Clemson at No. 8 Florida State
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Place: Tallahassee, Fla.
TV: ABC
Line: Florida State by 18.5
Records: Clemson 1-2, Florida State 1-1
Why it matters: Every Bowden Bowl is big, but for Clemson coach and perennial hot seat occupant Tommy Bowden, this one may be a last ditch effort for to save his job. The Tigers had ACC championship expectations before the season started but suffered excruciating losses to Georgia Tech and Texas A&M. On the other side, coach Bobby Bowden and his offensive coordinator/son Jeff will try to continue to improve the Seminole offense, which was ranked dead last after Week Three and now sits at No. 84 in the nation.
Oregon at No. 22 Arizona State
Time: 9:00 p.m.
Place: Tempe, Ariz.
TV: None
Line: Arizona State by 8
Records: Oregon State 1-2, Arizona State 3-0
Why it matters: Seen before the season as a middle-of-the-pack team by many pundits, Arizona State must back up its top-25 ranking. But it won’t be easy against Pac-10 foe Oregon State. The Beavers came close to knocking off defending co-national champion LSU on Sept. 4 in the bayou and are trying to resurrect a once-promising season. But they’ll have their hands full with Arizona State quarterback Andrew Walter, who is coming off a 428-yard, five-touchdown performance in the Sun Devils’ 44-7 beat-down of then-No. 16 Iowa on Saturday.
Alabama at Arkansas
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Place: Fayetteville, Ark.
TV: CBS
Line: Arkansas by 5.5
Records: Alabama 3-0, Arkansas 2-1
Why it matters: Alabama seemed well on its way to a fine season until quarterback Brodie Croyle’s season-ending ACL tear put the Tide in dire straits. Now backup Marc Guillon must prove he’s capable opposite Arkansas quarterback Matt Jones, who is 8th in the nation in total offense. The Razorbacks were given no chance for success prior to the season, but proved themselves a surprisingly game SEC opponent in a two-point loss to Texas.
Texas Tech at Kansas
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Place: Lawrence, Kan.
TV: None
Line: Texas Tech by 5.5
Records: Texas Tech 2-1, Kansas 2-1
Why it matters: This is a must-win for two Big 12 bowl hopefuls with schedules that don’t allow much room for error. The Red Raiders’ offense is once again insanely productive, with Sonny Cumbie on pace to be their third 4,000-yard quarterback in as many years. He’ll be up against a Jayhawk defense that has shined brightly in its first three games, allowing only 37 points.
Boston College at Wake Forest
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Place: Winston-Salem, N.C.
TV: ESPN2
Line: Wake Forest by 1.5
Records: Boston College 3-0, Wake Forest 2-1
Why it matters: This will be a frequent match-up after BC joins the ACC next year. In the meantime, the Eagles are looking to prove that they — and not West Virginia — are the best team in this year’s weak Big East. The Demon Deacons are continuing their quest for a bowl bid and conference. Watch out for the BC defense — it ranks 8th, with only 8.33 points allowed per game.
