A weekend for giving thanks for a college football feast. It is hard for anybody to be disappointed in the schedule that lies ahead for the next three days.  Some of the nation's hottest rivalries will unfold with bragging rights, conference championships and national title implications on the line.  It starts with the Iron Bowl, where Auburn faces its biggest test at Alabama. Cam Newton allegations aside, this is a game everyone in the state talks about and the Tide would love nothing more than spoil their rival's bid for a national title.  A loss by the Tigers likely opens the door for Boise State, which goes on the road to No. 19 Nevada in a game that also will decide the WAC champion.  There's plenty more games to savor. Ohio State hosts Michigan as part of three games that will settle the Big Ten race. Oregon could get tested by the defense of Arizona. The annual Bedlam Series game between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State has the added luster of the winner capturing the Big 12 South. Arkansas and LSU will be fighting for bowl positioning. Texas A&M will be looking to keep Texas out of the postseason. And Florida State hopes to end a six-game losing streak to Florid  Definitely a menu with plenty of options to sink your teeth into.  MORE PICKS: See USA TODAY's staff predictions for this week  No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 20 Arizona, 7 p.m. (Friday)The Ducks got a much-needed week off to learn from their struggles against Cal and allow for LaMichael James to get healthy. They better have used their time well because the Wildcats defense may be able to slow them down. Oregon 34, Arizona 20.  No. 2 Auburn at No. 11 Alabama, 2:30 p.m. (Friday)This is only the fourth road game for the Tigers. It's the first against an offense that will expose their defense enough that even Cam Newton won't be able to change the outcome. Alabama 30, Auburn 24.  No. 3 Boise State at No. 19 Nevada, 10:15 p.m. (Friday)Results against common opponents don't always mean a lot, but the Broncos beat Fresno State and Hawaii by 51 and 35 points, respectively, while the Wolf Pack defeated the Bulldogs by one and lost to the Warriors. Boise State 42, Nevada 20.  No. 4 TCU at New Mexico, 4 p.m.With Boise State charging behind them, the Horned Frogs would prefer a tougher opponent to complete their second unbeaten regular season in a row instead of an easy win against the Lobos, . TCU 48, New Mexico 3.  No. 5 Wisconsin vs. Northwestern, 3:30 p.m.The Badgers running back trio of John Clay, James White and Montee Ball has to be thrilled with the idea of carrying the ball against a Wildcats defense that allowed 330 yards to Mikel Leshoure of Illinois last week. Wisconsin 38, Northwestern 16.  No. 6 LSU at No. 12 Arkansas, 3:30 p.m.If it is Les Miles and the Tigers, you have to expect a close game. The Razorbacks are the ones that emerge with the win because their offense has become balanced with the running of Knile Davis. Arkansas 30, LSU 26.  No. 7 Ohio State vs. Michigan, noonThe Buckeyes have won the last six meeting and eight of nine against the Wolverines. Rich Rodriguez could guarantee his return by changing that trend. If not, he might want to win his bowl game. Ohio State 31, Michigan 17.  No. 8 Stanford vs. Oregon State, 7:30 p.m.Jim Harbaugh and Andrew Luck may never have a greater stock with NFL front offices than after this season. It would make for a fitting package deal. Stanford 31, Oregon State 19.  No. 9 Oklahoma State vs. No. 13 Oklahoma, 8 p.m.If you like scoring, you've found the right game of the weekend. The Sooners have been here before while the Cowboys are aiming for their first trip to the Big 12 title game. Oklahoma 40, Oklahoma State 35.  No. 10 Michigan State at Penn State, noonJoe Paterno made it clear that this will not be his final game at Beaver Stadium. But that doesn't mean the Nittany Lions will lack motivation against the Spartans. Penn State 28, Michigan State 23.  No. 14 Virginia Tech vs. Virginia, noonYou think the Hokies would like to have the first six days of their season over again? They would be the ones waiting for a loss by Oregon or Auburn. Virginia Tech 38, Virginia 13.  No. 15 Nebraska vs. Colorado, 3:30 p.m. (Friday)One can't imagine Bo Pelini's reaction on the sideline if the Cornhuskers lose to the resurgent Buffaloes and miss the Big 12 title game. Nebraska 35, Colorado 19.  No. 16 Missouri at Kansas, 12:30 p.m.The Tigers had two seasons with 10 victories before Gary Pinkel arrived in 2001. A win against the Jayhawks will give Missouri its third in the last four years. Missouri 35, Kansas 21.  No. 17 South Carolina at Clemson, 7 p.m.No rest for the Gamecocks before next week's SEC title game against Auburn. Beating the Tigers is that important. South Carolina 24, Clemson 20.  No. 18 Texas A&M at Texas, 8 p.m. (Thursday) Since the advent of the BCS national championship game in 1998, no team has missed a bowl game in the season after playing for the title. Until now. Texas A&M 26, Texas 21.  No. 21 Florida State vs. Florida, 3:30 p.m.There won't be a better opportunity for the Seminoles to break their losing streak to the Gators. Time to take advantage. Florida State 21, Florida 20.  No. 22 Utah vs. Brigham Young, 3:30 p.m.Kudos to the Utes from bouncing back against San Diego State and avoiding a third consecutive loss. Now comes a test from the resurgent Cougars. Utah 31, Brigham Young 21.  No. 23 North Carolina State at Maryland, 3:30 p.m.The Wolfpack are one win away from their first ACC title appearance. It would cap the rebuilding project started by Tom O'Brien when he took over the program four years ago. North Carolina State 26, Maryland 20.  No. 24 Iowa at Minnesota, 3:30 p.m.One of the great trophies - Floyd of Rosedale - is on the line as the Hawkeyes try to bounce back from back-to-back losses and the Gophers try to win for the third time this season. Iowa 28, Minnesota 19.  No. 25 Mississippi State at Mississippi, 7 p.m.The Egg Bowl is a bowl game for the Rebels, who already have seven losses. The Bulldogs will be trying to improve their postseason destination with a second consecutive win of the in-state rivalry.  Last week's record: 16-1Season record: 193-40  -- Erick SmithFollow Erick on Twitter at @erick_smith
Weekend Forecast: A college football feast for Thanksgiving - Campus Rivalry: College Football & Basketball News, Recruiting, Game Picks, and More - USATODAY.com