OKLAHOMA VS. TEXAS
Where: Dallas.
When: noon, ABC.
Broadcasters: Brent Musburger play-by-play, Kirk Herbstreit analyst.
Line: Texas by 3.
Why you should watch: Florida-LSU has replaced the "Red River Shootout" as the best national championship predictor in recent seasons, but don't forget the winner of this game played for the BCS title four times from 2000-05. For the first time in Big 12 history, though, the loser of this game played for the national title last season. This is the first test of the season for Texas. Quarterback Colt McCoy has not been in top form. He has thrown six interceptions after throwing eight last season, though he is still completing 73.4 percent of his passes. Texas' Jordan Shipley has 47 catches for 583 yards and three touchdowns; he also has returned two punts for touchdowns. Oklahoma already has lost twice, but it puts itself in the Big 12 South driver's seat with a win over the Longhorns. Will either team be able to run effectively?

IOWA AT WISCONSIN
When: noon, ESPN.
Broadcasters: Dave Pasch play-by-play, Bob Griese and Chris Spielman analysts.
Line: Wisconsin by 1.
Why you should watch: If Iowa is going to win the Big Ten, it's going to have to do it on the road. The Hawkeyes passed their first road test by defeating Penn State 21-10 on Sept. 26. Their next two games are at Wisconsin and at Michigan State. Win those two, and it sets up a Nov. 14 trip to Ohio State that could decide the league title. The good news for Iowa is that the return of tight end Tony Moeaki (six catches, 105 yards, two touchdowns against Michigan) opens up a stagnant Hawkeyes offense. After starting 5-0, Wisconsin is back to square one in its attempt to gain national respect after a deflating 31-13 loss at Ohio State. Quarterback Scott Tolzien, who threw two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns against the Buckeyes, will try to crack a unit that leads the Big Ten in pass efficiency defense and interceptions.

USC AT NOTRE DAME
When: 3:30 p.m., NBC.
Broadcasters: Tom Hammond play-by-play, Pat Haden analyst.
Line: USC by 11.5.
Why you should watch: USC's Pac-10 destiny is still in its hands, but the loss to Washington means the Trojans almost certainly have to win out for a shot at the national title. Notre Dame appears headed for a January bowl, and a victory over the Trojans would put the Irish into BCS consideration. Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen is starting to get some mention as a Heisman Trophy contender, but he has faced only one top-75 defense (Michigan State, ranked 41st). Despite big personnel losses on that side of the ball, USC ranks in the top eight nationally in total defense, scoring defense, rush defense and pass efficiency defense. Ends Everson Griffen and Nick Perry lead a unit that averages 4.2 sacks per game. This is the first meeting when both have been ranked since 2006. USC has won the past two meetings by a combined 76-3.

VIRGINIA TECH AT GEORGIA TECH
When: 6 p.m., ESPN2.
Broadcasters: Mark Jones play-by-play, Bob Davie analyst.
Line: Virginia Tech by 3.
Why you should watch: This basically is an elimination game for Georgia Tech in the ACC race. A team could win the ACC Atlantic with three losses, but not the Coastal, where Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech and Miami reside. The Yellow Jackets already have lost to Miami. The Hokies' Tyrod Taylor has showed signs of becoming an all-conference-caliber quarterback. If the line can protect him, Taylor could have a big day against a shaky Yellow Jackets defense. The Hokies' defense was a nightmare for Nebraska quarterback Zac Lee, Miami's Jacory Harris and Boston College's David Shinskie, but running backs Mark Ingram and Roy Helu have had success against the Hokies. Limiting Georgia Tech's ground game is a must for Virginia Tech.

SOUTH CAROLINA AT ALABAMA
When: 7:45 p.m., ESPN.
Broadcasters: Brad Nessler play-by-play, Todd Blackledge analyst.
Line: Alabama by 17.
Why you should watch Fans of both teams can meet up during pre-game tailgate parties to talk about how their teams derailed Ole Miss' SEC championship hopes. For the second time in two weeks, SEC coaches with national championship trophies face each other. Nick Saban (LSU, 2003) and Steve Spurrier (Florida, 1996) are two of the four active coaches who won national championships at a previous stop. Alabama is coming off what Saban called the Crimson Tide's most complete win of the season, a 22-3 victory on the road against Ole Miss. Alabama's defense held Ole Miss to 57 rushing yards and picked off Jevan Snead four times. The Tide rushed for 200 yards, and special teams got a workout with five field goals. What has to be worrisome for South Carolina is that Kentucky rushed for 205 yards against the Gamecocks last week. If the South Carolina "D" is in similar form in this one, Tide running back Mark Ingram could have a huge day.