SIX GAMES TO WATCH

No. 4 Florida (7-1) at No. 14 South Carolina (7-2)

Kickoff: 4:45 p.m.

TV: ESPN.

Line: Florida by 12.

Florida update: The next three games will tell the tale: South Carolina, Florida State and Tennessee. One thing never changes: Rex Grossman has passed for 300 yards in every game this season.

South Carolina update: The Gamecocks are 0-9 against Florida since joining the SEC, but managed to put a scare into Gators last season before blowing an 18-point lead in a 41-21 loss.

Story line: At No. 7 in the BCS rankings, Florida is poised to move into the thick of things. But problems with night games on the road seem to have Gators worried.

The pick: Florida. In this Steve Spurrier vs. Lou Holtz scuffle, we’ll take Spurrier.

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Kansas State (4-4) at No. 2 Nebraska (10-0)

Kickoff: 9 a.m.

TV: Cable Radio Network

Line: Nebraska by 131/2.

Nebraska update: Kansas State and Colorado are the last two steps to the Big 12 title game, a likely rematch against Oklahoma. Cornhusker rushing average of 315.8 yards is best in nation.

Kansas State update: The Wildcats run the ball too, ranking fifth at 247 yards a game. After four-game losing streak started by loss to Oklahoma, Kansas State has won last two with ease over Kansas and Iowa State.

Story line: This is hardly the showdown it once looked like. But remember, Kansas State was the last team to beat Nebraska, 29-28, last season.

The pick: Nebraska. Cornhuskers roll on.

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No. 7 Oregon (8-1) at No. 17 UCLA (6-2)

Kickoff: 12:30

TV: Channel 7.

Line: Pick ‘em.

Oregon update: In contrast to UCLA, the Ducks came back from a loss to Stanford and beat Washington State the next week. Quarterback Joey Harrington gets all the ink, but Onterrio Smith has run for 285 and 152 yards the past two weeks.

UCLA update: Even before DeShaun Foster’s suspension, the Bruins were reeling. Losses to Stanford and Washington State and the shaky status of quarterback Cory Paus leave UCLA a shadow of national contender.

Story line: UCLA tries to avoid a three-fall; Oregon gets a glimpse of the Rose Bowl.

The pick: Oregon. UCLA is bordering on complete collapse.

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Texas A&M; (7-2) at No. 3 Oklahoma (8-1)

Kickoff: 9 a.m.

TV: None.

Line: Oklahoma by 171/2.

Texas A&M; update: The Aggies slipped in a 12-0 loss to Texas Tech last week.

Oklahoma update: Quarterback Nate Hybl has returned to the starting lineup, but the Sooner defense is the key: Three opponents this season have been held to less than two yards a carry.

Story line: The Sooners have fallen to No. 3 in the BCS rankings, so they need to take of business and win a potential rematch with Nebraska in the Big 12 title game to try to regain a spot in the Rose Bowl game.

The pick: Oklahoma. But it will take more sweat than last week’s 58-0 victory over Tulsa.

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No. 24 Auburn (6-2) at No. 19 Georgia (5-2)

Kickoff: 12:30 p.m.

TV: Channel 2.

Line: Georgia by 8.

Auburn update: Tigers looked ugly in 42-17 loss to Arkansas two weeks ago. And the road hasn’t been kind. Auburn’s only victory away from home is over SEC weakling Vanderbilt.

Georgia update: The Bulldogs haven’t beaten Auburn between the hedges since 1991. A battered defensive line doesn’t help.

Story line: The Bulldogs will face an old teammate. Auburn quarterback Daniel Cobb, who will be making his third consecutive start, was a Georgia reserve for three seasons before transferring.

The pick: Georgia. The Bulldogs’ only losses--to South Carolina and Florida--are respectable.

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No. 15 Illinois (7-1) at Penn State (3-4)

Kickoff: 12:30 p.m.

TV: None.

Line: Illinois by 91/2.

Illinois update: The surprisingly easy 38-13 victory over Purdue last week leaves Illini tied with Michigan atop the Big Ten after the Wolverines’ loss to Michigan State.

Penn State update: Nittany Lions rank next-to-last in the Big Ten in pass defense--probably not a good sign against Illini quarterback Kurt Kittner. Still, Penn State has won three in a row.

Story line: Illini appear poised for first victory over Penn State since 1960.

The pick: Illinois. But talented Kittner needs to clean up interception problems after throwing four last week.