Tim's College Football Picks: Week 10

It's as simple as this, folks: There are basically two games worth watching this weekend.

There is Alabama-LSU in the latest edition of The Saban Bowl.

And then there is Penn State-Ohio State is the latest edition of The Big Ten Border War.

The Saban Bowl winner will seize control of the SEC West and likely punch their ticket to the SEC Championship Game against Florida. The winner of the Penn State-Ohio State will remain on track for a BCS bid--and a possible share of the Big Ten title.

Two huge games. Four storied programs. Four championship-caliber coaches. A couple Heisman-worthy offensive stars. Vicious defenses. Bryant-Denny. Beaver Stadium.

November college football at its best.

Can't wait, folks.

Just can't wait.

Here are my picks for those two huge showdowns--and one other game, as well.

No. 9 LSU at No. 3 Alabama (3:30 p.m.): There's an awful lot of hype around this one. Which is just great. It's been a fun week down in SEC country, I'm sure. Just one problem: LSU has no chance to win. In fact, I'd be surprised if they even keep it close. Tide tailback Mark Ingram has faced defenses tougher than LSU's (Virginia Tech, Tennessee) and fared pretty well. Expect him to get 20-plus carries in this one. On the other side of the ball, 'Bama's ridiculously talented defense figures to shut down an LSU offense that, despite some recent success (you know, like, against Tulane) is still a work in progress. Nick Saban wins his namesake game and keeps the Tide on track for a national title. Alabama 27, LSU 10

No. 16 Ohio State at No. 11 Penn State (3:30 p.m.): I'll give you three reasons why Penn State wins this one, folks. 1. Daryll Clark is less likely to throw the game away, and more likely to take the game over, than Terrelle Pryor. 2. Ohio State is without starting kicker Aaron Pettrey. 3. Penn State linebackers Sean Lee and Navorro Bowman are finally healthy. There you go. In a slugfest, the Nits come out on top. Penn State 24, Ohio State 19

Florida State at Clemson (7:45 p.m.): Two of the nation's most confounding teams meet for a suddenly important ACC clash. The season-long drama continued in Tallahassee this week, as longtime defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews announced he would retire at season's end (and coach Bobby Bowden announced that he, not coach-in-waiting Jimbo Fisher, would make the final call on Andrews' replacement). As for Clemson? Well, they're accustomed to drama. I mean, come on, it's Clemson. C.J. Spiller is allegedly a darkhorse Heisman candidate. If he wants to remain a Heisman candidate, he better show up big this week. I think he will. Clemson 37, Florida State 24

Photo: Can Les Miles and LSU upset Alabama? Answer: No. (Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)