College Football Rankings: Five Schools Most Desperate for a Win in Week 7

It's hard to believe, but the 2011-12 college football season is already nearing the halfway point. Just nine weeks remain in the regular season, and desperation is beginning to set in for many of the nation's most prominent programs.

One game can make or break an entire season, and several Week 7 matchups have the potential to shake up the college football world in a big way.

Here are five schools that absolutely must win this weekend.

Ohio State at Illinois

Everyone knew coming into this season that Ohio State could be in for a rough year, but this rough? Really?

The Buckeyes are fresh off of two consecutive Big 10 losses, and now have to head to Illinois to face an undefeated Illini squad that could very well push their losing streak to three.

Ohio State is still a .500 team, and hope isn't completely lost, but if they can't find a way to get a W this weekend, their entire season could easily spin out of control.

After all, things won't get any easier for the Buckeyes when No. 4 Wisconsin comes to town next weekend.

South Florida at Connecticut

The South Florida Bulls were riding high, until they ran into Pittsburgh two weeks ago. After a 4-0 start, quarterback B.J. Daniels and his USF teammates hit a wall against the Panthers, losing an ugly 44-17 game on national television.

The Bulls had a week off last weekend, but are back in action this Saturday and are traveling to Connecticut to take on the 2-4 Huskies.

South Florida is heavily favored, and they should be in store for an easy victory, but they still need to show up to play. A big win over UCONN could get the Bulls back into the AP rankings and back on track to finish the season strong. 

Oregon vs. Arizona State

Since falling to No. 1 LSU in a prime time, Week 1 matchup, the Oregon Ducks have looked nothing short of dominant over the past four weeks. This weekend's game against Arizona State, however, won't be so easy.

The Sun Devils are 5-1, having lost only to No. 16 Illinois, and they look to be a serious contender in the PAC-12. Having already tallied marquee victories over USC and Missouri, ASU is a confident, physical team that could potentially present Oregon with some real trouble.

This is really a must win game for both teams, and I expect it to be one of the weekend's most exciting contests. 

Baylor at Texas A&M

After losing a heartbreaker to Kansas State in Week 4, Heisman hopeful Robert Griffin III and his Baylor teammates bounced back in a big way last week, defeating Iowa State 49-26.

Unfortunately, Texas A&M is no Iowa State.

The No. 21 Aggies are coming off of a huge win against Texas Tech and are looking to prove something this Saturday when they host the No. 20 Bears. This game, much like Oregon vs. ASU, is a must win for both teams and promises some fireworks. 

Michigan at Michigan State

Michigan at Michigan State.

Need I say more?

Every rivalry game is a must win, but this year's matchup has the makings of an absolute classic. Both teams are ranked, both team's have some serious talent and both are looking for that big-time win that will launch them up the Big 10 standings.

Ohio State looks to be irrelevant this year, so the Big 10 is wide open. Both of these teams are gunning for that title.

This one is going to be awesome.