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

It’s Nebraska’s first conference game as a member of the Big 10. And they’re on the road in Madison against a Wisconsin team that is making the most of a transfer quarterback and an awfully good defense. The Badgers could be in the Top Five with a win. And for the Cornhuskers, it’s a chance for them to show the traditionals they are ready for life in their new conference.

The Tigers have beaten Auburn and Florida State in consecutive weeks. But both of those games were in (the other) Death Valley, and now they’re on the road in Blacksburg. The winner of this one is in my top ten on Sunday. For the Hokies, this could be their toughest test the rest of the season.

I know how good ‘Bama is. I have no idea how good Florida is. They’re ranked in the top fifteen, but really don’t have a resume that warrants it. Are they top fifteen, or just ranked there because of the name of the school? Gators are a rare home underdog in this one. If ‘Bama wins, I’ll probably vote them #2 behind LSU on Sunday.

This one is in Arlington at Jerry World. Aggies had a second half meltdown last week against Oklahoma State and Arkansas got it handed to them at Alabama. I’m interested to see which team recovers best. Loser could still be in the Top 25, but the winner is going to get some kudos.

No Top 25 repercussions here. Louisiana Tech is the most snake bitten team in America. They’re about three plays away from being 4-0 and it’s no one’s fault but their own that they aren’t. They gave away a game vs. Houston at home and had Mississippi State beaten in regulation last week before a bad interception allowed the Bulldogs to escape in overtime. Their third loss was a two pointer in bad conditions in Hattiesburg. Of course, they also could be 0-4, having barely won in overtime to FCS opponent Central Arkansas (who Arkansas State beat by four touchdowns.) Hawai’I usually doesn’t fare well when coming to the mainland, and this is their farthest conference road trip. (Hawai’I will join the Mountain West for football next year.) Tech really, really needs this one.