Upstarts Mizzou, Kentucky Get Their Chance Saturday

Sunday brings the release of the first Bowl Championship Series standings, and with it, the unofficial beginning of the run-up to the January 7 national title game in New Orleans. There remains much to be decided this college football season, and though this week's schedule is thin on matchups between highly rated schools, the current top-ranked team still faces a key road test. Elsewhere, some of the surprise contenders in the BCS conferences have a chance to prove their legitimacy.

No. 1 LSU (6–0, 3–0 SEC)
At No. 17 KENTUCKY (5–1, 1–1)
Saturday, 3:30 p.m., CBS

Having survived a visit from Florida by the narrowest of margins, no. 1 ranked LSU must guard against a letdown at Kentucky Saturday. The Wildcats raced to a surprising 5–0 start that included wins over Louisville and Arkansas before offering a flat performance in a loss at South Carolina October 4.

Kentucky's offense failed to deliver in that contest, as senior quarterback Andre' Woodson struggled for the first time all season. Still, the passing game operated by Woodson is by far the best one LSU has faced this season. Florida opted to challenge the Tigers on the ground last week, proving that LSU's top-ranked defense can be run upon. Don't expect Kentucky to take the same approach. The Wildcats are built around the pass and won't turn into a power-rushing team in the space of a single week. Plus, starting tailback Rafael Little is questionable with a thigh injury. Kentucky will sink or swim on the arm of Woodson, who has thrown 18 touchdown passes with just two interceptions this season.

The win over Florida was both emotionally and physically draining for LSU, which must now go on the road against a team that has had two extra days to prepare. The Tigers have a decided talent advantage, and their defense is far superior to the South Carolina unit that handled Woodson a week ago. If defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey and friends are able to get into the Kentucky backfield with ease, Woodson will be in for another long afternoon.

On offense, LSU doesn't wow anybody, but the end result is effective. Coach Les Miles has been going with a two-quarterback approach, with Matt Flynn the starter and Ryan Perrilloux coming in on short-yardage situations. If the Tigers can grind out a win here, they should have relatively smooth sailing until the SEC title game, with only a visit from Auburn and a road trip to Alabama remaining as realistic possible upsets.

No. 11 MISSOURI (5–0, 1–0 Big 12)
At No. 6 OKLAHOMA (5–1, 1–1)
Saturday, 6:30 p.m., FSN

Missouri, fresh off a 41–6 thrashing of Nebraska, can strike a blow for the Big 12 North Division if it can knock off no. 6 ranked Oklahoma on the road.

Led by the passing of Chase Daniel, Missouri is off to a 5-0 start that includes a win over Illinois — a result that is looking better each week. Missouri ranks fourth in the nation in total offense, led by Daniel, who is playing his way into a dark-horse Heisman candidacy. He threw for 401 yards against Nebraska's "black shirt" defense, and has 1,712 yards, 15 touchdowns, and just four interceptions on the year.

Led by Oklahoma and Texas, the Big 12 South has long been the superior division, but that may be changing. The Longhorns were beaten handily by the North's Kansas State two weeks ago, and Oklahoma badly stubbed its toe in a loss to North foe Colorado the same Saturday. But the Sooners rebounded to beat Texas last week and, thanks to another series of stunning upsets, are right back in the mix to reach the national-title game.

Oklahoma won't get to New Orleans without help, but the Sooners stand atop the list of once-beaten contenders and have a chance to make a statement against fast-rising Missouri. With Sam Bradford at quarterback, Oklahoma's offense actually outscores Missouri's by about eight points a game. Bradford leads the nation in passing efficiency, and tailbacks Allen Patrick and De-Marco Murray each average better than 6.5 yards per carry.

Oklahoma's biggest concern is in the secondary, where the Sooners have allowed big passing yardage to Texas, Colorado, and even Tulsa. They will have to pressure Daniel to prevent this game from turning into a shootout — and a possible season-crushing defeat.

LOUISVILLE (3–3, 0–1)
At No. 15 CINCINNATI (6–0, 1–0)
Saturday, 7 p.m., ESPNU

Back in September, this game looked like just another potential road bump standing between Louisville and a berth in the national title game, but perhaps no matchup this week illustrates just how wacky this season has been better than this one.

Cincinnati finds itself not only atop the Big East standings after knocking off Rutgers on the road last week, but also a heavy favorite against a Louisville team that appears to have forgotten how to play defense. The Cardinals still have a potent offense, and senior quarterback Brian Brohm has been putting up big numbers, but they simply can't stop anybody. Louisville ranks 99th nationally in total defense and is giving up 444.5 yards per game. What's more, the Louisville defense actually appears to be getting worse. Last week's opponent, Utah, rang up 582 total yards — 260 on the ground — in a 44–35 win.

Cincinnati has a very balanced offense, led by quarterback Ben Mauk and a stable of tailbacks. The Bearcats also appear to be growing more comfortable each week in first-year coach Brain Kelly's unconventional spread.

Cincinnati still has tough tests remaining, including a road trip to South Florida and a home date against West Virginia, but an impressive win here will stamp the Bearcats as legitimate contenders for the conference title and a BCS berth.

Mr. Levine is a writer for FootballOutsiders.com