SIX GAMES TO WATCH

ALABAMA (5-2) at No. 11 TENNESSEE (5-1)

Kickoff: 12:30 p.m. Saturday

TV: Channel 2

The line: Tennessee by 7

Alabama update: The Crimson Tide has the nation’s third-stingiest defense, giving up only 255.57 yards a game. However, it has yielded 11 touchdowns and sometimes has problems defending the run. But the Tide can also roll with the ground game. Kenneth Darby proved that last week with 197 yards and two touchdowns in a 27-3 victory over Southern Mississippi.

Tennessee update: The Volunteers’ biggest problem has been their lack of consistency -- they looked great against Georgia but had to rally to beat Mississippi. Now they have another issue: Safety Brandon Johnson, who had two interceptions in the Mississippi game, has been suspended indefinitely after getting caught firing a gun into the air.

Story line: The SEC title is there for the taking if Tennessee can dispose of this staunch rival and gain some momentum as the Volunteers enter the home stretch.

The pick: Tennessee in a struggle.

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UCLA (4-2) at No. 21 ARIZONA STATE (5-1)

Kickoff: 12:30 p.m. Saturday

TV: Channel 7

The line: Arizona State by 7 1/2 .

UCLA update: The return of receiver Craig Bragg, who had a shoulder injury, even if on a limited basis, is a big positive and may even help an ailing running game. Drew Olson passed for 299 yards and four touchdowns in last week’s 45-28 loss to California. But the Bruins managed only 79 yards rushing and struggled again defensively, giving up 550 yards.

Arizona State update: Quarterback Andrew Walter said of last week’s 45-7 loss to USC, “It’s just one game” and added that it hasn’t affected the team’s attitude in preparation for UCLA. The Sun Devils lead the Pac-10 in scoring from inside the 20, having converted on 20 of 22 opportunities, including 14 touchdowns.

Story line: Both teams are on the rebound as they try to establish themselves as legitimate league powers. The loser may not be able to recover.

The pick: UCLA. The Bruins were at least in the game last week against Cal, which almost beat USC.

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WASHINGTON (1-5) at No. 1 USC (6-0)

Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. Saturday

TV: FSNW

The line: USC by 34.

Washington update: The Huskies are the biggest underdogs in college football this week, which tight end Joe Toledo called “disrespectful.” Washington is ranked 70th in total offense and 61st in total defense. Last season in Seattle, USC quarterback Matt Leinart passed for 351 yards and four touchdowns in a 43-23 Trojan victory, so at least the Huskies know what to expect.

USC update: The Trojans finally looked to be a top-ranked team last week against Arizona State, and enter a soft stretch in their schedule. Safety Scott Ware, who has a foot injury, will not play against the Huskies.

Story line: Leinart is back among the top candidates to win the Heisman Trophy as USC enters a four-game stretch -- before Notre Dame and UCLA -- in which its biggest concern is staying motivated.

The pick: USC. Turns out Arizona State’s record was deceiving. Washington’s isn’t.

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No. 8 TEXAS (5-1) at TEXAS TECH (4-2)

Kickoff: 4 p.m. Saturday

TV: TBS

The line: Texas by 1.

Texas update: Cedric Benson leads the nation in rushing with an average of 164.7 yards and needs only 12 to reach 1,000. He gained 150 yards and scored two touchdowns in last week’s 28-20 victory over Missouri.

Texas Tech update: The Red Raiders, well-rested after a 70-10 victory over Nebraska on Oct. 9, lead the nation in passing with an average of 427.7 yards.

Story line: This is another huge test for Texas as it tries to prove it is worthy of a BCS bowl berth.

The pick: Texas in a thriller. The Longhorns are solid against the pass (10th nationally) and Heisman-hopeful Benson should appreciate this: The Red Raiders give up an average of 142.2 yards rushing a game.

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No. 10 GEORGIA (5-1) at ARKANSAS (3-3)

Kickoff: 4 p.m. Saturday

TV: ESPN2

The line: Georgia by 8.

Georgia update: The Bulldogs crushed Vanderbilt last week, 33-3, showing no ill effects from the loss they endured against Tennessee the previous week. They’ll try not to look past this game to Florida.

Arkansas update: Quarterback Matt Jones’ problems with a pulled groin muscle haven’t helped the struggling Razorbacks -- he may be benched in favor of redshirt freshman Robert Johnson this week -- and now the team faces the nation’s fourth-best defense, which is yielding an average of only 109 rushing yards.

Story line: Georgia can’t afford another slip-up and needs Tennessee to stumble if it hopes to win the SEC.

The pick: Georgia in a fairly convincing manner.

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No. 4 MIAMI (5-0) at NORTH CAROLINA STATE (4-2)

Kickoff: 4:45 p.m. Saturday

TV: ESPN

The line: Miami by 7 1/2 .

Miami update: The Hurricanes rallied from 17 points down to beat Louisville, 41-38, on Oct. 14. Brock Berlin passed for 308 yards and three touchdowns.

North Carolina update: The Wolfpack is ranked No. 1 in total defense -- giving up only 203.8 yards a game -- and in passing defense at 97.5 yards a game.

Story line: Miami has emerged, surprisingly, as the No. 2 team -- ahead of Oklahoma -- in the first BCS standings, putting the Hurricanes in good shape for a run at the national championship.

The pick: Miami in a close, low-scoring game.