With a population of less than three million people, it's remarkable that the state of Utah has three major college football programs. The two biggest are "The U" - the University of Utah - and "The Y" - Brigham Young University - and both have been football powerhouses. 

The Utah Utes finished the 2008-2009 season undefeated and crushed Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. That put them on the national map and was one of the reasons the prestigious Pac Ten conference invited the Utes (along with Colorado) to join what is now the Pac 12. 

BYU has had a long tradition of football excellence, dating back to 1984 when the Cougars finished number one in the nation. BYU has also produced some of football's best quarterbacks, including Hall of Famer Steve Young, Super Bowl winner Jim McMahon and Heisman Trophy winner Ty Detmer. 

The odd man out in this football troika is Utah State. Unlike Utah, located in the state capital - Salt Lake City - or BYU, with its sprawling campus in Provo, Utah State is located in the sticks, in the small town of Logan. 

The Aggies also don't have the tradition of the other two schools, and haven't played in a bowl game since 1997. But they remain reasonably competitive and in fact, beat BYU in Logan last year. Unfortunately this weekend's game - live on ESPN on Saturday morning - is in Provo, where the Aggies haven't won since 1978. 

Week Five TV Guide 

Saturday Oct 1, 10 am, ESPN, Utah State (1-2) @ BYU (2-2)

Why watch: Start a day of Grand Final punting with a bet on this one. BYU is an eight point favourite.

The scoop: BYU has been up and down this season, with quarterback Jake Heaps still looking for that breakout game. A school renowned for its offensive firepower hasn't shown much yet. Utah State has a good running back in Robert Turbin and has lost two close games, including one at Auburn that featured a catastrophic last minute collapse.

Fun fact: Utah State's most famous alumnus is the late Merlin Olsen, a legendary Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman who starred on the TV show Little House on the Prairie and even had his own show, Father Murphy. 

Sun Oct 2, 2 am, ESPN, Texas A&M (2-1) @ Arkansas (3-1)

Why watch: To see who rebounds better from its first loss of the season.

The scoop: Texas A&M lost a heartbreaker to Oklahoma State last week, while Arkansas was crushed by Alabama. Both teams have high powered offenses, though A&M likes to throw it a bit more with star quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Arkansas will be missing star running back Knile Davis, who has an injured ankle. This will be a high-scoring game.

Fun fact: Texas A&M has just accepted an invitation to join the SEC, a conference that includes Arkansas.

(Note: Northwestern v Illinois on ESPN 2 at same time) 

Sunday Oct 2, 6:30 am, ESPN 2, Michigan State (3-1) @ Ohio State (3-1)

Why watch: To watch the evolution of Ohio State QB Braxton Miller. 

The scoop: Miller, a true freshman, was handed the keys to the Buckeye offense and responded well. He threw for just 83 yards but connected on two touchdowns, and also rushed for 83 in a big win over Colorado last week. Michigan State needs to bounce back after a disappointing blowout at the hands of Notre Dame two weeks ago.

Fun fact: Ohio State has won seven in a row and 12 of the last 14 against MSU.

(Note: Georgia Tech @ NC State on ESPN 2 at same time) 

Sunday Oct 2, 11:00 am, ESPN 2, Notre Dame (2-2) @ Purdue (2-1)

Why watch: Notre Dame's Michael Floyd is one of the country's best wide receivers.

The scoop: After dropping its first two games, Notre Dame has responded with big wins over Michigan State and Pittsburgh. Tommy Rees seems to have won the quarterback job and settled the Irish offense. Purdue, which often plays Notre Dame tough, has two wins over inferior opponents as well as a shock 24-22 loss to Rice.

Fun fact: Notre Dame has one of the five most difficult schedules in all of college football. Purdue's is rated 181st. 

Sunday Oct 2, 11:07 am, ESPN, Nebraska (4-0) @ Wisconsin (4-0)

Why watch: To see 77,000 people all wearing red.

The scoop: This is the week's Super Bowl, featuring two unbeaten teams, both with aspirations of making the BCS title game. Until this year, Nebraska was in the Big 12 conference and they'll get a taste of what Big Ten football in Madison, Wisconsin has to offer. Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez is dynamic, but erratic and the Cornhuskers have looked ordinary at times despite their 4-0 record. Wisconsin has been energized by quarterback Russell Wilson, who transferred from NC State. The Badgers love to run the ball behind a huge offensive line, and have been dominant against less-than-stellar opposition.

Fun fact: This weekend, Madison is also hosting the 41st annual Great Midwest Marijuana Harvest Festival.