The Crystal Ball smells autumn...

What does Oregon State's upset of USC mean for the weekend? More upsets? Or do the entrenched powers dig in to make sure it doesn't happen to them?

Maryland at Clemson. A big one for Ted Kim-Boston College-ACC Atlantic Division purposes. Maryland is playing well, but Clemson always plays better when they rub that rock and run down that hill at home. Advantage Tigers.

North Carolina at Miami. Time to see how far North Carolina has come. Miami is brimming with confidence after their thrashing of Texas A&M. Speed on offense is the difference here. Miami wins.

Arkansas at Texas. Arkansas will put up a better fight than they did last week against Alabama, but the Razorbacks are no match for Texas, especially in Austin.

Ole Miss at Florida. Ole Miss will give Florida more than the Gators bargained for. But Florida is virtually unbeatable at home with Tim Tebow at quarterback.

Colorado vs. Florida State (in Jacksonville). Florida State's defense is stout and will get to Colorado QB Cody Hawkins all game long. The Seminoles have had problems moving the ball, but I think they will be able to move it enough to win.

TCU at Oklahoma. TCU is solid, but Oklahoma is on upset watch since the Horned Frogs beat the Sooners in Norman just a few years ago. I think TCU keeps it close, but Oklahoma pulls away in the second half.

Virginia Tech at Nebraska. Another measuring-stick game for two teams that are works-in-progress. Who wins the trench battle? That's the key. Nebraska has only played cupcakes, while Virginia Tech has already played some tough teams. If the Hokies get consistent quarterback play, they win handily.

Illinois at Penn State. Penn State wants to show that their blowout of newly resurgent Oregon State a few weeks ago was no fluke. The Crystal Ball foresees the Nittany Lions teeing off on Illini QB Juice Williams and unleashing their new Spread HD offense for 50-plus points.

Alabama at Georgia. Holy smackdown. Mid-game adjustments will be key. We all know that Georgia's offense is stupendously talented. That said, the Bulldog O' doesn't match up well with Alabama. Georgia's weakness is its young offensive line, while 'Bama's strength is its D. In many ways, Georgia is but a more talented version of Clemson: talent at the skill positions, but a young line. Tide Coach Nick Saban, I think, will blitz Georgia to kingdom come and have some surprises on offense. Can Georgia adjust? My sense is not in time. 'Bama pulls off the road upset.