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College Football Betting Preview: Week 4 picks

Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY

Each week during the college football season, theScore's Dane Belbeck will handicap the board and offer up a pack of picks.

Season record

Gold/Silver/Bronze: 6-2-1
Other: 4-5
Twitter picks: 3-1
Overall: 13-8-1

NC State (+12.5) at Florida State

Due to Hurricane Irma, it's been almost three weeks since Florida State last saw action. The Seminoles return with an ACC home game versus NC State in James Blackman's first collegiate start as the true freshman takes over for the injured Deondre Francois. His competition boasts one of the top defensive lines in the country, led by stars Bradley Chubb and Kentavius Street. They should do enough to disrupt the young pivot in the pocket and force a couple mistakes throughout the contest. The Seminoles overall talent will see them walk away with the win, but it will be much closer than the suggested spread. Florida State 27, NC State 24

Mississippi State at Georgia (-5)

Mississippi State absolutely outclassed LSU last week in a blowout win, but are in tough with a trip to Georgia on Saturday. Nick Fitzgerald was dominant through the air and on the ground, while Aeris Williams gashed the Tigers for 146 yards. They will face a much tougher Georgia defensive unit who won't be surprised by the SEC West progam's offense. Sony Michel looks set to return for Kirby Smart's offense, and along with Nick Chubb, should cause fits for Mississippi State's front-7. Georgia will wear down its opponent throughout the contest and pull away late. Georgia 27, Mississippi State 17

Notre Dame at Michigan State (+4.5)

Fresh off an impressive win over Boston College, Notre Dame heads to Michigan State for another road test. Brandon Wimbush and Josh Adams ran wild over the Eagles with 436 yards combined, but Mark Dantonio's defense won't allow that type of production at home on Saturday. The Spartans will turn Wimbush in to a passer, something the highly-touted youngster has struggled with thus far in 2017. Quarterback Brian Lewerke will have a big day and Michigan State will pick up the home victory. Michigan State 28, Notre Dame 27

Other games of note

Rutgers at Nebraska (-11)

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

A road loss at Oregon is one thing, but a home loss to Northern Illinois last weekend certainly didn't sit well with the Nebraska faithful. Luckily for Mike Riley and company, Rutgers comes to Lincoln this Saturday to offer a chance at redemption. The Scarlet Knights snapped an 11-game losing streak with a win over FCS program Morgan State last weekend, but a road trip to Nebraska is a different animal. Tanner Lee will do a much better job protecting the ball and the Cornhuskers get back on track with a win. Nebraska 35, Rutgers 17

Washington at Colorado (+11.5)

Colorado has thumped inferior competition through three weeks but face a big test with defending Pac-12 champion Washington in town. It's a late Saturday start in Boulder meaning the crowd will be especially rowdy for the big conference contest. The Huskies are undoubtedly the better team, but 11.5 points on the road seems like a lot against the Buffaloes. Jake Browning will do enough for the win, but Colorado will keep it close at home. Washington 31, Colorado 28

West Virginia (-21) at Kansas

Kansas is back to reality after an opening week win with losses to Central Michigan and Ohio, and it's about to get even uglier with the high-powered West Virginia offense coming to town. Will Grier has been a revelation in his first season with the Mountaineers, with over 300 yards passing in each game and 11 touchdowns to just two interceptions. While it's tough to lay 21 points with a road team in a conference game, it feels like the play with the Mountaineers offense clicking on all cylinders. West Virginia 45, Kansas 20

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