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Saturday's going to be a big one for the world of college football.
After second-ranked Southern California lost at Stanford last Saturday, the road to the National Championship game has suddenly opened up, and two contenders play each other on Saturday - Florida State and Clemson.
Clemson at Florida State
The last time Florida State had a game of this stature was about this time last year, when they lost to top-ranked Oklahoma in a brutal game in the final minutes, but this year they've been picked by many to go all the way - particularly with one of the country's easier schedules. But this week denotes a difficult game against a Clemson side who can score for fun with QB Tahj Boyd and wide receiver Sammy Watkins. Florida State's trampled its last three opponents, but this one's going to be a tester.
PREDICTION: Florida State in a high-scoring thriller.
Kansas State at Oklahoma
Oklahoma will be coming off a bye week to play a Kansas State side that is playing well and looking ripe to upset the Sooners on their own patch. Watch out for KSU's dual threat quarterback Collin Klein, who is starting to get some tongues wagging over his play for the Wildcats. He's thrown for over 600 yards of offence and run for 200 more. A Ben Roethlisberger Jr? We think so. On other hand, Kansas State's got to play against Landry Jones, who's got a fantastic arm, as well as a very solid OU running game. The big thing about this game is that it's at Oklahoma - which should provide some fireworks of its own.
PREDICTION: Oklahoma wins, but narrowly.
Michigan at Notre Dame
This intriguing match-up between two ancient rivals has become an even hotter subject after The Fighting Irish's sensational upset of Michigan State last week. The Irish were excellent in all parts of the game, and managed to contain a powerful Spartans running game. This week, the Irish will have to contain sensational Michigan QB Denard Robinson, who quite simply IS the next Michael Vick. If they can contain Robinson, and continue to trouble a Michigan defense that has been pretty poor so far this season, then this game is Notre Dame's.
PREDICTION: Notre Dame wins, and suddenly the tongues are starting to wag again.
Arizona at Oregon
Arizona's fanbase is suddenly excited again after Rich Rodriguez took over, and so far, so good. It's beaten ranked Oklahoma State, and will be looking for its second big scalp of the season at night on the road in Oregon. No. 3 Oregon, who is now a favourite to go to the National Championship Game for the second time in three years, is one of the fastest-paced offenses around, going without huddle at every opportunity and absolutely exhausting opposition defenders. One of the quickest players on the team is RB/WR DeAnthony Thomas, who can absolutely fly.
PREDICTION: Arizona comes back down to earth. Oregon wins comfortably.
LSU at Auburn
Down the years, these games between these two SEC rivals are generally entertaining. No.5 LSU has been a slow starter to all three of its games before winning each one handily, and it had better get quicker against an Auburn side which is struggling for respectability after a slow start to the season. Auburn had had better hope that QB Kiehl Frazier is a mile better than his last three games for the team, or this could get ugly. Mind you. LSU is struggling with an injury to top tailback Alfred Blue, which could cost them either in this game or down the line. In a red-hot atmosphere at night in this part of Alabama, this game could prove sticky for the Tigers - especially if there are more injuries to the running game.
PREDICTION: LSU in a game not decided until the fourth quarter.
Temple at Penn State
After his first victory as a Penn State coach on Saturday, Bill O'Brien and the rest of the Penn State community is on cloud nine at the moment. Next up for the Nittany Lions at the mighty Beaver Stadium is Temple, who has had two weeks to rest. Temple fans are excited about the twin running attack of Matt Brown and Chris Coyer, while the Penn State faithful is learning to trust quarterback Matt McGloin - as well as wide receiver Allen Robinson.
PREDICTION: Penn State to win its second straight, and get to an even 2-2 for the season.
