SIX GAMES TO WATCH

No. 5 Tennessee (9-1)

at No. 2 Florida (9-1)

Kickoff: 1:30 p.m.

TV: Channel 2.

Line: Florida by 171/2.

Tennessee update: The Volunteers still could reach the Rose Bowl, but they’d have to upset Florida, win the Southeastern Conference title game next week and cross their fingers on the bowl championship series calculations.

Florida update: Last week’s upsets put the Rose Bowl in the Gators’ sights as they vaulted to No. 2 in the BCS rankings. They’ve mauled their last three opponents, they usually own Tennessee, and they’re playing at home.

Story line: Gators need to win to clinch the SEC East, then win next week’s SEC title game to reach the Rose Bowl--potentially an all-Florida affair if Miami beats Virginia Tech.

The pick: Florida. This amounts to an NCAA quarterfinal, and Gators shouldn’t trip.

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No. 1 Miami (10-0)

at No. 14 Virginia Tech (8-2)

Kickoff: 10 a.m.

TV: Channel 7.

Line: Miami by 14.

Miami update: The unbeaten Hurricanes can make all the BCS business simple: Win Saturday and they’ll play for the national championship in the Rose Bowl. Since their 18-7 scare at Boston College, they’ve beaten two teams then in the top 15--Syracuse and Washington--by a combined 124-7.

Virginia Tech update: This showdown lost much of its luster after Virginia Tech lost to Syracuse and Pittsburgh in consecutive games. The Hokies’ hopes rest on a repeat of Miami’s road struggle at Boston College. Miami hasn’t won at Blacksburg since 1992.

Story line: Pure and simple: Miami clinches a Rose Bowl bid with a victory and can pack for Pasadena.

The pick: Miami. The Hokies are wishing for inclement weather. Preferably not a Hurricane.

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No. 3 Texas (10-1)

vs. No. 9 Colorado (9-2)

Big 12 championship at Dallas

Kickoff: 5 p.m.

TV: Channel 7.

Line: Texas by 81/2.

Texas update: The Longhorns, at No. 3 in the BCS, need plenty of help to get a shot at the national title. In a convoluted situation, they could actually hurt themselves by blowing out Colorado. Texas won six weeks ago, 41-7, but Colorado turnovers were a factor.

Colorado update: The Buffaloes threw a wrench in Nebraska’s January plans with a stunning 62-36 upset last week. With two losses, they’re out of the title picture, but they can secure a trip to a BCS bowl if they beat Texas.

Story line: This was supposed to be the Oklahoma-Nebraska rematch for the right to play in the Rose Bowl. Now Texas and Colorado hope for more upsets.

The pick: Texas. But it’s hard to have conviction after watching Colorado dismantle Nebraska.

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Oregon State (5-5)

at No. 4 Oregon (9-1)

Kickoff: 1:30 p.m.

TV: Channel 7.

Line: Oregon by 101/2.

Oregon State update: The Beavers have fallen from Sports Illustrated darlings to a .500 team, but they can salvage a lot with a Civil War victory. This game was once projected to help decide the Rose Bowl participants.

Oregon update: The Ducks likely will play in the Fiesta Bowl, though at No. 5, they’ll have a chance in the Rose Bowl calculations if a lot of cards fall right. QB Joey Harrington has thrown only five interceptions.

Story line: You never know with this rivalry. Oregon State took the honors last season for the Beavers’ first 10-victory season.

The pick: Oregon. The devastating 49-42 loss to Stanford at Autzen Stadium aside, the Ducks always are a good pick at home.

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No. 25 Auburn (7-3)

at No. 22 Louisiana State (7-3)

Kickoff: 4:45 p.m.

TV: ESPN.

Line: LSU by 7.

Auburn update: Auburn’s loss to Alabama set the Tigers back in their attempt to win the Southeastern Conference West Division, and leading rusher Carnell Williams broke a bone in his shoulder in that game.

Louisiana State update: LSU has a balanced attack with LaBrandon Toefield running the ball, Rohan Davey throwing it and Josh Reed catching it. Reed leads the nation in receiving at 149.4 yards a game.

Story line: The SEC West title and a berth in the SEC championship game against Florida or Tennessee is at stake. The winner has a chance to play spoiler next week.

The pick: LSU. Auburn is struggling, having lost two of its last three games.

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No. 10 Brigham Young (11-0)

at Mississippi State (3-7)

Kickoff: 5 p.m.

TV: ESPN2.

Line: BYU by 4.

BYU update: One of two undefeated teams--and discounted in the national championship picture--Brigham Young is 12th in the BCS standings. The Cougars are guaranteed a spot in the Liberty Bowl but want to hold onto or improve No. 12 ranking to be considered for one of the BCS games.

Mississippi State update: The Bulldogs’ losses to South Carolina, Auburn, Alabama and Arkansas were by a total of 14 points. Mississippi State is coming off a strong showing in a victory against Mississippi.

Story line: A Mississippi State victory could end the BYU controversy.

The pick: Mississippi State. The Bulldogs are SEC-tested.