Week 3 NCAA Football Preview

That said, some teams have to work harder than others in order to get recognized. Usually, they have only one shot to prove their worth.

For the No. 6 LSU Tigers, that shot lies on the field of Jordan-Hare Stadium, as a victory over the No. 3 Auburn Tigers on Saturday will prove that they deserved to be recognized as a BCS national title contender from the get-go.

"It's just strange to me," LSU offensive guard Will Arnold told The Birmingham News. "I don't understand it. I guess we just got lucky [in 2005] and beat them. I feel like we need to go out and prove ourselves to everybody."

Arnold’s frustrations may be warranted. LSU beat Auburn 20-17 in overtime in 2005, and they also finished ahead of Auburn in the final 2005 polls. So why does Auburn get the respect despite losing previous matchups with LSU?

“They get more attention (regardless) if we're ranked over them or they're ranked over us," LSU strong safety Jessie Daniels told the Baton Rouge (La.) Advocate earlier this week. "It's always been like that since I've been here."

LSU (2-0) has helped its cause by dominating the defensive side of the ball. It hasn't allowed a touchdown in 14 quarters, dating to the second quarter of the 2005 SEC championship game against Georgia last season. The Tigers also lead the nation in scoring defense while ranking third in total defense. Opponents are averaging a mere 2.6 rushing yards per carry.

Cornerback Jonathan Zenon, who has three of the teams’ five INTs this season, and linebacker Darryl Beckwith who leads the team in tackles after two games with 15, have been big for the Tigers. Against Arizona last week, the defense put its talent on display, limiting the Wildcats to 35 rushing yards and 152 total yards while forcing three interceptions and a fumble recovery in a 45-3 victory as a 17-point favorite.

"They have good schemes and good players," Auburn offensive coordinator Al Borges admitted of the LSU defense to The Huntsville Times. "There's nothing tougher to deal with than that."

If LSU can shut down Auburn’s Heisman hopeful Kenny Irons - who has averaged 126 yards per game this season - the respect that LSU desires should be earned, along with being mentioned as a national title contender.

"It seems like each year we get better and better," LSU free safety LaRon Landry said to The Huntsville Times. "I think we have a great opportunity for a national championship. It's out there. All we have to do is name it and claim it."

Pride, the BCS national title and the Heisman may all hang in the balance for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. A loss against Michigan in South Bend could kill all three on Saturday.

Although the Wolverines have underachieved the past few years, they have played their arch-rival tough. They lost 17-10 to the Irish in 2005, even though many thought that Michigan was greatly outmatched. The Irish defense will once again be the key to covering the 6.5-point spread, as Brady Quinn hasn't missed a step at quarterback.

"When we beat this team, we can show the world that we are a great team and we restored the order," Nebraska cornerback Andre Jones said to the Associated Press on Tuesday.

Excuse me? Did he just say when?

Despite being 18-point underdogs, Jones has guaranteed victory for his Cornhuskers over the USC Trojans. That's a long shot. Still, USC quarterback John David Booty has only started a single game in his college career, and that was against lowly Arkansas. This will be his toughest test yet.

The Volunteers are back!

That's what everyone was saying after a 35-18 trouncing of 3-point favorite and No. 9 California at home in Week 1. But then came a 31-30 road win over supposedly outmatched Air Force.

Everyone from the AP voters to the fans in Tennessee are confused as to what they will see from this team.

This week, the Volunteers are back to being home dogs, opening at +4 against the Florida Gators. A repeat of the "take them for granted" performance against Air Force is less likely against a high-profile team like Florida.

PHOTO: LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell will be looking to manage the LSU offense, but the Tigers' top-notch defense may be the key to Saturday's game. (AI Wire Photo)

Note: All NCAA football lines subject to change.

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