Unexpected college football surprises from Week 4

Al Formicola

Unexpected college football surprises from Week 4  image

Week 4 of college football reminded fans why Saturdays in the fall feel so electric. From overtime drama to rivalry blowouts and unexpected upsets, three programs stood tall and showed they deserve attention moving forward.

Tulsa started the fun, when they stunned Oklahoma State, 31-24, in one of the biggest wins for the program in years. Backup quarterback Baylor Hayes stepped in for injured starter Kirk Francis and delivered 219 yards and a touchdown. For coach Tre Lamb, it’s a signature victory that could turn the program’s fortunes after several years of decline.

North Texas continued its hot start with a 45-38 overtime win at Army, improving to 4-0. Caleb Hawkins powered the Mean Green, scoring four touchdowns, including the game-winner in overtime. His 99 rushing yards on 13 carries cemented UNT as a legitimate threat in a loaded American Conference.

Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. put on a show in the Apple Cup, leading the Huskies to a 59-24 rout of Washington State. Williams was nearly perfect, going 16-of-19 for 298 yards and four touchdowns while adding 88 rushing yards and another score. Washington scored on eight of its nine drives, setting up a massive showdown with top-ranked Ohio State.

Week 4 proved that new contenders are emerging. For North Texas, Washington, and Tulsa, the spotlight is only getting brighter.

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Al Formicola

Al Formicola is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He has over 20 years of television production experience as a writer and producer. He has previously written for Athlon Sports.