College Football: Baby's Losers for the Third Saturday in October

The Iowa Hawkeyes continued their unbeaten ways last week by defeating Michigan.

Previously undefeated Auburn, LSU, and Wisconsin were not so fortunate.

The third Saturday in October is often seen as the true midpoint of the college football season. Rare is the team that can lose from this point on and still win a championship.

There are several games this week of national importance.

Baby's Losers

1. Texas vs. Oklahoma in Dallas

With Sam Bradford back in the fold, the Sooners' aerial circus could chew up the less than stellar Longhorn pass defense. This could be a superb battle.

Baby's Loser (close): Oklahoma

2. Southern California @ Notre Dame

Typically one of the most anticipated matchups of the television schedule. Is it time for Jimmy Clausen and the Irish to crash into the BCS party?

Baby's Loser: Notre Dame

3. Iowa @ Wisconsin

The undefeated Hawkeyes are making a real case for being in the BCS title game and would be a formidable opponent. Wisconsin is in a must-win situation.

Baby's Loser (in an upset special): Iowa

4. Mississippi State @ Middle Tennessee State

In the past 30 years few people in college football have been able to match the reputation and accomplishments of Blue Raider coach Rick Stockstill. Dan Mullen has the answers.

Baby's Loser (close): MTSU

5. Texas Tech @ Nebraska

The Red Raiders have remained competitive all season and will give the powerful Cornhuskers all they care to handle. Should be an entertaining game to watch.

Baby's Loser: Texas Tech

6. Virginia @ Maryland

All signs point to the losing coach being relieved of his job at the end of the season. This match is as serious business as it gets in real life.

Baby's Loser (close): Maryland

7. Washington @ Arizona State

The Huskies are the darling of the nation and their comeback season is one of the great stories. Now, meet Dennis Erickson and your destiny in the desert.

Baby's Loser: Washington

Saturday's Tough One

8. Memphis @ Southern Mississippi

Tiger coach Tommy West is rumored to be out at season's end. When he was released at Clemson in '98 he was replaced by Tommy Bowden. Déjà vu?

Baby's Loser: Memphis

Game of the Week

9. Virginia Tech @ Georgia Tech

This game will go a long way in determining who from the ACC will be in the Orange Bowl and who will be in the Peach Bowl. The Yellow Jackets have everything it takes to defeat the Hokies in what should be the best game of the day.

Baby's Loser (in a mild surprise): Virginia Tech

Baby Tate went 6-3 last week, missing Georgia, LSU, and Auburn. For the year, his record is 38-16.

9-0: RunTellMatt.

8-1: 12, Michael C., Dan Boone, Kent, Sean, and Michael O.

7-2: Illya, Alex F., Trey J., Bill, Ben, Kevin M., Blake, Gil, Scott R., Taylor, and Tyler S.

6-3: Brad, Ronnie, Red Raider, Daniel H., Brandon H., Tom O., Cliff, Robert, Andrew, Kevin B., Carl T., Michael M., Tyler L., Ryan R., and Josh M.

5-4: Tim C., Tim P., GaDawg, Tony O., HD, 007, Southern Man, Dan Scofield, Drew M., Matt, Connor, Chris C., Kyle, Brandon E., Walker, and Robert N.

Below the Mendoza Line for Baby's Losers: Josh, Kimberley, and Jim.