SIX GAMES TO WATCH

No. 1 USC at HAWAII

Kickoff: 4 p.m. Saturday.

TV: ESPN2.

Line: USC by 36.

USC update: While the Trojan offense is loaded with potential first-round NFL picks, the defense must overcome the loss of four All-Americans. But with quarterback Matt Leinart and running backs LenDale White and Reggie Bush back in the fold, it’s hard to imagine anyone outscoring USC.

Hawaii update: Will the return of Jerry Glanville to coaching as Warrior defensive coordinator amount to anything more than an entertaining sideshow? Probably not.

Story line: The potential distractions of a trip to Hawaii pose a bigger threat than anything the Warriors likely can muster.

The pick: USC. Hawaii would do well to keep the game close through the first quarter.

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No. 18 BOISE ST. at No. 13 GEORGIA

Kickoff: 2:30 p.m. Saturday.

TV: ESPN.

Line: Georgia by 7.

Boise State update: The Broncos return 17 starters from a team that went 11-1, including junior quarterback Jared Zabransky, who rushed for 13 touchdowns and passed for 16 in 2004. The question is whether the defense can stop a brand-name foe.

Georgia update: Senior D.J. Shockley replaces David Greene, who quarterbacked an NCAA-record 42 victories the last four seasons. Defensive tackle Kedric Golston and linebacker Derrick White are suspended for their roles in a bar fight in April.

Story line: Boise State hasn’t lost a Western Athletic Conference game since Nov. 3, 2001. News flash: Georgia isn’t in the WAC.

The pick: Georgia. Boise State might have a chance at home, where it has won 25 consecutive games.

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NOTRE DAME at No. 23 PITTSBURGH

Kickoff: 5 p.m. Saturday.

TV: Channel 7.

Line: Pittsburgh by 3.

Notre Dame update: New Coach Charlie Weis takes over a team that went 11-13 the last two seasons and graduated much of its defense. The offense features junior quarterback Brady Quinn, sophomore tailback Darius Walker and a veteran line.

Pittsburgh update: New Coach Dave Wannstedt inherits gobs of talent, led by quarterback Tyler Palko, who last year passed for 3,067 yards and 24 touchdowns. Linebacker H.B. Blades and cornerback Bernard Lay lead the defense.

Story line: Weis and Wannstedt compete to see who can make the best first impression.

The pick: Pittsburgh. With Michigan and Michigan State next, the Irish might not get Weis’ first win until the Washington game Sept. 24.

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UCLA at SAN DIEGO STATE

Kickoff: 7:15 p.m. Saturday.

TV: ESPN2.

Line: UCLA by 9.

UCLA update: With Ben Olson sidelined by a fractured throwing hand, Bruin quarterback Drew Olson has no reason to worry about being replaced; he’ll probably play the whole game barring injury. Now would be an opportune time for Junior Taylor and Joe Cowan to establish themselves as big-play receivers.

San Diego State update: Running back Lynell Hamilton, who ran for 1,087 yards in 2003, returns after sitting out last season because of a knee injury.

Story line: This could be the beginning of the end for San Diego State Coach Tom Craft, who is 14-22 in three seasons and desperately in need of a statement victory.

The pick: UCLA. The Bruins improve to 20-0-1 against the Aztecs.

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No. 8 VIRGINIA TECH at N.C. STATE

Kickoff: 4:15 p.m. Sunday.

TV: ESPN2.

Line: Virginia Tech by 3 1/2 .

Virginia Tech update: Michael Vick’s younger brother, Marcus, takes over as quarterback after being suspended last season for off-field transgressions and playing sparingly in 2003 as Bryan Randall’s backup.

North Caroline State update: The Wolfpack had the nation’s top defense last season but couldn’t move the ball. Quarterback Jay Davis had 15 passes intercepted and 12 touchdowns. Running back Darrell Blackman leads what should be a more diversified attack in 2005.

Story line: North Carolina State was the only ACC team to beat the Hokies last season.

The pick: North Carolina State. The Wolfpack is tough at home and specializes in early season upsets.

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No. 9 MIAMI at No. 14 FLORIDA ST.

Kickoff: 5 p.m. Monday.

TV: Channel 7.

Line: Miami by 3.

Miami update: Coach Larry Coker is feeling some pressure after a nine-win season. Sophomore quarterback Kyle Wright is talented but unproven.

Florida State update: Freshman quarterback Drew Weatherford succeeds Chris Rix, who lost to Miami five times. Tailbacks Leon Washington and Lorenzo Booker comprise a potent one-two rushing punch. Linebackers Ernie Sims, Buster Davis and A.J. Nicholson return from a defense that gave up 14.1 points a game.

Story line: Missed kicks in 1991, ‘92, 2000, ’02 and ’04 are part of the Seminoles’ bad history in this series.

The pick: Miami. The Hurricanes have won six straight in the series.

-- Ben Bolch