Michigan State is attempting to win nine of its last 11 against "big" brother. Michigan has not defeated a ranked opponent on the road since 2006 (0–14).

It's a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving, but you will have a full plate of great games to choose from this weekend.

The Marquee Three

No. 3 OHIO STATE at PURDUE

		When: 7:30 TV: ABC Series: 40–14–2* (OSU) Favorite: Ohio State (-13.5)
REASON TO WATCH With rain and wind in the forecast, Ohio State's running game and defense might need to show up.

Storyline
This will be the 57th* time Ohio State and Purdue have faced each other in football. The Buckeyes hold a 40–14–2* advantage in the all-time series and are 13–8 when playing the Boilermakers in West Lafayette. 

Jeff Brohm's team beat Illinois (46-7) last week, has won three consecutive games and enters this contest with a 3–3 record. 

Last week, Dwayne Haskins became the first Ohio State quarterback to pass for 400 yards in a game twice in his career. He is also the first Buckeye quarterback to complete at least 20 passes in seven consecutive games. 

Purdue Notes
The last time Purdue defeated Ohio State was October 14, 2011. The Boilermakers beat the Buckeyes 26-23 in OT during Luke Fickell's only season as interim head coach.  QB David Blough threw for 572 yards in a loss to Missouri on September 15. Boilermaker freshman Rondale Moore leads the Big Ten averaging 167.8 all-purpose yards per game.

*Includes Ohio State's 2010 win. 

Want more information? Check out The Rundown.

No. 6 MICHIGAN at No. 24 MICHIGAN STATE

		When: Noon TV: FOX Series: 69–36–5 (UM) Favorite: Michigan (-7)
REASON TO WATCH A fight between brothers. Who is the big and who is the little?

Storyline
Saturday afternoon, Michigan (6–1) and Michigan State (4–2) compete for the 111th time. The Wolverines have a decided advantage in the all-time series, but the Spartans have won eight of the last 10 against Michigan.This will be the 66th time the teams play for the Paul Bunyan Trophy, Michigan holds a 36–27–2 edge when the trophy is on the line. Both schools are coming off of victories over ranked opponents. MSU stunned No. 8 Penn State (21-17) and the Wolverines whipped No. 15 Wisconsin 38-13.  

Michigan Notes
Since the Week 1 loss to Notre Dame, Jim Harbaugh's squad has won six straight games. This season, the Wolverines' offense is outscoring its opponents 267-108 and has rushed for more than 170 yards in six consecutive contests. Couple the new offensive productivity with a defense that leads the Big Ten in scoring, pass and total defense and that is a formidable combination.   

Michigan State Notes
Mark Dantonio understands the importance of a strong running game in this series. In 43 of the last 48 games between MSU and UM the winning team won the ground battle. Since Dantonio arrived in East Lansing (2007), the Spartans have 935 more rushing yards (1,923-988) than the Wolverines. In the 11 games Dantonio has coached, his team has held Michigan to under 100 yards in six of them. MSU's best defensive performance was in 2013 when they held UM to negative 48 rushing yards.   

Number of Note
0–14. Michigan's road record against the last 14 ranked opponents it has played. The last time the Wolverines defeated a ranked opponent, away from Ann Arbor, was 2006 against Notre Dame. 12 glorious years and counting. 

No. 16 NC STATE vs. No. 3 CLEMSON

		When: 3:30 TV: ESPN Series: 57–28–1 (CU) Favorite: Clemson (-17)
REASON TO WATCH NC State leads the series 3–2 when both teams are ranked.

The Storyline
A battle of undefeated teams will be featured on ESPN. For the fourth straight season, Clemson (6–0) has started with six straight victories. This is only the sixth time since 1953 (ACC era) that NC State has started a season 5–0.This is the first time that both NC State (5–0) and Clemson have played against each other with perfect records in October. team in a game that had two undefeated teams in October since 2000.

NC State Notes
This is also the first time since 2000 that the Wolfpack has played in a game that had two undefeated teams in October. To this point, NC State's offense has been the poster child for a balanced attack. Offensive coordinator Eliah Drinkwitz has dialed up 188 rushing attempts and  188 pass attempts. In Drinkwitz's three years as OC, the Wolfpack have rushed 1,188 times (.517) and passed 1,111 times (.483). If NC State can keep Clemson's defense guessing, the Wolfpack might have a chance.   

Clemson Notes
This will mark the first time that Clemson and NC State will play against each other with perfect records in the month of October. It will also be the first time since the Sugar Bowl that the Tigers have faced a ranked opponent. Since 2015, Clemson is 14–2 when playing a ranked team.  

Focusing back to the Wolfpack, Clemson has won six consecutive in the series and 13 of the last 14. The Tigers look to tie their longest winning streak against NC State which is seven games (2004-10). 

Thursday's Throwdown

STANFORD at ARIZONA STATE

		When: 9:00 TV: ESPN Series: 17–14 (ASU) Favorite:  Stanford (-2.5)
REASON TO WATCH ASU has scored at least 7 points in 127 consecutive games. Will the streak stay alive?

The Storyline
Both Arizona State (3–3) and Stanford (4–2) are coming off of bye weeks, and both teams lost their last game. The contest is being billed as ASU's #MaroonMonsoon game. Stanford's defense may cause a turnover, but don't hold your breath. ASU running backs have not had a fumble ​in 699 consecutive carries and the team has only had two turnovers all season.

Last year, Stanford's Bryce Love set the school single-game record as he rushed for 301 yards against Arizona State. His impressive day was capped with 3 touchdowns and becoming the third FBS player since 2004 to have over 1,000 all-purpose yards after the season's first five games.

Friday Night Lights

COLORADO STATE at BOISE STATE

		When: 9:00 TV: ESPN2 Series: 7–0 (Boise State) Favorite: Boise State (-24)
REASON TO WATCH CSU and Boise State are currently tied for 2nd place in the MWC.

The Storyline
Last week, Boise State (4–2) cornerback Tyler Horton scored on a 99-yard interception return. The pick-six was his third of the season and is a Broncos' record. Boise State running back John Hightower also had an impressive 88-yard touchdown run. The Broncos have had 11 different offensive players score a touchdown this season (Ohio State leads the nation with 14 different players). By the way, Colorado State (3–4) has never defeated the Boise State in seven tries.

Saturday's High Noon Showdowns

ILLINOIS at No. 23 WISCONSIN

		When: Noon TV: FS1 Series: 41–36–7 (UW) Favorite: Wisconsin (-25.5)
REASON TO WATCH This is your game if you like run-heavy offenses. Illinois averages 228.8 ypg and Wisconsin 269.7 ypg.

The Storyline
Wisconsin (4–2) has won 8 consecutive games against Illinois. That is the longest winning streak in the series between the schools that started in 1895. In the three games that Paul Chryst has been the Badgers' coach, his team has outscored the Illini 96-26. Expect a heavy dose of RB Jonathon Taylor as he is second in the nation by averaging 158.3 rushing yards per game.

Illinois (3–3) leads the Big Ten averaging 2.17 takeaways per game. Lovie Smith's team may need to force six turnovers in order to upset heavy favorite Wisconsin. 2002 was the last time the Illini won in Madison.

No. 9 OKLAHOMA at TCU

		When: Noon TV: ABC Series: 13–5 (OU) Favorite: Oklahoma (-7.5)
REASON TO WATCH A rematch of last year's Big 12 Championship game and a TCU win helps Ohio State.

The Storyline
Since TCU (3–3) joined the Big 12 in 2002, Oklahoma (5–1) has averaged 34.0 points per game and has won six of the seven games. The Sooners have only lost one game when playing the Horned Frogs in Fort Collins.

Although OU has dominated the win column against Gary Patterson's team, the wins have been close. Five of the last seven games have been decided by seven points or fewer. Both teams lost their last game by three points, OU lost to Texas (48-45) and TCU lost to Texas Tech (17-14). 

MARYLAND at No. 19 IOWA

		When: Noon TV: ESPN2 Series: 1–1 Favorite: Iowa (-10)
REASON TO WATCH This is only the second time Maryland has ever played in Kinnick Stadium.

The Storyline
Since September 8, Maryland (4–2) is on a win/loss pattern. The Terps won defeated Rutgers last week, so if the pattern holds a loss should occur on Saturday. Safety Darnell Savage Jr. has 4 interceptions (T-1st in the country) and the Terrapins, under the direction of interim head coach Matt Canada, are second in the nation with 12 interceptions.

Iowa (5–1) returns home after losing to Wisconsin in Iowa City three weeks ago. WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette leads the nation by averaging 37.4 yards per kickoff return. With a victory on Saturday, the Hawkeyes will become bowl eligible for the 17th time in 18 seasons.

No. 20 CINCINNATI at TEMPLE

		When: Noon TV: ESPNU Series: 12–7–1 (Temple) Favorite: Temple (-3.5)
REASON TO WATCH To see if Luke Fickell and Cincinnati can remain undeafated.

The Storyline
Cincinnati (6–0) is one of eight undefeated teams in the FBS. What makes the undefeated start to the season even more impressive is that 72% of the Bearcats' roster is comprised of underclassmen. RB Michael Warren II enters this game with 675 rushing yards and 11 TDs. UC had 11 rushing touchdowns last year. 

Temple (4–3) has won three straight games against Cincinnati and has outscored the Bearcats 103-63 in those games. The Owls are undefeated in American Conference play and a victory over UC will set-up a huge game against UCF on Thursday, November 1. 

Since 2017, Iowa (4–1) is 10–0 when scoring 20 or more points. The good news for Iowa is that its defense has only allowed two rushing touchdowns and is holding opponents to 2.7 yards per carry. The bad news is that Indiana's offense is directed by dual-threat quarterback Peyton Ramsey. 

Saturday's Tweeners

The Dirty 3:30

No. 18 PENN STATE at INDIANA

		When: 3:30 TV: BTN Series: 20–1 (PSU)  Favorite: PSU (-14.5)
REASONS TO WATCH Indiana's only win in the series was at Memorial Stadium in 2013. Will history repeat itself?

The Storyline
Penn State (4–2) and Indiana (4–3) have several things in common. Both schools have lost two straight games and both schools only have one Big Ten win. If you believe that history is a strong indicator of future results, the Nittany Lions should have little difficulty improving to 21–1 all-time against the Hoosiers.

However, Tom Allen's defense does create turnovers and Peyton Ramsey is a true dual-threat quarterback. The accurate sophomore slinger is second in the Big Ten completions (172) and total yards (1,813). If Indiana creates turnovers and Ramsey plays up to his capabilities, the Hoosiers could come away with their second win against Penn State.

MINNESOTA at NEBRASKA

		When: 3:30 TV: BTN Series: 32–24–2 (UM) Favorite: Nebraska (-4)
REASON TO WATCH To scout the Boilermakers before next week's game.

The Storyline
Surprisingly, Minnesota (3–3) leads the all-time series against Nebraska (0–6). However, the Huskers defeated the Gophers in 16 straight games between 1963 and 2012. Minnesota dropped 54 points on Nebraska and won by 33 points last year in Minneapolis.

If Scott Frost and Nebraska don't win this game, the good news is that they should get their first win next week against Bethune-Cookman. The small school replaces Akron due to a game that was cancelled due to inclement weather on September 1. WR JD Spielman (Chris' nephew) is five receptions away from becoming the 12th Cornhusker with 100 career receptions. He will become the first Nebraska to reach that milestone before his junior year.

No. 1 ALABAMA at TENNESSEE

		When: 3:30 TV: ABC Series: 55–38–7 ('Bama) Favorite: Alabama (-29)
REASON TO WATCH The Third Saturday in October.

The Storyline
This will be the 101st time for Alabama (7–0) and Tennessee (3–3) to meet on the gridiron. The Tide has won 11 straight in this series and is 25–20–1 when the game is held in Knoxville. Nick Saban has never lost to the Volunteers as Alabama's head coach. 'Bama has a bye next week before travelling to Baton Rouge to face No. 5 LSU.

Jeremy Pruitt is in his first season as UT's head coach. He played DB for Alabama from 1995-96 and served on the staff between 2007-17. The Volunteers' offense is guided by QB Jarrett Guarantano. Last week, the redshirt sophomore was 11-of-14 passing on 3rd down against Auburn and was rewarded with SEC Co-Offensive Player of the Week. The recruitniks out there will remember him as the player who flipped from Ohio State to go to Knoxville. Had Guarantano stayed with the Buckeyes, there is a strong likelihood that Dwayne Haskins would not be donning the Scarlet and Gray.   

COLORADO at No. 15 WASHINGTON

		When: 3:30 TV: FOX Series: 11–5–1 (UW) Favorite: UW (-16.5)
REASON TO WATCH Can Colorado end its road losing streak?

Colorado (5–1) has lost 28 consecutive road games against ranked teams. Guess what? Washington is ranked and the game is being played in Seattle. The last time the Buffaloes defeated a ranked team away from Boulder was 2002 at UCLA (31-17). To make things worse, the Huskies have defeated the Buffs eight straight times.

Like a lot of featured teams this week, Washington (5–2) and Colorado are both coming off of losses last week. The Huskies lost to Oregon in overtime and the Buffaloes chances at an undefeated season went up in smoke when USC scored 21 points in the second half. Washington is undefeated this season when a Husky rushes for at least 100 yards. Since 1947, UW is 214–66–3 (.761) when the century mark is reached.

Afternoon Siesta

No. 10 UCF at EAST CAROLINA

		When: 7:00 TV: ESPN2 Series: 10–6 (ECU) Favorite: UCF (-21)
REASON TO WATCH At 19 games, UCF has the nation's longest winning streak.

The Storyline
UCF (6–0) blasted East Carolina (2–4) 63-21 in Orlando. Blake Heupel is in his first season as Central Florida's coach and he has yet to experience a loss. The team he inherited has scored on offense, defense and special teams against ECU the past two seasons. Will the Knights make it three straight years on Saturday?  

No. 22 MISSISSIPPI STATE at No. 5 LSU

		When: 7:00 TV: ESPN Series: 73–35–3 (LSU) Favorite: LSU (-6.5)
REASON TO WATCH LSU attempts to defeat a ranked team for the fourth time this season.

The Storyline
A week after beating No. 2 Goergia, LSU (6–1) returns to Baton Rouge to face No. 22 Mississippi State (4–2). The Tigers have won 21 straight home games in the month of October. LSU's last home loss in the tenth month was in 2009. The Tigers are 15–0 under Ed Orgeron when the team has at least one 100-yard rusher in a game. LSU's defense has not allowed a first quarter touchdown in 11 straight games.

Defensive lineman Montez Sweat and Mississippi State's defense plan to make it a long day for Joe Burrow and LSU's offense. Sweat was instrumental in the Bulldogs' upset victory over No. 8 Auburn two weeks ago. He recorded a career-high three sacks and forced a fumble in the 23-9 victory. Sweat was named National Defensive Player of the Week and Bednarik Player of the Week for his efforts.

MSU's Nick Fitzgerald is one rushing yard away for 3,000 for his career. The mobile quarterback broke Tim Tebow's record for rushing yards in a game when the Bulldogs' QB rushed for 195 yards and 2 TDs against Auburn. The Bulldogs are the only team in the FBS have not lost an offensive fumble. Unranked Mississippi State defeated No. 12 LSU 37-7 last year in Starkville.

Prime Time Players

No. 12 OREGON at No. 25 WASHINGTON STATE

		When: 7:30 TV: FOX Series: 48–39–7* (UO) Favorite: WSU (-2.5)
REASON TO WATCH WSU has won three straight in the series.

Oregon (5–1) is facing its fourth straight ranked opponent on Saturday. This is the first time since 1986 that the Ducks have had to play such a daunting schedule. With a win, Oregon will have defeated three consecutive ranked opponents for the first time since 2014.

Mike Leach's Cougars have defeated Oregon in three consecutive contests. Washington State (5–1) is looking to win four straight in the series for the first time since 1981-84. WSU leads the country in passing yards per game (413.8) and QB Gardner Minshew II throws for nation's best 403.7 yards per game.

*Oregon's press release has this as the series record. However, WSU has the series record being 47–41–7 in Oregon's favor.

VANDERBILT at No. 14 KENTUCKY

		When: 7:30 TV: SEC NET Series: 44–42–4 (UK) Favorite: Kentucky (-11)
REASON TO WATCH Kentucky is ranked for three consecutive weeks for the first time since 2007.

Kentucky (5–1) and Vanderbilt (3–4) face-off for the 91st time on Saturday. The Wildcats have won six of the last eight in the series and have held the Commodores to 22 points or less in the last five games. Last year, Benny Snell Jr. rushed for 116 yards and 3 touchdowns as Kentucky won 44-21 in Nashville. A bright spot for Vanderbilt's offense is WR Kalija Lipscomb. The junior leads the SEC in receptions (49) and receiving yards (560). 

Games After Dark

ICYMI
The Rundown: No. 2 Ohio State at Purdue
11W Community Parlay: The Whatever