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Week nine saw the end of USC's title hopes. Now the Trojans will need help to even win a Pac-10 title that seems out of reach.
Iowa used some wind, great defense, and favorable calls from the replay booth to get a win over Indiana. The Hawkeyes still are looked upon as the weakest undefeated team so far.
As college football heads into week 10, the season begins to take a whole new meaning.
Some teams are looking to win out and keep their conference championship hopes alive. Other teams are looking to get to the required six wins to get a chance at the postseason.
This week, four teams put their BCS hopes on the line.
The surprise team of the ACC gets ready for a big rivalry game, two teams look to avoid let-downs, and every five-win team goes for six. So here is your guide to the college football games to watch.
Thursday Night: Virginia Tech Hokies vs. East Carolina Pirates
The Hokies lost just about any hope of winning the ACC Coastal division with their loss last week to North Carolina. Virginia Tech’s only non-conference loss this season was to Alabama at the start of the season.
Skip Holtz and the Pirates seem to get a big non-conference win nearly every year. East Carolina has only beaten FCS team Appalachian State so far this season. A win would also give the Pirates the six needed to go bowling.
Who needs the win more: Virginia Tech
East Carolina should get six wins in conference play with games against UAB and Southern Miss left to play. The Hokies are on a two-game losing streak and would like to go back into conference play feeling good about themselves.
Virginia Tech plays three of its final four games on the road, and a road win would help boost confidence. The Hokies need to win this game to avoid another upset loss and hurting their bowl position.
Miami (OH) RedHawks vs. Temple Owls
The RedHawks got their first win of the season last week against Toledo. This team has no chance at a bowl but can play spoiler for the rest of the season.
The Owls have been one of the pleasant surprises this year in college football. Temple started out the season slowly, losing their first two games. The Owls have ripped off six straight wins since then.
Who needs the win more: Temple
The Owls lead the Mid-American East division and are in line to play in the conference championship game. Temple is bowl eligible for the first time since 1979 when it played in the Garden State Bowl.
This could be the most under-reported turnaround in college football this season. Temple in any conference title game would be a great story, and the credit has to go to Al Golden.
Eastern Michigan Eagles vs. Northern Illinois Huskies
The Eagles are coming into this game without a win this season. Eastern Michigan is one of three teams so far this season not to win a game.
Northern Illinois is one win away from getting to six wins. The Huskies enter this game on a two-game winning streak.
Who needs the win more: Northern Illinois
A win by Eastern Michigan would be great, just to get a win, but the Huskies have a lot more to play for this season. Not only would a win make Northern Illinois bowl eligible, but they are also in the conference championship race.
Northern Illinois is in second place in the Mid-American West division. The Huskies only have one conference loss but have not played division-leading Central Michigan yet. They have to keep winning to keep pace.
Friday Night: Boise State Broncos vs. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
The Broncos come into this game with a lot to lose in a loss at Ruston. Boise State is hoping to bust the BCS again. The Broncos have not lost to the Bulldogs since their first meeting as WAC teams.
The Bulldogs come into this game after two heartbreaking losses on the road. Louisiana Tech is looking for its 11th home win in 12 games. Their last home loss was to the Broncos last year.
Who needs the win more: Boise State
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