had at least a 2% chance of winning the national title, per the Allstate Playoff Predictor. Three weeks in, there are 13. Nothing has been even slightly decided through three weeks, and the door for chaos could open even further this weekend. Before we get to the second act of 2025, here’s everything you need to follow in a loaded Week 4.

All times Eastern.

Jump to a section:
Scuffling QBs | Indiana-Illinois
Big 12 headliner | SEC eliminators?
G5’s big weekend | Week 4 playlist
Small-school showcase

Which disappointing quarterback can rally?

Despite some chaotic undertones, the season has gone approximately as we thought it might. Among the top nine teams in the preseason SP+ rankings, six are still there, and the three others (Texas, Notre Dame, Michigan) haven’t exactly plummeted. Some teams have disappointed early on, but few seasons are completely lost.

For a quartet of quarterbacks, however, we’re approaching now-or-never territory: Either start looking like you were supposed to look or chalk up 2025 as a spectacular disappointment.

Florida at No. 4 Miami (7:30 p.m., ABC)

If DJ Lagway threw only three interceptions against LSU, the Gators might have scored an upset. That’s a positive, right? He instead threw five in a 20-10 loss, but the Florida defense still gave the Gators a chance. It has allowed only 38 points in three games.

The offense has scored only 26 in two FBS games. Opponents aren’t afraid of the run game, receivers aren’t getting open, and Lagway is developing some pretty extreme tendencies in passing to specific areas of the field (as evidenced by all the green “completion” dots along the right sideline on this chart):

Four of Lagway’s six 2025 interceptions have come on third-and-long, and a fifth came in a last-ditch drive against LSU. He’s trying desperately to make something happen, and it’s bringing out some terrible tendencies.

Miami quarterback Carson Beck has been good, and he has gotten the help Lagway hasn’t, from his offensive line and his receivers. But the Florida defense could make this one interesting if Lagway can take what he’s given by a Miami defense that ranks 83rd in yards allowed per dropback.

Current line: Miami -7.5 | SP+ projection: Miami by 10.6 | FPI projection: Miami by 7.2

Syracuse at Clemson (noon, ESPN)

Like Lagway, Clemson’s Cade Klubnik has performed far worse than expected and has gotten little help from his castmates. Syracuse has a history of overachieving against Clemson, but the Orange have the worst-rated FBS defense remaining on the Tigers’ schedule. If Clemson’s offense, currently 96th in points per drive, doesn’t get going now, when might that happen?

The Orange blitz a good amount, and blitzing has hurt Clemson because of a banged-up offensive line and a less-than-scary run game. Klubnik is getting hit a lot and throwing lots of passes short of the sticks. The timing of the offense is off, and the Tigers can’t afford to suffer another conference loss before they start to figure things out. The return of veteran receiver Antonio Williams, listed as probable for Saturday, can’t hurt.

Current line: Clemson -16.5 | SP+ projection: Clemson by 9.2 | FPI projection: Clemson by 9.6

Southeastern Louisiana at No. 3 LSU (7:45 p.m., SECN)

With all proper respect to Southeastern Louisiana — the Lions are seventh in FCS SP+ with a loss to only Louisiana Tech — I’m guessing that LSU remains unbeaten Saturday. Now’s a good time to start repairing an LSU offense that ranks just 112th in points per drive.

Garrett Nussmeier has the most tenable place on this list; his team is unbeaten, and he’s 37th in Total QBR — not what was expected but far higher than anyone else here. His main issue is that he’s playing it safe. The LSU run game might be even worse than it was last year, the offensive line is committing too many penalties, and Nussmeier is throwing mostly quick passes to keep the train moving. His 65% completion rate is solid, but his average yards per completion has fallen from 12.0 (pretty low) to 10.0 (terribly low).

LSU’s line should hold up against SELA — if it doesn’t, yikes — so it will be interesting to see if Nussmeier starts looking further downfield. Now’s the time to build some better habits.

SP+ projection: LSU by 33.0 | FPI projection: LSU by 34.9

Sam Houston at No. 8 Texas (8 p.m., ESPN+)

Going by projections, Texas has the easiest game on this list. But Arch Manning might also be the most broken QB. After showing potential progress in Week 2, Manning completed just 11 of 25 passes for 114 yards, a touchdown and an interception against UTEP. The Miners mostly rushed only four defenders and forced Manning to work through progressions; he took forever to throw and was frequently inaccurate.

Manning is 124th out of 136 QBs with a 55.3% completion rate, and he’s 133rd in average time to throw (3.28 seconds). Meanwhile, his 14 dropbacks against man coverage have netted 13 total yards. His running backs are hurt, his line isn’t great, his receivers aren’t getting open enough and he’s throwing inaccurate passes. If the Texas offense doesn’t get right against a dreadful Sam Houston defense, it might not happen.

Current line: Texas -39.5 (down from -41.5 on Sunday) | SP+ projection: Texas by 40.0 | FPI projection: Texas by 37.7

Shades of 1950 in Bloomington

No. 9 Illinois at No. 19 Indiana (7:30 p.m., NBC)

On Oct. 28, 1950, “Goodnight Irene,” performed by The Weavers, was dominating the airwaves. “All About Eve,” starring Bette Davis and featuring a young Marilyn Monroe, was in theaters. SMU was No. 1 in the country, Bear Bryant’s Kentucky was No. 4 and live college football wasn’t found on national television.

It was a long time ago, is what I’m saying. And it was the last time Illinois and Indiana met as ranked foes. In that game, the No. 12 Fighting Illini rode spectacular line play to a 20-0 win over the No. 19 Hoosiers. History hasn’t been kind to either program since. But that has shifted of late.

Curt Cignetti’s Hoosiers and Bret Bielema’s Illini are a combined 27-5 since the start of 2024, and though neither has played an opponent ranked higher than 65th in SP+, both are in the top 15 in points and points allowed per drive this season. They’re treating iffy opposition like excellent teams are supposed to.

Both teams dominate in the Little Things department — red zone, field position, turnovers — and both boast efficient offenses with dominant receivers: Indiana’s Omar Cooper Jr. has 299 yards and four TDs, while Illinois’ Hank Beatty has caught 19 of 20 passes for 289 yards and a TD. Each defense has allowed a few big plays, but they’re both still giving up 4.6 or fewer yards per play.

We know that blue bloods get the best TV ratings, but these two teams have earned this prime-time slot. The computers and sportsbooks lean toward Indiana — and frankly, it’s odd that Illinois is ranked 10 spots higher in the polls — but it would be a surprise if this one didn’t go down to the wire.

Current line: Indiana -6.5 (up from -4.5) | SP+ projection: Indiana by 3.9 | FPI projection: Indiana by 3.1

A Big 12 headliner in Salt Lake City

No. 17 Texas Tech at No. 16 Utah (noon, Fox)

If you take preseason projections out of the equation — a terrible idea if you want predictive accuracy, but an intriguing way to look at performance to date — Texas Tech would be first in SP+ and Utah would be eighth. The Red Raiders have overwhelmed three bad opponents by an average score of 58-12, and the Utes lead the Big 12 in early overachievement, topping SP+ projections by an average of 13.7 points per game. On Saturday, one of these teams will score a huge early Big 12 win.

Tech’s defense gives up quite a few big plays, while Utah’s offense, as is customary, doesn’t make many. The Utes rank first in rushing success rate, but so does Tech’s defense. Defensive tackles A. J. Holmes Jr. and Skyler Gill-Howard have eaten up interior run blockers, but the Utah line is one of the most proven in the country, and quarterback Devon Dampier and RBs NaQuari Rogers and Wayshawn Parker keep Utah on schedule.

Even with huge leads in each game, Texas Tech has passed more than 35 times per game at a fast tempo. The Red Raiders are third in yards per dropback, and Behren Morton is completing 70% of his passes at 16.2 yards per completion. Receiver Coy Eakin‘s early numbers (245 yards at 20.4 per catch) are scary.

As you’d expect, however, Utah’s pass defense looks good, too: eighth in completion rate, ninth in interception rate, 24th in yards per dropback. The Utes have given up a few more third-and-long conversions than expected, and if that remains an issue, Tech might never give up the ball. Regardless, there are strength-versus-strength matchups everywhere. This game will be awfully fun.

Current line: Utah -3.5 | SP+ projection: Utah by 1.9 | FPI projection: Utah by 3.8

SEC elimination(ish) day

As with Indiana-Illinois in the Big Ten, the SEC has a couple of huge games among teams that aren’t necessarily conference title contenders — though, we don’t know for sure yet — but are jockeying for 10-2 records and potential CFP bids.

No. 22 Auburn at No. 11 Oklahoma (3:30 p.m., ABC)

Oklahoma’s ridiculously back-loaded schedule — six of its final seven opponents rank 17th or higher in SP+ — meant that the Sooners would need a fast start. So far, so good. They’re 3-0 with a win over Michigan despite an offense that remains a work in progress. Quarterback John Mateer might be the current Heisman betting favorite, but the run game averages just 4.3 yards per carry (not including sacks), and the Sooners have fumbled five times with lots of passes broken up. Their five turnovers (104th nationally) haven’t come from bad luck.

Still, Mateer is creating big plays with his arm, and four Sooner pass catchers are on pace for 50-plus receptions. Plus, the OU defense doesn’t need a ton of help — the Sooners rank fourth in points allowed per drive and third in yards allowed per play.

They’re also sixth in rushing success rate allowed, and that might be the most important number against Auburn. The Tigers are running the ball a ton, with the combo of running back Jeremiah Cobb and quarterback Jackson Arnold carrying a heavy load. They’re avoiding must-pass situations — which doomed Arnold as OU’s QB in 2024 — but they’ll likely face some Saturday afternoon, and we’ll learn if Arnold has improved a little or a lot from last year’s disastrous campaign.

Current line: OU -6.5 | SP+ projection: OU by 7.4 | FPI projection: OU by 3.8

South Carolina at No. 23 Missouri (7 p.m., ESPN)

Missouri is one of just 16 teams to overachieve against SP+ projections in all three games, and the Tigers are up to 11th in SP+ because of it. The offense looks great because of a trio of transfers: quarterback Beau Pribula (on pace for 3,100 passing yards), running back Ahmad Hardy (1,800 rushing yards), and receiver Kevin Coleman Jr. (1,000 receiving yards).

South Carolina has the first top-50 defense (per SP+) the Tigers have faced, though the Gamecocks got worked over by Vanderbilt’s efficient attack last week in a jarring 31-7 loss. They don’t give up many big plays, but they rank 73rd in success rate. Mizzou’s offense ranks 12th.

The South Carolina offense saw plenty of offseason hype, but it has been an absolute dud, scoring just five touchdowns in three games and ranking 123rd in points per drive. Receivers Nyck Harbor and Donovan Murph are averaging 21.6 yards per catch, but at only four catches per game. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers has become even more sack-prone — I probably should have put him on the disappointing QBs list above — and this week, he has had to work through concussion protocol while preparing to face a Mizzou defense that grades out as well as or better than Vandy’s.

Shane Beamer’s Gamecocks are projected favorites in only two more games this season. Either they get back on track immediately or 2025 veers into “Lost Season” territory.

Current line: Mizzou -10.5 (down from -12.5) | SP+ projection: Mizzou by 13.7 | FPI projection: Mizzou by 9.5

Another huge weekend for the Group of 5

The race for the Group of 5’s guaranteed playoff spot could see some twists this week, with two major hopefuls (Memphis and Tulane) getting shots at SEC upsets, and three others — UNLV, North Texas and Boise State — all facing tricky road trips.

Arkansas at Memphis (noon, ABC)

Memphis has looked awesome early and gets AAC opponents South Florida, Tulane and Navy at home. SP+ gives the Tigers a 36% chance of finishing 11-1 or better. Quarterback Brendon Lewis and running back Sutton Smith (in for the injured Greg Desrosiers Jr.) lead an efficient offense, and the defense has crushed bad offenses (including a Troy offense that lost its starting QB early on).

Arkansas’ offense, however, is as explosive as ever, thanks to quarterback Taylen Green, running back Mike Washington Jr. and receiver O’Mega Blake. The Razorbacks could be a permanent track-meet team thanks to a shaky defense, but Arkansas is capable of regularly winning those track meets, too.

Current line: Arkansas -7.5 | SP+ projection: Memphis by 0.5 | FPI projection: Arkansas by 2.4

Tulane at No. 13 Ole Miss (3:30 p.m., ESPN)

It’s hard to figure out how good Tulane actually is. The Green Wave made runs of 27-0 against South Alabama and 24-3 against Duke but let both opponents back into the game. Jake Retzlaff is 11th in Total QBR, but the run game moves backward a lot. The defense is a turnover machine, but it’s inefficient otherwise. Against whichever Ole Miss QB holds the reins — the injured Austin Simmons or backup Trinidad Chambliss, who destroyed Arkansas — the Green Wave will need far more stops than they’ve been making. Ole Miss’ run defense has been damningly bad, but the Rebels probably have too much firepower for Tulane to snag a third power-conference victory.

Current line: Ole Miss -13.5 | SP+ projection: Ole Miss by 17.5 | FPI projection: Ole Miss by 13.8

UNLV at Miami (Ohio) (noon, ESPNU)

After a rough start against Idaho State in Week 0, Dan Mullen’s UNLV has begun to look the part, and SP+ gives the Rebels a 14% chance of getting to 11-1 or better. Anthony Colandrea is fifth among G5 quarterbacks in Total QBR, both RB Jai’Den Thomas and WR Jaden Bradley are on pace for 1,000-yard seasons, and the defense has at least stabilized a bit.

Miami was outscored 62-17 by Wisconsin and Rutgers, but the RedHawks gave up almost no big plays, and with explosive quarterback Dequan Finn and receivers Keith Reynolds and Kam Perry on offense, they could make UNLV’s long road trip awkward.

Current line: UNLV -2.5 | SP+ projection: UNLV by 8.4 | FPI projection: UNLV by 3.3

North Texas at Army (noon, CBSSN)

In two home games, quarterback Drew Mestemaker and North Texas have overachieved against SP+ projections by a combined 77.6 points. In their lone road game, the Mean Green nearly lost to No. 122 Western Michigan. They’ll need to play far better in West Point against an Army team that sure looked like Army again in Week 2’s upset of Kansas State. Quarterback Cale Hellums rushed for 124 yards and led five drives of double-digit plays in Manhattan, Kansas, and if Hellums remains steady moving forward, Army will be a giant pain for any AAC team with CFP aspirations. Like North Texas.

Current line: North Texas -2.5 (flipped from Army -2.5) | SP+ projection: Army by 2.2 | FPI projection: UNT by 0.2

Boise State at Air Force (7 p.m., CBSSN)

Boise State’s season-opening faceplant at USF, combined with an upcoming trip to Notre Dame, removed all margin for error. The Broncos will likely have to sweep Mountain West play to have any hope of a CFP bid. Of course, they’re projected favorites in every MWC game, and they still have massive talent with running back Sire Gaines, defensive tackle David Latu, edge rusher Jayden Virgin-Morgan and safety Ty Benefield.

Air Force has been a pain for BSU plenty of times, and the Falcons still dominate the ball. But the defense got torched by Utah State last week. Not an encouraging sign.

Current line: BSU -10.5 | SP+ projection: BSU by 10.6 | FPI projection: BSU by 11.2

Week 4 chaos superfecta

We’re once again using this space to will chaos into existence, looking at four carefully curated games with pretty big point spreads and mashing them together into a much more upset-friendly number. Our winning streak ended last week when Miami, Ole Miss (barely), Alabama and Auburn all won. But we’re still 2-for-3 on the young year, and now it’s time to move to 3-for-4!

Sticking with this week’s “Anatomy of a mid-major upset” theme, SP+ says there’s only a 38% chance that Washington (88% win probability against Washington State), Cal (80% against San Diego State), Colorado (75% against Wyoming) and BYU (72% against East Carolina) all win. Let’s take down a power-conference team!

Week 4 playlist

Here are some more games you should follow if you want to get the absolute most out of the weekend, from both information and entertainment perspectives.

Friday evening

Iowa at Rutgers (8 p.m., Fox). In theory, few matchups scream “ROCK FIGHT!!” like Iowa-Rutgers, but Rutgers is ninth in points per possession and 83rd in points allowed per possession. Iowa has little big-play potential, but the Hawkeyes have moved the ball well against mortal defenses. So, maybe this one isn’t destined to finish 7-6 or 5-3 or something.

Current line: Iowa -2.5 | SP+ projection: Rutgers by 0.2 | FPI projection: Rutgers by 1.6

Tulsa at Oklahoma State (7:30 p.m., ESPN). At the moment, this is the last game in which OSU is a projected favorite. Either the Cowboys use this as a spectacular get-right game after their 66-point humiliation at Oregon in Week 2 — or there’s (more) pain on the horizon in Stillwater.

Current line: OSU -12.5 | SP+ projection: OSU by 9.8 | FPI projection: OSU by 11.0

Early Saturday

SMU at TCU (noon, ESPN2). The Battle for the Iron Skillet! Few teams have underachieved against SP+ projections more than SMU through three games; maybe a rivalry game will wake up the Mustangs. If not, TCU’s big-play offense could have a lot of fun against an SMU defense that has given up loads of chunk plays.

Current line: TCU -6.5 | SP+ projection: TCU by 7.4 | FPI projection: TCU by 4.7

UAB at No. 15 Tennessee (12:45 p.m., SECN). Trent Dilfer’s third UAB team has been the same “solid offense, no defense” squad as his past two. If Tennessee is still reeling from last week’s heartbreaker against Georgia, the Blazers might land a punch or two, but not 60 minutes’ worth.

Current line: Vols -38.5 | SP+ projection: Vols by 37.0 | FPI projection: Vols by 36.4

Maryland at Wisconsin (noon, NBC). Per SP+, Wisconsin has only a 26% chance of reaching bowl eligibility this season, thanks to a schedule that already featured one top opponent and has five more to go. Lose to Maryland, and those odds fall to basically nil. At least it sounds like injured quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. — formerly a Terrapin — could be ready to go.

Current line: Wisconsin -9.5 (up from -7.5) | SP+ projection: Wisconsin by 0.4 | FPI projection: Wisconsin by 5.1

Saturday afternoon

No. 21 Michigan at Nebraska (3:30 p.m., CBS). Two years ago, Nebraska was on the wrong end of a 45-7 blowout loss to Michigan at home. Now, on paper, the Huskers have basically a 50-50 shot at taking down the Wolverines and scoring their biggest win since, what, 2015 (39-38 over No. 7 Michigan State)?

Current line: Michigan -1.5 | SP+ projection: Nebraska by 1.1 | FPI projection: Nebraska by 0.1

Purdue at No. 24 Notre Dame (3:30 p.m., NBC). Well, Notre Dame, it’s time to start scoring some style points. After losses to Miami and Texas A&M, the Irish will have to win out to have serious hope of a CFP shot, and they might have only one more genuine marquee win opportunity — USC in Week 8, and that’s only if the Trojans maintain their current form. So, it’s time to wreck some opponents. (Purdue might have something to say about that. Especially if the Irish defense doesn’t start defending.)

Current line: ND -26.5 | SP+ projection: ND by 20.4 | FPI projection: ND by 20.3

NC State at Duke (4 p.m., ESPN2). Duke has allowed 18 gains of 20-plus yards (tied for 122nd nationally). NC State has given up eight of 30-plus (tied for 114th). With State’s Hollywood Smothers and Wesley Grimes and Duke’s Nate Sheppard and Cooper Barkate, this could be a great game to be an explosive skill corps guy.

Current line: Duke -3.5 | SP+ projection: NC State by 1.2 | FPI projection: NC State by 0.1

North Carolina at UCF (3:30 p.m., Fox). I have no idea about either of these teams. Bill Belichick’s UNC has collected itself since its embarrassing Week 1 loss to TCU, and UCF has been good enough in Scott Frost’s first two games back in town. But anything from a 35-point UNC win to a 35-point UCF win wouldn’t surprise me.

Current line: UCF -7.5 | SP+ projection: UCF by 7.0 | FPI projection: UCF by 11.2

Temple at No. 18 Georgia Tech (4:30 p.m., The CW). Temple can make some big plays and could make things messy if Georgia Tech lets its guard down after last week’s big win over Clemson. The Yellow Jackets haven’t given us any reason to think that’s possible, though. (By the way, they’re projected favorites in their next eight games.)

Current line: Tech -23.5 | SP+ projection: Tech by 21.6 | FPI projection: Tech by 18.9

Oregon State at No. 6 Oregon (3 p.m., BTN). Three weeks into the season, Oregon has risen from seventh to second in SP+ while OSU has fallen from 75th to 107th. We will need to conjure a lot of Weird Rivalry Magic to make this one interesting.

Current line: Oregon -34.5 | SP+ projection: Oregon by 40.1 | FPI projection: Oregon by 36.3

Saturday evening

Arizona State at Baylor (7:30 p.m., Fox). Arizona State finally checked into the 2025 season, putting away a spirited Texas State team with relative ease last week. Now, the close-game festival that is Big 12 Play begins against a Baylor team that might have transformed its season with Week 2’s wild comeback win over SMU.

Current line: Baylor -2.5 | SP+ projection: Baylor by 3.8 | FPI projection: Baylor by 0.8

West Virginia at Kansas (6 p.m., FS1). Kansas got a week to recover after a blown lead and a rivalry loss to Missouri; WVU is riding the crest of a big comeback and a rivalry win over Pitt. Who’s ready to move past the emotion and start the rest of their season? I’m pretty sure Kansas is still good, and WVU’s offense might have finally begun its season late against Pitt.

Current line: Kansas -13.5 | SP+ projection: Kansas by 7.1 | FPI projection: Kansas by 9.7

BYU at East Carolina (7:30 p.m., ESPN2). ECU has overachieved against SP+ projections by nearly three touchdowns per game. The Pirates could be good. And they get to give BYU’s freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier his first big road test. But the Pirates will have to score on BYU’s defense, which is first in points per drive and yards per play.

Current line: BYU -6.5 | SP+ projection: BYU by 9.5 | FPI projection: BYU by 6.0

Washington at Washington State (7:30 p.m., CBS). Washington State was impressive in its 36-13 runaway win over San Diego State in Week 2. Then, the Cougs went to North Texas and got absolutely blasted 59-10. Week 2 Wazzu and a torrid Martin Stadium would make this awfully tricky for Washington. Week 3 Wazzu … would not.

Current line: UW -20.5 | SP+ projection: UW by 18.6 | FPI projection: UW by 21.0

Southern Miss at Louisiana Tech (7:30 p.m., ESPN+). From 2021 through 2024, each of these proud old mid-major programs went 14-35 with an SP+ ranking of about 112.5. Now, both are 2-1 with at least a 60% chance of bowl eligibility. Can Southern Miss quarterback Braylon Braxton engineer enough points on a Tech defense allowing 12.3 points per game?

Current line: Tech -3.5 | SP+ projection: Tech by 7.8 | FPI projection: Tech by 3.7

Late Saturday

Michigan State at No. 25 USC (11 p.m., Fox). A kickoff at 11 p.m. ET for a team based in Eastern Time? Cool. Makes perfect sense. Anyway, USC is averaging 55 points per game and 9.6 yards per play, and Michigan State has topped 40 points for two straight games. I don’t think the Spartans have the defense to make this a game for 60 minutes, but this could have Pac-12 After Dark vibes for a while.

Current line: USC -17.5 (up from -14.5) | SP+ projection: USC by 17.7 | FPI projection: USC by 24.2

California at San Diego State (10:30 p.m., CBSSN). Quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele and Cal are 3-0 and projected favorites in the next six games. But they’re 94th in third-down conversion rate, and SDSU’s defense ranks seventh. If the Aztecs can score a bit (not a given), they could make this one tricky.

Current line: Cal -12.5 | SP+ projection: Cal by 13.2 | FPI projection: Cal by 10.9

Smaller-school showcase

Let’s once again save a shout-out for the glorious lower levels of the sport. Here are three games you should track.

Division III: No. 16 Wisconsin-Whitewater at No. 6 Mary Hardin-Baylor (noon, local streaming). These programs lorded over Division III for nearly 15 years before getting surpassed by North Central. Both are still talented and dangerous, and they’re meeting for the seventh straight season (not including 2020). UWW has produced a 200-yard rusher in each of its first two games, but a third straight, against the Crusaders’ defense, would be a surprise.

SP+ projection: Whitewater by 1.2

Division III: No. 3 Johns Hopkins at No. 4 Susquehanna (1 p.m., FloFootball). The second D-III game on the list is even bigger: JHU backed up its top-five standing with a 27-13 win over No. 20 John Carroll last week and boasts the second-best defense in D-III, per SP+. Susquehanna, meanwhile, ranks fifth on offense. It might be North Central vs. The Field in D-III, but either of these teams could make a deep playoff run.

SP+ projection: Susquehanna by 0.3

FCS: No. 23 New Hampshire at Dartmouth (1 p.m., ESPN+). An incredibly interesting Ivy League season finally opens Saturday: The league champ will participate in the FCS playoffs for the first time, and at first glance, it looks like we have a three-team race among Harvard, Yale and a Dartmouth team that gets an immediate shot at a résumé win of sorts. UNH nearly beat Ball State last week — it was actually a bit of an upset that the Wildcats didn’t — and boasts one of the stingier defenses the Big Green attack will see all season.

SP+ projection: Dartmouth by 1.7

(One game you shouldn’t track? Rio Grande at Ferris State. That’s the second-worst team in NAIA, per SP+ — pronounced “Ry-Oh Grand” and located in the same Ohio town as the first Bob Evans restaurant — facing the class of Division II. SP+ projects Ferris State as a tidy 97.2-point favorite. The final score will be whatever the Bulldogs want it to be. If morbid curiosity gets the best of you, it kicks off at 3 p.m. on FloFootball.)

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Fireworks show co-organized by Arc’teryx and artist Cai Guoqiang in Xizang’s Himalayas draws backlash over ecology and cultural disrespect

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Cai Guoqiang stages a fireworks display in the Himalayas of Southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region on September 20, 2025. Photo: from web

Internationally renowned Chinese artist Cai Guoqiang staged a fireworks display in the Himalayas of Southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region on Friday evening, raising concerns about violating fundamental principles of ecological conservation. Although the organizers had noted in advance that the fireworks were eco-friendly and would be cleaned up afterward, the performance nevertheless sparked controversy.

Many netizens criticized the event as absurd, questioning the decision to set off explosions in such an ecologically fragile region as the Himalayas. In response to the backlash, the brand behind the show has since deleted related videos online.

At dusk on Friday, Cai began the fireworks performance in Gyangze, an area located at an altitude of about 5,500 meters in the Himalayas. Footage from the site showed Cai igniting three sequences of fireworks along the mountain ridge through gunpowder blasts, creating a dynamic “rising dragon” scene, symbolizing the auspiciousness and vitality embodied in Eastern dragon culture.

Organizers of the event had stated beforehand that all fireworks used biodegradable, eco-friendly materials, herders’ livestock would be relocated and small animals guided away with salt bricks prior to the display, and that residue would be cleaned up and vegetation restored afterward to avoid ecological risks.

Some netizens argued that the so-called eco-friendly materials were only “less polluting” compared with conventional products, but by no means zero-impact. Others pointed out that the plateau’s ecosystem is extremely fragile, “even a tire mark can take decades or centuries to heal, let alone such large-scale smoke and noise pollution,” according to media reports.

Critics also denounced the performance as an act of cultural arrogance, noting that local traditions include reverence for mountain deities and taboos against loud explosions.

Some further warned that the massive blasts could generate sound waves posing potential risks to glaciers already vulnerable due to climate change, possibly destabilizing ice masses, while also severely disturbing plateau wildlife, which violates basic principles of ecological protection.

In the wake of the mounting backlash, Cai and Arc’teryx, the brand that sponsored the fireworks show, have deleted related videos, though they are yet to issue an official response.

An official from the Ecology and Environment Bureau of a branch of the Gyangze County told media on Saturday that the event had been filed with the bureau and all procedures were compliant. “Since environmentally friendly materials were used for the fireworks, an environmental assessment was not required, and approval from township, village, and county-level governments was sufficient. The government had held multiple meetings in advance to study the site selection, assess what wildlife might be nearby, and eventually chose a location outside ecological protection zones with no residents in the vicinity. So far, there has been no observed damage to the local environment, and follow-up monitoring will continue,” the official said, bjnews.com reported.

An Arc’teryx customer service staff later on Saturday responded to media that the event was carried out under scientific assessment and strict guidance, noting that the artistic creation used environmentally friendly materials. The colored powders selected were biodegradable, and the emissions met environmental standards, according to Jimu News.

Responding to why the well-known outdoor brand chose Himalayas as the site for a fireworks display, the staff noteed that the brand’s original intention was “to pay tribute to nature, culture, and the environment.”

According to public records, Cai, born on December 8, 1957, in Quanzhou, East China’s Fujian Province, is a fireworks master and contemporary artist, and one of the most internationally renowned Chinese contemporary artists. He rose to fame with his gunpowder explosion works and has explored installation art, performance art and multimedia art. His representative works include Venice Rent Collection Courtyard, “Sky Ladder,” and the giant “footprints” shown at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

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Swiatek sweeps Saturday doubleheader; to face Alexandrova in Korea Open final

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A rainout the previous day created a packed Saturday schedule at the Korea Open, with both the quarterfinals and semifinals being held just hours apart.

World No. 2 Iga Swiatek handled the challenge with ease.

Seoul: Scores | Draws | Order of play

She opened against Barbora Krejcikova in what was expected to be a competitive quarterfinal. Instead, Swiatek dominated, blanking the former Grand Slam champion in the first set. After trading breaks early in the second, she broke for a 4-3 lead and closed out the match 6-0, 6-3 in 1 hour and 23 minutes.

Following a brief break, Swiatek returned to the court to face rising star Maya Joint in their first career meeting. Joint had upset No. 3 seed Clara Tauson in the quarterfinals earlier in the day, also by a score of 6-0, 6-3.

But the 19-year-old’s run ended in the semifinals. Swiatek, unfazed by the quick turnaround, delivered another commanding performance, winning 6-0, 6-2 in just over an hour to secure her spot in the final.

It was another case of Swiatek wasting no time in asserting control over her opponent, breaking at love in the opening game and needing just 25 minutes to bagel Joint in the first set.

Joint held serve to start the second set to finally get on the board, but Swiatek reeled off four straight games to go up a set and a double break. Joint showed further signs of life by converting a break point later in the set, but Swiatek won the final two games, closing out the match with a smash at the net.

Though she doesn’t know who she’ll face in Sunday’s final just yet, Swiatek is prepared for what lies ahead, taking confidence in the level she’s displayed so far this week.

“Let’s see who I play,” Swiatek said after the match. “But I’ll just focus on myself and on the goals that I had before and continue to do what I was doing throughout the tournament, because it’s been working.

“The final is supposed to be the toughest and it always produces a different kind of stress, so I’m just happy that I’ve already played solid matches here.”

It marks Swiatek’s fourth individual final of the season — all since June. She is 2-1 in finals this year, with titles at Wimbledon and the Cincinnati Open, and 24-5 overall in her career.

This will be her first Korea Open final.

Alexandrova defeats qualifiers Seidel, Siniakova to advance to Seoul final

Double duty proved more challenging for Ekaterina Alexandrova than it did for Swiatek, but the No. 2 seed took care of business, setting up a battle between the top two seeds in Sunday’s Korea Open final.

Alexandrova began her day with a 6-2, 6-3 quarterfinal win over German qualifier Ella Seidel in 1 hour and 14 minutes. While the scoreline suggests a routine victory, it was anything but.

The contest featured nine breaks of serve, including six in the opening set. Alexandrova faced 11 break points — more than she generated against Seidel — but the difference lay in how many each saved. Alexandrova saved eight of the 11 break points she faced, while Seidel saved just four of 10.

If the World No. 11 expected her path to another final in Seoul was going to get any easier in her next match, she was mistaken.

Her semifinal opponent, Katerina Siniakova — another qualifier — had defeated Suzan Lamens in the quarterfinals earlier in the afternoon. Like Seidel, Siniakova had made a strong run through the main draw after advancing through qualifying but saw her tournament come to an end at the hands of Alexandrova.

After trading holds in the first five games, Alexandrova struck first, breaking for a 4-2 lead. Siniakova responded immediately with a break of her own but was undone by a double fault on set point which handed the first set to Alexandrova.

The Czech regrouped quickly, breaking to start the second set and jumping out to a 2-0 lead. But from there, the match followed a familiar pattern.

Alexandrova went 3-for-6 on break points, while Siniakova — who began to cramp late — failed to convert any of her four chances. Alexandrova won the final six games to wrap up a 6-4, 6-2 victory in 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Sunday’s final will be Alexandrova’s third of the season — all at the WTA 500 level. She won the title in Linz and was runner-up in Monterrey.

It also marks her second Korea Open final, having defeated Jelena Ostapenko for the title in 2022.

“I’m happy to be back in the final here in Seoul,” Alexandrova said after the match. “It would be such an amazing achievement to win here again but tomorrow will be a super difficult match. The final is always different, so I’ll just go on the court and try to do my best, and let’s see how it goes.”

Top seeds Swiatek, Alexandrova set for a final showdown

For the first time since 2022, the Korea Open final will feature the top two seeds, with Swiatek and Alexandrova set to square off.

The two are no strangers to each other, having met seven times in their careers, including three times this season. Swiatek leads the head-to-head 5-2 and has won both of their 2025 meetings, most recently in straight sets at the US Open. Alexandrova’s last win in the series came in Miami last year

Sunday will mark their first meeting in a WTA final.

Both players bring plenty of finals experience. Swiatek owns a robust 24-5 career record in championship matches, while Alexandrova is 5-5.

With Swiatek’s advancement, it marks the fourth straight year the top seed has reached the final in Seoul.

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Why Hiring an Auto Accident Attorney in Charlotte, NC Can Improve Your Case

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Life after a car accident can be overwhelming. Between medical care, car repairs, and figuring out what comes next, it is easy to feel unsure about your options. Many people in Charlotte find themselves facing unexpected medical bills, missed time from work, or pressure from insurance adjusters. In moments like these, the idea of handling everything on your own can feel nearly impossible. Having the right support can make a meaningful difference in protecting your health, your finances, and your future.

That is where working with an auto accident attorney in Charlotte, NC becomes important. An attorney provides more than legal knowledge. They can step in as an advocate, making sure your rights are protected and your voice is heard when dealing with insurers or other parties. Whether you were injured in a minor collision or a more serious crash, having legal guidance can give you clarity during a confusing time. It is not just about filing claims or lawsuits. It is about ensuring that you are treated fairly and that your recovery is not held back by unfair practices.

For many accident victims, reaching out for help is the first step toward peace of mind. Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers has become a trusted name for people in Charlotte and throughout North Carolina. Their team takes the time to understand each case, answer questions, and provide clear guidance. If you are wondering how to move forward after a crash, contacting a law firm like Rosensteel Fleishman for a free consultation can help you see your options more clearly and ease some of the stress that comes after an accident.

TLDR Summary:

Hiring an auto accident attorney in Charlotte, NC can protect your rights and ensure insurance companies treat you fairly.
Local law firms like Rosensteel Fleishman provide guidance that is specific to North Carolina law and the Charlotte community.
Attorneys help gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and secure compensation for medical care, lost wages, and long-term needs.
A free consultation gives accident victims clarity and peace of mind about their options without added pressure.

Working with an attorney after a car accident can ease the stress of dealing with insurance companies and provide clear direction during an uncertain time. In Charlotte, Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers offers experienced support for accident victims seeking fair outcomes. By reaching out for a free consultation, you can take an important step toward protecting your future and focusing on recovery.

Why Legal Support Matters After a Car Accident

After an accident, many people assume that the insurance companies involved will handle everything smoothly. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Insurance companies are focused on protecting their bottom line, which often means offering settlements that do not fully cover medical bills, lost wages, or the lasting effects of an injury. Having a car accident attorney by your side gives you someone who understands the tactics insurers use and how to respond effectively.

Legal support is also important because car accident claims can involve more than just filing paperwork. There may be questions of fault, evidence gathering, or disputes about the severity of your injuries. In these situations, a car accident lawyer in Charlotte can collect accident reports, interview witnesses, and work with medical experts to strengthen your case. These steps are often crucial to making sure the outcome reflects the full impact of the accident on your life.

For those searching online for a “car accident lawyer near me” or “car accident attorney near me,” it often comes down to finding someone who understands the unique challenges of handling claims in North Carolina. Local experience matters because laws vary from state to state. A car accident law firm in North Carolina knows how local courts operate and what strategies tend to work best. This kind of knowledge can help you avoid mistakes that might otherwise delay or reduce your claim.

The Value of Early Legal Guidance

Timing is critical in accident cases. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the more options you may have. Evidence can disappear quickly, and memories of witnesses may fade over time. An early consultation allows a lawyer to secure key details that could strengthen your case. Even if you are unsure whether you want to pursue a claim, having that first conversation can help you make an informed decision.

Understanding the Role of an Auto Accident Attorney in Charlotte, NC

When people hear the term attorney, they often imagine courtroom battles and lengthy trials. In reality, an auto accident attorney in Charlotte, NC plays a much broader role in helping clients after a crash. Their work often begins the moment you reach out for help, and it extends well beyond legal filings. They act as both a guide and a protector, making sure you are not left to handle the stress and pressure of insurance claims on your own.

One of the most important things an attorney does is evaluate your case with honesty and clarity. They can explain whether your situation is strong enough to move forward with, what kind of compensation may be realistic, and what steps you need to take. For many people, this first consultation brings peace of mind. It transforms uncertainty into a clearer path, which can be incredibly helpful during a time when everything feels overwhelming.

Another key role of a Charlotte lawyer focusing on auto accidents is communication. Insurance companies and other parties may flood you with calls, paperwork, or requests for statements. Responding to these alone can lead to mistakes that hurt your case. An attorney steps in to handle this communication for you. They know how to respond to insurance adjusters, what information should be shared, and what needs to be protected. This allows you to focus on recovery without worrying about saying or signing the wrong thing.

How Attorneys Strengthen a Case

Building a strong case takes more than just telling your side of the story. Attorneys gather evidence, such as medical reports, police records, and witness statements, to create a full picture of what happened and how it affected you. They may even work with experts who can testify about accident causes or the long-term impact of injuries. All of this adds weight to your claim and makes it harder for insurance companies to deny or reduce compensation.

Beyond collecting evidence, attorneys also bring negotiation skills to the table. Most cases are resolved before they ever reach trial, and the outcome often depends on how well your lawyer can negotiate. A car accident attorney understands the tactics insurers use to push lower settlements. Their role is to push back, using facts and evidence to argue for a fair resolution that reflects your true needs.

For anyone searching for help after a crash, working with a car accident law firm in North Carolina provides more than legal representation. It gives you a partner who understands local laws, knows the community, and is committed to standing by your side until your case is resolved. This blend of legal knowledge and personal support makes hiring an attorney a smart step for anyone trying to move forward after an accident.

Common Issues Accident Victims Face

Car accidents often leave behind problems that go beyond the immediate injuries. Many victims find themselves struggling with delayed symptoms that appear days or weeks later. For example, neck or back pain might not seem severe at first but could become chronic over time. Without proper medical documentation and legal support, these injuries might be overlooked in a settlement.

Another issue is financial stress. Missing work can quickly lead to unpaid bills and added pressure. Insurance companies may try to minimize this loss, but a car accident attorney can calculate both present and future income you may miss because of the accident. This ensures that the financial impact is fairly addressed.

Emotional stress is also a reality for many accident victims. The pressure of dealing with calls from insurance companies, worrying about medical treatment, and handling everyday responsibilities can take a toll. Having a reliable attorney allows you to focus on recovery while they handle the legal details.

Challenges With Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters may appear friendly at first, but their goal is to close claims quickly and at the lowest cost possible. They may ask you to sign documents or give recorded statements that could be used against you later. This is why consulting with a car accident attorney in Charlotte before agreeing to anything is smart. An attorney ensures that your rights are not compromised in the process.

Hiring a Car Accident Law Firm in Charlotte, NC

When choosing a law firm after an accident, many people prefer working with a local team that knows the Charlotte area. Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers has built strong connections in the community and understands the local court system. Their experience with North Carolina law allows them to provide practical guidance for accident victims dealing with both minor and serious injuries.

One advantage of hiring a local car accident law firm in North Carolina is accessibility. Meeting with your lawyer face-to-face can help you feel more comfortable and confident. It also makes communication easier when you have questions about your case. A local team is familiar with nearby medical providers, repair shops, and experts who may be needed to support your claim.

Clients often find reassurance in knowing their case is being handled by attorneys who focus on personal injury and accident claims. Corey Rosensteel and Matthew Fleishman have dedicated their careers to helping people in Charlotte recover from accidents. Their focus on client needs and commitment to personalized service make the legal process less stressful for those already dealing with life-changing events.

Benefits of Hiring a North Carolina Injury Law Firm Post-Accident

Choosing a local firm offers benefits beyond convenience. It means your case is being handled by professionals who understand both the legal and personal challenges that follow an accident. From negotiating with insurance companies to presenting your case in court if necessary, a North Carolina law firm offers the support and knowledge needed to pursue fair results.

What a Charlotte Car Accident Attorney Does and How They Assist

A Charlotte lawyer focusing on car accident cases provides support in multiple ways. They review police reports, collect medical records, and gather any available evidence. This helps create a clear picture of what happened and how the accident has affected your life.

Attorneys also act as negotiators. Insurance companies may attempt to settle quickly, but a lawyer ensures that any offer is fair before you agree to it. If negotiations do not lead to a fair settlement, the attorney is prepared to represent you in court. This dual role as both advisor and advocate allows accident victims to feel more confident in the process.

In addition to financial recovery, attorneys help clients secure compensation for long-term needs. This can include ongoing medical treatment, therapy, or assistance with household responsibilities affected by injuries. Having someone who looks at the bigger picture ensures that you are not left with hidden costs later.

How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Be Helpful After an Accident in Charlotte, NC

Personal injury cases are rarely simple. Each accident affects people differently, and every claim requires careful attention to detail. An attorney helps you understand what compensation may be available, guides you through paperwork, and explains the legal process in plain language. Their involvement helps reduce uncertainty and stress, allowing you to focus on recovery.

Taking the First Step Toward Support

Recovering from a car accident takes time, but getting the right help early can protect your health and your future. Speaking with an attorney does not mean you are committing to a lawsuit. Instead, it means you are giving yourself the chance to understand your options. Many people find relief simply by learning what steps are available and knowing they do not have to handle everything alone.

Corey Rosensteel often reminds clients, “You do not need to face insurance companies by yourself. Having someone in your corner can make the process less intimidating and give you the confidence to move forward.” That kind of reassurance can be valuable when life feels uncertain.

Call Today for a Free Consultation

If you have been in a car accident in Charlotte or anywhere in North Carolina, Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers is here to help. Calling 1-704-714-1450 connects you with a team that understands what you are going through and is ready to listen. A free consultation can provide clarity and peace of mind, showing you the steps available for your situation. Reaching out is simple, and it could be the most important step you take toward protecting yourself and your future.

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