Along with a complete list of point spreads and odds for Week 10’s action in college football, here is a quick-hit look at some of the marquee matchups:

No. 9 LSU at No. 3 Alabama, Saturday, 3:30PM ET
After losing to Florida in Baton Rouge three weeks ago, LSU has rattled off two wins in impressive fashion. While Auburn and Tulane aren’t powerhouse opponents, the Tigers combined to score 73 points in those games and showed an offensive pulse. But can they do the same against a worthy defensive opponent like Alabama? The Tigers only mustered three points against the Gators and will certainly have their hands full trying to move the ball against a Tide defense that ranks No. 4 in the nation and should be well rested coming off a bye.
Odds: Alabama –7.5.

No. 8 Oregon at Stanford, Saturday, 3:30PM ET
Oregon is one of the hottest teams in the nation right now, but will they suffer a letdown after beating No. 5 USC last week? Stanford has been solid at home this year, beating previously ranked Washington 34-14, UCLA 24-16 and a decent Arizona State team 33-14. They had defensive troubles in road losses to Oregon State and Arizona this season (and also lost to a pesky Wake Forest team earlier in the year), but otherwise the Cardinal has been competitive. The Ducks’ offensive attack is firing on all cylinders right now, but the game this week in Stanford is far from a gimmie.
Odds: Oregon -6.

No. 16 Ohio State at No. 11 Penn State, Saturday, 3:30PM ET
If either of these teams wants to keep Iowa in their sites in the Big Ten, a win is a must this Saturday in University Park. Since his brutal display in Purdue three weeks ago, Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor has looked better the past two weeks. But Minnesota and New Mexico State don’t have the kind of defensive prowess that Penn State has and Pryor could be in for a long day on Saturday. The Lions have been outstanding since their loss to Iowa in late September, rattling off five straight wins while beating opponents by a 176-43 margin. The Buckeyes’ defense should be up for the challenge, but will Pryor?
Odds: Penn State –4.

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Along with a complete list of odds, here are a couple previews on this week’s marquee matchups in college football.

Georgia vs. No. 1 Florida, 3:30PM ET
The event formerly known as “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party,” (back before the stiffs zapped all the fun out of it) has lost some luster due to Georgia’s inconsistent play this season. But this is certainly a game to keep an eye on because it has major SEC Championship ramifications for a Florida team that has lacked offensive explosion all season. The Gators’ defense has been outstanding, but Tim Tebow and the offense continue to struggle and some pundits are just waiting for Urban Meyer’s team to slip up. Will the Bulldogs pull off an upset this Saturday in Jacksonville?
Odds: Florida –15.5.

No. 3 Texas at No. 14 Oklahoma State, 8:00PM ET
If the Longhorns want to turn voters’ heads, then they need a great showing this weekend in Stillwater. Since their loss to Houston, Oklahoma State has rattled off five straight in impressive fashion. Both teams are looking at this contest as a huge statement game and the winner could help themselves in the polls. Alabama is idle this week, so Colt McCoy and Texas might be able to leapfrog the Crimson Tide with an impressive road victory.
Odds: Texas –9.5.

No. 5 USC at No. 10 Oregon, 8:00PM ET
While Arizona and Stanford might have a say in things later on, the Pac-10 is essentially on the line this Saturday in Eugene. Since giving an embarrassing effort in a loss to Boise State in the opener, the Ducks have rattled off six straight and are playing with loads of confidence. USC, on the other hand, has won four straight but Notre Dame nearly came back to tie the game in the fourth two weeks ago and Oregon State proved to be a tougher challenge then the Trojans expected. USC’s defense looked vulnerable last week, surrendering nearly 500 yards of total offense and 36 points. Can Oregon take advantage of that at home and stay undefeated in the Pac-10?
Odds: USC –3.5.

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No. 1 Florida at Mississippi State, 7:30PM ET
Thanks to a few beneficiary calls, the Gators escaped defeat last week at home against Arkansas. While UF’s defense has been outstanding this season (the Gators have the second best defense in the nation), their offense is lacking the same explosion it had in previous seasons. Jeff Demps and Tim Tebow have kept the ground game afloat for Florida, but the Gators have not been able to move the ball easily through the air. Mississippi State doesn’t pose much of an offensive challenge, but the Bulldogs have limited opponents to only 123.08 yards through the air so Florida might not solve its passing woes this week.
Odds: Florida –23.

No. 3 Texas at Missouri, 8:00PM ABC
The Tigers will face their third ranked opponent in as many weeks this Saturday when they host the No. 3 Longhorns. MIZZOU is coming off back-to-back losses against Nebraska and Oklahoma State, but could prove to be a thorn in UT’s side. The Tigers can spread opponents out with their offense and talented senior receiver Danario Alexander often gives defensive backs fits. That said, sophomore quarterback Blaine Gabbert has thrown five interceptions the past two weeks after throwing none in MIZZOU’s first four games. Texas’ defense played outstanding last week against Oklahoma and might overwhelm Gabbert with their pressure. Longhorn quarterback Colt McCoy should have an easier time moving the ball this week than he did last Saturday against the Sooners, although the Tigers’ secondary is only allowing 114.82 passing yards per game this season.
Odds: Texas –13.

No. 6 Iowa at Michigan State, 7:00PM ET
The Hawkeyes might be the least dominating team in the top 10 based on their margin of victories, but they continue to overcome adversity and find ways to win. After beating Wisconsin last week in Madison, Iowa will travel to East Lansing this Saturday to take on a pesky Michigan State team that has won three in a row. The Spartans are averaging almost 30 points a game but they’re going to find it tough to move the ball through the air against the Hawkeyes’ fifth ranked pass defense. Iowa quarterback Richard Stanzi has plenty of critics, but even they can’t deny how efficient he has been this season. He could take advantage of a MSU defense that ranks 90th in pass efficiency.
Odds: Iowa PK.

Oregon State at No. 7 USC, 8:00PM ET
While the Beavers have been a pimple on the Trojans’ ass over the past couple years, they’ve done all of their damage in Corvallis, not Los Angeles. The past two times Oregon State has traveled to So Cal, they were beaten 52-28 and 24-3. The Trojans’ offense has shown a spark the past two games with 30-plus point efforts against California and Notre Dame, respectively. Matt Barkley had his best game of his career last week in South Bend and he could build on that performance against an Oregon State defense that is allowing 373 total yards per game. If the Beavers are to have any success this Saturday, they must get Jacquizz Rodgers some running room.
Odds: USC –20.5.

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Here are previews of some of the big games in Week 7 in college football, as well as the point spread odds for all the top 25 games.

Wednesday, October 14
No. 5 Boise State at Tulsa, 8:00PM ET
Pundits will use this game as a test to see where the Broncos are. The Oregon team that Boise beat in the opening week of the season isn’t the same one that has terrorized opponents of late. Therefore, some are questioning the legitimacy of the Broncos’ ranking with wins over Miami of Ohio, Fresno State, Bowling Green and UC Davis. A convincing win over 4-1 Tulsa should help subdue the criticisms.

Thursday, October 15
No. 8 Cincinnati at No. 21 South Florida, 7:30PM ET
The Bearcats lead the nation in sacks and tackles for loss, while also ranking third in scoring offense. But they’ve been met with plenty of skepticism about whether or not they’re really a top 10 team. The Bulls’ offensive line has been fantastic so far this season and if they can protect quarterback B.J. Daniels, then USF has a great shot at pulling off the upset and shooting up the rankings.

Saturday, October 17
Arkansas at No. 1 Florida, 3:30PM ET
The Razorbacks certainly turned some heads last week in their rout over Auburn, but they’ll face a different challenge altogether this Saturday in the Swamp. Florida has the best defense in the nation, led by an outstanding front four that manhandled LSU last week. It’ll be interesting to see how Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett copes with the immense pressure he’ll face this Saturday, although if the Razorbacks don’t turn the ball over they could have a shot to keep things close considering Florida lacks explosion offensively.

No. 22 South Carolina at No. 2 Alabama, 7:45PM ET
The Crimson Tide have one of the most complete teams in college football, although the offense settled for too many field goals last week against Ole Miss. Greg McElroy and company will get a stiff test against a South Carolina defense that might keep things close this Saturday. That said, nobody should be surprised if ‘Bama produces another blow out win considering the Gamecocks struggled last week with a below average Kentucky team.

No. 20 Oklahoma at No. 3 Texas, 12:00PM ET
The Sooners are too good to be ranked No. 20, especially now that Sam Bradford is back. Bradford didn’t look sharp last week in a win over Baylor, which was his first game back since suffering a shoulder injury in Week 1. But his receivers didn’t do him any favors with the amount of drops they had. OU will face a Texas team that will attack the middle of the field with Colt McCoy and the passing game, as well as try and generate a fierce pass rush against Bradford. The Longhorns are playing incredibly well defensively and could give the OU quarterback fits.

No. Virginia Tech at No. 19 Georgia Tech, 6:00PM ET
VA Tech’s offense is clicking on all cylinders right now and nobody outside of Alabama is playing better football than the Hokies. The VA Tech defense will get a unique challenge this week from a Yellow Jackets’ offense that is seemingly unstoppable at the moment. A win over the Hokies and nobody will be questioning the legitimacy of Georgia Tech. But if they get stomped, then it’ll be hard for the Jackets to move up in the rankings the rest of the season.

No. 6 USC at No. 25 Notre Dame, 3:30PM ET
USC still lacks that explosive firepower on offense, which is a bit concerning because Notre Dame has proven that it can score at will. What happens if this game turns into a shootout? Can Matt Barkley and company keep up? On the flip side, the Trojans’ defense has been outstanding and have held opponents to only nine points the past two games. It will be highly entertaining watching Jimmy Clausen and ND’s high-powered offense take on USC’s stingy defense. If this game is close in the end, Charlie Weis’ team has proven countless times this season that it can mount a fourth quarter comeback.

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Odds makers have released the point spreads for Week 6 in college football. Below are a list of odds for the top 25 and quick-hit previews for every game.

Thursday, October 8
No. 21 Nebraska -3
No. 24 Missouri +3
Both of these teams can light up a scoreboard, but the Huskers have the defensive advantage of the Tigers. Nebraska has the 16th best pass defense in that nation, while MIZZOU has struggled to stop the run this season, allowing opponents to rush for over 130 yards per game.

Saturday, October 10
No. 1 Florida -8
No. 4 LSU +8
The marquee matchup in this week will take place in Baton Rouge, where the Tigers host a banged up Gators team that could be without starting quarterback Tim Tebow (concussion). If Tebow can’t play, Florida will rely on the best defense in the nation to shut down Charles Scott and the LSU offense that has been inconsistent in the first five weeks of the season.

Colorado +32
No. 2 Texas -32
Colt McCoy and company will be fresh coming off a bye and should have any problem scoring against a defense that is allowing 28 points a game.

No. 3 Alabama -6.5
No. 20 Ole Miss +6.5
This matchup lost some luster a couple weeks ago when the Rebels fell in South Carolina, but this will nevertheless be a great test for the Tide’s second best defense. Alabama might be the most complete team in the nation, although Jevan Snead and company are tough to beat at home.

Boston College +13.5
No. 5 Virginia Tech -13.5
Despite all of their injuries, the Eagles have surprised early by compiling a 4-1 record. They upset Wake Forest and Florida State the past two weeks, although Tyrod Taylor and VA Tech pose a unique challenge. It’s never easy to win in Blacksburg, but it’s going to be even tougher this time around for BC as Taylor continues to mature as a passer.

Wisconsin +14
No. 9 Ohio State -14
The Buckeyes have bounced back nicely since their loss to USC and are currently ninth in the nation in total defense. The Badgers have yet to lose and their offense has been potent thanks to running back John Clay, who has been extremely tough to bring down. This is one of the more underrated matchups on the schedule and could decide the winner of the Big Ten.

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Odds makers have released the point spreads for Week 4 in college football. Below are a list of odds for the top 25 teams and a quick-hit look at some of the marquee matchups.

No. 9 Miami at No. 11 Virginia Tech, Saturday 3:30PM ET
Quarterback Jacory Harris and head coach Randy Shannon have made the Canes relevant again in college football. Following wins over two ranked opponents (Florida State and Georgia Tech, respectively), Miami gets another challenge this week in Blacksburg. In their meeting last year, the Canes edged the Hokies 16-14 at Dolphin Stadium, but the last time these two programs squared off in Blacksburg, VA Tech rolled to a 44-14 victory.
Opening Odds: Miami –2.5.

Illinois at No. 13 Ohio State, Saturday, 3:30PM ET
The Buckeyes open their Big Ten schedule on Saturday when they host the Illini in Columbus. OSU rebounded from their loss to USC two weeks ago by dropping Toledo 38-0 last weekend. Illinois earned its first win of the year by trouncing Illinois State 45-17, although Missouri handed the Illini a 37-9 beating the week prior. The last time these two teams met in Columbus, Illinois shocked Ohio State 28-21 thanks to quarterback Juice Williams’ four touchdown passes.
Opening Odds: Ohio State –14.5.

No. 1 Florida at Kentucky, Saturday, 6:00PM ET
Is this a letdown week for the Gators? The No. 1 team in the nation will make its first road trip of the season after starting the year 3-0 at home. Florida will take on a 2-0 Kentucky team that has a lot of confidence after beating Louisville in a thrilling 31-27 contest in Lexington last Saturday. The Gators hammered Rich Brooks’ Wildcats 63-5 in Gainesville last season, although Kentucky made things respectable with Florida two years ago in Lexington before falling 45-37.
Opening Odds: Florida –22.

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One of the most anticipated matchups of the 2009 college football season takes place Saturday night in Columbus as the Ohio State Buckeyes host the USC Trojans one year after Pete Carroll’s team waxed Jim Tressel’s bunch at the Coliseum. Here are five things to keep an eye on as we get closer to kickoff.

1. Which running game will take over?
This game is going to be won or lost in the trenches. Whichever team can establish its running game and wear down their opponent’s defensive line will emerge unscathed. Carroll is starting a freshman quarterback (Matt Barkley) on the road and he’s not going to want to put the game on his young signal caller’s shoulders. Instead, he’ll trust that his running game (which chewed up San Jose State for 342 yards last week), led by junior Joe McKnight (14 carries, 145 yards, 2 TDs) and one of the most experienced offensive lines in the country will open things up for Barkley in the passing game. But McKnight (who fumbled twice last week) must protect the ball, because the Trojans won’t survive if they turn the ball over on the road. Defensively for the Trojans, they can expect to see a steady diet of “Boom” Herron and Brandon Saine after the duo combined to rush for 125 yards on 26 carries last week against Navy. Tressel will also get quarterback Terrelle Pryor on the move early and often in order to keep USC back on their heels.

2. The X factor for Ohio State.
Speaking of Pryor, this is a game that could help put him on the map as a passer. If the Buckeyes’ running game can get into a grove and open things up for the passing game, Pryor needs to capitalize on all the hard work he put in this summer and prove that he can beat opponents with his arm. Tressel has marveled at how far his sophomore quarterback has come as a passer since his first year and now it’s time for Pryor produce against a secondary that’s going to challenge his resolve. Taylor Mays is one of the best safeties in the nation, so it would be wise if Pryor stayed away from the senior’s side of the field. One thing Pryor shouldn’t be shy about doing, however, is moving around the pocket and making things happen with his legs. If passing lanes don’t start to open for him early on, moving around and creating his own lanes could be beneficial and keep the ball moving for OSU.

3. Barkley gets a taste of the big stage.
The fans at the “Horse Shoe” are going to make things a living hell for Barkley, so it’ll be interesting to see how the frosh quarterback does in his first real test of his collegiate career. Barkley has a strong arm and is a gunslinger through and through, but he falls victim to believing he can complete any pass in any coverage and he’s susceptible to throwing a high number of interceptions. Things can go south real quick for a young quarterback if he starts turning the ball over on the road, so Barkley needs to trust that his running game will open things up for him and he can take calculated risks only when they present themselves.

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It’s amazing what oddsmakers know. For example, entering Week 7, they established No. 13 Vanderbilt as a 2.5-point favorite over unranked Mississippi State.

Why on earth would the Commodores only be 2.5-point favorites? They were 5-0 for the first time since Moses parted the Red Sea, were coming off a huge win over SEC rival Auburn and they were playing a Bulldogs team that was 1-4 on the season.

Mississippi State 17, Vanderbilt 14. That’s why.

I don’t want to get into a huge gambling discussion because this isn’t the forum, but whenever a point spread looks too good to be true, it probably is. Vandy was clearly the better team coming into the game and should have been favored by at least two field goals, even with them playing on the road and against a conference foe.

It never ceases to amaze me how good these oddsmakers are at setting the lines for sporting events.

On to a more football-related topic – what a game by the Bulldog defense. They held the Commodores to only 107 yards of total offense, forced two turnovers and didn’t turn the ball over themselves. (Which is significant because Vandy led the nation in turnover margin coming into the game.)

Coupling this one with Ole’ Miss’s win over Florida two weeks ago, the state of Mississippi is the king of the upset this year.