Last week, college football fans saw four top ten teams (Ole Miss, Penn State, Cal and Miami) lose in disheartening fashion. While the upsets this weekend will likely not be as poll-shattering, Saturday’s slate features three crucial contests between ranked teams that will continue to add pieces to the puzzle that is college football. Likewise, the NFL features several intriguing matchups, including a grizzled veteran facing his former team for the first time and the league’s best offense squaring off against one of the best defenses. If you only get regional coverage, this is definitely a Sunday where you’ll want to visit your local sports pub to catch the action.

(22) Michigan at Michigan State – (Saturday, 12:00pm – Big Ten Network – Mich St minus 2.5)

Freshman quarterback Tate Forcier is quickly becoming the most popular kid in Michigan. The only thing that could make him more popular would be bailing out the state’s failing automobile industry. Forcier added to his growing Wolverine legend by staging another last minute comeback, this time against Indiana, but he injured his shoulder in the process. According to coach Rich Rodriguez, Forcier should be ready to go by game time. This will be Michigan’s first road game of the season and the first time Rodriguez will visit East Lansing as Wolverine head coach. Michigan State (1-3) has struggled so far this season but has only lost its three games by a combined thirteen points. Michigan best not be caught looking past the Spartans to next weekend’s difficult road test at Iowa.

This article appears in Sep 30 – Oct 7, 2009.