Week Eight Preview

This Saturday marks a perfect opportunity for many of the 'Select 12' to make an impression on the voters and computers. Heading the list is Florida. The Gators lost their #1 ranking in the AP poll to Alabama. They still have a comfortable lead in the BCS rankings, but another less than stellar performance could see them slipping out of the top slot. For its part Alabama will not be in another cakewalk as it was last week against South Carolina, when they faced a much improved Vols squad. The pairing between number three Texas at Missouri could shape up to be one of the most entertaining games of the weekend.

The rest of the top ten, with the exception of Iowa, looks to be on solid ground. There's a feeling around the Hawkeyes that is very similar to the one that surrounded Ole Miss at the start of the season. They better be ready on Saturday because Michigan State is no pushover. Joining Iowa on the upset alert watch are #8 TCU -- which travel to Provo for their showdown against #16 BYU -- and #13 PennState which will visit an explosive Michigan team and number 20 Pitt. The Panthers will square off against athletic South Florida.

#1 Florida (6-0) at Mississippi State (3-4)

The Gators have struggled the past two weeks in order to keep their undefeated record intact. In fact, the closeness of the wins against LSU and Arkansas catapulted Alabama over Florida at top of the AP polls. The Gators still lead the Crimson Tide in the all important BCS standings. This looks like a no-contest type of game. The Bulldogs have lost badly to the last two ranked opponents they faced. Still, this series is close, with Florida holding a 10-4 led since 1985. With the 'Biggest Cocktail Party in the World', a.k.a.: the Georgia game, looming next week, expect UF to get back in their usual dominant style.

#2 Alabama (7-0) vs. Tennessee (3-3)

Yes, on paper this look like a complete mismatch. Alabama has the better offense, defense and special team. Not to mention a head coach (Nick Seban) whose game plans have been almost flawless in his tenure at 'Bama. Meanwhile, Tennessee is coming off an impressive 45-19 stomping of Georgia. Vols QB Jonathan Crompton seems to be getting more confidence running Coach Len Kiffin's offense. Tennessee played Florida tough and they will do the same against the Tide, but they simply do not have the horses to win outright.

#3 Texas (6-0) at Missouri (4-2)

Texas better be ready to play on Saturday because the Tigers are capable of surprising them. If QB Blane Gabbert shows up, Mizzou will put points on the board. That said, Texas have won 14 out of their 15 meetings, with the only Tiger win coming in 1997. This could be a perfect opportunity for Texas' Colt McCoy to pad his Heisman numbers.

#4 Boise State (6-0) at Hawaii (2-6)

This could be Boise's trap game of the year. The emotional high of getting into the BCS top five (first time in school history) and the long trip to the Hawaiian Island sets them up for a let down. Lucky for the Broncos, the lowly Warriors do not possess the fire power (Hawaii has scored only 142 points all year) to stay with Kellen Moore and company. Boise has won 7 of the last 8 match-ups. They will make it 8 out of 9.

#5 Cincinnati (6-0) vs. Louisville (2-4)

The Bearcats are better than many people give them credit for. In fact, it could be argued than they, not Ohio State, are the better team in the state of Ohio this year. As for Louisville, they are just playing the string until December when the search for a new head coach will begin.

#6 Iowa (7-0) at Michigan State (4-3)

It's strange to see Iowa -- not Michigan, Ohio State or PennState -- atop the Big Ten. But that's the reality of the situation. They have managed to get past a schedule that now looks easier than before. They have struggled winning against Arizona, Penn State and even Arkansas State. For their part, the Spartans have played a much tougher schedule and are two plays away from being 6-1. The visitor has lost nine straight games in the series.

#7 USC (5-1) vs. Oregon State (4-2)

Last year Oregon State defeated an undefeated Southern California team to derail the Trojans' national championship aspirations. Although USC has looked vulnerable at times this year, they are the highest ranked one-loss team in the nation. The key for the Trojans is Matt Barkley. The true freshman QB has been steadily playing better (65.5% completion, 1,338 yards, 5 TDs and 3 INTs) as the season progresses. Oregon State comes to the Coliseum with a suspect defense (138 points allowed) and a weak secondary (220 passing yards a game allowed). This is payback time for the Men of Troy.

#8 TCU (6-0) at #16 BYU (6-1)

The Game of the Year in the WAC. This is TCU's last major hurdle toward an undefeated season and most likely, a BCS bowl bid (first in its history). BYU could have been in the same position if not for a September implosion against a bad Florida State team. The Cougars are still salivating from last year's 32-7 loss to the Horned Frogs. TCU's vaunted defense is allowing barely less than two TDs (13.6) per game. The scary part for the Cougars is that this is basically the same defensive unit that suffocated QB Max Hall last season. All is set for a follow-up performance.

#9 LSU (5-1) vs. Auburn (5-2)

Two teams with a lot to prove will tangle in Death Valley. The LSU Tigers have had trouble scoring (23 ppg.) all year long. QB Jordan Jefferson (1,016 yards 7 TDs-3 INTs) has been so unproductive that there's a clamoring for inserting Jarrett Lee sooner rather than later. Scoring is not an issue (at least it wasn't until recent weeks) at Auburn; stopping the opponent from getting into the end zone is. The Tigers are allowing almost 28 points per contest.

#10 Miami, Fla. (5-1) vs. Clemson (3-3)

This is a talented Hurricane team against a bad Tiger squad. Miami, led by highly touted sophomore QB Jacory Harris, are off to their best start since 2005. A win over enigmatic Clemson will almost guarantee a spot in the ACC's title game. The 'Canes are one of those teams that need to make a statement to the BCS this Saturday.