Week 4 Football Preview
College Football Teams Face Critical Week 4 Tests and High-Stakes Matchups
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Tulane will host Southern Miss in its final nonconference game, seeking a more convincing and consistent performance after a loss to Kansas State; Southern Miss is 1-2 and faces Tulane’s speed, mobile quarterback and playmaking weapons after recent opponents tested it with size and physicality. Southern Miss coaches say the defense must improve its consistency and limit explosive plays after missed opportunities against UConn, while running back Turner could give Tulane’s offense a spark after recording 64 yards on seven carries and a receiving touchdown against Kansas State. The matchup also carries a personal angle for Tulane coach Will Hall, who was previously dismissed by Southern Miss. Auburn, coming off a loss to Florida, faces Vanderbilt, with linebacker Melendez and run-stopper Sigler expected to be key against the Commodores’ young quarterback and limited rushing attack; Auburn needs quarterback Brown to start faster and sustain drives, while running back Cobb’s workload and production are also points to watch. Florida, unbeaten at 3-0, will look to its home crowd at The Swamp for an edge against No. 6 Ole Miss, with quarterback Philo and standout running back Baugh among the players highlighted ahead of the matchup.
Key Points
1
Kansas State quarterback ran for 152 yards on 12 carries and two touchdowns against Tulane, illustrating the Green Wave’s vulnerability to mobile quarterbacks.
2
Southern Miss defensive coordinator Joe Bolden said the defense has had good stretches but struggled to sustain them; he also said that against UConn, defenders were sometimes in position but did not finish plays or make the needed adjustment.
3
Auburn linebacker Melendez leads his team in tackles, solo tackles and pass deflections, and is tied for the team lead with two sacks.
4
Florida’s Baugh entered the Ole Miss game with 458 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 8.4 yards per carry, leading the SEC in both yards and touchdowns; he had opened the season with three straight 100-yard games.
5
Florida had won five of its previous six games at The Swamp and was set to play in front of its 21st consecutive sellout. Defensive lineman Jayden Woods said the noise can disrupt opposing offenses’ communication and give Florida’s defense an advantage.
Sentiment
Mostly NegativeNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
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Articles
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Reach
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Topics
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