Mississippi State sits atop the College Football Playoff rankings. Alabama is fifth. MSU is 9-0, Alabama 8-1. Yet it is the Crimson Tide that is favored by a touchdown when these two Southeastern Conference West division contenders meet Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa.

“We’ll be OK with that,” says MSU coach Dan Mullen. “Our guys will play with great effort and with a chip on our shoulder that we try to play with every week no matter what the rankings or what everyone else is predicting.”

The game presents a classic matchup. The Bulldogs lead the SEC in offense behind quarterback Dak Prescott. The Tide tops the SEC in defense.

A loss will be more damaging to Alabama in seeking a spot in the first-ever college playoff that will feature four teams. The Dec. 7 rankings will determine that field.

OTHER GAMES WE’RE WATCHING

 
 No. 8 Ohio State (8-1) at No. 25 Minnesota (7-2): OSU has won seven straight and is the highest-ranking Big Ten team that still has a shot at the playoff. The Buckeyes have won a record 21 straight conference games and 23 of their last 24 against the Gophers.

No. 14 Arizona (7-2) at Washington (6-4): The Wildcats are still chasing the Pac-12 South title and a potential shot at Oregon in the Pac-12 championship game.

No. 3 Florida State (9-0) at Miami (6-3): The Hurricanes have played much better defensively in recent weeks. The Seminoles have won 25 straight games, yet have struggled in several. Even after beating Virginia last week by 14 points, they dropped a spot in the CFP rankings, irritating coach Jimbo Fisher.

No. 19 Clemson (7-2) at No. 22 Georgia Tech (8-2): Clemson ranks second in the nation in total defense and is fourth against the run. Tech rarely throws but ranks second in the nation in rushing offense with its spread option. Both teams are one game behind the leaders in their respective Atlantic Coast Conference divisions.

Today’s Question

Which games will you be watching, and why?

Answers in the comment box, please.
 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman .