ESPN College Football

The most intriguing game of the week matches the power of Texas against the finesse of Texas Tech. This is Mike Leach's sixth season leading the Red Raiders, and many think of him as an offensive genius. In 2002 he upset the Horns 42-38 and the following year came very close, failing 43-40. Leach's spread attack, featuring wide gaps between the linemen, has given opposing defensive coordinators nightmares. Last year, Mack Brown's defensive staff found a way to shut Tech down (51-21). This year, we think they'll do it again.

Elsewhere, Iowa will be shooting for its 23rd straight home victory, and Auburn will be looking for its 14th straight SEC triumph, both enviable achievements. The Hawkeyes, a 2&189;-point favorite, are hosting Michigan and are one of our best bets of the week. Auburn is visiting LSU and is a touchdown underdog. We think Auburn won't need those points and will keep its SEC streak alive.

Maryland +10 over Virginia Tech: The big question for Ralph Friedgen's Maryland Terps is whether they can play with the same intensity and aggressiveness against Virginia Tech as they did crushing Virginia three weeks ago. Tech, one of the great defensive teams in the country, has a way to make the confidence and aggressiveness fade away. Friedgen's teams are known as late starters and this one seems to have finally come around. Last year in a similar situation, Maryland toppled Florida State, 20-17.

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