GAMES OF THE WEEK
• NO. 3 OKLAHOMA VS. NO. 11 TEXAS (IN DALLAS)
What we've learned about the Sooners
They start slow but finish fast. In the last two weeks (wins over Missouri and Ball State), Oklahoma has not taken off until the second quarter, when it has outscored its opponents 42--3.
What we've learned about the Longhorns
Coordinator Manny Diaz's aggressive defense is good enough to upset the Sooners. The unit ranks 12th in points allowed (14.8) and has forced seven turnovers in its last two games.
What it will mean on Saturday
If Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones can avoid interceptions—which he's had trouble doing away from Norman—he'll make just enough plays against Texas's young cornerbacks for a close win.
• NO. 17 FLORIDA AT NO. 1 LSU
What we've learned about the Gators
They're not back yet, as last Saturday's beatdown by Alabama proved. And the offense will be Tiger bait playing without quarterback John Brantley, who injured his right leg in the loss.
What we've learned about the Tigers
Their attack is not yet firing on all cylinders. LSU had only 13 yards on its first 12 carries in Saturday's 35--7 win over Kentucky, and quarterback Jarrett Lee completed just 8 of his 21 passes.
What it will mean on Saturday
After meeting the Tide's defense, Florida won't get much of a reprieve. The Tigers will shut down the Gators' ailing offense and freshman quarterback Jeff Driskel and win going away.
• NO. 15 AUBURN AT NO. 10 ARKANSAS
What we've learned about the Tigers
No Newton, no Fairley, no problem. The defending national champions know how to win close games, as they showed once again in upsetting South Carolina 16--13 in Columbia.
What we've learned about the Razorbacks
They're resilient. A week after losing to Alabama and depleted by injuries on both sides of the ball, the Hogs rallied from a 35--17 halftime deficit to edge No. 14 Texas A&M 42--38.
What it will mean on Saturday
Go with the hottest hand. Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson, who set a school record with 510 yards passing Saturday, should shred an Auburn defense that ranks 106th in the nation.
• OHIO STATE AT NO. 14 NEBRASKA
What we've learned about the Buckeyes
They can't move the ball. Largely because of suspensions and inexperience, Ohio State ranks 108th in total offense (308.2 yards a game) after nearly being shutout at home by Michigan State.
What we've learned about the Huskers
They can't stop the ball. After being crushed 48--17 by No. 7 Wisconsin, Nebraska is giving up 27.2 points (73rd in the FBS) and 377.0 yards a game (64th). The Blackshirts these are not.
What it will mean on Saturday
In a matchup between the resistible force and the movable object, the movable object wins. Even the return of four suspended players, including receiver DeVier Posey, won't be enough for Ohio State.
• NO. 22 ARIZONA STATE AT UTAH
What we've learned about the Sun Devils
This is an emotional crew. Arizona State has followed big wins (Missouri and USC) with listless efforts (a loss to Illinois and Saturday's 35--20 yawner over winless Oregon State).
What we've learned about the Utes
The season is on life support. Not only were they manhandled by Washington at home Saturday, but they also lost QB Jordan Wynn to a left-shoulder injury that could keep him on the sideline.
What it will mean on Saturday
Led by junior linebacker Vontaze Burfict (left), a tackling terror, the Sun Devils will swarm Utah and, with a double-digit victory, move one step closer to clinching the Pac-12 South.
PHOTO
MAX SIMBRON/CAL SPORT MEDIA