Week 3 features some critical games: Some teams simply can't afford another loss if they still want to entertain hopes of going to the playoffs. Here are some of the bigger games:

Houston @ Cincinnati. A good Thursday Night match up. The loser is out as far as a playoff spot is concerned, with a looming log jam of one loss teams fighting for 2, 3, or all 4 positions. Non Power 5 teams must run the table to get in. Houston has the better team, but Cincinnati plays Houston tough, going 2-1 S/U in the past three years. 7 points is the most that either team has won by, so look for another close game.

Florida State @ Louisville. Showdown #1 in the ACC Atlantic. The Louisville offense has been very impressive against two nothing teams. Florida State is the "been there, done that" team and is 2-0 S/U against Louisville. Look for a lot of offensive fireworks in this one.

Oregon @ Nebraska. What kind of team is Oregon this season? We will see on Saturday. Oregon is coming off ho-hum wins against UC Davis and Virginia. Nebraska has defeated two MWC bottom feeders. Major revenge game for Nebraska HC Mike Riley who was 0-4 in his last 4 efforts against Oregon while at Oregon State.

Texas A&M @ Auburn. A huge test for Sumlin and company. Is A&M really back? The Auburn defense has looked good in their first two games. The visitors are 4-0 S/U since A&M has joined the SEC. Defense may decide this game. Both defenses have played well.

Ohio State @ Oklahoma. Do or die for OU and their hopes to return to the playoffs. It may be do or die for the entire Big 12 which has seen OU, Okie State, and TCU all suffer non-con losses. Ohio State has crushed their first two opponents by a combined 125-13 score. They are like a tank that just plows along, destroying anything and everything in their way. OU has not been a home dog in well over 10 years. Will they be able to rally at home as a dog in this game?

Michigan State at Notre Dame. A must win for the Irish (as all of their remaining games are) after their loss at Texas. Michigan State was not real impressive in their win against Furman, but had an extra week to prepare for this game. Dantonio is 1-4 S/U in his last 5 games against the Irish.

USC @ Stanford. Will the real USC please stand up. One humiliating loss to Alabama, and one rout against Utah State. Stanford plowed their way to a ho hum 13 point win over Kansas State. A must win for the Cards if they want to keep playoff hopes alive. The dog in this game is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 games.