Upcoming Games Set Up Playoff Scenario for RUTS Teams

At the season's halfway point, teams have found their strengths and weaknesses, and some teams have established themselves as legitimate contenders in the BCS National Championship race. And, just taking one glance at the weeks ahead, it's hard to argue that season 1 of RUTS3 is setting up just like a playoff race.

Four (and possibly five) RUTS teams remain in contention for the national title. Check out this lineup of upcoming games, that will surely determine who will be playing for all the marbles come bowl season. (Rankings are as of Week 7)

Week 7 (current week)
#5 Georgia Tech at #8 LSU
A victory over the Tigers would give the Yellow Jackets a big-time win and position themselves for an undefeated season. If the Tigers can stop the option and get the win, they remain smack dab in the middle of the national title hunt.

Week 8
#6 Florida State at #1 Ohio State
Are the Seminoles for real? Getting a big victory in Columbus might vault them to the top of the polls. The Buckeyes see this game as yet another hurdle in a brutal conference schedule...and hope they aren't caught looking ahead to their week 9 clash in Norman, Oklahoma!

#4 Oklahoma at #14 Oregon
The high powered Ducks offense could provide the Sooners with a scare in Eugene, OR. The Sooners, like the Buckeyes, can't get caught looking ahead. If Oregon plays mistake free football, this one could be close.

Week 9
#1 Ohio State at #4 Oklahoma
In a game that could be one of the season' best, the Sooners and the Buckeyes will battle it out. In all actuality, this game may not be all that important, as most analysts project these two teams to meet up again in the Big XII title game at Cowboys Stadium at the end of the season. If that projection pans out, the winner of THAT game will likely wind up playing for the national title, no matter who wins or loses in the week 9 contest.

Week 10
#7 Alabama at #8 LSU
Wow! What a game this could be. LSU's defense is one of the best in the nation, especially defending the run. Can they slow down Bama's dual threat RB attack? Both of these teams have 1 loss now, but the winner of this game stays in the hunt for the national title, and will all but lock up the SEC West title. The loser will have to settle for trying to fight their way back into a BCS Bowl game.

Week 12
#2 Boise State @ #7 Alabama
Will the Cindarella dream season finally die for the Broncos in Tuscaloosa? This could be a battle, but we predict the Tide will roll all over the Smurfs, eliminating them from all National Title talks.

Other notable games to watch:
Week 10 - #5 Georgia Tech vs. #3 Virginia Tech
Week 13 - #10 Michigan State (6-0) vs. #12 Penn State (5-1)