College football rankings, grades: Florida State, Oregon get A+ scores, USC D+ in Week 4 report card

Week 4 College Football Playoff contenders graded on their performances, including thrilling wins, dominant shutouts, and disappointing struggles.

The highly anticipated Week 4 of the 2023 college football season did not disappoint, with six matchups between top-25 teams producing impactful results. One of the standout games was between No. 6 Ohio State and No. 9 Notre Dame, which ended in a thrilling 17-14 victory for the Buckeyes. DeaMonte Trayanum's last-second touchdown showcased Ohio State's potential as a College Football Playoff contender and highlighted their elite-level defense.

In another dominant performance, No. 10 Oregon crushed No. 19 Colorado with a resounding 42-6 blowout victory. Ducks quarterback Bo Nix outshined Buffaloes star Shedeur Sanders, solidifying his position in the Heisman Trophy conversation.

Now, let's assess the grades of the CFP National Championship contenders based on their performances in Week 4. We'll take a look at each team's odds of +4000 or better, according to the SportsLine consensus.

- Georgia (Odds: 23/10) - Grade: B+
Georgia's slow starts in all four games have raised concerns, despite their 49-21 victory over UAB. The Bulldogs struggled to establish a significant lead until deep into the second quarter. While it remains to be seen if this will haunt them in the future, it's clear that slow starts have become a defining characteristic of the team in 2023.

- Michigan (Odds: 4-1) - Grade: A-
Michigan overcame an early 7-0 deficit to secure a convincing 31-7 win over Rutgers. The Wolverines' offense wore down their opponents, showcasing their strength and resilience. Rutgers, surprisingly competitive, couldn't keep up with Michigan's dominance.

- Florida State (Odds: 17/2) - Grade: A+
Florida State's overtime victory against Clemson demonstrated their ability to withstand adversity in a hostile environment. The close game, predicted by oddsmakers, ended in a 31-24 triumph for the Seminoles. They proved their mettle and emerged victorious against a fierce rival.

- Ohio State (Odds: 10-1) - Grade: A+
Ohio State's dramatic 17-14 win over Notre Dame showcased their composure and ability to convert crucial third-down opportunities. The Buckeyes remained unrattled during a challenging 15-play, 65-yard game-winning drive in a hostile environment. Their victory solidifies their position as a serious playoff contender.

- Texas (Odds: 10-1) - Grade: A
Texas demonstrated their offensive prowess in a balanced 38-6 victory over Baylor. Quarterback Quinn Ewers threw for 293 yards, while running back Jonathon Brooks added 106 rushing yards. Their well-rounded performance established them as a dangerous team in the country.

- USC (Odds: 14-1) - Grade: D+
Despite securing a 42-28 road win against Arizona State, USC's performance did not inspire confidence moving forward. Their victory against a struggling Pac-12 team failed to showcase their true potential, leaving doubts about their future performances.

- Penn State (Odds: 18-1) - Grade: A+
Penn State's dominant 31-0 shutout victory over Iowa was nothing short of impressive. Quarterback Drew Allar's four touchdowns and the defense's stellar performance, allowing only 76 yards, highlighted their superiority. Penn State's dominance was undeniable throughout the game.

- Notre Dame (Odds: 18-1) - Grade: B
Despite falling one second short in their thrilling 17-14 loss to Ohio State, Notre Dame showcased their resilience and competitiveness. The Fighting Irish remain firmly in the mix for the CFP, with their performance against a top contender proving their capabilities as an exceptional football team.

- Washington (Odds: 22-1) - Grade: A+
Washington's commanding 59-32 victory over Cal solidified their status as a top team in the country. Scoring 14 points before even taking an offensive snap, the Huskies overwhelmed their overmatched opponents. It's time for the college football world to take notice of Washington's formidable presence.

- LSU (Odds: 22-1) - Grade: C+
LSU's 34-31 victory over Arkansas, secured with a field goal in the final seconds, demonstrated resilience. However, their defense struggled in the fourth quarter, allowing Arkansas to make a late comeback. LSU's performance was mixed, leaving room for improvement.

- Oregon (Odds: 30-1) - Grade: A+
Oregon's dominant 42-6 victory over Colorado silenced any doubts about their potential. The Ducks could have scored even more points if they had desired, highlighting their offensive prowess. Their performance was a statement of their strength as a team.

- Alabama (Odds: 35-1) - Grade: B+
Alabama's 24-10 win over Ole Miss silenced critics who doubted their abilities. The defense held Ole Miss' potent offense to minimal yardage, showcasing their strength. Alabama's performance demonstrated their championship pedigree.

- Oklahoma (Odds: 35-1) - Grade: B-
Oklahoma's victory over Cincinnati in their first game as a member of the Big 12 was commendable. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel's impressive performance and the defense's ability to limit Cincinnati's offense were notable. However, the game remained in doubt until the fourth quarter against a below-average Bearcats team.

- Clemson (Odds: 30-1) - Grade: B-
Clemson's inability to close out their game against Florida State proved costly in their 31-24 overtime loss. Late-game decision-making and execution faltered, preventing them from securing a victory. Clemson's performance highlighted the importance of critical moments in a game.

In conclusion, Week 4 of the college football season provided thrilling matchups and impactful performances from the top contenders. Teams like Ohio State, Oregon, and Washington showcased their dominance, while others faced challenges and areas for improvement. The race for the College Football Playoff continues to heat up, with each team vying for their chance at the national title.

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