ESPN College Football

Texas at Ohio State provides the big focus this week in a game that looms as big as any one this year in determining the national picture. This one will be decided by defense and special teams, and we think Ohio State hold the cards in both cases. Playing on national TV at night only adds to Ohio State's advantage. We like Ohio State in this one, and under the number, as well.

Florida Atlantic +14 over Oklahoma State: Hard to believe that Howard Schnellenberger has rebuilt FAU so fast after losing most of last year's top players. Last week -- against an excellent Kansas defense and on hostile turf -- Schnellenberger unveiled the passing talents of Danny Embick, who was 20-for-28 for 299 yards and three touchdowns. Kansas had to come from behind in the second half to win it.

Oklahoma State is retooling with new coach Mike Gundy, who has installed a spread offense. That seems like trying to put a square peg in a round hole as far as QB Donovan Woods goes. Woods always seemed most comfortable sprinting out and running. The Cowboys struggled to beat Montana State, 15-10, last week and might be susceptible to the pass. Three of four defensive backs are gone, and a projected starter died in a car crash. Plus, two more DBs were kicked off the team. Depth and experience are out the window.

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