SIX GAMES TO WATCH

OREGON (5-3) at No. 4 CALIFORNIA (6-1)

Kickoff: 12:30 p.m. Saturday

TV: Channel 7

The line: California by 21

Oregon update: The Ducks have won four in a row after having lost three of their first four. Kellen Clemens has passed for 2,012 yards and 14 touchdowns. Terrence Whitehead has rushed for 819 yards and six touchdowns. The Duck defense ranks 17th nationally, giving up 292 yards a game.

California update: Successive shutouts have underscored how balanced the Bears are. They’re fourth in total offense and 14th in total defense. J.J. Arrington, who ran for 188 yards in last week’s 27-0 win over Arizona State, is the nation’s fourth-leading rusher. Aaron Rodgers is sixth in passing efficiency, having completed 126 of 177 passes for 1,541 yards.

Story line: This is the highest ranking in 52 years for the Bears, who continue their drive toward a possible Rose Bowl berth or perhaps even a national championship showdown against USC.

The pick: Cal. The Bears may struggle early but should pull away.

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PURDUE (5-3) at No. 20 IOWA (6-2)

Kickoff: 12:30 p.m. Saturday

TV: ESPN

The line: Iowa by 2

Purdue update: Last week’s loss to Northwestern knocked the Boilermakers, who had opened the season 5-0, from the national rankings and relegated them to the ranks of teams trying to qualify for any bowl that will have them. Quarterback Kyle Orton, who injured his left hip against the Wildcats, is questionable to play.

Iowa update: Part of the reason for the Hawkeyes’ success is their great wall of a defensive front -- the team gives up only 70.3 yards a game rushing and ranks third nationally. The Hawkeyes are 10th in total defense, yielding 278.3 yards. Drew Tate has passed for 1,710 yards and 11 touchdowns, including two in last week’s 23-13 victory over Illinois.

Story line: Whereas the Boilermakers appear to have run out of steam, the Hawkeyes have replaced them as a Big Ten power with high aspirations.

The pick: Iowa. Even if Orton plays, he figures to be under heavy pressure.

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NOTRE DAME (5-3) at No. 9 TENNESSEE (7-1)

Kickoff: 12:30 p.m. Saturday

TV: Channel 2

The line: Tennessee by 7

Notre Dame update: The Fighting Irish are reeling from their 24-23 loss to Boston College on Oct. 23 -- a game they led at halftime, 20-7. They held the Eagles to 62 rushing yards but defended poorly against the pass.

Tennessee update: Cedric Houston, the Volunteers’ leading rusher, gained 190 yards in 15 carries in last week’s 43-29 victory over South Carolina. Defensive back Jason Allen and linebacker Kevin Burnette are among the nation’s top tacklers with 61 and 55 solo tackles, respectively.

Story line: The Volunteers, eighth in the BCS standings, can afford no slip-up against a dangerous Irish team that is consistent in one area: Notre Dame is 12th in rushing defense, yielding only 99.9 yards a game.

The pick: Tennessee in a high-scoring game, but it may be close. The Volunteers aren’t particularly strong in any major statistical category but seem to find ways to win.

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No. 19 OKLAHOMA STATE (6-2) at No. 6 TEXAS (7-1)

Kickoff: 4 p.m. Saturday

TV: TBS

The line: Texas by 12 1/2

Oklahoma State update: The Cowboys will try to refocus after coming so close last week in a 38-35 loss to Oklahoma. Running back Vernand Morency was held to 93 yards by the Sooners and his average slipped, but it’s still at an enviable 155.7 yards, which ranks fifth nationally.

Texas update: The Longhorns return home with a three-game winning streak and the nation’s second-best rushing attack, averaging 304.8 yards. Cedric Benson is responsible for more than half of that, averaging 162.1 yards. He has 1,297 for the season.

Story line: This is not only a crucial game in a close Big 12 South race but a showcase of two of the nation’s premier running backs, both Heisman Trophy hopefuls.

The pick: Texas in a close game. The deciding factor should be the Longhorns’ edge in stopping the run. They give up 114 yards a game, the Cowboys 158.

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COLORADO STATE (3-5) at No. 7 UTAH (8-0)

Kickoff: 6:45 p.m. Saturday

TV: ESPN2

The line: Utah by 26 1/2

Colorado State update: These are difficult times for the Rams, whose lack of a rushing attack -- they rank 111th at 95.6 yards a game -- has made them one-dimensional. Justin Holland has completed 121 of 197 passes for 1,622 yards.

Utah update: The Utes are averaging 43.6 points and 496.2 yards and rank second nationally in scoring offense and total offense. They lead the Mountain West Conference in scoring defense, giving up 18.4 points a game. Alex Smith has completed 131 of 203 passes for 1,905 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Story line: The Utes have achieved their highest ranking in school history, but it’s their No. 6 BCS ranking that holds their interest. They need to finish there or higher to earn an automatic bid to a BCS bowl.

The pick: Utah. For many, this is the first opportunity to watch the high-powered Utes, albeit against a less-than-formidable foe.

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No. 1 USC (8-0) at OREGON STATE (4-4)

Kickoff: 7 p.m. Saturday

TV: FSNW

The line: USC by 18

USC update: With the team at peak form, the only real concern is the backup quarterback. With last week’s game against Washington State well in hand and Matt Leinart on the bench, backup Matt Cassel fumbled twice -- one fumble was returned for a touchdown -- and threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown.

Oregon State update: Lately, the Beavers are looking more like the team that nearly upset Louisiana State. Derek Anderson, who last week against Arizona became the team’s all-time leading passer, has thrown for 9,876 yards and 66 touchdowns.

Story line: The Trojans know this is a dangerous situation -- the last time they visited Corvallis, in 2000, a 26-game winning streak against Oregon State ended.

The pick: USC. It would not be surprising, however, to see the Beavers make a fight of it or, dare we say, even pull off the upset.