Welcome back to the College Football Weekly Buffet here at SB Nation.
Every week, I break down the weekend schedule, separating the tasty morsels from the leftovers with the help of SB Nation's college bloggers. By the time you wake up Saturday morning, grab your plate and head for the food line, you'll already know exactly what you're going to chow down on.
So let's find out what looks tasty and what might be worth pushing to the side of your plate in this weekend's college football buffet. (All times are Eastern)
GIVE ME A HEAPING HELPING
Auburn at No. 2 Alabama [3:30 p.m., CBS] - Alabama is hoping to avoid a repeat of last year's nailbiter against the Tigers. Winning the Iron Bowl would do a lot to save the disappointing season for Gene Chizik and Auburn.
No. 20 Penn State at No. 15 Wisconsin [3:30 p.m., ESPN] - The Penn State community at large continues to cycle through grief, anger, hopefulness, and depression as they prepare for football games. Badger fans have no idea what to expect out of the Lions with a trip to the Big Ten Championship Game on the line.
No. 22 Notre Dame at No. 5 Stanford [8:00 p.m., ABC] - This is the first time the Cardinal and Irish have ever met when both teams are ranked. If Stanford wins, they're already in pre-BCS gripe mode.
No. 18 Clemson at No. 14 South Carolina [7:45 p.m., ESPN] - South Carolina is a multiple offense that has grown increasingly more conservative as the season progressed. Clemson is a very good team that has grown increasingly more disappointing as the season progressed.
I'LL HAVE A SCOOP OF THAT, PLEASE
Ohio State at No. 17 Michigan [12:00 p.m., ABC] - Michigan has reached heights previously unknown by the current players. While the Wolverines are having a better season, the Buckeyes measure up pretty well head-to-head.
No. 6 Virginia Tech at No. 24 Virginia [3:30 p.m., ABC/ESPN2] - The last team Virginia fans expected to challenge the Hokies for the ACC Coastal crown was themselves. Turnovers and red zone conversions will determine this one, something VT thinks they can handle.
Florida State at Florida [7:00 p.m., ESPN2] - Despite combining for 9 losses on the year so far, the Noles and Gators still have a lot to fight for this weekend. If nothing else, this one is about recruiting.
No. 13 Georgia at No. 25 Georgia Tech [12:00 p.m., ESPN] - Just in case you weren't aware, this highlight package should remind you these two schools hate each other. The Bulldogs are trying not to look ahead to the SEC Title Game.
I'LL TASTE IT FIRST...
Washington State at Washington [7:30 p.m., Versus] - Last week's loss to Oregon State makes the Apple Cup a must-win for the Huskies. In Washington's Austin Seferian-Jenkins, WSU is facing its biggest challenge since the Cardinal came to town last month.
UCLA at No. 10 USC [10:00 p.m., FSN] - USC is sad to see its seniors go. UCLA is sad because of their coach, their uniforms, their administration and just about everything else.
Iowa State at No. 12 Oklahoma [12:00 p.m., FX] - There is not one other opponent that has so thoroughly and consistently emasculated the Cyclones entirely as the Oklahoma Sooners. The Cyclones have already beaten one Oklahoma giant, how bout the other?
Texas Tech vs. No. 21 Baylor from Arlington [7:00 p.m., FSN] - They're going wacko for RGIII in Waco these days (sorry). It's been an up and down season for the Red Raiders who hope to have one more upset left in their bag of tricks.
I'LL KEEP THAT IN MIND FOR THE NEXT TRIP
Illinois at Minnesota [3:30 p.m., BTN] - After five-straight losses, all signs point to this being the last regular season game of the Ron Zook Era. The Gophers have no problem with helping that along if it means capping their disappointing season with something good.
No. 11 Michigan State at Northwestern [12:00 p.m., BTN] - The Spartans have already booked a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game, so the Wildcats could certainly eek out a victory here as they look ahead.
I DON'T KNOW ... SMELLS FUNNY ...
Cincinnati at Syracuse [12:00 p.m., Big East Network] - All eyes in the stadium will be on the bedreaded figure that is Munchie Legaux as he tries to right the Bearcat ship. The Orange need one win to become bowl eligible and this Senior Day is probably their best chance.
Tennessee at Kentucky [12:00 p.m., SEC Network] - This year, Kentucky's bowl streak is over and Tennessee has just started to build momentum. Try finding a post about Kentucky football on the Kentucky blog in November. Just try.
Maryland at NC State [12:30 p.m., ACC Network] - Randy Edsall is off to a rough start at Maryland, as he remembered to bring the boring from UConn but forgot the modest winning. He hasn't helped his cause by suspending wide receiver Ronnie Tyler over academic issues.
Rutgers at UConn [12:00 p.m., ESPN2] - The Huskies need to win-out in order to return to a bowl game. On defense, Rutgers just needs to limit its mistakes, and wait for the Huskies to beat themselves.
Oregon State at No. 9 Oregon [3:30 p.m., ABC/ESPN2] - The 115th Civil War takes place in Autzen Stadium this year. The Ducks haven't lost a Pac-12 conference game since 2009, so, that's impressive.
Vanderbilt at Wake Forest [3:30 p.m., ESPNU] - The Deacs are bowl eligible but want to carry some momentum into the bowl game. If you haven't already, make sure you take this all-access look into the biggest remodeling campaign in SEC football history ... James Franklin's Vandy football team.
Missouri vs. Kansas from Kansas City [3:30 p.m., FSN] - Remember a couple years ago when this was a game with National Title implications? Barely. Both teams are having tough seasons, but for different reasons.
NO THANKS, PLATE'S FULL
Wyoming at No. 7 Boise State [2:00 p.m., mtn.] - Wyoming is a 33-point underdog to the Broncos. That hasn't stopped our Wyoming blogger from betting his taco they'll win.
Purdue at Indiana [3:30 p.m., BTN] - Indiana can't claim much in football these days, but they still do own the Old Oaken Bucket. Purdue is 1-8 in their last nine road games but doesn't want to end the season with a loss to the lowly Hoosiers.
Duke at North Carolina [3:30 p.m., ACC Regional Network] - All due respect to both football teams but good luck trying to find any interest for that sport on our North Carolina and Duke blogs.
Ole Miss at Mississippi State [7:00 p.m., ESPNU] - While this one might not mean much on the field, both fanbases are having some fun with the many absurd moments surrounding it.