Five Intriguing College Games This Weekend

Two top five heavyweights clash in Death Valley East, Louisville faces its biggest hurdle and three games that could go against the grain highlight the intriguing games this weekend. There are actually more than five worth mentioning this week, but "More than Five" is not the title of the blog.

So, here we go

UCF at LOUISVILLE (Friday, 7pm, ESPN) - If you're not going to a high school game on Friday, this wouldn't be a bad alternative at all. There are lots of questions about the Cardinals because of their strength (?) of schedule but those who watch football know they're a very good football team. But, the test is coming this Friday. The Knights have only a close loss to South Carolina marring their record. This game is probably for the American Athletic Conference title. For Louisville, it could be for so much more.

UCLA at STANFORD (Saturday, 2:30, ABC) - Did the Cardinal get caught looking ahead with their loss at Utah last week, or did they just get exposed. We'll get an idea on Saturday when they face the unbeaten Bruins. UCLA will need solid quarterback play and then some to win this one, especially against an angry Stanford club that saw its BCS title hopes take a big lick last week.

LSU at OLE MISS (6pm, ESPN2) - The Rebels have lost three straight, all to teams that are currently ranked. Last week's loss to Texas A&M was by just a field goal. The Rebels always get sky high to play LSU, and the Tigers are coming over that hard-fought, emotional win over Florida last week. The Tigers are certainly the better team, but the intangibles could make this one a heart stopper.

USC at NOTRE DAME (6:30, NBC)- This is intriguing only because of the names. This used to be one of the "must see" games of the entire season, year after year. Not hearing much about it this year, though. The Irish at 4-2 aren't getting much love nationally and USC has already fired their coach. Not sure how many televisions will be tuned to this one...mainly because of...

FLORIDA STATE at CLEMSON (7pm, ABC) - There are so many implications to this game. Both teams are in the same division, so there will be no rematch in the title game. The loser can kiss its BCS title hopes goodbye. Neither team was thought to be a national title contender at the start of the season, but Clemson cashed in an opening win over Georgia into a top five ranking. Florida State, meanwhile, has been very good on both sides of the football: Third in points per game...third in points allowed per game. The fact FSU is a favorite on the road in this game is pretty interesting....