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

This is one of the few games this weekend where there is no game involving two ranked schools.  That doesn't mean there aren't some games worth keeping an eye on.

Here are a few:

(24) TEXAS TECH (4-1, 1-1) (+3') at WEST VIRGINIA (3-2, 1-1)  11am  ESPNU--Why are the Red Raiders underdogs in this game?  The better question is, why are they ranked?  Their claim to fame is a seven point loss to Oklahoma State, with no real wins to speak of, unless you want to count their win at Houston.  While none of the Mountaineers' wins are impressive, either, their losses were to TCU and Virginia Tech.  Tough matchup on the road for Texas Tech.

GEORGIA TECH (3-1, 2-0) (+6) at (11) MIAMI (4-0, 2-0) 2:30, ABC--A one point loss in the season opener to Tennessee is the only thing keeping the Yellow Jackets from being undefeated.  Intriguing because it's difficult to prepare for Tech's option attack in just one week, and Miami could have a little bit of a Florida State hangover.  Can the Hurricanes avoid the home trap game?

(12) OKLAHOMA (4-1, 1-1) (-7') vs. TEXAS (3-2, 2-0) in Dallas, 2:30, ESPN--Well, we found out last week that Oklahoma can still have an inexplicable loss during the season, even without Bob Stoops as head coach.  Iowa State? At home?  Indeed.  They might have been looking ahead to their annual Red River showdown with the Longhorns, who, if you haven't noticed, are unbeaten in Big 12 play.  This could be one of those games where the Sooners take out their frustrations.  Or not.  Which would make us question that win over Ohio State more than ever.

(25) NAVY (5-0, 3-0) (+3) at MEMPHIS (4-1, 1-1)  2:45pm ESPNU--Like fireworks?  This is the game for you.  Memphis has scored 37 or more points in all but one game, while the Midshipmen have been over the 40 point mark three times.  The only loss between the two is a Tigers' loss at UCF and those guys are pretty good.  Memphis has the one impressive win, over UCLA.  The over/under in this one is 75.  Bring your calculator.

BOISE STATE (3-2, 2-0) at (19) SAN DIEGO STATE (6-0, 2-0) 9:30 pm, CBS Sports Network--Boise's losses have come to Washington State (by just three points) and Virginia.  San Diego State has wins over Arizona State and Stanford.  The schedule lightens considerably after this week for the Aztecs, with just a home game against Fresno State standing between them and an undefeated season if they get this one done this weekend.  Boise is a proud program and they won't go quietly.  A third loss will have the Broncos' faithful taking a hard look at Brian Harsin.