Florida State at Florida

GAME TIME:	3:30 p.m. ET Saturday, CBS
LAST MEETING:	1998 -- Florida State 23, Florida 12
SERIES:	Florida leads 26-15-2

The Florida State-Florida showdown is a classic matchup that we as analysts and college football fans wait for every year. It reminds me of the old Florida State-Miami matchups because you won't see a better collection of athletes match up in any other game during the year. The only other game that comes close is Tennessee-Florida. Over the last decade, this intrastate rivalry has developed into a game that always seems to have national championship implications -- for either team or, in this case, both.

Much has been said about Florida's sputtering offense and lack of intensity. I agree with the concerns, but I would warn people not to write off Steve Spurrier and the Gators based on how they have looked recently. Don't forget how the Gators looked against Western Michigan and Central Florida before beating Tennessee at The Swamp. Suddenly, the Gators' playmakers showed up and stepped up. Remember, two years ago the Gators were struggling offensively and ended up using a dual quarterback system with Noah Brindise and Doug Johnson. It worked because the Gators upset the Seminoles.

Spurrier may be making a big deal about his quarterback situation and how he plans to rotate Johnson and Jesse Palmer. But, like in the past, I think he is playing a little bit of possum. I expect him to unveil some new offensive plays and his team to play at a different level and with more intensity. You will see a completely different Gator team Saturday. We will have to wait and see whether or not the heightened effort will result in a Florida victory.

Florida State, meanwhile, is beginning to gel offensively. Earlier this week I spoke to quarterback Chris Weinke, who said he and Peter Warrick are getting their timing down now that Warrick has a few games under his belt following his two-game suspension. The Gators may be able to slow Warrick down, but they can't stop him. I would look for Weinke, Warrick and Ron Dugans to have big days in the Seminoles passing game.

The key to the game will be the Gators' ability to maintain their long-standing home-field edge at The Swamp and to keep up with Florida State. That means Johnson and Palmer must get the ball to receivers Darrell Jackson and Travis Taylor, and the Gators must be able to run Earnest Graham.   BACK TO TOP

Penn State at Michigan State

GAME TIME:	3:30 p.m. ET Saturday, ABC
LAST MEETING:	1998 -- Penn State 51, Michigan State 28
SERIES:	Michigan State leads 9-6-1

Penn State is coming off two frustrating home losses, two games the Nittany Lions had an opportunity to win. The losses to Minnesota and Michigan have dealt the Lions an emotional jolt, watching their national championship hopes vanish so suddenly. Joe Paterno, however, is as good as any coach in the country at getting his team to understand it still has much to play for.

Penn State's defense is playing sound football. Offensively, quarterback Kevin Thompson made some big plays last week at a crucial time to give the Lions a chance to win. But can they recover their fighting spirit for Saturday's road game at East Lansing? That's a major question. If they lose for a third consecutive week, the Lions have the potential to go from the Sugar Bowl to the Outback Bowl. That's a lot to cope with for a group of young men.

Playing at home, Michigan State has been phenomenal, going 5-0. The Spartans' offense has been unstoppable in East Lansing, and quarterback Bill Burke is one of the best game managers when they play at home. They make few mistakes and have so many different weapons, with Plaxico Burress and Gari Scott at receiver and Chris Baker and Ivory McCoy at tight end. Baker and McCoy, big blockers who are great athletes, are probably best pair of tight ends on one team in the country. They have NFL written all over them. In addition, the Spartans run the ball well with Lloyd Clemons and play great defense.

I think it's tough to get recover mentally. Last week I thought Michigan would beat Penn State, coming off a big loss to Minnesota, and Michigan State would beat the Lions at home. I will stick to that prediction. Psychologically, the Spartains have an advantage because they are on a roll and playing at home.   BACK TO TOP

Cal at Stanford

GAME TIME:	3:30 p.m. ET Saturday
LAST MEETING:	1998 -- Stanford 10, Cal 3
SERIES:	Stanford leads 51-39-11

Only a Big Game victory separates Stanford from its first Rose Bowl trip in 29 years. Offensively, Stanford has excelled behind a great passing game. Troy Walters is one of the more underrated receivers in the country. He has put up some huge numbers, not only this year (60 receptions, 1,147 yards, eight TDs), but during his career. Quarterback Todd Husak, the 14th ranked passer in the country, has done a nice job of leading the Cardinal. The difference with Stanford is that the Cardinal are achieving offensive balance. True freshman Kerry Collins and Brian Allen have fueled the ground game.

It will be tough for Cal, which coming into the season was supposed to have the best defense in the Pac-10. But due to injuries and other concerns, the Golden Bears never proved it on the field. Cal will need its defense to have a big day and slow down the Cardinal attack. Expect Tyrone Willingham to have Stanford ready to play -- not only because it is a rivalry game, but also because they can go to Pasadena for the first time since Jim Plunkett was the Cardinal quarterback.   BACK TO TOP

Alabama at Auburn

GAME TIME:	7:30 p.m. ET Saturday, ESPN
LAST MEETING:	1998 -- Alabama 31, Auburn 17
SERIES:	Alabama leads 36-26-1

This is one of the best rivalries in the country. I had the pleasure of going to the Iron Bowl in 1996. I was amazed with the atmosphere and how crazy the fans are for this game. This is the ultimate throw-out-the-records game.

Auburn's upset victory over Georgia last week couldn't have come at a better time because it instilled confidence in a Tigers offense that had struggled. Quarterback Ben Leard appears to be healthy, giving the Tigers a fighting chance throwing the football. Coaches and players in the SEC are giving a lot of credit to Tommy Tuberville's big, athletic defense.

It will be an interesting matchup between Auburn's defense and Alabama's offensive firepower, with quarterback Andrew Zow, running back Shaun Alexander and receiver Freddie Milons, one of the best-kept secrets in the SEC who hasn't been given enough credit for what he has done for the offense. He has helped open up running lanes for Alexander.

I like the Tide's chances to win because of their offensive diversity. Look for Milons outside because 'Bama will have to throw the ball initially to open things up for their balanced attack. The key will be the ability of the 'Bama offensive line, led by Chris Samuels, to protect against Auburn's solid front seven.   BACK TO TOP


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