Thinning the Heard

As the season goes on, the problem changes from which undefeated teams will make it to the championship to which one-loss teams won't have a chance. We've had 2 weeks of really big games. While the action isn't quite as big as those weeks, there are still some big games on the slate.

#22 Va Tech vs. Boston College
This game is huge for the ACC. If the Hokies lose, the are pretty much out of the race for the ACC title and will surely drop from the Top 25. Boston College would also likely fall out of the ACC title race with a loss; a win keeps them within shouting range and also would welcome them back to the Top 25.

Wake Forest vs. NC State
Probably as big or bigger than the game above, both of these teams are in the top of the ACC Atlantic Division. The Wolfpack have come out of nowhere to take the lead with a 2-0 conference mark. The Deacons are still smarting after letting Clemson rally for the win, but they can stay in the hunt with a win over the boys from Raleigh.

#2 Florida vs. #11 Auburn
After taking over the Tigers' #2 spot, the Gators are now in the driver's seat for the SEC Title and closing in on a shot at the National Title. A loss, hurts the Gators' hopes of returning to the SEC Championship Game. For Auburn, a loss pretty much means the can forget the SEC West Title and any hopes of a BCS Bowl.

#21 Nebraska vs. Kansas State
Thanks to their typical weak schedule, K-State is back... sorta. Probably better on paper than in reality, the Cats need a win to stay in the Big 12 North competition. Nebraska needs the win to keep pace with Mizzou.

#24 Rutgers vs. Navy
Didn't expect to ever see this game mean much did you? Well, it does. A win over a quality Navy team helps legitmize Rutgers' ranking, but the Middies aren't push overs and have won their fair share of games in the past few years. Navy could replace Rutgers at the back of the Top 25 bus with a win.

UCLA vs. #18 Oregon
A loss for either team and it's "better luck next year" with Cal and USC duking it out for the Pac 10 Title.

#19 Missouri vs. Texas A&M
As an ESPN writer stated, "junk food doesn't build strong bones"; case in point: the Aggies- a team whose success has been created with scheduling weak opponents, but they are 5-1 nonetheless. The Tigers however are looking like a real 6-0 team and are fresh off a win against the Tech who deflowered A&M. But if Mizzou trips up, Nebraska takes the lead as the team most likely to lose to Texas in the Big 12 Championship.

#10 Cal vs. Washington State
I don't think the Cougars will do it, but the Bears have to be weary of stumbling after last week's big victory.

Arizona State vs. #3 USC
I am still not a believer in the Sun Devils, especially since their offense has downshifted from about 50 points a game to about 30, but USC isn't invulnerable and the Sun Devils passing game could give USC a good challenge.

#4 Michigan vs. Penn State
People still want to act like the Joe Pa's squad has it, well if they do, they sure haven't shown it. Beating a bunch of "no ones" and "bottom feeders" and losing bad to legit teams doesn't win you much respect in my book. Michigan should beat PSU and stay on track for the big game against the Buckeyes.

And finally...

Vandy vs. #16 Georgia
The Dogs need to bounce back from a dismal second-half collapse against the Vols and building on last week's first-half offensive revival wouldn't hurt either.

Just like last week had the potential to shake up the top of the order this week, should shake up the bottom of the order and drop a lot of teams out of contention. This week will also be big in shaping up the Big 12, ACC and Pac 10 conference races.