Blair Kerkhoff’s around the nation: Game of the week, upset special
Game of the weekLSU at Florida
Is this Tim Tebow’s breakout game? Last year’s Heisman Trophy winner ranks sixth in the SEC in passing and is only the league’s third-leading rusher among quarterbacks. And his signature moment this season is the first down he didn’t pick up that cinched the loss to Mississippi. Still, Florida owns a big edge at the position while LSU is stronger on both lines. The Tigers have already proved they can get it done on the road with the stirring comeback victory over Auburn. This was a big victory for LSU on last year’s run to the national title, just as Florida’s victory in this meeting in 2006 helped the Gators on their title run. Not often do the defending national champions meet. Look for LSU in a narrow escape.
Upset special
Mississippi State over Vanderbilt
The Bulldogs are 1-4 but have plenty of defensive teeth, which matches up well against the Commodores 116th-ranked offense. Vandy, 5-0, has gotten close to bowl eligibility before and choked. It will get that sixth victory at some point, but not this weekend.
Others to watch
Penn State at Wisconsin
This is your season, Badgers. Win and get back on track. Lose, fall to 3-3 and start thinking Alamo Bowl. Wisconsin couldn’t have picked a hotter opponent for its last stand. Everything is clicking for the Nittany Lions, who have dominated teams like Oregon State and Illinois. Badgers coach Bret Bielema said Allan Evridge remained his starting QB but said he would make a change if necessary. Running back John Clay will get more carries after a productive game against Ohio State.
Michigan State at Northwestern
The Wildcats bid for 6-0 for the first time since 1962. In their Rose Bowl season of 1995 they opened 1-1. Michigan State running back Javon Ringer should get back on track after a 91-yard game against Iowa last weekend. This will be Northwestern’s toughest test to date. The winner becomes bowl eligible.
Notre Dame at North Carolina
A year of progress at both schools, and the winner could be headed to a double-digit victory season. Irish QB Jimmy Clausen has thrown 12 touchdown passes this season but faces his toughest test of the season. The Tar Heels can gain some national recognition with a victory.
Arizona at Stanford
If the Wildcats’ turnaround is to continue and coach Mike Stoops wants to feel secure, they need to win here. Arizona has been the league’s best offensive team behind quarterback Willie Tuitama, and he goes against a Stanford team that ranks last in the Pacific-10 in passing defense.
On the horizon
Games for the week of Oct. 18
BYU at TCU (Thursday)
A Cougars’ loss kills national championship hopes.
Vanderbilt at Georgia
Commodores can take command of the SEC East
Missouri at Texas
Chase Daniel vs. Colt McCoy in Texas-made battle
Kansas at Oklahoma
Mark Mangino returns to his former employer.
Ohio State at Michigan State
The Buckeyes’ rebound faces a stiff challenge
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