Florida at Auburn
Forget Chris Leak’s resurgence as one of the nation’s best passers with 1,395 yards and 14 touchdowns. Defense is key to Florida’s climb to the No. 2 ranking. The Gators are fourth nationally against the run at 56.8 yards a game. That will be needed against Auburn’s all-SEC tailback Kenny Irons, second in league at 102.8 yards per game. He’ll need a monster game, because he is 11th-ranked Auburn’s biggest weapon. The Tigers are reeling after a shocking 27-10 loss to unranked Arkansas, but here’s all you need to know about their struggles: They’ve given up the second-most sacks in the SEC and thrown the second-fewest passes. But Auburn’s home field is a big advantage.
BIG 12 GAME OF THE WEEK
Missouri at Texas A&M
The undefeated Tigers travel south for the second consecutive week to face 5-1 Texas A&M, which has won close games in the final minutes.
MWC GAME OF THE WEEK
Utah at Wyoming
The teams are coming off confidence-building victories. Utah’s Brett Ratliff is getting better, and Wyoming might have found its next quarterback star in Karsten Steen.
NATIONAL ROUT OF WEEK
Florida International at Miami
Inauguration of possibly the worst crosstown rivalry in sports couldn’t come at a worse time for FIU coach Don Strock. AD Rick Mello has been reassigned in the athletic department primarily because of Strock’s 15-35 record, including 0-6 this year.
BIG 12 ROUT OF THE WEEK
Baylor at Texas
Baylor’s spread offense has put yards and points on the board in its 2-0 conference start, but it’s difficult to think the Bears have much of a chance staying within three touchdowns of the steamrolling Longhorns.
MWC ROUT OF THE WEEK
New Mexico at UNLV
Unless UNLV goes back to quarterback Shane Steichen, New Mexico defense will have its way with immobile Rebels signal-caller Rocky Hinds.
COLORADO CONNECTION
Matt Slauson, Nebraska, OT, So., Air Force Prep
Has started the past nine games, including the final three a year ago when he replaced senior Seppo Evwaraye.
Matt Braman, Georgia Tech, LB, So., Niwot HS
Has two tackles and one pass broken up as a linebacker while playing behind junior Philip Wheeler.
LAST WORD
“We’re a work in progress with a bunch of young guys trying to figure it out. We’re playing good, solid football. We’re not lucky. We’re not making a lot of mistakes. It’s just that the margin of victory is much tighter than the last year or so.”
– USC coach Pete Carroll
