Five Intriguing Games This Weekend – From the Bird’s Nest

For most leagues, it's the next to last week of the regular season.  There are conference titles, division titles and, for some, bowl eligibility questions to be answered.  Now, because the game is tonight, I'm not including Louisville at Houston on this list.  But there are still plenty of games to keep an eye on.

MIAMI (6-4, 3-3) at NC STATE (5-5, 2-4) (+3)  11:30am, ACC Network--The ACC already has nine bowl eligible teams and the Wolfpack are the best chance to get to ten.  But, unless they win this one at home, it's going to be difficult.  A trip to rival North Carolina looms next week.  The 'Pack would be well served to get it done this week.  Otherwise, that record is 5-7...and fan bases don't like 5-7.

#23 FLORIDA (7-2, 5-2) at #16 LSU (6-3, 4-2) (-14)  12:00 noon, SEC Network --There are a lot of layers to this game.  With a win, Florida wins the SEC East and gets a shot at Alabama.  With a win, LSU interim coach Ed Orgeron takes another step toward being Les Miles' permanent replacement and puts LSU in position to perhaps get to the Sugar Bowl with a win on Thanksgiving Day.  A loss by Florida puts gives Tennessee a chance to control its future.  Then there's that Hurricane Matthew thing.  That's an intangible that could work in the Gators' favor...but you have to wonder if that will be enough with all the injuries Florida has.

SAN DIEGO STATE (9-1, 6-0) at WYOMING (7-3, 6-1) (+9')  2:30pm, CBSSN--Can you believe a loss to South Alabama is the only thing keeping the Aztecs from being unbeaten going into this game?  There's no questioning SDSU is a good football team, but they have yet to beat a team with a winning record, given the weakness of the West Division.  Wyoming got caught looking ahead last week and stubbed its toe against UNLV.  If they lose this one, Boise State is back in the drivers' seat in the Mountain Division.  This game has distinct Group of Five bowl implications and is one of the biggest games of the college football season.

#22 WASHINGTON STATE (8-2, 7-0) AT #10 COLORADO (8-2. 6-1) (-4')  2:30 pm FOX--Remember when Washington State lost to an FCS school for the second straight year to open the season?  That seems so long ago now as the Cougars are now leading the PAC-12 North. Even if they lose this game, they can still win the division with a win over Washington next week.  Now, quick.  Who is winning the South?  Yep, it's the Buffaloes, and, although they still must play Utah next week, have lost only to Michigan and USC, both on the road.

#9 OKLAHOMA (8-2, 7-0) at #14 WEST VIRGINIA (8-1, 5-1) (+3)--The Big 12 title won't be decided this week.  West Virginia still must play two games after this one (with Baylor at home the toughest test), while Oklahoma still has the "Bedlam" game at Oklahoma State.  But a Mountaineers' win here makes it a three way tie for the lead and would pretty much end any (faint) hope the Big 12 has of getting into the CFP semifinals.  You know who is rooting big time for OU this weekend?  Ohio State.  That runaway win in Norman is still the best out of conference win for anyone this season.  And that looks really good on the Buckeyes' resume.  West Virginia feels disrespected and is unbeaten at home.  This could be fun.