The Bowl Championship Series picture is beginning to develop and while several teams are making their case for a trip to Pasadena and the BCS title game, others are just trying to cling to hope. Florida State will try to get back on track against North Carolina. Dick Dastardly has nothing on Lane Kiffin and Nick Saban, but two of the most hated coaches in college football meet in Tuscaloosa. Notre Dame looks to avoid a second-half collapse, and, if you can believe it, the best game Saturday could take place in Provo, Utah.
Florida State (2-4) at North Carolina (4-2)
Thursday, 8 p.m., ESPN
The buzz: The Seminoles are having their worst season since 1976 and, barring some sort of miracle, will miss the postseason for the first time since 1981. The only saving grace for Florida State fans is that they are 14-1-1 all-time against the Tar Heels.
Tennessee (3-3) at Alabama (7-0)
Saturday, 3:30 p.m., CBS
The buzz: Nick Saban should send Tennessee’s Lane Kiffin a thank-you basket. Since taking over the Vols program, Kiffin has become Public Enemy No. 1 in the SEC, taking that title from Saban. Now the two meet as Tennessee travels to Tuscaloosa to take on Alabama. A solid defense and a power running game — paced by SEC leading rusher Mark Ingram (905 yards, eight TDs) — have the Tide back on top of the national rankings.
Boston College (5-2) at Notre Dame (4-2)
Saturday, 3:30 p.m., NBC
The buzz: If moral victories counted in the standings, Notre Dame might be the No. 1 team in the country. Unfortunately, they don’t and the Fighting Irish must get over the lingering effects of their 34-27 loss to Southern California and get set to play Boston College. The Eagles have owned the Irish in recent years, winning their last six meetings, including last year’s 17-0 crusher.
Texas (6-0) at Missouri (4-2)
Saturday, 8 p.m., ABC
The buzz: With the Red River Rivalry game behind it, Texas must avoid a trap game against Missouri. The Tigers have lost their last two games — to Nebraska 27-12 and Oklahoma State 33-17. Both starting quarterbacks are hobbled. Texas’ Colt McCoy has a bruised thumb, while Missouri’s Blaine Gabbert still is suffering the effects of a sprained ankle he suffered against the Cornhuskers. Both are expected to play.
TCU (6-0) at BYU (6-1)
Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Versus
The buzz: What comes around goes around. A year ago BYU traveled to Fort Worth with a perfect season and a chance at a BCS berth on the line, but the Horned Frogs had other ideas. Holding the Cougars to a season-low 297 yards, TCU upset BYU 32-7. Now the shoe is on the other foot. TCU is off to its best start since 2003 and is eighth in the BCS standings.
