Week 4 Review

Tennessee delivered a commanding performance in Norman, shutting down Oklahoma's offense and cruising to a 25-15 victory. The Sooners struggled to find their rhythm all night, leading to the benching of starting quarterback Jackson Arnold in favor of Michael Hawkins Jr. Tennessee's defense was dominant, limiting Oklahoma's scoring opportunities and forcing turnovers.

Moving forward, it appears that Michael Hawkins Jr. is the most effective quarterback for the Oklahoma Sooners. However, the team's offensive struggles extend beyond the quarterback position. They must quickly identify and address the issues hindering their productivity, especially as they face a tough road game against Auburn next week.

Tennessee's dominant performance against Oklahoma solidified their status as a legitimate contender for both the SEC and national championships. While their high-powered offense has been a hallmark in previous weeks, this game showcased their defensive prowess. The Volunteers effectively ran the ball against the Sooners, and their defensive line consistently penetrated the backfield. With upcoming matchups against Arkansas and Florida before the highly anticipated Alabama showdown, Tennessee is well-positioned for a successful season.

USC's early-season momentum came to a screeching halt at Michigan Stadium. Following a decisive victory over LSU, the Trojans were considered a potential College Football Playoff contender. However, they were thoroughly outplayed by the Wolverines, who dominated the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.

Michigan's powerful running game and dominant defensive line performance propelled them to a 27-24 victory over USC at Michigan Stadium. The Wolverines' ability to churn out big plays on the ground and pressure USC quarterback Caleb Williams throughout the game proved to be the difference. This victory is crucial as Michigan enters the heart of their conference schedule and will serve as a momentum builder for their upcoming matchups.

While USC's loss to Michigan is a setback, it doesn't eliminate their playoff aspirations. With several home games against conference opponents still to come, the Trojans have an opportunity to regroup and make necessary adjustments, particularly on the offensive line. Given their talent and the length of the season, USC remains a strong contender for a playoff berth.

Missouri narrowly escaped a home upset against Vanderbilt, securing a victory in overtime. The Tigers struggled with inconsistency throughout the game, but ultimately prevailed with a touchdown and a missed Vanderbilt field goal in the second overtime.

Missouri has demonstrated a knack for winning close games, regardless of the opponent. The Tigers will look to carry this momentum into their upcoming road matchup against Texas A&M following a bye week. With their sights set on the College Football Playoffs, Missouri must capitalize on their opportunities against less formidable SEC opponents like Texas A&M and Auburn in the coming weeks. Success in these games is crucial for achieving their postseason goals.