Six Games to Watch

TEXAS TECH (3-1) at No. 2 OKLAHOMA (3-0)

Kickoff: 9:30 a.m. Saturday

TV: FSNW

The line: Oklahoma by 26 1/2

Texas Tech update: The rallying Red Raiders have focused this week on defense in hopes of not having to rely on another miracle finish, which they’ve required in their last two games. Offensively, they’re tops in the nation in passing and No. 4 overall. They rank 42nd in defense.

Oklahoma update: The Sooners have been pleasantly surprised by the fast start of freshman Adrian Peterson, who has rushed for more than 100 yards in all three games, supplementing a solid passing attack led by Jason White.

Story line: Two weeks ago, the Red Raiders trailed Texas Christian, 21-0, but rallied to win, 70-35. Last week, they erased a 30-5 deficit to defeat Kansas, 31-30. Does the fun end here?

The pick: Oklahoma. The Sooners, who have a respectable defense to go with a powerful offense, are facing a team that has difficulty stopping the run.

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SAN DIEGO STATE (2-1) at UCLA (2-1)

Kickoff: 4 p.m. Saturday

TV: FSNW2

The line: UCLA by 6

San Diego State update: Junior cornerback Jacob Elimimian has rejoined the team after having been suspended for academic reasons in August, but when he will play is not clear. The Aztecs could use the help, having been burned repeatedly by deep passes. They rank 101st among 117 teams in pass defense.

UCLA update: The Bruins will be without defensive tackle C.J. Niusulu, who is suspended for one game. Starting in his place will be Eyoseph Efseaff, a senior offensive lineman who has moved to help shore up a young, inexperienced defensive front.

Story line: Both teams are trying to prove they’re worthy of respect; the loser will have a hard time winning that argument.

The pick: UCLA. The running backs have carried the scoring load, but this game sets up especially well for quarterback Drew Olson and receiver Tab Perry, filling in for injured Craig Bragg.

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No. 13 LSU (3-1) at No. 3 GEORGIA (3-0)

Kickoff: 12:30 p.m. Saturday

TV: Channel 2

The line: Georgia by 3

LSU update: The Tigers have given up one touchdown in the last three games -- a late score two weeks ago in a 10-9 loss to Auburn. Offensively they’ve struggled, but receiver Skyler Green (ankle) returns, which should help.

Georgia update: Freshman Danny Ware, who sat out 1 1/2 games after suffering a bruised lung against South Carolina, should give the Bulldogs a boost offensively. He rushed for 135 yards and three touchdowns against Georgia Southern. Also returning is linebacker Odell Thurman, after a three-game suspension for breaking team rules.

Story line: This is a rematch of the 2003 SEC championship game won by LSU, which likely needs a victory here to entertain hopes of defending its title.

The pick: LSU in a close game, assuming Green can be a factor.

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No. 10 CALIFORNIA (2-0) at OREGON STATE (1-3)

Kickoff: 1 p.m.

TV: FSNW

The line: Cal by 7.

California update: The Golden Bears haven’t played in three weeks because of a postponement caused by a hurricane and an open date on the schedule. The biggest question is how well the nation’s top-ranked offense and its quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, can shake off the rust.

Oregon State update: The Beavers are glad to be home and view this as a possible step toward salvaging a season that has begun slipping away. Quarterback Derek Anderson will throw often and hopes to cut down on interceptions -- he has seven. The heavily penalized Beavers spent this week working on various discipline issues.

Story line: Cal, which hopes to tune up for its Oct. 9 game against top-ranked USC, has lost its last five against Oregon State.

The pick: Cal, assuming Coach Jeff Tedford can keep his team from looking beyond the Beavers.

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No. 15 PURDUE (3-0) at NOTRE DAME (3-1)

Kickoff: 11:30 a.m. Saturday

TV: Channel 4

The line: Purdue by 3

Purdue update: The Boilermakers, who amassed 515 yards in last week’s 38-30 victory over Illinois, have the nation’s No. 2-ranked offense. Quarterback Kyle Orton has 13 touchdown passes with no interceptions. But defensive lapses concern Coach Joe Tiller.

Notre Dame update: Three wins in a row, including an upset of Michigan, and the Irish aren’t ranked. Said Coach Tyrone Willingham, “I have not focused on that. Purdue offers us enough challenges that we don’t need to look at anything else.” Perhaps, but the players are using the slight as motivation.

Story line: Purdue has not won at Notre Dame since 1974, a fact not lost on Boilermaker players.

The pick: Purdue, which is likewise seeking respect and should have enough firepower to come out on top.

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No. 8 AUBURN (4-0) at No. 10 TENNESSEE (3-0)

Kickoff: 4:45 p.m. Saturday

TV: ESPN

The line: Tennessee by 2

Auburn update: The defense, which ranks ninth, has held up surprisingly well, despite the loss of several key starters from last season, and the Tigers’ running game, ranking 22nd, should benefit from the return of Ronnie Brown from a hamstring injury.

Tennessee update: Coach Phillip Fulmer is standing by his two-quarterback system and puts up a good argument: Erik Ainge and Brent Schaeffer have completed 49 of 77 passes for 721 yards and 10 touchdowns. Ainge ranks fourth nationally in passing efficiency and the Volunteers are seventh in total offense.

Story line: The Volunteers are seeking to avenge a 28-21 loss last season, which cost them the SEC title.

The pick: Tennessee, which should be able to manufacture enough offense to counter a somewhat suspect defense.

-- Pete Thomas