No. 10 Texas Tech at No. 2 Texas
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Place: Austin, Texas
TV: ABC
Line: Texas by 16 1/2
Records: Texas Tech 6-0, Texas 6-0
Why to watch: The battle for the Big 12 South might come down to a shootout between two of the most dangerous offenses in college football. Tech leads the country in scoring, while the Longhorns rank fourth. The showdown of unbeatens will feature an intriguing matchup at quarterback: Texas’ Heisman candidate Vince Young and Tech’s Cody Hodges, who leads the nation in total offense. The Red Raiders couldn’t back up their trash talk before last year’s meeting, which the Longhorns won 51-21.
Brigham Young at No. 9 Notre Dame
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Place: South Bend, Ind.
TV: NBC
Line: Notre Dame by 19
Records: Brigham Young 3-3, Notre Dame 4-2
Why to watch: It will be interesting to see how the Fighting Irish respond after last week’s heartbreaker against Southern California. Notre Dame is still looking for its first home victory of the Charlie Weis era. Brigham Young, which is coming off back-to-back wins, could present a challenge with its potent offense. The Irish will have to overcome the loss of receiver Rhema McKnight, who will miss the rest of the season with knee injuries.
Oregon St. at No. 8 UCLA
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Place: Pasadena, Calif.
TV: None
Line: UCLA by 9 1/2
Records: Oregon St. 4-2, UCLA 6-0
Why to watch: The Bruins have put up at least 40 points in five of their six games, but the defense has been shaky in recent weeks. Oregon State will try to pull off its second straight upset after surprising California with a 23-20 road victory last week. A little extra incentive: Beavers quarterback Matt Moore transferred from UCLA after the 2003 season to escape the shadow of Drew Olson, who has thrown for 1612 yards and 15 touchdowns this season.
No. 17 Tennessee at No. 5 Alabama
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Place: Tuscaloosa, Ala.
TV: CBS
Line: Alabama by 3 1/2
Records: Tennessee 3-2, Alabama 6-0
Why to watch: Phillip Fulmer might want to bring his earplugs for this one. The Tennessee coach visits Alabama for the first time since his testimony about recruiting tactics was revealed last year. Fulmer secretly gave the NCAA damaging information, which led to probation for Alabama’s program. Crimson Tide faithful would love nothing more than a victory at home against Fulmer, who has won all three of his previous visits to Tuscaloosa.
No. 16 Auburn at No. 7 Louisiana State
Time: 6:45 p.m.
Place: Baton Rouge, La.
TV: ESPN
Line: Louisiana State by 6
Records: Auburn 5-1, LSU 4-1
Why to watch: The winner of this matchup between the last two league champions will control its own fate in the SEC West. The home team has won the last five meetings in the series. Auburn will try to break that streak and match a school record with its 14th consecutive conference victory. Louisiana State has rebounded nicely from a tough overtime loss to Tennessee with three straight wins, including last week’s 21-17 triumph over Florida.
Reach Gerald Tang at [email protected]
