College Football 2012: Five Week 3 Games You Should Be Salivating over

Week 3 of the college football season is upon us and what a season it's been so far.

We've had tight games, blowouts and major upsets.  Of course, that's the way it is with every week of every college football season.  This week will be no different with several big-time matchups taking place.

Without further ado, here are the games you should be salivating over this week.

Alabama at Arkansas

The Razorbacks are coming off a stunning loss to Louisiana-Monroe last week and have very little time to shake it off.  

This week they welcome the top-rated team in the nation, Alabama.  If you're trying to get things on the right track after being upset, this is not the team to have coming in.  Then there are questions as to whether Arkansas' starting quarterback, Tyler Wilson, will play (as of this writing he has not been cleared to play).  

Either way, it probably won't matter.  The Alabama defense should prove to be too much for the reeling Razorbacks.  Even the lyrical stylings of Lizhoney won't be enough in this one.   

My pick:  Alabama wins 37-17.

Notre Dame at Michigan State

Both teams have looked very good this season, each starting off 2-0.

The Irish are coming off a win against Purdue, but needed a late field goal to prevail.  The Spartans defense has yet to give up an offensive touchdown this season.  What scores Michigan State has given up have come on interception returns—something they'll need to correct if they are going to win this game. 

Look for the Spartans defense and strong running attack to be the difference in this one.   

My pick:  Michigan State wins 17-14.

USC at Stanford

This is a big, early season matchup in the Pac-12.  It is a game that the Trojans must win, as they have been dubbed this season's SEC killers.  Stanford has always been a tough team to beat and will be USC's toughest test of the young season.

The Trojans should prove to be more skilled at the key positions in this one.   

My pick:  USC wins 27-14.

Texas at Mississippi

Texas is a team that is thought by many to be afraid of playing the SEC.  They are addressing that perception by playing a team from that very conference—albeit a team that is considered lower tier.  

Both teams are playing well in the early going this season.  Most observers are not used to seeing Ole Miss off to a 2-0 start without a Manning at quarterback.  T

Texas isn't what it used to be but should have enough to take out Ole Miss. Just don't be surprised if the Rebels make a game of it.   

My pick:  Texas wins 17-10.

Florida at Tennessee

This looks to be one of the biggest games that has taken place in Knoxville in a long time.  So big, in fact, that ESPN's College GameDay is coming to campus for this one.  

Both teams are trying to make their way back into the upper echelon of the SEC East, where traditionally they have always been in contention for titles.  After this game, one could begin their climb while the other will continue to fall.

The Vols "shock-and-awe" passing attack should prove to be the difference in this one (to see the keys to the Vols victory check out this article. 

My pick:  Tennessee wins 30-20.

There you have it, the Week 3 games you should be salivating over.  

As a bonus, here is an upset special for you:  Look for Western Kentucky to beat Kentucky in Lexington by at least 10.