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GAMES OF THE WEEK

Here are the teams and themes to follow this weekend

NO. 11 MICHIGAN at NO. 23 MICHIGAN STATE

What we've learned about the Wolverines

QB Denard Robinson keeps on ticking. Despite being banged up and having to sit out a few snaps last Saturday, he accounted for 454 yards and four TDs in a 42--24 win at Northwestern.

What we've learned about the Spartans

Their top-ranked defense (173.4 yards a game) has been impressive against the likes of Florida Atlantic, but Notre Dame's offense scored 24 and gained 275 yards.

What it will mean on Saturday

Despite Robinson's heroics, the Spartans, coming off a timely bye week, will be prepared for their rivals and end Michigan's undefeated season in a game decided by a late field goal.

NO. 18 ARIZONA STATE at NO. 9 OREGON

What we've learned about the Sun Devils

The almost certain Pac-12 South champs have evolved into a turnover-forcing group, racking up five in each of the last two games, including Saturday's 35--14 win at Utah.

What we've learned about the Ducks

They have playmakers not named LaMichael James (out with a dislocated right elbow). Kenjon Barner and De'Anthony Thomas (left) were big-play machines in a 43--15 defeat of Cal.

What it will mean on Saturday

Arizona State has had a devilish time on the road (it has lost eight of its last 11 away from Tempe), and Eugene is arguably the most hostile venue in the Pac-12. The Quack Attack prevails.

NO. 6 OKLAHOMA STATE at NO. 22 TEXAS

What we've learned about the Cowboys

Led by the arm of Brandon Weeden and the acrobatics of receiver Justin Blackmon, they're first in the nation in scoring (51.4 points a game) and second in total offense (577.4 yards).

What we've learned about the Longhorns

Their No. 11 ranking was a Texas-sized mirage. Oklahoma exposed their young corners in a 55--17 rout, and the two-QB system (two picks, two lost fumbles) needs to be reevaluated.

What it will mean on Saturday

Unless Texas quickly solves its defensive backfield issues, this week's prolific passing offense from north of the Red River will deliver a drubbing similar to last week's.

NO. 20 BAYLOR at NO. 21 TEXAS A&M

What we've learned about the Bears

Baylor is more than just Robert Griffin III. In Saturday's 49--26 win over Iowa State, Terrance Ganaway ran for 200 yards and three scores, and receiver Kendall Wright caught a TD.

What we've learned about the Aggies

They still can't stop the pass. In the last three games A&M has allowed 1,339 yards through the air, including 391 on Saturday while barely beating Texas Tech 45--40.

What it will mean on Saturday

Facing the program that first threatened to block their move to the SEC, the Aggies will outscore Baylor before a bloodthirsty 12th Man, which will be the difference in the game.

NO. 19 VIRGINIA TECH at WAKE FOREST

What we've learned about the Hokies

They go as QB Logan Thomas goes. After a miserable outing in a 23--3 loss to Clemson, Thomas accounted for 338 total yards and five TDs in rallying Virginia Tech past Miami 38--35.

What we've learned about the Demon Deacons

Coach Jim Grobe, after Josh Harris's 136 rushing yards powered a 35--30 upset of Florida State: "We're good enough to beat you, but we're not good enough to get away from you."

What it will mean on Saturday

Wake Forest is 3--0 in the ACC for the first time in school history, but Deacon fever will end after a more talented Hokies team that still has BCS goals hits Winston-Salem.

PHOTO

LARRY C. LAWSON/CSM/LANDOV