College football Week 4 picks: Iowa vs. Minnesota, Arkansas State vs. Iowa State, USC vs. Michigan

The Gazette’s Pick ‘Ems for Week 4 of the 2024 college football season, including the battle for Floyd of Rosedale between Iowa and Minnesota on Saturday night in Minneapolis.

Iowa (2-1, 0-0 Big Ten) at Minnesota (2-1, 0-0)

6:30 p.m. Saturday (NBC)

Line: Iowa -2.5

Mike Hlas (3-0, 7-2) — Floyd of Rosedale was originally a live moose, but after it ran rampant during a halftime show, they switched to a bronze pig. Iowa 12, Minnesota 10

John Steppe (3-0, 8-1) — PJ Fleck initially had the Floyd of Rosedale trophy at his home after last year’s game. I don’t have a 98-pound bronze pig in my apartment, but I do have two houseplants. Iowa 21, Minnesota 17

Jeff Johnson (3-0, 7-2) — How many Cooper DeJean punt-return references will there be from the panel here? Iowa 24, Minnesota 14

Rob Gray (3-0, 8-1) — Ah, a trophy game that squeals “take the under!” Iowa 17, Minnesota 13

Beth Malicki (3-0, 7-2) — I sat in the chair at the hair salon and said, “take it all off.” She rested her hand on my shoulder and asked if I was having a breakdown. I promise I’m not! Iowa 17, Minnesota 14

Todd Brommelkamp (3-0, 6-3) — I’ll take a healthy dose of probiotics, ignore my gut feeling, and roll with Iowa under the lights. I’m convinced the Hawks are still the better team in this rivalry. Iowa 19, Minnesota 12

Arkansas State (2-1) at No. 20 Iowa State (2-0)

1 p.m. Saturday (ESPN+)

Line: Iowa State -21.5

Hlas — Arkansas State’s coach has promised to perform a magic trick — turning a football into a bouquet of flowers — if his team scores three touchdowns. ISU 28, Arkansas State 18

Steppe — The Arkansas license plate has a diamond on it. I guess that looked better than the Walmart logo. ISU 34, Arkansas State 14

Johnson — I have a friend originally from the Jonesboro area who is an avid Gazette reader. Here’s to ya, Sam. Cheers. And thank you! ISU 28, Arkansas State 7

Gray — Iowa State will learn a lot about its running game Saturday, given Arkansas State’s porous defense. Abu Sama and company should enjoy ample running room to set the tone offensively. ISU 35, Arkansas State 14

Malicki — I’m a big Matt Campbell fan. Do I know his team’s stats? Players? History? No. Do I know that he’s got terrific camera presence and vibes? Yes. ISU 31, Arkansas State 13

Brommelkamp — Move over, Mac. A week off in between beating Iowa and this one should prevent a Cy-Hawk hangover and make Matt Campbell ISU’s wins leader. ISU 31, Arkansas State 10

No. 11 USC (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten) at No. 18 Michigan (2-1, 0-0)

2:30 p.m. Saturday (CBS)

Line: USC -5.5

Hlas — I DON’T HATE TAYLOR SWIFT! Michigan 24, USC 21

Steppe — USC’s mascot is named Traveler, which seems apropos considering how much travel USC will be doing in the Big Ten. USC 31, Michigan 21

Johnson — There’s nothing like the history of this longtime Big Ten Conference rivalry ... Michigan 20, USC 16

Gray — The Wolverines made a quarterback change and possess a potent run game. The Trojans’ defense hasn’t been fully tested. This will be a tightly contested game down to the wire. USC 27, Michigan 23

Malicki — This week I tried to get fired by cutting my hair, wearing glasses and wearing shorts. My boss didn’t notice, and viewers were overwhelmingly kind to all that change. Good thing I actually love my job (and need the money.) USC 27, Michigan 17

Brommelkamp — Did you see what Quinn Ewers and Texas did against Wink Martindale’s defense? Miller Moss should have a field day in this one. USC 35, Michigan 21