Five Intriguing College Football Games This Weekend – From the Bird’s Nest

Again, not a lot of "must see" college games this weekend.  There are two very interesting matchups of ranked teams (well, three, but only two made the list), a potential trap game, an uncertainty and a BIG one in the Sun Belt.  Let's take a look

LOUISIANA-MONROE AT TROY (Thursday, 6:30, ESPNU) - He's baaaaaaack.  After missing a month, ULM quarterback Kolton Browning returned to the lineup last week and promptly won the Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week Award.  He just might have some fun against a Troy defense that's been terrible against the pass.  Both teams have one loss in conference play, but ULM still has a few obstacles in the way.  Not so the Trojans, who, if they win, will play for what likely will be a piece of the Sun Belt title in Lafayette next Thursday.

TULANE AT FLORIDA ATLANTIC (Saturday, 4pm.) -This game is interesting for two reasons:  First, FAU coach Carl Pellini resigned yesterday and how the Owls respond to that is anyones guess.  The other interesting thing is Tulane, despite being 6-2 overall and 4-0 in CUSA play, is a slight underdog in the game in Boca Raton against a team that is 2-6, 1-4 in the league.  What??

AUBURN AT ARKANSAS (Saturday, 5pm ESPNU)  Closing games against Georgia and Alabama have the Tiger nation giddy with anticipation as one of the more surprising teams in the country at 7-1 comes down the home stretch.  But there are two games before that, and both the game in Fayetteville and next week at Rocky Top had better not be overlooked by Gus Malzahn's crew.

OKLAHOMA STATE AT TEXAS TECH (Saturday, 6pm FOX) - After suffering its first loss at Oklahoma last week, Texas Tech strives to make sure there is no losing streak.  Both teams have only one loss.  The Cowboys have played well since that terrible loss at West Virginia.  But can Mike Gundy's team win on the Caprock?  Both teams have some big boys to play, which is going to make November a lot of fun in the Big 12.

MIAMI AT FLORIDA STATE (Saturday, 7pm ABC) - Two teams from the same conference.  Both undefeated.  Both ranked in the top seven of the BCS.  Yet, FSU is a three touchdown favorite at home.  It this due to the love for the Seminoles or the "I'm not so sure" attitude toward the Hurricanes.  It'll be interesting to see if Florida State can dominate this game.  Expect Miami to play with a chip on its shoulder.

Next week is going to be very interesting in college football.  It will be difficult to list only five games.