A look at this week's games involving Top 25 teams.

Saturday, Oct. 24
No. 1 Alabama (7-0, 4-0 SEC) vs. Tennessee (3-3, 1-2), 3:30 p.m. (CBS)
Line: Alabama by 16›.
Series record: Alabama leads 48-36-7.
Last meeting: 2008, Alabama 29-9.
What’s At Stake
Alabama wants to avoid stumbling after claiming the No. 1 ranking and is seeking its first three-year winning streak over the Volunteers since winning seven in a row from 1986-92. Lane Kiffin and Tennessee could make a big statement about the program’s direction with an upset.
Key Matchup
Jonathan Crompton and Tennessee’s passing game against the nation’s No. 1 defense. The Vols’ strength has been running the ball, but ’Bama is giving up only 63 yards a game on the ground. That means Crompton will need to test a defense that has 10 interceptions and allowed only four touchdown passes. He had his best game against Georgia.
Players to watch
Tennessee: S Eric Berry. He has only one interception this season, but his ability to make attention-getting hits and big plays could provide a defensive spark.
Alabama: QB Greg McElroy. He was intercepted twice by South Carolina and has struggled to get going the past two weeks, but Tennessee, too, has been stingy against the run.
Facts & Figures
Tennessee’s Montario Hardesty has 23 runs of 10 yards or more, while Alabama’s Mark Ingram has 30. ... Tennessee linebackers coach Lance Thompson coached under Nick Saban at LSU from 2002-03 and at Alabama from 2007-08.
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No. 2 Florida (6-0, 4-0 SEC) vs. Mississippi State (3-4, 1-2), 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Line: Florida by 23.
Series Record: Florida leads 32-18-2.
Last meeting: 2005, Florida 35-9.
What’s at Stake
The Gators have struggled offensively and could use a good game to convince doubters (and voters) they have the stuff to repeat as national champions. For the Bulldogs, a win would no doubt give Dan Mullen all the tools he’ll need on signing day.
Key Matchup
Mississippi State LB Jamar Chaney vs. Florida QB Tim Tebow. Ultimately it will be up to Chaney to stop Tebow. He has his team’s best football IQ and with an assist from Mullen, Tebow’s former offensive coordinator, he might have enough to sort out what Tebow’s doing under center. Then, it’s a matter of getting the 245-pounder to the ground.
Players to Watch
Florida: RB Jeff Demps. Mullen pointed out this week that Mississippi State’s pretty fast, but there’s no one on the team who can catch Demps. If Florida can get him the ball in the open field, there’s less pressure on Tebow.
Mississippi State: RB Anthony Dixon. The bullish back has rushed for more than 100 yards in five straight games, but runs into the nation’s No. 2 defense this weekend. Dixon often comes up big in big games and if the Bulldogs have any hope, he must do so again.
Facts & Figures
Florida has lost in its last four trips to Mississippi State. ... Mississippi State runs 65 percent of the time and ranks 4th in the SEC and 13th in the nation with 219 yards per game. ... The Gators allow 95 yards rushing per game, also 13th in the nation. ... Florida has won 16 straight, the nation’s longest streak. ... Urban Meyer won his 50th game last week in 59 tries, tying him for the SEC record for fastest to 50.
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No. 3 Texas (6-0, 3-0 Big 12) at Missouri (4-2, 0-2), 8 p.m. (ABC)
Line: Texas by 13›
Series Record: Texas leads 16-5.
Last Meeting: 2008, Texas 56-31.
What’s at Stake
Texas is 6-0 for a second straight season and chasing a national title again. The Longhorns are 30-4 vs. Big 12 North since 1998. Missouri is two-time defending North champion but coming off consecutive defeats to start conference play headed into homecoming. Tigers were shut out in second half of 33-17 loss at Oklahoma State last week, dragged down by four turnovers.
Key Matchup
Missouri’s offense against Texas defense. Sophomore QB Blaine Gabbert was hobbled by a sprained ankle the last two weeks and Tigers have faltered in both games. Missouri had 393 yards total offense against Oklahoma State, but only 80 in the second half.
Players to Watch
Texas: QB Colt McCoy. He was cleared to play Monday despite bruised right thumb that will likely lose nail. D.J. Monroe leads nation with 42.7-yard kickoff return average. S Earl Thomas leads nation with five interceptions.
Missouri: WR Danario Alexander. He’s coming off career-best nine receptions for 180 yards.
Facts and Figures
Gary Pinkel is 0-4 against Longhorns while Mack Brown is 5-0 against Tigers. ... Missouri’s lone victory over Longhorns in Big 12 was 37-29 on homecoming in 1997. ... Texas won last meeting in Columbia, Mo., 51-20, on Oct. 1, 2005.
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Oregon State (4-2, 2-1 Pac-10) at No. 4 USC (5-1, 2-1), 8 p.m. (ABC)
Line: USC by 21.
Series Record: USC leads 58-10-4.
Last meeting: 2008, Oregon State 27-21.
What’s at Stake
Revenge. Oregon State jumped to a big early lead and held off top-ranked USC’s late charge for a six-point victory on a Thursday night last September. The Trojans’ only loss scuttled any chance to play for a national title. Saturday’s winner emerges as Oregon’s top rival for the Pac-10 title, and USC can’t get caught looking ahead to next week’s showdown with the Ducks.
Key Matchup
Oregon State RB Jacquizz Rodgers vs. USC S Taylor Mays. Few teams respect the Beavers’ undersized running back more than the Trojans after he rushed for a career-high 186 yards and two TDs on them last year. USC coach Pete Carroll likens him to Emmitt Smith and warns his defense to keep its discipline and aggressiveness on every play. Mays, the All-American safety, will take charge of the effort to limit Rodgers’ chances to break free.
Players to Watch
Oregon State: LB Keaton Kristick. The Pac-10’s leading tackler could be awfully busy against USC’s balanced offense, particularly if the Beavers can’t rush freshman QB Matt Barkley as effectively as the Trojans’ last two opponents did. Oregon State likely must force turnovers and keep the score low to help out its offense, which will be facing USC’s formidable defense.
USC: WR Ronald Johnson. The Trojans’ top deep threat is back for his second game of the season after breaking his collarbone in a preseason mock game. The speedy receiver had just one catch for 13 yards against Notre Dame, but his growing role in the offense should test the Beavers’ inexperienced secondary, which has yielded a whopping 275.3 yards passing per game.
Facts & Figures
The Beavers have won two of their last three against USC, but haven’t won in Los Angeles since 1960. ... USC is playing just its third home game of the season, and its first in four weeks. Six of the Trojans’ first nine games are away from the Coliseum. ... USC leads the nation with 4.3 sacks per game. ... Oregon State has won its last seven games following bye weeks. ... Oregon State still hasn’t lost a fumble this season, and Rodgers has never lost a fumble in his 1› seasons at the school.
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Louisville (2-4, 0-2 Big East) vs. No. 5 Cincinnati (6-0, 2-0), 3:30 p.m. (ESPNU)
Line: Cincinnati by 17.
Series record: Cincinnati leads 26-21-1.
Last meeting: 2008, Cincinnati 28-20.
What’s at Stake
The Bearcats are No. 5 in the BCS standings and need to beat a struggling team at home to keep themselves in the discussion of national title contenders, even if QB Tony Pike doesn’t play. For Louisville, it’s a chance to get a signature win in a disappointing season.
Key Matchup
Louisville’s lowly defense against whoever Cincinnati starts at quarterback. The defense is next-to-last in the Big East, allowing 27.8 points per game, and gives up 159 yards on the ground, by far the worst in the league. If Pike doesn’t play because of an injury to his non-passing arm, run-oriented sophomore QB Zach Collaros could have a big game.
Players to Watch
Louisville: RB Victor Anderson. The Cardinals’ leading rusher didn’t start in a 38-25 loss to UConn last week because of a leg injury, staying on the bench until the second half. He finished with five runs for 58 yards and a touchdown. Louisville needs a steady running game to keep Cincinnati’s high-scoring offense off the field.
Cincinnati: Collaros. Although the Bearcats were holding out hope that Pike could play only four days after surgery on his non-passing arm, it’s likely to be Collaros. He relieved Pike during a 34-17 win at South Florida and ran for 132 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Facts & Figures
Louisville has won eight of the last 10 meetings, including five in a row in Cincinnati. ... Louisville is last in the Big East with 21.8 points per game. ... Louisville has lost its last six road games. ... Cincinnati has won its last eight home games. ... The Bearcats average 40.7 points, fourth-best in the nation. ... Cincinnati has only four turnovers, all on interceptions. That’s tied for fewest in the country. ... WR Mardy Gilyard has 21 career TD catches, one shy of Dominick Goodman’s school record. ... The Bearcats are 27-0 under coach Brian Kelly when taking a lead into the fourth quarter.
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No. 6 Boise State (6-0, 1-0 WAC) at Hawaii (2-4, 0-3), 11 p.m. (ESPN360)
Line: Boise State by 25.
Series Record: Boise State leads 7-3.
Last meeting: 2007, Hawaii 39-27.
What’s at Stake
The Broncos try to continue their BCS run. The defending Western Athletic Conference have won nine straight conference games. Already essentially eliminated from the WAC race, injury plagued Hawaii is trying to turn around its season.
Key Matchup
Boise State QB Kellen Moore vs. LB Blaze Soares. Hawaii’s young defense features no returning starters from last year and allows nearly 406 yards per game, among the worst in the nation. The Warriors need to slow down the Broncos’ steady sophomore quarterback, who leads the nation in passing efficiency and has thrown 16 touchdowns with just two interceptions.
Players to Watch
Hawaii: QB Bryant Moniz. He began the season as the third-string QB and was called on when starter Greg Alexander had a season-ending left knee injury on Sept. 30. In his two starts, Moniz has passed for 643 yards and three TDs, but the offense has stalled in key situations.
Boise State: WR Austin Pettis. The junior has scored in all six games this season and leads the Broncos with 32 catches for seven touchdowns. With 22 career scoring receptions, Pettis is closing in on Don Hutt’s school record of 30.
Facts & Figures
Boise State is fourth in the BCS standings, behind Florida, Alabama and Texas. ... Boise State has won nine straight on the road. ... Boise State DE Ryan Winterswyk is tied for the conference lead with five sacks, including two last week at Tulsa. ... Boise State is 7-1 against Hawaii since joining the WAC in 2001 and leads the overall series 7-3. However, Boise State is 3-3 at Hawaii. ... The Warriors have lost four straight games and are 2-11 against top 10 teams. ... Boise State lost twice in Honolulu in 2007, to the Warriors for the WAC title during the regular season and to East Carolina in the Hawaii Bowl.
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No. 7 Iowa (7-0, 3-0 Big Ten) at Michigan State (4-3, 3-1), 7 p.m. (Big Ten)
Line: Iowa by 1.
Series Record: Iowa leads 20-18-2.
Last meeting: 2008, Michigan State 16-13.
What’s at Stake
It’s still early, but the winner starts the second half of the conference season in control of its own destiny while pursuing the Big Ten title. Iowa is the only team without a conference loss. Michigan State is one of three — along with Ohio State and Penn State — with one loss.
Key Matchup
Iowa QB Ricky Stanzi vs. Michigan State LB Greg Jones. The Spartans, sparked by their blitz-happy middle linebacker, are tied for the Big Ten lead with 21 sacks. Iowa has allowed 15 sacks this season and Stanzi has thrown eight interceptions, though the Hawkeyes quarterback has been sharp when necessary.
Players to Watch
Iowa: TE Tony Moeaki. The 6-foot-4, 250-pounder has played only four games after missing time with an ankle injury but already leads the team with 20 receptions. He caught the tying touchdown pass at Wisconsin and had another key catch late in the game.
Michigan State: QB Kirk Cousins. He’s completed 63.5 percent of his passes and has been a good game manager, throwing for nine touchdowns against four interceptions. He will need to avoid turnovers if Michigan State is going to have a chance. Backup QB Keith Nichol, who is nursing an elbow injury, may not be available.
Facts & Figures
Iowa’s 11-game winning streak is second-longest in the nation behind only Florida’s 16-game streak. ... Iowa has the best turnover margin (+11) and has committed the fewest penalties (29) in the Big Ten. ... Michigan State linebacker Greg Jones leads the Big Ten and is second in the nation with 12.1 tackles per game. ... Iowa has lost four straight in East Lansing.
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Clemson (3-3, 2-2 ACC) at No. 8 Miami (5-1, 2-1), 3:30 p.m. (ABC/ESPN)
Line: Miami by 4›.
Series record: Miami leads 5-2.
Last meeting: 2005, Miami 36-30, 3 OT.
What’s at Stake
This is a huge game for both teams, since another loss could doom either in the quest of winning the Atlantic Coast Conference. Clemson is coming off its most complete game of the year, a five-touchdown romp past Wake Forest, while Miami is looking to stay in the thick of the Coastal Division race alongside Virginia, Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech.
Key Matchup
Clemson WR Jacoby Ford against Miami’s secondary. Ford has 26 catches for 358 yards, and might be the fastest straight-ahead runner among all ACC receivers. Miami’s cornerbacks and safeties won’t be able to gamble against Ford, a friend of Hurricanes safety Randy Phillips.
Players to Watch
Clemson: RB/KR C.J. Spiller. He’s the guy who makes the Tigers go. Spiller has 466 yards rushing and averages 5.0, and has taken both kickoffs and punts back for touchdowns this season. Half of his eight career receiving touchdowns have gone for at least 63 yards.
Miami: TE Jimmy Graham. Emerging as a reliable receiver option for QB Jacory Harris, the basketball player-turned-football player had two critical catches last week against Central Florida. Against Clemson’s strong defensive front, he could figure prominently in the game.
Facts & Figures
The teams have only played twice since Miami joined the ACC, splitting those games, both of which went to overtime. ... Game pits the two youngest coaches in the ACC, with Clemson’s Dabo Swinney about four years younger than Miami’s Randy Shannon. ... Clemson is one of only two ACC teams that entered the weekend having allowed less than 100 points.
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Auburn (5-2, 2-2 SEC) at No. 9 LSU (5-1, 3-1), 7:30 p.m. (ESPN2)
Line: LSU by 7›.
Series record: LSU leads 23-19-1.
Last meeting: 2009, LSU 26-21.
What’s at Stake
LSU remains in contention to win the Western Division of the Southeastern Conference, but likely will have to sweep its final four games against divisional foes, beginning with this one. Auburn is trying to stem a two-game losing skid and clinch bowl eligibility.
Key Matchup
Auburn’s offense, which features the wildcat formation, against LSU’s improved defense under new coordinator John Chavis. Auburn ranks eighth in the nation in total offense, averaging 464.9 yards per game. After allowing only 13 points to Florida, LSU has held its last five opponents to an average of 291.4 yards and 12.8 points.
Players to Watch
Auburn: RBS Ben Tate and Onterio McCalebb. The two have powered the Auburn offense, with Tate averaging 122.3 yards and McCalebb at 113.4 yards.
LSU: WRs Brandon LaFell and Terrance Toliver. Jordan Jefferson recently pledged to trust his best deep threat receivers and throw downfield more. LaFell has a catch in 34 straight games, while Toliver has 25 receptions for 356 yards and 2 TDs.
Facts & Figures
Auburn has won nine of its last 14 against teams ranked in the top 10. ... Auburn will be playing its seventh night game of the season, already the second most in school history. ... Auburn QB Chris Todd has 12 TD passes this season, five more than Auburn had all of last season. ... With Gene Chizik at Auburn, LSU faces a program with a first-year coach for the third time this season. The others were Washington (Steve Sarkisian) and Mississippi State (Dan Mullen). ... LSU has won the last two in the series. ... LSU, which lost its last home game to Florida, hasn’t lost consecutive home games since 2001, when Florida and Ole Miss won back-to-back games in Death Valley. ... LSU RB Charles Scott had 132 yards rushing against Auburn last year.
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No. 10 TCU (6-0, 2-0 MWC) at No. 16 BYU (6-1, 3-0), 7:30 p.m. (Versus)
Line: TCU by 2›.
Series Record: BYU leads 5-3.
Last Meeting: 2008, TCU 32-7.
What’s at Stake
TCU is carrying the Mountain West Conference’s hopes for a Bowl Championship Series berth as the league’s last unbeaten team. It only takes one loss to knock the Horned Frogs out, as they did to BYU a year ago. The Cougars had the nation’s longest winning streak before losing at TCU. Even with a loss, the Cougars are trying to stay in front of the conference standings.
Key Matchup
BYU’s offense vs. TCU’s defense. The Cougars have the top-rated offense in the Mountain West and the Horned Frogs are the top defense. TCU sacked BYU’s Max Hall six times a year ago and intercepted him twice.
Players to watch
TCU: WR Jeremy Kerley. He’s tied for the team lead with 19 catches and has returned punts for touchdowns in two of the last three games.
BYU: QB Max Hall. After throwing 10 interceptions in the first five games, Hall hasn’t thrown an INT in the last two. TCU will be a good indicator of how much he has improved.
Facts & Figures
TCU is off to its best start since opening 10-0 in 2003. ... BYU has won 13 straight Mountain West games at home. ... The Cougars and Frogs have split the four games they’ve played since TCU joined the league in 2005. ... TCU has only two road games remaining after Saturday.
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No. 11 Georgia Tech (6-1, 4-1 ACC) at Virginia (3-3, 2-0), noon (Raycom)
Line: Georgia Tech by 5›.
Series Record: Virginia leads 16-14-1.
Last meeting: 2008, Virginia 24-17.
What’s at Stake
Fast-rising Georgia Tech is coming off an impressive victory over Virginia Tech that gave it an advantage over the Hokies in the Coastal Division, and could do the same thing by handing the Cavaliers their first loss in conference play. Virginia has won three in a row after starting 0-3 and gets its first real chance to prove it’s a contender.
Key Matchup
Georgia Tech QB Josh Nesbitt against the Virginia defense. Nesbitt has become perhaps the best player in the ACC by combining a heavy dose of relentless running with an ocassional long pass once the defense forgets he can do that, too. The Cavaliers have allowed one touchdown and 19 points during their winning streak, but haven’t faced an offense like this.
Players to Watch
Georgia Tech RB Jonathan Dwyer: The emergence of Nesbitt as a running threat has made Dwyer perhaps the most decorated decoy in the ACC. He’s the reigning ACC offensive player of the year and will surely get a chance to show why once teams key too much on Nesbitt.
Virginia WR-QB-S Vic Hall. With Jameel Sewell’s status uncertain at quarterback, Hall could return to the position. He started the opener there before getting hurt, and has since emerged as a reliable target despite being just 5-foot-9 as a receiver.
Facts & Figures
The Yellow Jackets have lost eight straight in Scott Stadium, last winning there in 1990 when Virginia was No. 1. ... Virginia has also won five of the last six meetings in the series overall. ... The Cavaliers have won 12 of their last 13 games in October, earning coach Al Groh the nickname “Mr. October.” ... Georgia Tech’s No. 11 ranking is its highest since 2001, when its was No. 9. ... The Yellow Jackets rank second nationally with an average of 286 rushing yards per game, while Virginia is allowing just 131 yards on the ground.
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No. 12 Oregon (5-1, 3-0 Pac-10) at Washington (3-4, 2-2), 3:30 p.m. (ABC)
Line: Oregon by 10.
Series Record: Washington leads 58-38-5
Last Meeting: 2008, Oregon, 44-10.
What’s at Stake
Control of the race for Pasadena for the boys in green, black, white, gray, highlighter-yellow, whatever uniform combo the Ducks break out this week. With next Saturday night’s Halloween spooktacular against USC in Autzen Stadium on the horizon, the Ducks must avoid overlooking Washington. The Huskies simply would like a game that doesn’t cause continued heartburn for their fans. Four of their last five have been decided in the final minutes.
Key Matchup
Washington QB Jake Locker vs. Oregon’s secondary. The Ducks defense has been surprisingly stout, allowing just 19 points in their last three games. But cornerbacks Walter Thurmond III and Willie Glasper are done for the season with injuries and the Ducks haven’t faced a QB as talented as Locker since their opener at Boise State.
Players to watch
Oregon: QB Jeremiah Masoli. He sat out against UCLA with a bum knee, but a fortuitous bye week has Masoli healthy for the Huskies. Nate Costa played well at UCLA, but the run/pass threat of Masoli is what makes the Ducks offense go.
Washington: LB Donald Butler. Oregon’s offense is based on misdirection and confusion. And the Huskies have been plenty confused giving up 99 points and 1,157 total yards to the Ducks the last two seasons. Staying disciplined with assignments and controlling gaps is crucial.
Facts & Figures
This is Oregon’s third visit to Washington this decade thanks to scheduling quirks. ... Oregon’s five-game win streak over the Huskies is the longest in the history of a series that dates to 1900. ... Since 1995, the Ducks are 15-2 coming off a bye. One of those losses was to Washington in 1996.
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No. 13 Penn State (6-1, 2-1 Big Ten) at Michigan (5-2, 1-2), 3:30 p.m. (ABC)
Line: Penn State by 4›
Series Record: Michigan leads 10-4.
Last meeting: 2008, Penn State 46-17.
What’s at Stake
The Nittany Lions have a chance to earn more respect after padding their record with wins over Akron, Syracuse, Temple, Illinois, Eastern Illinois and Minnesota. The Wolverines can qualify for a bowl after losing a school-record nine games a year ago and failing to play in the postseason for the first time in three-plus decades.
Key Matchup
Penn State LB Josh Hull vs. Michigan RBs Brandon Minor and Carlos Brown. Hull leads Penn State in tackles and can damage Michigan’s upset hopes if he can stop Minor and Brown from establishing a running game.
Players to Watch
Penn State: QB Daryll Clark and LB Sean Lee. Clark veteran has thrown 13 touchdown passes and run for four scores, while Lee is among the 16 semifinalists for the Butkus Award. He returned last week to help Penn State shut out Minnesota after missing time with a knee injury.
Michigan: QB Tate Forcier. After looking like a freshman in losses at Iowa and Michigan State, Forcier rested his banged-up right shoulder by leading only one drive last week against Delaware State.
Facts & Figures
Penn State has lost five straight at the Big House since winning there in 1996. ... The Nittany Lions snapped a nine-game skid in the series with a rout of the Wolverines last season. ... Michigan CB Donovan Warren has broken up a Big Ten-high 10 passes and ranks second with three INTs, each coming in conference games. ... The Nittany Lions are the only team who hasn’t given up a TD in the first half this season. They’ve allowed just five overall.
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No. 14 Oklahoma State (5-1, 2-0) at Baylor (3-3, 0-2), 12:30 p.m. (Versus)
Line: Oklahoma State by 9›.
Series record: Oklahoma State leads 15-12.
Last meeting: 2008, Oklahoma State 34-6.
What’s at Stake
Oklahoma State is trying to get to 3-0 in the league for the second year in a row before heading home to play No. 3 Texas, the only other Big 12 team still without a conference loss. Baylor has a 19-game losing streak against ranked teams since 2004 and is 1-12 against Oklahoma State since the inception of the Big 12.
Key Matchup
Oklahoma State RBs vs. Baylor defense. The Cowboys are second in the Big 12 with 184 yards rushing per game, and Baylor is last in the league in rushing defense, allowing 183 yards per game. The Cowboys’ Keith Toston has rushed for 217 yards in two Big 12 games.
Players to Watch
Oklahoma State: Sophomore WR Hubert Anyiam. With Dez Bryant missing his third game after lying to the NCAA, Anyiam had 10 catches for 119 yards and a TD last week against Missouri.
Baylor: LB Joe Pawelek. The senior is set to start his 40th consecutive game, the longest streak by a non-special teams player since 2005. Pawelek’s 369 career tackles are the most among active FBS players.
Facts & Figures
Oklahoma State has allowed only two sacks, the fewest in the country. ... In three games (two starts) against Baylor, Cowboys QB Zac Robinson has completed 33 of 46 passes with four TDs and no interceptions. He also has run 40 times for 291 yards and three TDs. ... Baylor is 7-0 under Art Briles when allowing 21 points or less — 0-11 when allowing more than 21. Oklahoma State averages 38 points a game and its lowest total this season is 24.
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SMU (3-3, 2-0 CUSA) at No. 17 Houston (5-1, 1-1), 7:30 p.m. (CBS College Sports)
Line: Houston by 16›.
Series record: Houston 14-9-1.
Last meeting: 2008, Houston 44-38.
What’s At Stake
No. 17 Houston is the only ranked Conference USA team, but isn’t leading the conference because of a league-opening loss to UTEP. SMU is tied for the West lead after a 2-0 start. To reach its goal of winning the division, Houston needs to knock off the Mustangs. With three wins and six games left, SMU must win at least half of its remaining games to be bowl eligible.
Key Matchup
Houston’s offense, which leads Conference USA and the nation, against SMU’s opportunistic defense. The Cougars are piling up more than 560 yards a game. SMU has forced the fourth most turnovers in the country with 20 and its 13 interceptions are tied for second. The Cougars didn’t have a turnover in last week’s win over Tulane. The four interceptions by SMU’s Rock Harris has equals Keenum’s season total.
Players to watch
Houston: Keenum. The quarterback is 216 of 308 for 2,501 yards and 19 touchdowns, most of it going to James Cleveland and Tyron Carrier, who have combined for 957 yards and 10 TD catches.
SMU: WR Emmanuel Sanders. He has 53 receptions for 581 yards and two touchdowns, and leads the nation in punt return average at 22.62 yards per try.
Facts & Figures
Shawnbrey McNeal’s 500 yards rushing are three more than SMU finished with in 2008. ... SMU’s last win over a ranked opponent came in 1986. ... Mustangs LB Chase Kennemer has five games with at least 10 tackles. ... Keenum has thrown at least one TD pass in 22 straight games. ... Houston’s Justin Johnson ran for his first two career TDs against Tulane. ... The Cougars have played their last three games on the road. ... Cleveland has score five touchdowns in the last three games.
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Minnesota (4-3, 2-2 Big Ten) at No. 18 Ohio State (5-2, 3-1), noon (ESPN)
Line: Ohio State by 18.
Series Record: Ohio State leads 41-7.
Last Meeting: 2008, Ohio State 34-21.
What’s at Stake
It’s been a week of fan hysteria in Columbus after the Buckeyes looked listless and confused in a shocking 26-18 loss at two-touchdown underdog Purdue. QB Terrelle Pryor was the target of much criticism and he’ll look to bounce back against a Minnesota team that was stymied 20-0 at Penn State last week.
Key Matchup
Ohio State offense vs. Minnesota defense. Buckeyes and Pryor have been erratic all season — scoring on a five-play, 80-yard drive in less than a minute, then going two quarters without a first down. The Golden Gophers are giving up 23 points a game, so more than 105,000 sets of eyes will be on whether an offense that turned it over five times last week can keep possession.
Players to watch
Minnesota: QB Adam Weber and WR Eric Decker. The only QB on Minnesota’s roster to ever complete a collegiate pass will be a marked man, while a good game from Decker would ease pressure him.
Ohio State: The defensive line. Doug Worthington, Todd Denlinger, Thaddeus Gibson, Cameron Heyward were called one of best lines in nation before disappearing last week against Purdue.
Facts & Figures
Ohio State has won last six meetings and 22 of 23, but one Minnesota win was memorable: coach Glen Mason led the Golden Gophers to a 29-17 win in 2000 but then lost out to Jim Tressel when the Ohio State job opened after the season. ... LT Jim Cordle may play for Buckeyes after missing the last five games with foot injury. ... Decker was limited to one catch by Penn State. ... The Golden Gophers are No. 6 in nation in punt returns, 17th in kickoff returns.
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Air Force (4-3, 3-1 MWC) at No. 19 Utah (5-1, 2-0), 4 p.m. (Versus)
Line: Utah by 9›.
Series Record: Air Force leads 14-11.
Last Meeting: 2008, Utah 30-23.
What’s at Stake
Utah has won 10 straight Mountain West Conference games and is trying to remain among the front-runners. Only the Utes, TCU and BYU have unbeaten conference records and the other two play Saturday in Provo.
Key Matchup
Air Force’s offense vs. Utah’s defense. The Falcons are dead last in Mountain West in passing, but run the ball better than anyone with a 279-yard average. The Utes are third in the conference in total defense.
Players to watch
Air Force: RB Jared Tew became Air Force’s first 100-yard rusher this season with 105 yards last week against Wyoming.
Utah: RB Eddie Wide has topped 100 yards rushing in each of the last three games.
Facts & Figures
Utah has won five of the last six against Air Force. ... The Falcons’ 10-0 win over Wyoming last week was their first shutout since 1997. ... Donations will be taken outside Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday for families affected by the tsunami in the Samoas last month. Utah has 30 players and five staff members who are Polynesian.
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South Florida (5-1, 1-1 Big East) at No. 20 Pittsburgh (6-1, 3-0), noon (ESPN)
Line: Pittsburgh by 6›.
Series Record: Tied 3-3.
Last Meeting: 2008, Pittsburgh 26-21.
What’s at Stake
Pitt must win to retain the Big East lead going into its closing stretch of conference games against Syracuse, West Virginia and Cincinnati. The Panthers broke into the Top 25 for the first time this season by beating Rutgers 24-17. South Florida started 5-0 for the third consecutive season, but lost to now-No. 5 Cincinnati 34-17 at home last week. The Bulls must win at Heinz Field for the third time in four trips to retain any hope of remaining in the conference race.
Key Matchup
South Florida defensive ends vs. Pitt’s offensive line. Jason Pierre-Paul and George Selvie might be the Big East’s best tandem; Pierre-Paul already is being called a potential first-round draft pick and Selvie was a first-team All-American two seasons ago. Pitt must control them not only to give much-improved Bill Stull time to throw, but to make sure they don’t clog the running lanes for Dion Lewis, No. 3 nationally in rushing.
Players to watch
South Florida: QB B.J. Daniels. He already leads South Florida in rushing and passing despite making only three starts for the injured Matt Grothe, who is out for the season. Pitt’s defense had trouble earlier in the season when it gave offenses time to throw.
Pittsburgh: Lewis. One of college football’s biggest surprises, he was playing high school football a year ago, but is averaging 131.1 yards and is coming off a 180-yard game against Rutgers. If he gets outside, he’s trouble for any defense.
Facts & Figures
Daniels has thrown for seven TDs and run for four. ... Selvie has 6› tackles for a loss and is 8› away from the NCAA record of 75 by Jason Babin of Western Michigan. Pierre-Paul has 8› tackles for a loss. ... Pitt can start a season 7-1 for the first time since 1982, Dan Marino’s senior season and the last time Pitt began a season ranked No. 1. ... Stull is seventh nationally in passing efficiency. ... Pitt leads the nation with 28 sacks. ... TE Dorin Dickerson has made eight of Pitt’s 15 touchdown catches. He had two before this season.
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Texas A&M (3-3, 0-2 Big 12) at No. 21 Texas Tech (5-2, 2-1), 7 p.m. (none)
Line: Texas Tech by 21.
Series record: Texas A&M 34-32-1.
Last meeting: 2008, Texas Tech 43-25.
What’s At Stake
Texas Tech and Texas A&M each are on three-game streaks. The Aggies have lost three and are in desperate need of a win after getting dumped 62-14 at Kansas State last week. The Red Raiders have won three, routing the Wildcats 66-14 two weeks ago and then winning with surprising ease at Nebraska.
Key Matchup
Texas A&M’s pass defense against Texas Tech’s high-powered offense. Tech may be without QB Steven Sheffield (foot), but it won’t matter if it’s Taylor Potts at quarterback. The passing offense is No. 2 in the nation, averaging 413 yards, while the Aggies pass defense is allowing 227 yards per game and is ranked No. 73.
Players to Watch
Texas A&M: QB Jerrod Johnson. The second-year starter is first in the Big 12 and second nationally in total offense (342 yards per game). He’s also second in the conference and No. 4 in the country in passing at 315 yards per game, and his 16 passing TDs leads the league.
Texas Tech: DE Brandon Sharpe. He had career highs in tackles (seven) and sacks (four) in last week’s 31-10 win at then-No. 15 Nebraska. His eight sacks rank second in the Big 12 and are tied for fourth nationally.
Facts & Figures
Texas Tech hasn’t lost to the Aggies in Lubbock since 1993 and the Red Raiders have won four straight over A&M. ... A victory for Texas Tech coach Mike Leach will tie a school record for wins (82) set by Leach’s predecessor Spike Dykes (1986-1999).
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Connecticut (4-2, 1-1 Big East) at West Virginia (5-1, 1-0), noon (ESPNU)
Line: West Virginia by 7›.
Series record: West Virginia leads 5-0.
Last meeting: 2008, West Virginia 35-13.
What’s at Stake
Connecticut is mourning after the stabbing death of cornerback Jasper Howard. The Huskies will no doubt be emotional, but also are trying to keep pace in a Big East race that still has three unbeaten teams. West Virginia, also hoping to keep up with No. 5 Cincinnati and No. 20 Pittsburgh, is trying to go 6-1 for the fifth time in six seasons.
Key Matchup
Connecticut RBs Andre Dixon and Jordan Todman vs. West Virginia’s defense. Dixon and Todman have combined to run for 186 yards per game. The Mountaineers are limiting opponents to 80 yards on the ground, seventh-best in the nation.
Players to Watch
Connecticut: Dixon. He had a career-high 33 carries for 153 yards and three TDs in a 34-25 win over Louisville last week.
West Virginia: RB Noel Devine and WR Jock Sanders. The pint-sized back is sixth nationally at 122 yards per game and has nine TDs, while Sanders is averaging more than seven catches per game and is the Big East’s top punt returner.
Facts & Figures
West Virginia has won the last three meetings by a combined score of 138-45 ... West Virginia QB Jarrett Brown will be a game-time decision after taking a helmet-to-helmet hit in last week’s 24-7 win over Marshall. If Brown can’t go, freshman Geno Smith, who threw a 33-yard TD pass last week, would get his first college start. ... UConn spokesman Mike Enright says of the more than 1,100 signed condolences on a memorial page for Howard on the Huskies’ athletic Web site, as many as 30 percent were from West Virginia supporters.
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Vanderbilt (2-5, 0-4 SEC) vs. No. 23 South Carolina (5-2, 2-2), 7 p.m. (ESPNU)
Line: South Carolina by 12›.
Series Record: South Carolina leads 14-4.
Last meeting: 2008, Vanderbilt 24-17.
What’s at Stake
Vanderbilt is trying to ruin another season for South Carolina. The Gamecocks were 6-1, ranked No. 6 and seemingly riding high two years ago when Vandy came to town. The Commodores, double-digit underdogs, defeated South Carolina 17-6, and the Gamecocks didn’t win again. Last year, South Carolina was again ranked against Vanderbilt and lost 24-17.
Key Matchup
South Carolina QB Stephen Garcia vs. Vanderbilt’s secondary. Garcia has steadily improved this season and has the Gamecocks fourth among SEC passing attacks at nearly 220 yards a game. The Commodores’ defensive backs have been stout despite standout corner D.J. Moore leaving early for the NFL draft last spring. The group is surrendering 133 yards a game through the air.
Players to Watch
Vanderbilt: QB Larry Smith. The redshirt sophomore will try and jump start the Commodores offense, which hasn’t scored more than 10 points in its four straight SEC defeats.
South Carolina: LB Eric Norwood. South Carolina’s career leader in sacks, Norwood leads the SEC this season in that category. If Vanderbilt hopes to have any chance, they’ll have to contain the 6-foot-1, 252-pound senior.
Facts & Figures
South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier had been 14-0 against Vandy before its victories over him in 2007 and ’08. ... Vanderbilt is trying to stop a five-game SEC losing streak. ... A victory by the Gamecocks would give Spurrier his 105th SEC win, tying Georgia’s Vince Dooley for third on the career list. Spurrier would be one away from John Vaught; Paul “Bear” Bryant leads with 159 league wins.
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No. 24 Kansas (5-1, 2-1 Big 12) vs. No. 25 Oklahoma (3-3, 1-1), 3:30 p.m. (ABC)
Line: Oklahoma by 8.
Series Record: Oklahoma leads 67-27-6.
Last meeting: 2008, Oklahoma 45-31.
What’s at Stake
With three losses, Oklahoma’s hopes for a national title are shredded and the only hope is to salvage the season. For Kansas, victory means a giant step toward what the Jayhawks hope will be their first Big 12 North title. Their great passing trio of quarterback Todd Reesing and wide receivers Dezmon Briscoe and Kerry Meier are all seniors.
Key Matchup
Kansas WR Dezmon Briscoe vs. Oklahoma CB Brian Jackson. The two are from rival high schools in Dallas and Briscoe, in last year’s game, humbled the Sooner secondary with 12 receptions for a school-record 269 yards.
Players to Watch
Oklahoma: RB DeMarco Murray. He had eight catches for 116 yards last week in a loss to No. 3 Texas and gives the Sooners the ability to stretch the field. That’s key since Heisman-winning QB Sam Bradford is out and there has been no consistent outside threat by the receiving corps.
Kansas: Reesing. There may be better NFL prospects than the high-energy, 5-foot-11 senior, but nobody is better at extending a play. Kansas’ career leading passer threw for more than 400 yards against Iowa State his previous home game.
Facts & Figures
Reesing and his offense rolled up 491 total yards last year at Oklahoma but the Sooners amassed 674, including 468 through the air. ... ABC will televise from Lawrence for only the second time in 11 years. ... It will be Oklahoma’s first appearance in Lawrence since 2001. ... Kansas coach Mark Mangino was an assistant at Oklahoma from 1999-2001, and offensive coordinator his last two years. ... Oklahoma has won the last five meetings between the two. ... Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops, in his 11th season, is 33-4 vs. the Big 12 North and 5-0 vs. Kansas.