SIX GAMES TO WATCH

No. 17 PURDUE (5-2) at NORTHWESTERN (3-4)

Kickoff: 9 a.m. Saturday

TV: ESPN

The line: Purdue by 9 1/2

Purdue update: As Kyle Orton has gone, so have gone the Boilermakers, losers of their last two. In last week’s 16-14 loss to Michigan, Orton completed only 14 of 30 passes for 213 yards, with one touchdown and one interception.

Northwestern update: Coach Randy Walker, who was hospitalized Monday with myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart, was released from the hospital Wednesday. The Wildcats, who last week fell to defensive juggernaut Wisconsin, 24-12, are glad to be back home, where they’ve won three in a row.

Story line: The Boilermakers, who started the season 5-0 and were ranked fifth two weeks ago, are hoping to avoid a further fall from grace. The Wildcats need to win four of their final five games to get a bowl berth.

The pick: Northwestern. Chancy, considering that Orton and company are due for a breakout performance. But the inspired Wildcats have good reason to believe they can pull off the upset.

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No. 10 GEORGIA (6-1) vs. FLORIDA (4-3)

Kickoff: 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Jacksonville, Fla.

TV: Channel 2

The line: Georgia by 7

Georgia update: The Bulldogs remain one of the nation’s strongest teams defensively, ranking sixth with an average yield of 262.43 yards. But they’ve slipped to 30th in total offense. Receiver Reggie Brown is their top threat with 584 yards and five touchdowns.

Florida update: Last week’s loss to Mississippi State sealed Ron Zook’s fate, but Zook will finish the season with a team that has plenty of offense (424.43 yards a game) but is too generous on defense, giving up 352.29 yards. Chris Leak has passed for 1,831 yards and 17 touchdowns, but six of his passes have been intercepted.

Story line: The Bulldogs can claim the SEC East if they win out and Tennessee falls. The Gators, with tough games still ahead, view this as a must-win in their quest for a bowl berth.

The pick: Florida. Chaos may reign in Gainesville, but the Gators, who have won the last six in the series, will have no trouble getting inspired for this game.

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STANFORD (4-3) at UCLA (4-3)

Kickoff: 12:30 p.m. Saturday

TV: FSNW

The line: UCLA by 5

Stanford update: T.J. Rushing ranks sixth nationally in kickoff returns, having gained 425 yards in 14 returns for a 30-yard average. He has run one back for a touchdown. The Cardinal ranks 97th in rushing offense at 106.86 yards a game. Receiver Alex Smith, however, had nine catches for 110 yards in last week’s 16-13 loss to Oregon.

UCLA update: Drew Olson has completed 67 of 105 passes for 858 yards and 10 touchdowns in his last three games. He has also thrown four interceptions in that span, all last week in a loss to Arizona State. The Bruins would like to restore balance with a running attack.

Story line: After strong starts, both teams have struggled and begin their final four games needing two victories for bowl berths.

The pick: UCLA, assuming Olson has learned from last week. The Bruins have a decisive edge offensively and Stanford’s defense, OK against the run, has not been effective against the pass.

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MICHIGAN STATE (4-3) at No. 12 MICHIGAN (7-1)

Kickoff: 12:30 p.m. Saturday

TV: Channel 7

The line: Michigan by 11

Michigan State update: The Spartans have not played since their 51-17 thrashing of Minnesota on Oct. 16. Quarterback Drew Stanton has run 61 times for 454 yards and four touchdowns and completed 94 of 151 passes for 1,043 yards and four touchdowns. He also has thrown four interceptions.

Michigan update: Freshman quarterback Chad Henne has completed 152 of 250 passes for 1,728 yards and 13 touchdowns. But his 10 interceptions are evidence of his inexperience. Running back Michael Hart has been solid, with 187 carries for 936 yards and four touchdowns.

Story line: Michigan, which has won 11 consecutive league games dating to last season, is tied with Wisconsin atop the Big Ten. The Wolverines do not play the Badgers.

The pick: Michigan, which has a six-game home winning streak against the Spartans.

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No. 1 USC (7-0) at WASHINGTON STATE (3-4)

Kickoff: 4 p.m. Saturday

TV: Channel 7

The line: USC by 24

USC update: Coach Pete Carroll called the trip to Pullman “a new adventure” and added that the recent storms in L.A. helped the Trojans prepare for Saturday’s game in a notoriously wet region. The Trojans are second in the Pac-10 in scoring offense (36-point average) and are tops in scoring defense (10.7 points).

Washington State update: The Cougars, reeling from a 38-19 loss at Oregon State, are the antithesis of USC but at least they’re home. And they have Michael Bumpus, who’s coming on strong at receiver. He had a team-high five receptions against the Beavers.

Story line: It’ll be the same for the Trojans until they meet Notre Dame and UCLA to close out the season: stay motivated. As for the Cougars, the opportunity before them is obvious.

The pick: USC. The Cougars might smell an upset, but they don’t figure to taste it this week.

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No. 20 ARIZONA STATE (6-1) at No. 7 CALIFORNIA (5-1)

Kickoff: 7 p.m. Saturday

TV: TBS

The line: Cal by 15 1/2

Arizona State update: The Sun Devils showed their resiliency last week against UCLA, overcoming an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit, and the lack of a consistent running attack, to prevail, 48-42. Andrew Walter passed for 415 yards and six touchdowns, including scoring plays of 46 and 65 yards in the final seven minutes.

California update: The Golden Bears lead the nation in offense, averaging 508.33 yards a game. Aaron Rodgers is No. 2 in passing efficiency, having completed 111 of 148 for 1,376 yards, a 178.9 rating. J.J. Arrington is No. 4 in rushing, averaging 153 yards a game.

Story line: Cal is No. 8 in the BCS ratings and needs to keep winning to keep its major bowl hopes alive. Arizona State, ranked No. 15 in the BCS, can make a huge move with a win.

The pick: Cal. The Bears have too many weapons and too much at stake.