No. 2 Auburn at Alabama
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Location: Tuscaloosa, Ala.
TV: CBS
Spread: Auburn by 9.5
Records: Auburn 10-0, Alabama 6-4
Why to watch: The world has signed, sealed and delivered Auburn an undefeated season even though the Tigers still have two tough games on the horizon. The first seems simple enough, as Alabama has struggled against winning teams. However, this Dixieland showdown is typically one of those “throw out the records” games. And seriously, how much do you think the Tide wants to ruin its chief rival’s shot at a national title?
Florida at No. 10 Florida State
Time: 6:45 p.m.
Location: Tallahassee, Fla.
TV: ESPN
Spread: Florida State by 7
Records: Florida 6-4, Florida State 8-2
Why to watch: Throw out the records for this Sunshine State showdown! Never mind Ron Zook’s lame duck status, Florida’s clinching of bowl eligibility and the fact that this game has no bearing on Florida State’s quest for an ACC title. This is one of those rivalry matchups (Is this a theme this week, or something?) that is never stale, and Zook would surely love to beat Florida State before his tenure in Gainesville comes to an end.
South Carolina at Clemson
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Clemson, S.C.
TV: ESPN Gameplan
Spread: Clemson by 3
Records: South Carolina 6-4, Clemson 5-5
Why to watch: Throw out the records … well, you get it by now. Preseason ACC contender Clemson finds itself in a must-win situation against the rival Gamecocks. A win here gives the Tigers bowl eligibility, while a loss means coach Tommy Bowden may find himself standing in the same government line as Zook come next year. And speaking of unemployed coaches, USC’s Lou Holtz is mulling retirement. Could this be the last time the legend graces the regular-season sideline?
No. 18 Virginia at Georgia Tech
Time: 12 p.m.
Location: Atlanta
TV: ESPN Gameplan
Spread: Virginia by 6
Records: Virginia 7-2, Georgia Tech 6-3
Why to watch: Here is a case of two programs trying to establish themselves. The Yellow Jackets have had little buzz (get it?) all year, and though they have no shot at a conference title, a win here would certainly raise a few eyebrows around the nation. Meanwhile, Al Groh’s Cavaliers still have a shot at first place in the conference, despite last Saturday’s loss to Miami.
BYU at No. 5 Utah
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Salt Lake City
TV: None
Spread: Utah by 21.5
Records: BYU 5-5, Utah 10-0
Why to watch: Nothing about the way these teams have played this season indicates any chance of BYU winning this game. Utah hasn’t beaten anyone by less than 14, while BYU’s signature win — a 20-17 upset of Notre Dame — seems a distant memory by now, eclipsed by a loss to sorry UNLV (at home, no less). Still, this is a big Utah rivalry (no Mormon jokes, please), and nothing can be taken for granted when one is pursuing an undefeated season. Let’s just hope the power stays on this week for the Utes.
Kansas at Missouri
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Columbia, Mo.
TV: None
Spread: Missouri by 10
Records: Kansas 3-7, Missouri 4-5
Why to watch: Because I’m a homer, and what good homer wouldn’t give a shout out to his old local team in his last Around the Nation? Rock Chalk Jayhawk.
Oregon at Oregon State
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Corvallis, Ore.
TV: None
Spread: Oregon State by 4.5
Records: Oregon 5-5, Oregon State 5-5
Why to watch: Quite simple: loser goes home, winner moves on. One more thing: Oregon was in both preseason top-25s, and Oregon State was close. Ouch.
