SIX GAMES TO WATCH

No. 2 Miami (4-0 ) at

No. 14 Florida State (3-1)

Kickoff: 9 a.m.

TV: none.

Line: Miami by 7.

Miami update: The Hurricanes lost their No. 1 ranking to Florida this week--partly because they haven’t played a ranked team.

Florida State update: This is the first time since 1986 that Florida State isn’t in the top 10 entering the Miami game. Chris Rix, who threw an interception and fumbled in the loss to North Carolina, probably isn’t ready for Miami defense.

Story line: The game is not quite as big as usual nationally, but it’s huge for these teams--especially with Florida State staring at the possibility of two losses only five games into the season.

The pick: Miami. It shouldn’t take another Seminole “wide right” for the Hurricanes to win this one.

*

No. 10 Washington (4-0) at No. 7 UCLA (4-0)

Kickoff: 12:30 p.m.

TV: Channel 7.

Line: UCLA by 13.

Washington update: Quarterback Cody Pickett separated his shoulder against USC, leaving backup Taylor Barton the probable starter. The Huskies have fourth-quarter magic at home, but it might not travel well.

UCLA update: It’s all about the D--defense--and tailback DeShaun Foster. The Huskies scored 35 points in beating UCLA last season. That’s doubtful this time.

Story line: This clash of top-10 teams is the Pacific 10 Conference’s biggest game until UCLA plays Oregon Nov. 10.

The pick: UCLA. Washington was overachieving even before Pickett’s injury, having scrambled to defeat Michigan, Cal and USC.

*

Boston College (4-1) at No. 6 Virginia Tech (5-0)

Kickoff: 3:30 p.m.

TV: ESPN2.

Line: Virginia Tech by 20.

Boston College update: The Eagles’ loss was to Stanford, 38-22. Tailback William Green hasn’t been held under 100 yards this season.

Virginia Tech update: With three shutouts in five games, the Hokies have given up only 24 points. Running the ball against them is particularly difficult: Opponents manage only 1.3 yards a carry.

Story line: Virginia Tech is trying to show it deserves to be ranked in the top 10, but games against Syracuse, Virginia and, finally, Miami will tell the tale.

The pick: Virginia Tech. And look for Green to be held under 100 yards.

*

Washington State (5-0) at No. 23 Stanford (3-0)

Kickoff: 2 p.m.

TV: None.

Line: Stanford by 31/2.

Washington State update: Word that running back Dave Minnich will be out two to four weeks because of a knee injury doesn’t strengthen the unbeaten Cougars’ bid to beat Stanford and break into the top 25.

Stanford update: Big plus for the Cardinal: Offensive line coach John McDonell was Washington State’s offensive coordinator the last seven seasons. “He has every one of my playbooks,” Coach Mike Price said. “He wrote them.”

Story line: The Pac-10’s quietly undefeated teams meet with a top-25 ranking in the balance.

The pick: Stanford. Without Minnich, it’s tough to take Washington State on the road.

*

No. 17 Purdue (4-0) at No. 12 Michigan (4-1)

Kickoff: 9 a.m.

TV: ESPN.

Line: Michigan by 11.

Purdue update: The Boilermakers are managing better than expected without Drew Brees. Still, this is their first test against a ranked team--and they haven’t won at Ann Arbor in 35 years.

Michigan update: So the Wolverines shut out Penn State. Yawn. More impressive, , they’ve held their last three opponents to 25 yards or fewer on the ground.

Story line: The highest ranked teams in the Big Ten meet to determine the leader of a mediocre bunch.

The pick: Michigan. But the Wolverines still don’t look like a great team.

*

No. 25 Texas A&M; (5-0) at No. 20 Colorado (4-1)

Kickoff: 12:30 p.m.

TV: none.

Line: Colorado by 8.

Texas A&M; update: The Aggies rank third in the nation in total defense and they punish quarterbacks. Linebacker Jarrod Penright already has 81/2 sacks.

Colorado update: Upsetting Kansas State last week put Colorado back on the map after an opening loss to Fresno State. Credit the defense, which held Kansas State scoreless until the fourth quarter.

Story line: Teams with excellent records try to validate them. A second victory over a ranked team by Colorado would open some eyes.

The pick: Colorado. That would set up an interesting game against Texas Oct. 20.