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UNT Shocks Texas Tech, Troy Dominates UL Monroe, Wyoming Runs Wild, South Alabama Stuns Virginia, Coastal Carolina Upsets Kansas State, USF Falls to Navy

  • Writer: Saturday Night Chronicles
    Saturday Night Chronicles
  • Sep 15, 2024
  • 11 min read

Week 4 delivered another exciting set of college football matchups, with big upsets, dominating conference wins, and record-setting performances. Here's a comprehensive look at the key games and what lies ahead in Week 5.


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**North Texas (1-1) vs. #17 Texas Tech (1-1):**

**Final Score:** UNT 59, Texas Tech 38


*Recap:* North Texas stunned #17 Texas Tech with a 59-38 victory in a game that was tight until the fourth quarter. UNT blew the game wide open late, outscoring Texas Tech 28-7 in the final quarter. The Mean Green accumulated 579 yards of total offense, rushing for 130 yards, led by Zach Evans, who ran for 141 yards on 15 carries and a touchdown. Quarterback General Booty delivered a spectacular performance, throwing for 449 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 1 interception in an Air Raid display reminiscent of the late Mike Leach’s style. Matthew Golden was a standout with 170 receiving yards on 4 receptions and 3 touchdowns, while Landon Sides added 8 receptions for 152 yards and 3 touchdowns. Freshman Nick Coffey, who struggled with drops in Week 2, bounced back with 5 targets and no drops, showing significant improvement.


**Betting Recap:** Pre-game odds had Texas Tech favored at -17.5, but North Texas covered the spread with a commanding 21-point win. The over/under was set at 62.5, and the combined score blew past that, totaling 97 points. Prop bets included General Booty’s over/under for passing yards at 350.5, which he easily exceeded. His single interception hit the under on the line set at 2.5.


*Next Game:* UNT will host SMU next week in the Safeway Bowl, a rivalry game with an early betting line favoring North Texas at -3.5 and an over/under set at 65.5 points.


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**Troy (1-2) vs. UL Monroe (1-2):**

**Final Score:** Troy 61, UL Monroe 14


*Recap:* Troy cruised to a 61-14 victory over UL Monroe, dominating from start to finish. The Trojans gained 569 total yards on offense, with quarterback Tucker Kilcrease throwing for 333 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Backup quarterback Caleb McCreary got some action in the second half, adding 71 yards and a touchdown. Running back Damien Taylor rushed for 99 yards on 18 carries and scored 2 touchdowns. Wide receiver Devonte Ross had 4 receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown, while LJ Green had 2 interceptions, returning one for a pick-six. Troy's defense was relentless, forcing 6 interceptions during the game.


**Betting Recap:** Pre-game odds favored Troy at -10.5, and they easily covered the spread with a 47-point blowout win. The over/under was set at 52.5, which was surpassed with the final score totaling 75 points. Prop bets included Tucker Kilcrease's over/under for passing yards at 275.5, which he exceeded with 333 yards. LJ Green's two interceptions, including a pick-six, were not part of any prop bets but were game-changing plays.


*Next Game:* Troy will travel to Texas State in Week 5, looking to continue their winning momentum in conference play. Early betting line favors Troy at -6.5, with an over/under set at 52.5 points.


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**Wyoming (1-2) vs. FCS Midwest:**

**Final Score:** Wyoming 115, FCS Midwest 49


*Recap:* Wyoming ran wild over FCS Midwest, racking up an astounding 115 points in a lopsided victory. Quarterback Evan Svoboda had a record-setting day, throwing for 1,016 yards, 16 touchdowns, and just 1 interception. Wide receiver Tyler King truly lived up to his name, ruling the field with 18 receptions for 725 yards and 13 touchdowns. It seems like the only thing Tyler King didn’t catch was a break for the defense! The Cowboy defense was equally dominant, forcing 4 interceptions, while kicker Erik Sandvik stayed perfect, nailing all 11 of his extra-point attempts.


**Betting Recap:** Pre-game odds heavily favored Wyoming at -35.5, and they obliterated the spread with a 66-point margin of victory. The over/under for the game was set at 85.5, which was easily exceeded, with a total of 164 points scored. Prop bets for the game included an over/under on total Wyoming offensive yards at 800.5, which they surpassed spectacularly. Additional prop bets on total touchdowns by Wyoming were set at 10.5, which was also cleared comfortably.


*Next Game:* Wyoming will open Mountain West conference play at Air Force in Week 5. Early betting line favors Air Force at -4.5, with an over/under set at 61.5 points.


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**#16 South Alabama (2-0) vs. Virginia (1-2):**

**Final Score:** South Alabama 94, Virginia 24


*Recap:* South Alabama demolished Virginia 94-24 in a game that saw multiple records being challenged. Quarterback Bishop Davenport threw for 608 yards and 6 touchdowns, spreading the ball effectively throughout the game. Austin Eager caught 14 passes for 254 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Keyshawn Woodyard was unstoppable with 10 receptions, 228 yards, and 4 touchdowns. The star of the game, however, was Ricky Fletcher, who tied a single-game record set back in 1942 by Lee Cook at Oklahoma State with 5 interceptions, including 3 pick-sixes! Fletcher is now within striking distance of the South Alabama single-season record of 8 interceptions, set by Reggie Neely in 2024.


**Betting Recap:** Pre-game odds had South Alabama favored at -14.5, and they blew past the spread with a 70-point win. The over/under was set at 61.5, and the combined score easily surpassed that, reaching 118 points. Prop bets on Bishop Davenport’s passing yards were set at 350.5, and he soared past that mark. Ricky Fletcher’s record-tying performance wasn’t covered in any prop bets but was one for the ages!


*Next Game:* South Alabama will travel to Hawai'i in Week 5, looking to maintain their undefeated record. Early betting line favors South Alabama at -12.5, with an over/under set at 67.5 points.


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**Coastal Carolina (2-0) vs. #6 Kansas State (3-0):**

**Final Score:** Coastal Carolina 45, Kansas State 22


*Recap:* Coastal Carolina continued their impressive run by upsetting #6 Kansas State with a convincing 45-22 win. Quarterback Ethan Vasko threw for 389 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions, showing both brilliance and flaws throughout the game. Christian Washington was a force on the ground, rushing for 146 yards and 2 touchdowns on 18 carries, and adding 4 receptions for 56 yards. Matt Sauer also had a standout performance with 11 receptions, 113 yards, and 2 touchdowns. Kansas State's quarterback Avery Johnson struggled, throwing 3 interceptions and seeming to "see ghosts" all game. Coastal Carolina also forced a safety after a punt that will go down in the history books as one of the greatest punts of all time. Punter Mack West, whose boot set up the play, is reportedly receiving NIL offers from local strip clubs after demonstrating his incredible leg talent.


After the game, Coach Clayton didn't hold back in expressing his frustration over the perceived lack of respect for his team: "If Coastal Carolina is not ranked, I will personally show up to the house of every AP voter and confront them for their lack of ball knowing."


**Betting Recap:** Pre-game odds had Kansas State favored at -9.5, but Coastal Carolina defied expectations and covered the spread with a 23-point win. The over/under was set at 58.5, and the total points scored reached 67, hitting the over. Prop bets included Ethan Vasko's over/under for passing yards at 300.5, which he surpassed, and Christian Washington's rushing yards over/under at 100.5, which he also exceeded.


*Next Game:* Coastal Carolina will have a bye next week as they prepare for their upcoming schedule.


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**USF (2-0) vs. Navy (1-0):**

**Final Score:** Navy 28, USF 27


Recap: USF fell to Navy in a nail-biter, losing 28-27. Quarterback Byrum Brown had 262 yards passing with 1 touchdown and added 6 yards and another score on the ground. Running back Alvon Isaac had another strong performance with 143 rushing yards and a touchdown on 19 carries, but concerns emerged as he was seen walking gingerly during the final drive. When asked about his health going into the next game, Isaac reassured fans, saying, “I’ll be ready. Just a little sore, but nothing that’s going to keep me off the field.” Traylon Ray added 115 receiving yards and a touchdown.


In-game decisions could come back to haunt Coach Doctor Bryan’s nightmares: opting to go for it in easy field goal range early in the first half, a missed field goal in the second half, and deciding to go for two to take the lead with seconds left instead of kicking the extra point to force overtime.


Betting Recap: Pre-game odds favored USF at -6.5, but they failed to cover with a one-point loss. The over/under was set at 51.5, and the total points of 55 narrowly hit the over. Prop bets included Alvon Isaac’s over/under for rushing yards at 125.5, which he surpassed, and Byrum Brown’s over/under for total touchdowns at 2.5, which landed on the under.


Next Game: USF will host Nevada next week in a game that is expected to be closely contested. The early betting line favors USF at -3.5, with an over/under set at 48.5 points.


Week 5 Preview


North Texas (UNT) (2-1) vs. SMU (2-1):

Preview: North Texas comes off a high-scoring victory against Texas Tech and will now face in-state rival SMU in the Safeway Bowl. General Booty has been electric, leading an Air Raid offense that has been hard to stop. UNT will look to exploit SMU’s defense, which has shown vulnerabilities against the pass this season. SMU, however, is looking to prove their resilience after a close loss to TCU. The battle for Texas pride is on the line in this heated rivalry.


Betting Line: UNT favored at -3.5, over/under set at 65.5 points.


Troy (2-2) at Texas State (1-2):

Preview: Troy is riding high after a dominant win over UL Monroe, and they aim to continue their winning streak against Texas State. The Trojans’ defense has been stepping up, forcing turnovers at crucial moments, while their offense, led by Tucker Kilcrease, is finding its rhythm. Texas State will need to clean up its quarterback play and avoid turnovers if they want to pull off the upset. Look for Troy to try to control the game on both sides of the ball.


Betting Line: Troy favored at -6.5, over/under set at 52.5 points.


Wyoming (2-2) at Air Force (2-1):

Preview: Wyoming enters Mountain West conference play after a record-setting performance against FCS Midwest, but they face a stiffer challenge against Air Force. Evan Svoboda and Tyler King will need to continue their offensive fireworks against a disciplined Air Force defense. Air Force is known for their ground-and-pound offense, and Wyoming’s defense will need to step up to handle the triple-option attack. This game could be a high-scoring affair or a defensive battle depending on which team controls the tempo.


Betting Line: Air Force favored at -4.5, over/under set at 61.5 points.


#16 South Alabama (3-0) at Hawai’i (1-2):

Preview: South Alabama looks to stay undefeated as they travel to Hawai’i. Fresh off a record-setting performance against Virginia, Bishop Davenport and his receiving corps will look to put up big numbers again. Hawai’i’s defense has struggled against the pass, so expect South Alabama to exploit that. Meanwhile, Hawai’i will need to find a way to slow down the South Alabama offense and capitalize on any mistakes.


Betting Line: South Alabama favored at -12.5, over/under set at 67.5 points.


USF (2-1) vs. Nevada (1-2):

Preview: After a heartbreaking loss to Navy, USF returns home to face Nevada. Byrum Brown will need to lead the Bulls to a rebound victory, and all eyes will be on running back Alvon Isaac, who is recovering from a minor injury. Nevada, coming off a bye, will look to exploit any lingering issues in USF’s defense. Expect a closely contested matchup as both teams look to build momentum going forward.


Betting Line: USF favored at -3.5, over/under set at 48.5 points.


Arkansas State (3-0) at Miami (1-2):

Preview: Arkansas State, undefeated and riding the wave of Jaylen Raynor’s Heisman campaign, heads to Miami to face a struggling Hurricanes team. Raynor will look to continue his stellar play, but the Red Wolves must watch out for a desperate Miami team eager to turn their season around. Expect a high-energy game with Arkansas State aiming to prove they belong in the national conversation.


Betting Line: Miami favored at -2.5, over/under set at 55.5 points.


Utah State (2-1) vs. UConn (1-2):

Preview: Utah State returns home to face UConn in a matchup of teams looking to build some mid-season momentum. The Aggies have shown flashes of potential, particularly on offense, and they will look to capitalize on UConn’s defensive struggles. UConn’s run game will be the key, as they try to control the clock and keep Utah State’s offense off the field.


Betting Line: Utah State favored at -7.5, over/under set at 50.5 points.


Coastal Carolina (3-0) – Bye Week:

Preview: Coastal Carolina gets a bye this week after their stunning upset over #6 Kansas State. The Chanticleers will use this time to rest and prepare for their next opponent, with an eye on maintaining their momentum and climbing the rankings.


ECU (2-1) at Kennesaw State (1-2):

Preview: ECU is on the road against Kennesaw State, looking to build on their recent success. The Pirates have improved steadily and hope to continue their winning ways. Kennesaw State, a team with a strong rushing attack, will test ECU’s defense, which has shown weaknesses against the run. This game will be a test of ECU’s resilience and adaptability on the road.


Betting Line: ECU favored at -5.5, over/under set at 54.5 points.


Tulane (2-1) at Florida State (2-1):

Preview: Tulane faces a tough test on the road against Florida State. The Green Wave is coming off a loss to Michigan but remains a formidable opponent, especially with their dynamic offense. Florida State has had an up-and-down season and will be looking to make a statement against a top-tier opponent. Expect a hard-fought game that could go down to the wire.


Betting Line: Florida State favored at -4.5, over/under set at 58.5 points.


UNLV (1-1) at Cal (2-1):

Preview: UNLV travels to face Cal, hoping to bounce back from their loss to Arkansas State. Freshman sensation Santiago Melendez will look to show that the Road Dog hype is real, while Cal aims to continue its strong start to the season. This game will test UNLV’s young talent against a solid Pac-12 defense.


Betting Line: Cal favored at -9.5, over/under set at 52.5 points.


Week 5 Power Rankings


  1. South Alabama (3-0)

    • Why? South Alabama maintains the top spot due to their undefeated record and a strong overall performance, showing they can win in a variety of ways. Their balanced attack and playmaking defense keep them at the top.

  2. Coastal Carolina (3-0)

    • Why? Coastal Carolina continues to impress with a major win over #6 Kansas State, demonstrating they can compete against top teams. The offense is firing on all cylinders, and their defense is opportunistic, forcing key turnovers.

  3. Arkansas State (3-0)

    • Why? Arkansas State remains undefeated with a dynamic offense led by Jaylen Raynor. While they haven’t faced a ranked opponent yet, their consistent performances keep them in the top tier.

  4. Tulane (2-1)

    • Why? Tulane’s solid start, including wins over Utah and LSU, keeps them high in the rankings. The loss to Michigan exposed some weaknesses, but they remain a formidable team with a potent offense and a capable defense.

  5. North Texas (UNT) (2-1)

    • Why? UNT's explosive offense, led by General Booty, has been a standout. Their recent win over #17 Texas Tech boosts their credibility, but defensive concerns still linger, particularly in high-scoring games.

  6. Troy (2-2)

    • Why? Troy is rising in the rankings after two consecutive wins and a strong defensive showing against UL Monroe. They’re showing improvement, but need to prove they can compete consistently against stronger teams.

  7. USF (2-1)

    • Why? USF drops after a loss to Navy, raising questions about their ability to compete against tougher competition. Their offense, led by Byrum Brown, remains a strength, but the defense needs to step up to avoid further losses.

  8. Utah State (2-1)

    • Why? Utah State stays in the middle of the pack with mixed results. They have potential but need to show more consistency in all phases of the game to climb higher.

  9. Texas State (1-2)

    • Why? Texas State has had an up-and-down season, with a key win over UTSA but struggles in other games. They need more consistent play from their quarterback and fewer turnovers to improve.

  10. Wyoming (2-2)

    • Why? Wyoming has shown they can score in bunches, but their defensive lapses and early-season losses keep them lower in the rankings. They need to prove themselves against tougher competition.

  11. UNLV (1-1)

    • Why? UNLV needs a big win to climb the rankings. Freshman QB Santiago Melendez has shown potential, but the team is still looking for consistency.

  12. ECU (2-1)

    • Why? ECU has shown improvement but still lacks a defining win. They need to perform against stronger teams to move up.

  13. Nevada (1-2)

    • Why? Nevada remains at the bottom due to their losses against ranked opponents and a lack of consistency. They need to turn things around quickly to avoid falling further.

 
 
 

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