In a stunning display of offensive prowess, James Madison football team took control early in the game against North Carolina, establishing a commanding three-score lead with a score of 39-21 in the middle of the first quarter. The Dukes' quarterback, Alonza Barnett III, showcased exceptional performance as he led the team to score touchdowns on each of their last four offensive drives. Initially struggling with passing accuracy, Barnett turned the game around and completed 8 of his last 9 passes for an impressive 213 yards and three touchdowns. His agile running also added to the team's success, rushing for 41 yards and securing another touchdown on five carries. Notably, Barnett's yardage almost matched North Carolina's total team yardage of 281. The game, played on September 21, 2024, at 1:24 pm EDT, saw James Madison dominating their opponents on both offense and defense.

Meanwhile, an unfortunate incident occurred during the game between West Virginia and Kansas as West Virginia's defensive back, Aubrey Burks, suffered a back injury. Burks was quickly assisted off the field after falling with the injury, and he was subsequently immobilized and taken to a local hospital for evaluation. Burks, who started 23 games for West Virginia, had shown promising performance this season with 11 tackles heading into Week 4. The incident, which took place on September 21, 2024, at 1:16 pm EDT, serves as a reminder of the physical demands and risks associated with college football.

As James Madison continued their dominant performance against North Carolina, ending the first quarter with a 25-14 lead, North Carolina made a quarterback change in an attempt to shift the game's momentum. Despite scoring 14 points in the first quarter with the new quarterback, Jacolby Criswell, the Tar Heels struggled to contain James Madison's relentless offense. The Dukes capitalized on North Carolina's defensive lapses, securing an early lead and maintaining their offensive pressure. The game, which unfolded on September 21, 2024, at 12:59 pm EDT, showcased James Madison's offensive efficiency and North Carolina's defensive challenges.

In another matchup, Ohio State faced a tough challenge from Marshall, with the game tied at 7-7 early in the second quarter. Ohio State, previously dominant in their games this season, encountered strong resistance from Marshall as the Thundering Herd displayed a spirited performance. The Thundering Herd's quarterback, Stone Earle, led the team to an opening scoring drive of 75 yards on 13 plays, challenging Ohio State's defense. Despite being considered 40-point underdogs, Marshall's strong start highlighted their determination to compete against a formidable opponent. The game, played on September 21, 2024, at 12:55 pm EDT, underscored the unpredictability and excitement of college football matchups.