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Saturday's college football games to watch
- Updated: September 14, 2012 - 9:15 PM
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NO. 20 NOTRE DAME AT NO. 10 MICHIGAN STATE
7 p.m., Ch. 5
Records: Notre Dame 2-0, Michigan State 2-0
The skinny: The Spartans are breaking in a new starter at quarterback in Andrew Maxwell, so they've shown a willingness to rely on the running game in a tight spot. Le'Veon Bell had 44 carries in a 17-13 victory over Boise State to open the season. Notre Dame QB Tommy Rees replaced Everett Golson during the victory over Purdue, but either will face a tough test against the Spartans, who haven't allowed an offensive TD this season.
The stat: Notre Dame has won 15 of its past 20 at Spartan Stadium but lost the past two. The Notre Dame-Michigan State game has been decided by six points or fewer in nine of the past 12 meetings.
The line: Michigan State by 6
NO. 1 ALABAMA AT ARKANSAS,
2:30 p.m., Ch. 4
Records: Alabama 2-0, Arkansas 1-1
The skinny: What was supposed to be one of the most anticipated Southeastern Conference games of the season suffered a blow last week when Arkansas blew a 21-point third-quarter lead in an overtime loss to Louisiana-Monroe.
The stat: Crimson Tide freshman RB T.J. Yeldon is averaging 8 yards per carry and 14.6 yards per reception. Arkansas RB Knile Davis is averaging 3.9 yards per carry
The line: Alabama by 21
NO. 2 USC AT NO. 21 STANFORD
6:30 p.m., Ch. 9
Records: USC 2-0, Stanford 2-0
The skinny: It's one of the toughest road tests of the year for USC and Heisman hopeful Matt Barkley, who has beaten every Pac-12 team but is 0-3 against Stanford. Stanford has won four of the past five against the Trojans, and often in dramatic fashion.
The stat: USC All-America receiver Robert Woods already has 16 receptions for 134 yards and four touchdowns, and his running partner Marqise Lee is doing even better. He has 21 receptions for 263 yards and four touchdowns this season.
The line: USC by 9
CALIFORNIA VS. NO. 12 OHIO STATE
11 a.m., Ch. 5
Records: California 1-1, Ohio State 2-0
The skinny: Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer has blasted several areas of his team despite opening with two victories. There has been very little spark on offense except when QB Braxton Miller runs it (44 carries, 302 yards).
The stat: Buckeyes DE John Simon, considered one of the best pass rushers in the Big Ten, has no sacks and only a half-tackle for loss. Look for LBs Ryan Shazier and Curtis Grant to blitz more.
The line: Ohio State by 17
NO. 18 FLORIDA VS. NO. 23 TENNESSEE
5 p.m., ESPN
Records: Florida 2-0, Tennessee 2-0
The skinny: Both teams are seeking to prove they've rebounded after delivering disappointing results in recent seasons, and both have done that by starting 2-0. The winner will have reason to believe it can contend for an SEC East Division title.
The stat: Tennessee QB Tyler Bray has completed 73.8 percent of his passes for 643 yards and six touchdowns without an interception, but Florida is one of only 10 teams in the nation that have played two games this season without allowing a touchdown pass.
The line: Tennessee by 3
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