Feature game: Stanford (7-0) at USC (6-1), Sunday Oct 30, 11:07 am, ESPN.

I was fortunate to attend Stanford at the same time as John Elway. Long before the NFL Hall of Fame quarterback was leading the Denver Broncos to back-to-back Super Bowls, we were in awe of his rifle arm, incredible scrambling ability and astute decision-making in the heat of battle.

I bring up Elway because there hasn't been a quarterback at Stanford (or anywhere for that matter) as talked about as current Cardinal quarterback Andrew Luck. This is a school known for quarterbacks - Heisman Trophy and Super Bowl winner Jim Plunkett, T-Formation pioneer Frankie Albert and 49er legend John Brodie are the best known - but even among the greats, Luck is something special.

Already considered the consensus number one NFL draft pick by most experts, Luck has led Stanford to lofty heights. Last year the Cardinal went 12-1 and finished up with a 40-12 demolition of Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl. This year, the Luck-led Cardinal is 7-0 and among the nation's best teams.

That brings us to this week. Stanford will face its toughest challenge so far when it travels to the Los Angeles Coliseum to play USC. The Trojans, although they are on NCAA probation, have no shortage of talent. Matt Barkley is one of the best quarterbacks in the country, Robert Woods is a superb receiver and the SC defense will probably be the best Luck has seen this season.

This promises to be a competitive, high-scoring game, with two quarterbacks who should have good NFL careers. USC dominated Stanford for years but the Cardinal has won three of the last four matchups. Stanford is a 7.5 point favourite at TAB Sportsbet.

Week Nine TV Guide: Other games to watch

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

Why watch: One of these teams will most likely fall out of contention for the Big Ten title. Michigan State is coming off a last-second, miraculous win over Wisconsin that featured a Hail Mary pass and a video review. The Spartans' defense has been superb, forcing Wisconsin's Russell Wilson and Michigan's Denard Robinson into their worst games of the season. That doesn't bode well for Nebraska's erratic quarterback Taylor Martinez.

Sunday Oct 30, 6:30 am, ESPN 2, Oklahoma (6-1) @ Kansas State (7-0)

Why watch: This match-up got a lot more interesting after Oklahoma's stunning loss to Texas Tech last week. A Kansas State win could put the Wildcats in position to win the Big 12, which would be nothing short of remarkable. But Kansas State has not faced an opponent of Oklahoma's caliber, and the Sooners haven't lost two straight league games since 1998.

Sunday Oct 30, 11 am, ESPN 2, Wisconsin (6-1) @ Ohio State (4-3)

Why watch: Wisconsin was shell-shocked by a last second Michigan State touchdown last week. It most likely means the Badgers won't be playing in the BCS title game. But this is still a very good football team and they'll be looking to get back in the win column against an Ohio State team having one of its worst seasons in years.