The theme for this weekend is quality over quantity. Usually the weekend schedule has approximately 20 games involving Top 25 teams. Even though there are only 14 this week, it is the best lineup of the young season.


CAPTIONBy Kyle Terada, US Presswire
It starts with the first regular season meeting between Alabama and Florida since 2006. The Tide and Gators have had reservations for meeting in Atlanta in December the past two years. And the have a good chance to meeting again. Before that happens, one team will have earn some bragging rights and take a big step forward in the national title race.

There's another huge game out in the Pac-10 with Oregon hosting Stanford in game matching two of the most-impressive teams after the first month of play. Expect a high-scoring affair as the Ducks lead the nation at 57.8 points per game and the Cardinal in fourth at 48.0.

Big Ten conference play starts with two headliners. Wisconsin, fresh off 70 points against Austin Peay, travels to Michigan State, which will have coach Mark Dantonio back coaching in the press box. Iowa welcomes Penn State in a game featuring two teams whose only blemish is a road loss to a Top 20 team.

It is hard to consider Texas and Oklahoma an afterthought because tensions between the school would be high even if both teams were 0-4. But there are not the same championship implications this year. The Sooners are a less-than-impressive 4-0, while the Longhorns saw their hopes dealt a major blow after being embarrassed by UCLA.

With so may big matchups part of a slimmed-down schedule, there is one advantage. Less games to distract you from the ones that matter.

MORE PICKS:*See who USA TODAY's staff predicts to win this week

No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 7 Florida, 8 p.m.
Normally you would be worried about a team off a huge, comeback win and their ability to be motivated for the upcoming week. Not the case for the Tide with the Gators coming to town. Alabama 27, Florida 17.

No. 2 Ohio State at Illinois, noon
The Illini defense has played better this season, but hasn't been tested by the likes of Terrelle Pryor and the Buckeyes, who play outside the Horseshoe for the first time this season. Ohio State 31, Illinois 13.

No. 3 Boise State at New Mexico State, 8 p.m.
A nice way for the Broncos to start their focus on style points as the schedule strength takes a dramatic dip. Boise State 49, New Mexico State 6.

No. 4 Oregon vs. No. 13 Stanford, 8 p.m.
Classic power against speed matchup of two well-coached offenses. The quick-footed Ducks also have the advantage of playing in front of the home crowd in Autzen Stadium. Oregon 38, Stanford 31.

No. 5 TCU at Colorado State, 2 p.m.
The Horned Frogs got a scare from SMU and it was reflected in the poll with Oregon moving past them. That should give them some motivation to end things early against the Rams. TCU 42, Colorado State 10.

No. 8 Oklahoma vs. No. 16 Texas, 3:30 p.m.
From a national championship perspective, this game has the least significance in . From a the perspective of players and fans, it is as imporant as ever. Oklahoma 20, Texas 13.

No. 9 Wisconsin at No. 21 Michigan State, 3:30 p.m.
One of the best matchups this weekend is Badgers running back John Clay against Spartans linebacker Greg Jones. The advantage for Clay is that he has five offensive linemen to help him. Wisconsin 28, Michigan State 23.

No. 10 LSU vs. Tennessee, 3:30 p.m.
Three consecutive weeks the Tigers have not thrown for 100 yards. But Les Miles seems unlikely to remove Jordan Jefferson because the team has three consecutive victories. LSU 26, Tennessee 13.

No. 11 Auburn vs. Louisiana-Monroe, noon
The Tigers deserve a bye week after two tough games against Clemson and South Carolina, but this will do just fine, too. Auburn 45, Louisiana-Monroe 12.

No. 17 Miami (Fla.) at Clemson, noon
The third of a three-part road gauntlet to start the season for the Hurricanes. The split the first two with Ohio State and Pittsburgh. How they fare against the Tigers could shape the rest of their season. Clemson 24, Miami (Fla.) 21.

No. 18 Iowa vs. No. 20 Penn State, 8 p.m.
You might be surprised how lobsided this series has been this century as the Hawkeyes have won seven of eight meetings. Make that eight of nine after Saturday night. Iowa 27, Penn State 14.

No. 19 Michigan at Indiana, 3:30 p.m.
The decision to play Denard Robinson is good sign for Wolverines fans worried about his knee injury because the team doesn't really need him to beat the Hoosiers. Michigan 34, Indiana 20.

No. 24 Oklahoma State vs. Texas A&M, 7:45 p.m. (Thursday)
These are two of the quietest unbeaten teams in the country mostly because they haven't played anyone. Now they play each and we'll see if one is for real. Oklahoma State 30, Texas A&M 21.

No. 25 Nevada at UNLV, 10 p.m.
With its first ranking since, the Wolf Pack needs take special care to focus on the Rebels or they might not have another chance to get back in the Top 25. Nevada 35, UNLV 28.

Last week's record: 19-2
Season record: 74-12

-- Erick Smith
Follow Erick on Twitter at @erick_smith