The week ahead in college football

Five things to watch this week in college football:

1: Stanford vs. Oregon in Palo Alto may not be the “game of the century,” but it is No.1 vs. No. 2 in the Pacific 12 North Division. Stanford remains undefeated as it tries to keep pace in the national title race against an Oregon team that has lost only to No. 1 Louisiana State.

2: Boise State was supposed to play Texas Christian this week in Fort Worth, but the site was switched after TCU announced it was leaving the Mountain West. Guess what: Boise might also leave, but it still gets to take advantage of this huge home-field advantage.

3: Alabama, coming off its overtime loss to LSU, is still alive in the national title hunt but must avoid a letdown this week at Starkville. Mississippi State started the year at No. 20 in the polls but has been a huge disappointment at 5-4.

4: Oklahoma State, primed for a national title run despite ranking108th in total defense and giving up 28.6 points a game, should have enough offense to take down Texas Tech in Lubbock. The Red Raiders are giving up 34.2 points a game.

5: Thursday night games on ESPN have mostly been snoozers this year unless you like Florida State beating up on Boston College or USC knocking Cal out of AT&T Park. Let’s hope Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech this week can keep people awake in the fourth quarter.

chris.dufresne@latimes.com