Fast Forward

? Kansas State (9-0,6-0) at Nebraska (8-1,5-1)
The Wildcats can establish themselves as the alpha males of the Big 12 by beating the Cornhuskers in Lincoln. Two stout defenses against two young quarterbacks. We say Nebraska's Eric Crouch makes more plays than Kansas State's Jonathan Beasley does.

? Miami (5-3, 3-0) at Virginia Tech (8-0, 4-0)

Which Miami will show up? The team that walloped Pittsburgh 33-3 last week or the team that fell behind Boston College 28-0 and West Virginia 13-0 earlier in the season? Which Virginia Tech will appear? The team that beat Syracuse 62-0 or the team that needed a last-ditch field goal to beat West Virginia last week? When in doubt, go with history—the Hokies have beaten the Hurricanes four in a row.

? Mississippi St. (8-0, 5-0) at Alabama (7-2, 5-1)
The Tide has played a tough schedule and has improved every week. The Bulldogs have played an easy schedule and won their last three games over middling SEC opponents by a total of four points. The Alabama defense lost three starters to injury against LSU. Good thing the Bulldogs' offense is average. The Tide should find a way to win and take control of the SEC West.

? Marshall (9-0, 6-0) at W. Michigan (7-2, 6-0)
He leads the MAC in passing yardage (2,822) and is tied for the lead in touchdown throws (29). Yes, the Broncos' Tim Lester is some quarterback. But his Thundering Herd counterpart, Chad Pennington, is pretty good, too. He'll pull Marshall through.