FIVE THINGS TO WATCH

Orange crush

How badly is the Syracuse program crumbling? Duke-guard-turned quarterback Greg Paulus is getting booed at home games. Star receiver Mike Williams quit the team for the second time. And coach Doug Marrone is now giving tear-filled defenses of his Big East program as the Orangemen visit Pittsburgh on Saturday.

Things change
Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops tries every so often to give a history lesson about the heyday of the Sooners-Nebraska rivalry game that was always played during the Thanksgiving holiday. But the Big 8 became the Big 12, the two schools play in separate divisions and they don’t play every year. “There’s no denying it’s changed now,” Stoops said. The teams meet Saturday in Lincoln, Neb.

Ships come in
Yes, the Navy-Notre Dame game still has some juice. Two years ago, Navy snapped its 43-game series skid with a 46-44 win in three overtimes. Both teams are getting healthy for the matchup Saturday. The Midshipmen get back quarterback Ricky Dobbs while receiver Michael Floyd has been cleared for Notre Dame.

Buffs’ herd disappearing
First, the losing. Then, the benching of his son, Cody. Perhaps Colorado coach Dan Hawkins received the harshest piece of news this week when prized tailback Darrell Scott announced he’s transferring to another school – quite possibly where his uncle, Josh Smith, now plays – at UCLA.

Elimination game
The Big Ten’s most-anticipated, much-heated showdown happens Saturday when Ohio State plays at Penn State. The loser falls out of the league title race, and likely the BCS bowl chase as well. Buckeyes quarterback Terrelle Pryor returns to his roots – Western Pennsylvania – for the first time since his high school days.

POWER INDEX
The News Tribune’s college rankings
(Last week’s rank in parenthesis)

TOP 25
1. FLORIDA (1) 8-0: Brandon Spikes’ creed: What the opposing eyes can’t see, the body won’t feel after a Gators thumping.
2. TEXAS (2) 8-0: Uncertainty turned into instant swagger after Longhorns’ rout at Oklahoma State last weekend.
3. ALABAMA (3) 8-0: Terrence Cody becoming so popular even look-alike men being asked by fans for autographs.
4. BOISE STATE (5) 8-0: Kellen Moore to Kirby Moore. Sibling looking for sibling. Double trouble from here on out.
5. IOWA (6) 9-0: As one Hawkeyes player said after nail-biting win over Indiana: “Thank God for second halves.”
6. TEXAS CHRISTIAN (7) 8-0: Only thing coach Gary Patterson lobbying for is better fan turnout for home games.
7. OREGON (8) 7-1: Chip Kelly says Ducks aren’t looking at BCS standings, or New Year’s Day “Hotwire” travel deals.
8. CINCINNATI (9) 8-0: First time to Bearcats country, ABC television crews frantically search Google for directions.
9. LSU (10) 7-1: In last meeting with Alabama in Tuscaloosa, a fourth-quarter turnover led to a Tigers win.
10. PENN STATE (11) 8-1: University marketing “Terrelle Cryer” T-shirt for Big Ten showdown against Ohio State.
11. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (4) 6-2: Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declares “state of emergency” after Oregon loss.
12. GEORGIA TECH (13) 8-1: Yellow Jackets have one unbreakable streak going: Playing 11 consecutive games.
13. HOUSTON (14) 7-1: Quarterback could pass for 5,000 yards. Is there a Case (Keenum) to be made for Heisman?
14. OHIO STATE (16) 7-2: Despite all of their flaws, Buckeyes will go to Rose Bowl if they win next three games.
15. PITTSBURGH (17) 7-1: Wonder why few take this team seriously? Panthers trying to line up more games against FCS foes.
16. UTAH (18) 7-1: Last week’s big second half has freshman Jordan Wynn on cusp of taking starting quarterback spot.
17. MIAMI-FLA. (20) 6-2: Folks are calling quarterback Jacory Harris “Mr. October” for recent clutch outings.
18. OKLAHOMA STATE (12) 6-2: With Dez Bryant out, Kendall Hunter in limbo, Cowboys’ star power running low.
19. NOTRE DAME (22) 6-2: Fighting Irish loading up at right time as receiver Michael Floyd returns this week.
20. CALIFORNIA (25) 6-2: Flash forward, Jahvid Best might meet his match in Oregon State’s Jacquizz Rodgers.
21. ARIZONA (25) 5-2: Cam Nelson, not USC’s Taylor Mays, is Pac-10’s best playmaking safety.
VIRGINIA TECH (15) 5-3: ACC title will not run through Hokies, who are on two-game losing streak.
23. WISCONSIN (NR) 6-2: Lance Kendricks rushed for 91 yards last week. So what? He’s a tight end.
24. OKLAHOMA (NR) 5-3: Back in the top 25 where the Sooners belong – and will stay the rest of the year.
25. BYU (NR) 6-2: Despite a bye week of heavy position-group analysis, Cougars keep same starters.

PAC-10

1. OREGON (1) 7-1: “Duck ... Duck ... Goose” chase after Oregon for Pac-10 title.
2. USC (2) 6-2: Step-slow defense did too much thinking against Ducks.
3. CALIFORNIA (3) 6-2: One more loss classifies Bears’ season a lost cause.
4. ARIZONA (4) 6-2: Only other program still in control of its conference fate.
5. OREGON STATE (5) 5-3: Rodgers brothers tops in Pac-10 receiving stats.
6. STANFORD (6) 5-3: Waiting for another Chris Owusu kickoff return TD.
7. ARIZONA STATE (7) 4-4: Personal-foul infractions – and defeats – piling up.
8. WASHINGTON (8) 3-5: Sweep of Los Angeles schools would be sweet.
9. UCLA (9) 3-5: Rick Neuheisel is starting ... Rick Neuheisel at quarterback.
10. WASHINGTON STATE (10) 1-7: Paul Wulff is starting ... Paul Wulff on O-line.