FIVE WORTH WATCHING
NO. 3 LSU at NO. 25 MISSISSIPPI ST.
What we've learned about the Tigers: This is a focused team. A week after beating Oregon, LSU suffered no letdown against Northwestern State in a 49--3 win.
What we've learned about the Bulldogs: Though they lost a heartbreaker to Auburn, quarterback Chris Relf did a credible Cam Newton imitation, passing for 195 yards and running for 106.
What it all means on Thursday: The outcome will hinge on one question: Can the Tigers' D contain Relf? The answer is, in a word, yes.
NO. 1 OKLAHOMA at NO. 5 FLORIDA ST.
What we've learned about the Sooners: The O-line didn't give up a sack of Landry Jones (left) in the season-opener against Tulsa two weeks ago but it will be tested in Tallahassee.
What we've learned about the Seminoles: The defense was spectacular, as expected, against Charleston Southern, which didn't get a first down until the third quarter in Florida State's 62--10 blowout.
What it all means on Saturday: Oklahoma controls the line of scrimmage and wins.
NO. 21 AUBURN at CLEMSON
What we've learned about Auburn: Without Barrett Trotter and his accurate arm (71.7% completion rate), the 2--0 Tigers could easily be 0--2.
What we've learned about Clemson: The Tigers struggled to stop the triple-option attack of mighty Wofford, an FCS school that gashed Clemson for 399 total yards. The Tigers held on for a 35--27 win.
What it all means on Saturday: Neither team has shown the ability to stop the run. The edge goes to Auburn because of Trotter.
WASHINGTON at NO. 10 NEBRASKA
What we've learned about the Huskies: Last week's game against Hawaii was a breakout effort for QB Keith Price, who finished with 315 yards and four TDs in a 40--32 win.
What we've learned about the Huskers: What's wrong with that vaunted defense? Fresno State, which led 20--14 well into the third quarter before losing 42--29, gained 444 yards, including 190 on the ground.
What it all means on Saturday: A hot quarterback will yield an upset for Washington.
TENNESSEE at NO. 16 FLORIDA
What we've learned about the Vols: Tyler Bray is making a case to be called the SEC's top QB. In a 45--23 win over Cincinnati, Bray threw for 405 yards and four TDs.
What we've learned about the Gators: They've found their go-to player: running back Chris Rainey. The senior is averaging 165.0 all-purpose yards, fifth best in the SEC.
What it all means on Saturday: The Vols put up a surprisingly tough (but ultimately unsuccessful) fight against Florida.
PHOTO
MARK D. SMITH/US PRESSWIRE