In a surprising turn of events, the weekly “Ugly Underdog” column featured Wyoming on its cover after their valiant effort against Texas. The Longhorns, coming off an emotional win over Alabama, faced a challenging situational spot against the Cowboys. The game remained tied at 10-10 until Texas managed to score 21 points in the fourth quarter, securing the victory. This unexpected turn of events has influenced the decision to fade another big favorite in a similar situation in the upcoming Saturday's game.

The focus now shifts to Florida, whose prospects seemed bleak after a disappointing loss to Utah in their season opener. However, a win over McNeese State didn't do much to change the perception. It was in Week 3 when the mood around the Swamp shifted as the Gators took on Tennessee. Despite being a small underdog, Florida dominated the game from the start, leaving no chance for the Volunteers to recover. This significant victory has given the Gators hope for a better season after two consecutive six-win seasons. Their next challenge will be against Charlotte on Tom Petty Day at the Swamp, where they are 28-point favorites.

Although the Gators have gained momentum with their recent win, there are concerns about their offensive performance. While their defense has been solid, their offense lacks the explosiveness needed to cover a 28-point spread. On the other hand, Charlotte's offense relies heavily on explosive plays, which could pose a challenge for Florida's defense. Additionally, both teams have a slow-paced style of play, which could lead to a shorter game and benefit the underdog.

Moving on to the Pac-12, while USC, Oregon, Washington, and Colorado receive most of the national attention, Oregon State should not be overlooked. Under the leadership of Jonathan Smith, the Beavers had an impressive 10-3 season last year, and this success has carried over into the current season as they are ranked 14th in the country with a 3-0 record. Oregon State's defense is considered one of the best in the country, and this could be a challenge for Washington State's quarterback, Cameron Ward. The Beavers' defensive coordinator, Trent Bray, has implemented a successful defensive scheme, leading the Pac-12 in several defensive categories. Although Washington State's offense has been high-scoring this season, it will face its toughest test against Oregon State.

Despite the anticipated battle between Oregon State and Washington State, the better defense of the Beavers gives them an edge. Washington State's quarterback, Ward, struggled against Oregon State last season, and there is a possibility that history could repeat itself. The Beavers also have a strong running game, led by Damien Martinez, which could pose a challenge for Washington State's defense. With the spread hovering around a field goal, the prediction favors the Beavers.

Shifting focus to another significant game, Mississippi's trip to face Alabama has caught the attention of college football fans. Although there are doubts surrounding the Crimson Tide's performance this season, the decision to go back to Jalen Milroe at quarterback could provide them with a better chance to compete for an SEC title. On the other hand, Ole Miss has had misleading box scores in their games this season, with close margins against Tulane and Georgia Tech. Alabama's strength in rushing could be a key factor in exploiting Ole Miss' defensive weakness.

Despite the initial look-ahead line favoring Alabama by 15.5 points, it has now dropped to 6.5 points. This shift in the spread provides rare value for Alabama, and it is predicted that they will dominate the game at home.

In conclusion, college football fans can expect an exciting Saturday with multiple games that will impact conference standings and playoff positioning. The unexpected outcomes in previous games have influenced the decision to fade big favorites and consider underdogs in similar situations. The matchups between Florida and Charlotte, Oregon State and Washington State, and Mississippi and Alabama are expected to be highly competitive, with potential upsets and standout performances from key players.