1. Oregon @ USC
This game features one team that has gotten off to a slow start this year and another that is running out of chances to "win the big game." Dan Lanning and his Ducks suffered a surprising loss to Oklahoma State in Week 2 on the road and now have little room for error the rest of the way, knowing their schedule doesn't get any easier after this. Lincoln Riley and his Trojans have the opportunity to get the naysayers off their back and prove they can win these big games when they show up on the schedule. If USC can't pull this one off, when will they? They have a massive opportunity to take advantage of a team that may not have found their footing quite yet. If Oregon gets going this game and secures a big-time victory, who knows how much this will propel them as they navigate a tough conference schedule the rest of the way. Plenty of questions in this one and we're bound to get some answers.
2. Ole Miss @ Florida
Classic hangover game awaits the Rebels in Gainesville this weekend after a huge victory over LSU (mainly Lane Kiffin) last weekend. Florida appears to be surging to under first year coach Jon Sumrall. Their offense looks good while Ole Miss has been prone to give up some points. Florida's starting running back, Jadan Baugh, has a chance to announce that he's the best back in the country. Kewan Lacy is currently questionable after suffering a shoulder injury last weekend so that is something to keep an eye on. Although it may be a hangover game for Ole Miss, don't forget who their quarterback is...Trinidad Chambliss. He can make any throw and always gives you a chance to win. The Swamp is going to be jumping Saturday afternoon. I'd get your popcorn ready.
3. Texas @ Tennessee
The current #1 team in the country visits one of the toughest environments in all of college football this weekend and although it's a Noon (EST) kickoff, Neyland Stadium is going to be roaring. The Vols have aspirations to establish themselves as a playoff contender under freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon who has opened some eyes across the country. A high-powered offense in front of a raucous crowd is a tough combo for visiting teams. However, in this case, the visiting team has been around similar environments plenty of times. Arch Manning hasn't necessarily played up to maybe his own expectations, but he's got his Longhorns undefeated and atop the AP rankings. This game will be a huge challenge for Texas, as well as a chance for the Vols to let everyone know they have arrived. I suggest you finish your coffee, find a TV, and tune into this big time SEC matchup.