Alabama Football: Crimson Tide fans rooting for several teams Saturday

• Washington Huskies at Oregon State Beavers; 6:30 PM – Forget the difference in the CFB Playoff rankings in which Washington is No. 5 and the Beavers are No. 11. Oregon State is the favorite, by the slightest spread of 1.5-ponts. The Beavers as the favorite is no fluke. Oregon State’s two losses came by a total of six points. They are 5-1 since losing to Washington State in late September. In yards per rush, Oregon State is No. 9 in the FBS. Washington is No. 85 against the run, while Oregon State is No. 21. Washington is No. 1 in passing yards per game, with Oregon State at No. 74 in passing defense, which will keep the game close. The pockets of football fervor on the West Coast are small by SEC standards, but Corvallis has been energized since the Beavers went 10-3 last season.
• Texas Longhorns at Iowa State Cyclones; 7:00 PM. Texas is the better team but is only favored by 7.5 points. Since losing to Oklahoma, other than the BYU game, the Texas wins have not been impressive. Iowa State has four losses, but they have only been soundly beaten in one game; a loss to Oklahoma in Norman. Iowa State is not a very good offensive team, but their defense is solid. With Texas having lost its No. 1 running back and the Jack Trice Stadium crowd, the Longhorns might be vulnerable.

At 3:00 PM Saturday afternoon, Auburn as a 25.5 point favorite should easily beat New Mexico State. It would be fun for Alabama football fans if the Tigers are unable to cover the spread.