Code Orange

This is a little late, so I’ll try to keep it short:

Kansas (4-0) at Kansas State (3-1) - 12:00 PM

This is a huge Big 12 North game, especially since the Northern Division actually looks like the stronger division, for once.  Can Kansas get to 5-0?  Kansas is one of the few undefeated teams still not ranked as well.

Wisconsin (5-0) at Illinois (4-1) - 12:00 PM

Much like the Kansas/KSU game, this game is very important in the Big Ten as Illinois is undefeated in the conference, and is very nearly undefeated overall.  This is a game in which Wisconsin could very easily get tripped up.  Given half the top-10 lost last week, Wisconsin is very aware that the same thing could happen this week.

Vanderbilt (3-1) at Auburn (3-2) - 12:30 PM

You’ve heard about Kentucky.  You’ve heard about South Carolina.  But did you know Vanderbilt was 3-1 as well?  If Vanderbilt could pull off the win, they would nearly complete the complete a shift which is turning the SEC inside-out.

Iowa (2-3) at Penn State (3-2) - 3:30 PM

Both of these teams are 0-2 in conference play and desperately need a win to have any sort of shot.  A loss here all but eliminates either of these teams from the conference race.

Oklahoma (4-1) vs. Texas (4-1) - 3:30 PM

Many people expected these teams to be 5-0 coming into today.  Oklahoma because they had been destroying everyone they had played and Texas because, well, they’re Texas, despite never looking all that good.  Both got upset last week so this is a rebound game both teams need.  Oh, and did I mention that the winner gets leg-up in the Big 12 South title race?

Georgia (4-1) at Tennessee (2-2) - 3:30 PM

With Florida losing to Auburn last week, it resets the SEC title race as all six SEC East teams have one conference loss.  That means the winner of this game is suddenly back into contention to win the SEC East title.  However, this game may be more important to the Volunteers who want to try avoid falling to 2-3 and looking like the may have their 2nd losing season in 3 years.

Virginia Tech (4-1) at Clemson (4-1) - 6:00 PM

This is a huge intra-divisional match-up in the ACC as both teams try to stay in their respective division’s races.  A loss by Clemson would put them 2 games behind Boston College - a margin not easily made up.  Things aren’t as bad for the Hokies, who would only be given their first conference loss if they lose, but they still don’t want to have to play catchup with Virginia and Miami.

Oklahoma State (3-2) at Texas A&M (4-1) - 7:30 PM

Along with the other Texas/Oklahoma game, this is a game which has major implications for the Big 12 South race as these two teams are the last two teams still undefeated in the conference.  Just like the Texas/Oklahoma game, the winner of this game will have a leg up in the Big 12 South race.

Ohio State (5-0) at Purdue (5-0) - 8:00 PM

This wasn’t a game many people were expecting to be so big, but it is as the winner, in conjunction with the Wisconsin/Illinois game, will be only one of three Big Ten teams still undefeated in the conference.  Just like Wisconsin, Ohio State is well aware of the troubles that Top-1o teams have been happy, and Purdue would be more than happy to join the upset club.

Notre Dame (0-5) at UCLA (4-1) - 8:00 PM

OK, this isn’t a game to watch as much as I want to see how low Notre Dame can actually go.  If they lose, they go to 0-6 with two Top 10 teams coming up.  Basically, if Notre Dame wants any chance to go bowling, they must, must, must, must win this game.  Otherwise, they are almost certainly staring at an 0-8 record when the Midshipmen come to town hoping to snap their 43-game losing streak.  Oh, and a loss would match Notre Dame’s longest losing streak at 8 games.

Cincinnati (5-0) at Rutgers (3-1) - 8:00 PM

Rutgers tries to avoid losing 3 in a row while Cincinnati will try to show themselves to be a bona fide  Big East contender.  Oh, and they’ll become bowl eligible with a win.

Florida (4-1) at LSU (5-0) -  8:28 PM

Probably the biggest game in the SEC today, Florida avoids getting 2 conferences losses and being put in serious jeopardy of not being able to win the Eastern Division while LSU tries flexing their brand new AP #1 ranking out.  An LSU loss would also suddenly put the SEC West back into play.

Nebraska (4-1) at Missouri (4-0) - 9:15 PM

Like the Kansas/KSU game, this game is an important match-up in the Big 12 North race as both teams have no conference losses yet.  Missouri has not won a division title since the Big 12 was formed, and win over Nebraska would put them in a position to have an opportunity to do so.