Here are capsules for the top 25 teams.
All times EDT.

Friday
No. 20 West Virginia (6-1, 2-0 Big East) vs. South Florida (5-2, 1-2), 8 p.m. (ESPN2)
Line: West Virginia by 3.
Series record: Tied 2-2.
Last meeting: 2008, West Virginia 13-7.
What’s At Stake
West Virginia meets a South Florida team that’s reeling after being ranked two weeks ago. The Mountaineers trail No. 16 Pittsburgh (4-0) and No. 5 Cincinnati (3-0) in the conference standings, but will face the Panthers and Bearcats within a three-week span next month. South Florida also faded after quick starts vaulted the Bulls into the Top 25 in 2007 and ’08. Since beating Florida State and Syracuse to improve to 5-0, the Bulls have been outscored 75-31 in losses to Cincinnati and Pitt.
Key Matchup
West Virginia RB Noel Devine vs. a USF defense that was ranked among the nation’s best before Cincinnati gained 401 yards and Pitt amassed 486 against the Bulls. Devine is coming off a 178-yard performance that included a 56-yard TD run in the closing minutes of West Virginia’s 28-24 win over Connecticut. The Florida native has five of his 13 career 100-yard games this season and is 89 yards shy of 1,000 for the second straight year. South Florida redshirt freshman quarterback B.J. Daniels has started four games since replacing injured Matt Grothe, the Big East career leader in total offense. Daniels is a dual-threat quarterback and that could pose problems for the West Virginia defense.
Players to Watch
West Virginia: Devine is averaging 130.3 yards rushing, third in the nation. QB Jarrett Brown is 8-1 as a starter and has completed 67.1 percent of his passes for 1,362 yards, nine touchdowns and six interceptions in seven games. Slot receiver Jock Sanders has 53 catches for 514 yards and two TDs.
South Florida: Just as Grothe was the past three seasons, Daniels is the Bulls’ leading rusher with 415 yards on 79 attempts. He’s thrown for seven TDs and rushed for four. RBs Moise Plancher and Lindsey Lamar are averaging nearly 5 yards per carry and have combined to score six TDs. WR Carlton Mitchell is averaging 17.1 yards per reception and has four catches of 50-plus yards. He and WR Dontavia Bogan each have three TD receptions.
Facts & Figures
South Florida upset then-No. 5 West Virginia in Tampa two years ago and rose to No. 2 in the nation before a swoon sent the Bulls tumbling out of the Top 25. ... Devine has run for at least one TD in eight consecutive games. ... The West Virginia defense has only allowed one 100-yard rusher this season. The unit has held four of seven opponents to less than 100 yards rushing.
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Saturday, Oct. 31
No. 1 Florida (7-0, 5-0 SEC) vs. Georgia (4-3, 3-2), 3:30 p.m. (CBS)
Line: Florida by 15 1/2.
Series Record: Debatable. Florida says Georgia leads 46-38-2. Georgia says it’s 47-38-2, preferring to count a 52-0 win in 1904, two years before the Gators officially began playing.
Last meeting: 2008, Florida 49-10.
What’s at Stake
Florida’s 17-game winning streak, No. 1 ranking and coach Urban Meyer’s nearly flawless record against the program’s three main rivals. Meyer is 12-1 against Tennessee, Georgia and Florida State, with the only loss coming against the Bulldogs in 2007.
Key Matchup
Florida CBs Joe Haden and Janoris Jenkins vs. Georgia WR A.J. Green. Haden and Jenkins held LSU’s Terrance Tolliver and Brandon LaFell to a combined six catches for 58 yards three weeks ago. Now, they get the SEC’s leading receiver. Green has 41 catches for 682 yards and six TDs.
Players to Watch
Georgia: For the Bulldogs to stop QB Tim Tebow, LB Rennie Curran probably needs to have a big game. He leads the team with 72 tackles and has 10 QB pressures.
Florida: LB Brandon Spikes has been slowed by injuries, an Achilles’ tendon problem early and a strained left groin that caused him to miss all but one series the last two games.
Facts & Figures
Florida has won 16 of the last 19 in the series. ... The schools recently agreed to a six-year contract that will keep the game formerly known as “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party” in Jacksonville through 2016. ... The Bulldogs are 1-2 against top-ranked teams, with the lone win coming against the Gators in 1985. ... Georgia is 11-3 under coach Mark Richt following an open date. ... Gators expect Spikes, RB Jeff Demps (neck) and DTs Lawrence Marsh (ankle) and Jaye Howard (knee) to play.
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No. 3 Texas (7-0, 4-0 Big 12) vs. No. 13 Oklahoma State (6-1, 3-0), 8 p.m. (ABC/ESPN2)
Line: Texas by 9 1/2.
Series Record: Texas leads 21-2.
Last meeting: 2008, Texas 28-24.
What’s at Stake
Oklahoma State can control of the Big 12 South race and throw a wrench in Texas’ national championship hopes with an upset. In a division dominated by Texas and Oklahoma, the Cowboys have never played for the Big 12 championship. The Longhorns are trying to avoid a road letdown against a divisional foe on Halloween weekend for the second straight year.
Key Matchup
Texas pass rusher Sergio Kindle vs. Oklahoma State LT Russell Okung. The Longhorns’ most disruptive linebacker/defensive end will face a challenge this week against Okung, an NFL prospect who shut out NCAA sacks leader Von Miller of Texas A&M earlier this season.
Players to Watch
Texas: WR Malcolm Williams. The sophomore had a career-high five receptions last week in his first start of the season and also recovered a blocked punt in the end zone for Texas’ sixth special teams score of the season.
Oklahoma State: RB Kendall Hunter. The Big 12’s leading rusher from last season has been cleared to play after missing the last five games with a sprained ankle, but coach Mike Gundy says he’ll only get eight to 10 carries if he plays at all. Hunter’s 161 yards rushing were the most allowed by Texas in a game last season.
Facts & Figures
Oklahoma State will be without All-America WR Dez Bryant for a fifth straight game. The NCAA ruled this week that he will remain ineligible for the rest of the season, pending an appeal. ... The Cowboys have never started 4-0 in league play, with stints in the Southwest, Missouri Valley, Big Eight and Big 12 conferences. ... Mack Brown is a perfect 11-0 against Oklahoma State, including comebacks from 28, 21 and 19 points within the last five years.
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No. 4 USC (6-1, 3-1 Pac-10) at No. 10 Oregon (6-1, 4-0), 2 p.m. (ABC)
Line: USC by 3
Series Record: USC leads 37-16-2.
Last Meeting: 2008, USC 44-10.
What’s at Stake
The outcome of this game could point to the eventual Pac-10 champion and Rose Bowl representative. The Trojans have won seven straight conference titles, but Oregon remains the only undefeated team in the league. USC lost at Washington 16-13 in its conference opener, but have won four straight since.
Key Matchup
USC’s Matt Barkley vs. Oregon’s defense. The Trojans’ freshman QB has shown unbelievable poise, even in inhospitable environments at Notre Dame and Ohio State. But he’ll be up against Autzen Stadium and an ever-improving Oregon defense, which has allowed its Pac-10 opponents only three touchdowns.
Players to watch
USC: RB Allen Bradford. He ran for 147 yards and two TDs in USC’s 42-36 victory over Oregon State last weekend, a breakout performance after playing behind Chauncey Washington and Joe McKnight much of his career.
Oregon: QB Jeremiah Masoli. He completed 14 of 22 passes for 157 yards and a TD and ran for two more in Oregon’s 43-19 victory at Washington last week, even though he admitted to being only about “70 to 75 percent” after a knee injury kept him out of the previous game.
Facts & Figures
USC has lost three straight in the state of Oregon, twice against Oregon State in Corvallis and once against Oregon in Eugene. ... USC has won 10 straight against Top 25 teams. ... Oregon has scored six TDs without its offense in seven games. ... The Ducks have won six straight overall, the longest active winning streak in the Pac-10 and Oregon’s longest since winning seven straight in 2005.
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No. 5 Cincinnati (7-0, 3-0 Big East) at Syracuse (3-4, 0-2), noon (ESPNU)
Line: Cincinnati by 15.
Series record: Cincinnati leads 5-4-0.
Last meeting: 2008, Cincinnati 30-10.
What’s at Stake
Cincinnati is streaking toward its second straight Big East title, and remaining undefeated would keep the Bearcats in the hunt for the national championship, although they’re No. 8 in the latest BCS standings, the lowest of the unbeaten teams. Syracuse lost its first two Big East games and has won only three conference games in the past four-plus years. Rookie coach Doug Marrone wants to distance the team from its sorry recent past, and this upset would be along the lines of the Orange’s 17-9 win over Nebraska in 1984. Marrone was a sophomore offensive lineman on that Syracuse team, which finished 6-5.
Key Matchup
Cincinnati QBs Tony Pike and Zach Collaros against the Syracuse defense. The Bearcats lead the Big East in total offense (458 ypg) and passing (306 ypg) with only four interceptions in 243 attempts. It’s likely that Collaros, an effective runner who threw for three TDs and had two incompletions in a 41-10 victory over Louisville last Saturday, will make his second straight start. Coach Brian Kelly hasn’t ruled out using Pike, who was fitted this week with a new cast for an injury to his non-throwing arm. Pike is the league leader in total offense (276.5 ypg).
Syracuse allowed zero yards rushing Saturday in a 28-14 win over Akron, its best performance since 1991, and is tied for sixth nationally in rushing defense (83.4 ypg). Syracuse also has 11 fumble recoveries but only five interceptions, and the Orange have allowed 271 yards passing per game and a league-high 15 TD passes.
Players to watch
Cincinnati: WR Mardy Gilyard. He’s tied for the most TD catches in school history (22) with Dominick Goodman (2005-08) and has eight this season. Gilyard has 2,486 yards receiving in his career and needs 27 to pass Goodman for the top spot.
Syracuse: WR Mike Williams. After being suspended last week for violating team rules, Williams was reinstated and has to pick up where he left off. He leads the Big East with 118.7 receiving yards per game and has scored six TDs, and his 20 career touchdown receptions tie him with Marvin Harrison for second in school history, two off the record held by Rob Moore.
Facts & Figures
Cincinnati has won 13 straight regular-season games but is only 15-7-1 all-time when ranked. ... The Bearcats lead the nation in sacks per game (4.1) and tackles for loss per game (10.4) and rank third in turnover margin (1.6). ... Syracuse is averaging 23.7 points, its highest mark in five years. ... The Orange have lost four straight to Cincinnati by a combined 121-60.
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San Jose St (1-5, 0-2 WAC) at No. 6 Boise State (7-0, 2-0), 1 p.m. (ESPN360)
Line: Boise State by 35.
Series Record: Boise State leads 9-0.
Last meeting: 2008, Boise State 33-16.
What’s at Stake
Getting back in front of TCU in the BCS sweepstakes. Boise State dropped three spots to seventh in the standings this week despite beating Hawaii 54-9 last Saturday. Meanwhile, TCU climbed two spots to sixth. All Boise State can do is keep winning, while the Spartans are looking for their first win ever against the Broncos.
Key Matchup
The Bronco’s running game vs. the Spartan defense. Led by the tandem of Jeremy Avery and Doug Martin, Boise State is averaging 190 yards rushing, third best in the WAC. That’s bad news for a San Jose State defense giving up 259 yards per game, worst in the conference.
Players to Watch
San Jose State: DE Carl Ihenacho. Broncos QB Kellen Moore rarely gets sacked, but Ihenacho could change that. He leads the team with three sacks and three recovered fumbles, and has five tackles for lost yardage.
Boise State: S Jeron Johnson. The team leader in tackles with 32, Johnson has also become a threat as a thief. He picked off two passes and recovered a fumble last week against Hawaii. He has a team-best four interceptions on the season.
Facts & Figures
Boise State is playing at home for the first time since Oct. 3, having made trips to Tulsa and Hawaii with 10-day breaks in between. ... The Broncos have outscored the Spartans 400-156 in nine matchups. ... Moore leads the nation with 21 TDs and in passing efficiency with a rating of 172.15. ... The Spartans are good at swiping the ball, boasting a turnover margin of 0.83, second best in the conference.
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Indiana (4-4, 1-3 Big Ten) at No. 7 Iowa (8-0, 4-0), noon (ESPN)
Line: Iowa by 17 1/2.
Series Record: Iowa leads 39-27-4.
Last meeting: 2008, Iowa 45-9.
What’s at Stake
Iowa will need to go undefeated for a shot at the BCS title game, so it can’t afford to overlook the reeling Hoosiers. Indiana’s bowl eligibility hopes are in doubt after losing four of five, but a win over a top 10 team on the road could get their season back on track.
Key Matchup
Indiana QB Ben Chappell vs. Iowa secondary. Chappell is third in the Big Ten with a 63 percent completion rate, but the Hawkeyes lead the nation with 15 interceptions. Chappell will need to be accurate and limit mistakes to give the Hoosiers a chance for the upset.
Players to Watch
Indiana: PR/KR Ray Fisher. He returned a kickoff for a touchdown against Northwestern last week and set up another TD with a 35-yard punt return. The Hoosiers will need some help to upset Iowa, and Fisher’s speed could set up short fields for Indiana’s offense to work with.
Iowa: RB Brandon Wegher. He’ll get the majority of carries now that Adam Robinson is out with an ankle injury. Wegher, a freshman, hasn’t had more than 17 carries in a game.
Facts & Figures
Iowa is off to the first 8-0 start in school history and No. 4 in the BCS standings. ... Indiana has pulled off a couple big wins over the Hawkeyes in recent years. The Hoosiers upset Iowa 31-28 in Bloomington in 2006 and beat the Hawkeyes in Kinnick Stadium, 38-20, the following year. ... Iowa has won four games this season by three points or less.
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UNLV (3-5, 1-3 Mountain West) at No. 8 TCU (7-0, 3-0), 4 p.m. (Versus)
Line: TCU by 35.
Series record: TCU leads 6-1.
Last meeting: 2008, TCU 44-14.
What’s at Stake
For TCU to keep its BCS buster dream alive, the Horned Frogs have to keep winning — and do so convincingly. TCU jumped to sixth and ahead of Boise State in the latest BCS standings after a 38-7 victory at BYU last weekend. Boise State is also heavily favored in its game this week against San Jose State. A loss means UNLV can’t have a winning season.
Key Matchup
TCU’s defensive front vs. UNLV QB Omar Clayton. The Frogs defensive line will put pressure on Clayton, an injury-prone though impressive passer with a 63-percent completion rate for 1,663 yards and 10 touchdowns in his seven games. DE Jerry Hughes has nine of TCU’s 26 sacks.
Players to Watch
UNLV: WR Ryan Wolfe. The active NCAA leader with 3,392 receiving yards, Wolfe is already the UNLV career leader in receptions (270) and yards. He is fifth nationally with 7.6 catches a game this season.
TCU: QB Andy Dalton. The third-year starter has completed 64 percent of his passes, which would be a single-season school record. His 24 victories are second only to Sammy Baugh’s 29 for TCU quarterbacks.
Facts & Figures
TCU has won 11 consecutive home games, winning by an average margin of 44-9. ... The Frogs have allowed 28 yards rushing per game and 1.1 yards per carry in three home games this year. ... Frogs sophomore WR Antoine Hicks has touched the ball on 16 plays this season. He’s scored six touchdowns (three receiving, three rushing). ... UNLV is coming off a 34-17 victory at New Mexico, the Rebels’ first conference road victory in five years. ... The Rebels are 4-22 vs. ranked teams, but did win at then-No. 15 Arizona State in OT last season.
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Tulane (2-5) at No. 9 LSU (6-1), 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Line: LSU by 35 1/2.
Series record: LSU leads 68-22-7.
Last meeting: 2008, LSU 35-10.
What’s At Stake
LSU must win to stay in the top 10 and would like to do so convincingly in a tuneup for the following weekend’s game at Alabama, with the winner taking the lead in the SEC West. Tulane is trying to stop a three-game losing streak and beat LSU for the first time since 1982, which also was the last time Tulane beat a team ranked in the Top 25.
Key Matchup
LSU’s defense against Tulane RB Andre Anderson. Although Tulane has struggled to win games, Anderson averages 92.3 yards per game and gives Tulane its best chance to stay close with clock-consuming drives. If Anderson struggles to gain yards and Tulane is forced to rely on its inconsistent passing game, LSU could turn it into a blowout quickly.
Players to Watch
Tulane: Anderson. He’s third on the team in receptions (20) and receiving yards (168), and averages 116.3 all-purpose yards. WR Jeremy Williams has 44 catches for 662 yards, including two 100-yard and one 200-yard receiving games.
LSU: QB Jordan Jefferson passed for a career-high 242 yards last weekend vs. Auburn, taking more chances deep. WR Brandon LaFell leads LSU with six TDs to go with 33 catches for 393 yards. LB Harry Coleman had nine tackles, two sacks and two forced fumbles against Auburn.
Facts & Figures
Tulane and LSU played for the first time in 1893. This will be their 98th meeting, with only one more meeting currently promised in a season and date still to be decided after the two schools agreed to cancel their annual series. ... Tulane has lost 37 straight to opponents ranked in the Top 25, including losses this season to BYU and Houston. ... LSU has a 17-game winning streak against Tulane, with 10 straight wins in Tiger Stadium. ... The Tigers’ last loss outside the SEC came against Iowa in the Capital One Bowl at the end of the 2004 season. ... The game will mark the 50th anniversary of Heisman Trophy winner Billy Cannon’s game-winning 89-yard punt return against Ole Miss, one of the most famous plays in LSU history.
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No. 11 Georgia Tech (7-1) at Vanderbilt (2-6), 7:30 p.m.(CSS)
Line: Georgia Tech by 11 1/2.
Series Record: Georgia Tech leads 18-15-3.
Last meeting: 2003, Georgia Tech 24-17 OT.
What’s at Stake
Georgia Tech is trying for a sixth straight win, which would be its longest winning streak since 2000. The Yellow Jackets haven’t been ranked this high since 2001. A loss for Vandy would clinch a losing record and end hopes for the first back-to-back bowls in school history.
Key Matchup
Georgia Tech’s offense against Vanderbilt’s defense. Georgia Tech leads the nation in time of possession with an average of 34 minutes, 50 seconds. Vanderbilt ranks 34th nationally in total defense and is 85th against the run.
Players to Watch
Georgia Tech: RBs Jonathan Dwyer and Anthony Allen. Each rushed for more than 100 yards in the Yellow Jackets’ 34-9 win at Virginia.
Vanderbilt: LB Patrick Benoist. He’s the Commodores’ leading tackler and will be very busy against the Georgia Tech rushing attack.
Facts & Figures
Georgia Tech is looking for its fourth road win for the first time since 2000. ... This will be coach Paul Johnson’s first game with Georgia Tech against Vanderbilt, but he is 2-0 all-time against the Commodores. ... Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson is 0-3 against Georgia Tech with one loss coming when he was at Furman. ... Vanderbilt has started seven freshmen this season with 12 Commodores making their first career starts this season.
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No. 12 Penn State (7-1, 3-1 Big Ten) at Northwestern (5-3, 2-2), 4:30 p.m. (CBS)
Line: Penn State by 15.
Series Record: Penn State leads 9-3.
Last Meeting: 2006, Penn State 33-7.
What’s at Stake
The Nittany Lions must win to maintain their chances of winning a Big Ten title. A victory for Northwestern would make the Wildcats bowl eligible — and also make their season.
Key Matchup
Nittany Lions QB Daryll Clark vs Northwestern defense. Clark riddled Michigan with four TD passes last week. Northwestern didn’t put a lot of pass rush pressure on Indiana and both the Wildcats’ starting safeties, Brad Phillips and Brendan Smith, are hurting. Top CB Sherrick McManis was also injured last week.
Players to Watch
Penn State: Clark leads the Big Ten with a passer efficiency of 148.4 and has thrown 25 TD passes in his last 11 games. LB Navorro Bowman had 11 tackles, a sack, a fumble recovery and an interception against Michigan.
Northwestern: WR Zeke Markshausen, a former walk-on, has becomes a prime receiving threat for QB Mike Kafka with 58 catches. Kafka’s other big target is former QB Andrew Brewer.
Facts & Figures
Since Joe Paterno became head coach at Penn State in 1966, there have been 838 head coaching changes in Division I. ... Northwestern’s Kafka is first among Big Ten quarterbacks in passing yardage (258 ypg) and total offense (284 ypg). The Wildcats staged the biggest comeback in school history last week, rallying from 28-3 down to beat Indiana 29-28.
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Southern Miss (5-3, 3-1 C-USA) at No. 15 Houston (6-1, 2-1), 1 p.m. (Comcast Southwest)
Line: Houston by 6 1/2.
Series record: Tied 3-3.
Last meeting: 2006, Houston 34-20.
What’s At Stake
No. 15 Houston and Southern Miss are both tied for first in their respective divisions of Conference USA. Both teams have one conference loss, so a win will be key to staying atop their divisions and competing for a spot in the Conference USA title game.
Key Matchup
Houston’s offense, which leads the nation, against the Southern Mississippi. The Cougars are still averaging more than 536 yards a game despite a season-low 233 yards passing last week. The Golden Eagles and their league-leading defense held Tulane to 54 yards rushing in last week’s win and are 4-0 when holding teams to less than 100 yards rushing.
Players to watch
Houston: QB Case Keenum. He is 241 of 344 for 2,734 yards and 20 touchdowns. RBs Bryce Beall and Charles Sims have combined for 750 yards and nine touchdowns.
Southern Miss: RBs Damion Fletcher and Tory Harrison. Fletcher has 128 carries for 598 yards and seven touchdowns, while Harrison who has five TDs and is averaging 7.4 yards a carry.
Facts & Figures
Keenum has thrown for at least 300 yards in 19 career games. ... Fletcher has 4,885 yards rushing in his career to rank second in C-USA history. ... Sims is coming off his first career 100-yard rushing game after running for 105 yards against SMU. ... The Golden Eagles forced a season-high four turnovers against Tulane. ... Southern Mississippi has lost nine straight games against ranked opponents. ... QB Martevious Young has thrown for 511 yards with three touchdowns and one interception since taking over for the injured Austin Davis.
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ew Mexico State (3-5) at No. 17 Ohio State (6-2), noon (Big Ten)
Line: Ohio State by 39 1/2.
Series Record: First meeting.
What’s at Stake
Pride, for New Mexico State. Health, for Ohio State. The Buckeyes are heavily favored to roll over a non-conference opponent before embarking on the toughest three-game stretch on their schedule (at No. 12 Penn State, No. 7 Iowa, at Michigan) to close the regular season. The big concern is not getting anyone hurt. The Aggies are doing it for the money, cashing a check for $850,000 to make the trek to chilly Columbus.
Key Matchup
New Mexico State RB Seth Smith has three games over 100 yards rushing this season. The Aggies’ only hope is for him to have a big day and keep the ball away from an Ohio State offense that’s itching to run up some points after weeks of being criticized for lack of production. LBs Ross Homan, Austin Spitler and Co. will get to know Smith very well before the day’s over.
Players to watch
New Mexico State: QBs Jeff Fleming and Trevor Walls. They split time this season, both completing just over 50 percent of their passes. Both will be tested by Ohio State’s active D-line. LB Ross Connor figures to have a busy day. He ranks third in the WAC in tackles with 70.
Ohio State: QB Terrelle Pryor hopes to add to the good will he gained with two TD passes, another scoring run and more than 340 total yards in a 38-7 rout of Minnesota last week.
Facts & Figures
Ohio State is 3-0 against current members of the WAC. ... Smith had a career-best 70-yard run in a 34-3 home loss to Fresno State last Saturday night. ... Under Jim Tressel, the Buckeyes are 24-2 at Ohio Stadium versus non-conference teams, the only losses coming to USC earlier this season and 25-22 to No. 2 Texas in 2005. ... Offense has been a problem for the Aggies, who have scored 12 or fewer points in half their games. ... Ohio State ranks seventh nationally in scoring defense (13.1) and 10th in rushing defense (92.25 ypg). ... New Mexico State coach DeWayne Walker on the trip to Ohio Stadium: “It’s going to be another big challenge.”
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No. 18 Miami (5-2, 2-2 ACC) vs. Wake Forest (4-4, 2-2), 3:30 p.m. (ABC/ESPN2)
Line: Miami by 7.
Series record: Miami leads 6-3.
Last meeting: 2008, Miami 16-10.
What’s at stake
The 18th-ranked Hurricanes need to rebound from last week’s overtime home loss to Clemson. The Demon Deacons, meanwhile, have lost two straight games and are flirting with missing the postseason for the first time since 2005.
Key Matchup
Wake Forest’s offensive line vs. Miami’s defensive front. Wake Forest QB Riley Skinner leads one of the league’s better passing attacks, but the line has allowed 20 sacks to rank near the bottom of the ACC. Miami DT Allen Bailey is fourth in the league with five sacks.
Players to watch
Miami: QB Jacory Harris. He needs to bounce back from his three-interception performance against the Tigers.
Wake Forest: TB Josh Adams. He ran for 89 yards in last week’s loss at Navy and could take some of the pressure off Skinner with another solid performance.
Facts & figures
Tuesday marked the 65th anniversary of Wake Forest’s last win over the Hurricanes, a 27-0 road victory in 1944. ... The Demon Deacons have managed two TDs dating to the second half of their home win against Maryland on Oct. 10. ... Miami has won five straight meetings, including 47-17 in its last trip to Winston-Salem in 2005. ... The Hurricanes have split their two ACC road games this year, winning at Florida State and losing at Virginia Tech.
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WYOMING (4-3, 2-1 Mountain West) at No. 19 Utah (6-1, 3-0), 8 p.m. (The Mtn.)
Line: Utah by 17.
Series Record: Utah leads 49-31-1.
Last Meeting: 2008, Utah 40-7.
What’s at Stake
Utah wants to keep up with TCU for the Mountain West lead. The Horned Frogs and Utes are both 3-0 in league play and on course for a first-place battle Nov. 14 at TCU. The Cowboys have had a week off to recover from a 10-0 loss at Air Force.
Key Matchup
Utah’s defense vs. Wyoming’s offense. Utah leads the league in pass efficiency defense and is third in total defense. The Cowboys are eighth in passing and total offense.
Players to watch
Wyoming: LB Brian Hendricks. He set a school record Oct. 19 with 23 tackles in a 10-0 loss to Air Force. Hendricks had 11 solo stops and and forced a fumble for the Cowboys.
Utah: RB Eddie Wide. Since taking over for injured starter Matt Asiata, Wide has rushed for 100-plus yards in four straight games and is averaging a conference-best 6.1 yards per carry.
Facts & Figures
Utah has won 20 of its last 21 games. ... The Utes have beaten the Cowboys in eight of the last nine meetings, losing 31-15 in Laramie three years ago. ... The Utes plan to wear their black uniforms for the first time since beating TCU 13-10 last Nov. 6. ... Wyoming coach Dave Christensen and Utah coach Kyle Whittingham were assistants at Idaho State in the early 1990s.
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No. 21 South Carolina (6-2, 3-2 SEC) vs. Tennessee (3-4, 1-3), 7:45 p.m. (ESPN)
Line: Tennessee by 5 1/2.
Series Record: Tennessee leads 21-4-2.
Last meeting: 2008, South Carolina 27-6.
What’s at Stake
South Carolina has a shot at its best finish since 2001, but must survive a gauntlet that includes Tennessee, Arkansas, No. 1 Florida and Clemson. The Gamecocks are enjoying success against the Volunteers under coach Steve Spurrier, having split victories in the last four meetings. Tennessee appears to be turning its program around under first-year coach Lane Kiffin following a big win over Georgia and a 2-point loss at Alabama. The Vols need to take at least four of their last five games to return to the postseason after missing out last season.
Key Matchup
South Carolina QB Stephen Garcia vs. S Eric Berry. Garcia ranks third in the SEC with an average 224.2 yards passing per game and has thrown only four interceptions this season. Berry and his fellow defensive backs have nabbed only three interceptions this season after leading the nation part of last season.
Players to Watch
Tennessee: CB Dennis Rogan and FS Janzen Jackson. Under defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin’s system, All-American Eric Berry has been racking up tackles near the line. Opposing teams tend to throw away from him, leaving Rogan and Jackson looking for interceptions.
South Carolina: LB Eric Norwood. He leads the SEC in sacks and tackles for a loss this season. Tennessee QB Jonathan Crompton hasn’t been rattled in a few weeks and held his own against the best defense in the nation in Alabama, but if the Gamecocks want him to revert to his turnover-prone ways they have to get him on the ground.
Facts & Figures
Tennessee had lost to South Carolina only twice before Spurrier took over and led the Gamecocks to wins in 2005 and ’08. The 2005 South Carolina victory was its only in Knoxville in 14 tries. ... A victory by the Gamecocks would give Spurrier his 106th SEC win, tying Mississippi’s John Vaught for secodn all-time; Paul “Bear” Bryant leads with 159 league wins. ... Tennessee has won 51 percent of its all-time October games. This month the Vols are 1-2.
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Kansas State (5-3, 3-1 Big 12) vs. No. 22 Oklahoma (4-3, 2-1), 7 p.m. (FSN)
Line: Oklahoma by 28.
Series Record: Oklahoma leads 69-17-4.
Last meeting: 2008, Oklahoma 58-35.
What’s at Stake
Kansas State can maintain its surprising lead in the Big 12 North if it can snap Oklahoma’s school-record 27-game home winning streak. The Sooners, already eliminated from national title contention, are trying to keep their slim hopes alive for a fourth straight Big 12 title.
Key Matchup
Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops vs. Kansas State skipper Bill Snyder. Stoops was a defensive assistant at K-State from 1989-95 while Snyder was building the program from the ground up. Stoops is 5-1 against his mentor, with the only loss coming in the 2003 Big 12 championship.
Players to Watch
Kansas State: DE Jeffrey Fitzgerald. The senior transfer from Virginia has four of Kansas State’s 10 sacks over the past two games, and he’ll be facing a suspect offensive line that’s had six different starting combinations this season.
Oklahoma: RB Chris Brown. Carrying a heavier load with backfield mate DeMarco Murray out with a left ankle injury, Brown had a season-high 22 carries and scored three touchdowns — two rushing and one receiving — last week. Murray could return this week.
Facts & Figures
Kansas State RB Daniel Thomas leads the Big 12 with 814 yards rushing. He’ll be facing the nation’s third-best rush defense, allowing only 70 yards per game. ... The surface on Owen Field was replaced last week after a U2 concert. It’s the same type of field as before: bermuda grass overseeded with perennial ryegrass. ... Stoops says RG Tavaris Jeffries, who was suspended last week for breaking team rules, will not start but may play. LG Brian Simmons is expected to miss his third straight game with a right knee injury.
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No. 24 Mississippi (5-2, 2-2 SEC) vs. Auburn (5-3, 2-3), 12:21 p.m. (SEC Network)
Line: Mississippi by 3 1/2.
Series record: Auburn leads 24-9.
Last meeting: 2008, Mississippi 17-7.
What’s At Stake
The Rebels can keep the momentum going after two straight wins and strengthen their hopes of going to a prominent bowl. A win would make Auburn bowl eligible and stop a three-game skid.
Key Matchup
Auburn’s OL against the Ole Miss DL. The Auburn line will have to give QB Chris Todd time to establish at least a modest passing game after allowing four sacks against LSU. The Ole Miss defense has racked up 16 sacks over the last five games and allowed just three passing TDs.
Players to watch
Mississippi: RB/WR Dexter McCluster. The Rebels finally unleashed their versatile weapon against Arkansas, and he posted career-highs with 123 yards rushing and 137 receiving. Auburn has struggled against speedy, shifty backs like West Virginia’s Noel Devine and Arkansas’ Michael Smith.
Auburn: QB Chris Todd. The Tigers have won when he has had success throwing the ball, and lost the last three games partly because he couldn’t. Auburn coaches are adamant that they’re sticking with him.
Facts & Figures
Auburn has won 22 of the last 26 meetings, and is 11-2 in the series at home. ... Ole Miss LB Patrick Trahan, who has four sacks, started his career with the Tigers. ... The Rebels’ 553 total yards against Arkansas was the most since gaining 567 against Wyoming in 2004. ... Auburn has six 200-yard rushing games, equaling the total for the past two years combined.
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Washington State (1-6) vs. No. 25 Notre Dame (5-2) at San Antonio, 7:42 p.m. (NBC)
Line: Notre Dame by 27 1/2.
Series Record: Notre Dame leads 1-0.
Last Meeting: 2003, Notre Dame 29-26 OT
What’s at Stake
Notre Dame pride. The Irish lost to Navy two years ago, their first loss to the Midshipmen since 1963. Last season they lost to Syracuse, which was a 19›-point underdog. A loss to the Cougars, after being favored by 27› points, would be even more embarrassing.
Key Matchup
Washington State QB Jeff Tuel vs. the Notre Dame secondary. Passing offense is one of the few major statistical categories where the Cougars aren’t among the nation’s worst, ranking 55th. The Irish secondary has given up 10 passes of 20 or more yards to Boston College and eight against USC. Tuel, who threw for 354 yards and two touchdowns against Cal, needs a big game for the Cougars to have a chance.
Players to Watch
Washington State: WR Johnny Forzani. He had a 65-yard catch for a touchdown against Cal and a 99-yard TD catch against Arizona State. After only two catches for 50 yards through the first four games, he has five for 215 yards the past two.
Notre Dame: S Kyle McCarthy. He has been the playmaker on defense, making an interception to seal the win against Michigan State, a hit to jar the ball loose on the final play against Washington and two interceptions against Boston College. He’s moving from strong safety to free safety as coach Charlie Weis tries to stabilize the secondary.
Facts & Figures
Notre Dame is 15-4 in the Lone Star State, but has never played in San Antonio. Irish players have, though. Thirty-five of them took part in U.S. Army All-American Games for high school standouts at the Alamodome. ... Freshmen QBs are 2-1 against Notre Dame. ... Injuries have forced Washington State to use five different starting lineups on the offensive line. ... Washington State has started 10 freshmen this season.