Week 5 is here and it’s my job to plan out your Saturday.  There’s a heavy slate of big games this week, especially later in the day with three huge match-ups. Make sure you have fresh batteries in your remote because channel surfing is of the utmost importance.

For channel numbers for a game in your area, please visit our TV Listings.

And without further ado…

Early Game to Watch: Texas A&M @ Arkansas (Noon ET)
After much speculation, Texas A&M was finally welcomed into the SEC earlier this week.  They’ll begin playing a full SEC schedule in 2012, but for now, they get a preview of SEC football with their match-up against Arkansas.  Both teams are trying to rebound from tough losses by highly ranked opponents.  Texas A&M was up 20-3 at halftime, but couldn’t hold on as Oklahoma State scored 27 unanswered points to lose 30-29.  Arkansas’ offense was held to only 226 yard after averaging over 450 in their first three games.

Other games to watch:
Air Force @ Navy (Noon ET)
Northwestern @ Illinois (Noon ET)

Mid-Day Game to Watch: Auburn @ South Carolina (3:30pm ET)
This is a match-up of a struggling offense versus a struggling defense.  The South Carolina Gamecocks are off to their best start in over a decade, but the ole’ ball coach isn’t happy about his team’s offense performance.  Senior quarterback Steven Garcia was picked off 4 times last week against Vanderbilt and sophomore running back Steven Lattimore was held to only 77 yards on 20 carries.  Auburn’s defense has been thrashed by all four opponents this season, allowing an average of 31 points per game.  And things aren’t getting easier anytime soon as they have match-ups against Arkansas, LSU and Florida in the three weeks following this game. With South Carolina struggling so much on offense, this is  a great chance for the defense to get on track before they begin a brutal stretch of their schedule.

Other games to watch:
Baylor @ Kansas State  (3:30pm ET)
Georgia Tech @ NC State (3:30pm ET)

Late Game to Watch: Alabama @ Florida (8pm ET)
These two teams are very similar in all aspects of the game.  Both teams recipe for success is to run the football and stop the run.  No teams in the country have done this better over the last few years than the Gators and Crimson Tide.  Florida is lead by running backs Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps, who have both excelled in the new pro-style offense Charlie Weis has implemented.  Senior quarterback Jeff Brantley hasn’t been asked to make any big time throws yet, but if Alabama stops the run like expected, he’ll need to make plays down field with his arm.  Is he capable of doing that?  Alabama’s offense is lead by the running back tandem of Trent Richardson and Eddie Lacy.  Sophomore quarterback AJ McCarron will be starting just his 4th game and the first on the road.  Florida Field will be hopping and whether or not he’s able to stay composed in a hostile environment could be the key to the game.

Other games to Watch:
Nebraska @ Wisconsin (8:00pm ET)
Clemson @ Virginia Tech (6:00pm ET)
Notre Dame @ Purdue (8:00pm ET)

Bonus Coverage
USF fans, the Bulls will be on national TV Thursday night as they take on the Pittsburgh Panthers.  This game is on ESPN at 8pm ET.

What are you watching this week?