Under the Radar Games: Week 4

Without too many high-profile games this week, it could be an interesting one for teams that might be looking ahead to bigger things.  Add a couple "prove it" games, and I think this could be a great weekend yet.  I have a few on tap for this week...enjoy!

1. Boise State at Fresno State.  A key Mountain West matchup on Friday night, when anything can happen.  The mid-2000s saw this as a fierce rivalry, but it's been rather one-sided in Boise's favor since they began BCS-busting back in '06.  Fresno has a very real shot at being this year's BCS Buster, and this game will be key in the Bulldogs' chances.

2. Arkansas at Rutgers.  Two teams that have something to prove.  Even though Rutgers lost narrowly to Fresno State on opening night, they did beat the Razorbacks last year in Arkansas.  I think the winner of this non-conference game should get a good bit of confidence heading into conference play.

3. SMU at Texas A&M.  After such a wild game with Alabama, one that ended in a loss, I have to wonder where the Aggies go from here.  Perhaps they'll be motivated, knowing that they hung 42 on the near-unanimous #1 team in the land and their "legendary" defense.  But on the other hand, I can see the potential for a bit of a hangover, against an SMU team that will surely be motivated for them.

4. Utah at BYU.  BYU's big win against Texas is looking just a bit dimmer, after Ole Miss accomplished a similar beatdown of the Longhorns just one week later.  But after dropping a few in a row to their bitter rivals from Salt Lake City, the Cougars are looking to get back on track against a rebuilding Utah team.  With the game in Provo, BYU could be looking for its second big win of this young season.

5. Purdue at Wisconsin.  Wisconsin figures to vent some serious frustration after last week's controversial loss at Arizona State.  But, if they instead opt for the hangover, then they could find themselves in trouble against a Purdue team that kept it a bit too close for Notre Dame.  Remember Wisconsin's talented 2011 team...after a heartbreaking last-second loss to Michigan State, they turned around and lost to Ohio State the following week (an Ohio State that finished 6-7).  Hopefully this Badger team can learn from that mini-disaster from 2 years ago.