Ohio State and Alabama have rolled through the first three weeks of the season, making some believe their meeting in the national title game is inevitable. But that could change this week with the Crimson Tide headed to No. 11 Arkansas.  The Razorbacks are coming off a big win at Georgia and have quarterback Ryan Mallett behind center ready to go after the untested secondary of Alabama.  Ohio State will have luxury of being bystanders with Eastern Michigan this week and no real test until a trip to Wisconsin on Oct. 16.  Should the Tide stumble, the biggest benefactor could be Boise State. The Broncos get their second shot at a major conference team with Oregon State coming to town. An impressive win would solidify their ranking and leave just a few WAC obstacles in the path to another undefeated season.  With a little help, they could end up facing the Buckeyes or Crimson Tide for the national championship.  In the other big game of the weekend, South Carolina heads to Auburn. Both teams are unbeaten and can take a big step forward in their respective divisions by surviving what should be a typical struggle in the SEC.  There should also be a few surprises and last-second finishes to pique our interest if this weekend the first three weeks of the season. So buckle up and enjoy.  MORE PICKS: See who USA TODAY's staff picks to win this week  No. 1 Alabama at No. 11 Arkansas, 3:30 p.m.Conventional wisdom says this is an offensive shootout and that's likely will be what happens. The Tide has looked good in three games, but their defense has yet to face a test like Ryan Mallett and the Razorbacks. Alabama 34, Arkansas 28.  No. 2 Ohio State vs. Eastern Michigan, 3:30 p.m.A final appetizer for the Buckeyes before they start the meat of the schedule, otherwise known as the Big Ten. Ohio State 40, Eastern Michigan 12.  No. 3 Boise State vs. Oregon State, 8 p.m.Will painting their practice field blue be enough preparation for the Beavers? It will come down to how well quarterback Ryan Katz can handle the Broncos defense. Boise State 35, Oregon State 26.  No. 4 Texas vs. UCLA, 3:30 p.m.Two things are clear about the Longhorns: their defense looks as good as ever and the offense still can't run the football. The latter won't matter this week but should be a concern against Oklahoma. Texas 31, UCLA 13.  No. 5 TCU at SMU, 8 p.m. (Friday)This might be the toughest game for the Horned Frogs until they travel to Utah in November, which probably says more about their schedule than anything. TCU 33, SMU 20.  No. 6 Oregon at Arizona State, 10:30 p.m.The Ducks haven't been tested this season. We'll see the first one if the Sun Devils don't let last week's heartbreaker at Wisconsin linger. Oregon 34, Arizona State 23  No. 7 Nebraska vs. South Dakota State, 7 p.m.The Dakotas have been tough for FBS schools with North Dakota State and South Dakota already pulling upsets this season. Don't think the Cornhuskers coaches haven't been drilling that into the players this week. Nebraska 48, South Dakota State 3.  No. 8 Florida vs. Kentucky, 7 p.m.You have to give to the Gators for being consisent. A slow first half before the defense and offense finally work in sync. Eventually this pattern will catch up to them. Florida 28, Kentucky 16.  No. 9 Oklahoma at Cincinnati, 6 p.m.Given the roller coaster that is Oklahoma football, it would be expected that the Sooners blow out the Bearcats. But quarterback Landry Jones will have to play better on the road to make it happen. Oklahoma 33, Cincinnati 17.  No. 10 Wisconsin vs. Austin Peay, noonThe Badgers survived against Arizona State last week, but took a big hit with linebacker Chris Borland out for the season with a injury. Wisconsin 45, Austin Peay 7.  No. 12 LSU vs. No. 21 West Virginia, 9 p.m.No truth to the rumor that there is a double yellow line through Tiger Stadium that doesn't allow passing. It is just the inability of Jordan Jefferson to find an open receiver. LSU 21, West Virginia 20.  No. 13 Utah vs. San Jose State, 8 p.m.The only mystery is who will start at quarterback for the Utes with Jordan Wynn on the mend from an injured thumb. Backup Terrence Cain would be the top-rated passer in the country if he had two more attempts. Utah 37, San Jose State 10.  No. 14 Auburn vs. No. 15 South Carolina, 7:45 p.m.Steve Spurrier can't have asked for a better start behind freshman running back Marcus Lattimore. This is their biggest test to date. One advantage might be the Tigers are worn out from their overtime defeat of Clemson. Auburn 20, South Carolina 19.  No. 16 Arizona vs. California, 10 p.m.The Wildcats will need to get refocused quickly after their huge win against Iowa. For a team not used to that level of success, it is always a concern, especially if they overlook the Golden Bears because of their loss to Nevada. Arizona 27, California 24.  No. 17 Stanford at Notre Dame, 3:30 p.m.Life doesn't get any easier for the Irish and their shaky defense. The Cardinal come in third in the nation in scoring at over 51 points per game. Stanford 35, Notre Dame 28.  No. 18 Iowa vs. Ball State, noonDon't go burying the Hawkeyes just yet. For now consider last Saturday a rough night in the desert. Iowa 31, Ball State 10.  No. 19 Miami at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m. (Thursday)After the Hurricanes struggled at Ohio State, this trip to the Steel City takes on added meaning for both coach Randy Shannon and quarterback Jacory Harris. Pittsburgh 23, Miami (Fla.) 21.  No. 20 Penn State vs. Temple, 3:30 p.m.Al Golden may not be into moral victories, but a good showing by the Owls could convince Penn State to hire the former Nittany Lions assistant when it comes time for Joe Paterno to step down. Penn State 21, Temple 13.  No. 22 Michigan vs. Bowling Green, noonJust when you think the Wolverines are ready to turn the corner, they barely survive Massachusetts. Beating the Falcons convincingly would be a good morale booster. Michigan 40, Bowling Green 23.  No. 23 Michigan State vs. Northern Colorado, noonHere's hoping Mark Dantonio doesn't succumb to the urge to return to the sideline too quickly. Michigan State 37, Northern Colorado 6.  No. 24 Missouri vs. Miami (Ohio), 2 p.m.No narrow escape needed this week for the Tigers after beating San Diego State in the final two minutes. Missouri 34, Miami (Ohio) 20.  Last week's record: 17-6Season record: 55-10  -- Erick SmithFollow Erick on Twitter at @erick_smith
Weekend Forecast: Alabama gets first test; Boise State ready for last one? - Campus Rivalry: College Football & Basketball News, Recruiting, Game Picks, and More - USATODAY.com