It’s an exciting time to be a college football fan, especially in the South.

After a couple well-played teasers – Texas vs. Texas Tech and Kansas State vs. Iowa State – Big 12 Conference play hits full swing this week. And the slate of league games gets a rousing introduction as, within the hour, Missouri and Nebraska will square off in prime-time, top-25 matchup.

Things also are cranking up in the loaded SEC, which has three teams in the top 5. Two of those squads will play each other on Saturday, and the other (Alabama) faces a team (Mississippi) that was in the top four only two weeks ago.

Here’s how I see it all playing out, with all times Central and all games except Mizzou-Nebraska on Saturday. I went 11-7 last week – my worst record of the year – but am sitting at 60-30 for the season.

No. 21 Nebraska (3-1) at No. 24 Missouri, 8 p.m. Thursday, ESPN: This game will a go a long way toward deciding the North Division champ. The Tigers have owned the Cornhuskers recently – winning the last two meetings 93-23 – but that trend will stop on a rainy night at Faurot Field. … Nebraska 24-17.

No. 17 Auburn (5-0, 2-0 SEC) at Arkansas (2-2, 0-2), 11 a.m., ESPN: The Razorbacks got a much-needed confidence boost with last week’s roasting of Texas A&M, but they be able to slow down former Red Raider Chris Todd and the hard-charging Tigers. … Auburn 28-20.

Boston College (4-1, 2-1 ACC) at No. 5 Virginia Tech (4-1, 2-0), 11 a.m.: The Eagles might be the best team in the Atlantic Division, but the Hokies are easily the cream of the ACC’s crop. Look for them to roll to their fifth straight victory. … Virginia Tech 35-21.

Georgia (3-2, 2-1 SEC) at Tennessee (2-3, 0-2), 11:21 a.m.: The Bulldogs are coming off a heartbreaking loss to LSU that was marred by a pair of questionable excessive-celebration penalties at the end, while the Volunteers keep suffering close losses. I think Lane Kiffin’s team will finally break through this time, but just barely. … Tennessee 24-23.

No. 15 Oklahoma State (3-1) at Texas A&M (3-1), 11:30 a.m.: The Aggies got knocked back to Earth by Arkansas last week, but the Cowboys might be reeling even more after losing star receiver Dez Bryant. Can A&M make a statement to the rest of the South Division and send the Pokes spiraling? Yes, but only because they’re playing at Kyle Field. … A&M 35-31.

Houston (3-1) at Mississippi State (2-3), 11:30 a.m.: With a stunning – and ugly – loss at UTEP last week, the Cougars saw their hopes of an undefeated season ruined. If they win Saturday, though, they’ll be 3-0 against the Big 12 and SEC. … Houston 42-28.

Iowa State (3-2, 0-1 Big 12) at No. 16 Kansas (4-0, 0-0), 11:30 a.m.: If the Cyclones can’t beat Kansas State, they don’t have a chance against the best team in the Sunflower State. Look for the Jayhawks  to  dominate from start to finish. …  Kansas 55-24.

No. 3 Alabama (5-0, 2-0 SEC) at No. 20 Mississippi (3-1, 1-1), 2:30 p.m., CBS: The Crimson Tide have been rock solid so far, while the Rebels have underachieved.  But I have a feeling everything will be turned upside down in the Grove. … Ole Miss 28-24.

Wisconsin (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten) at No. 9 Ohio State (4-1, 2-0), 2:30 p.m., ABC: Can you believe the Badgers are one of only two undefeated teams in the Big Ten? They won’t be for long, though, because the Buckeyes will double them up in this battle for first place. … Ohio State 34-17.

Baylor (3-1) at No. 19 Oklahoma (2-2), 2:30 p.m., ABC: With Bears QB Robert Griffin out of the equation, about the only suspense in this one is whether Sam Bradford will play for the Sooners. I don’t think he will, and I don’t think it will matter, either. … OU 45-14.

Connecticut (3-1) at Pittsburgh (4-1, 1-0 Big East), 2:30 p.m., ABC: The Big East is much better on the basketball court than it is on the gridiron, but this could be one the week’s more exciting games. And the winner gets to stay hot on Cincinnati’s trail. … Pitt 31-28.

Stanford (4-1, 3-0 Pac-10) at Oregon State (3-2, 1-1), 6 p.m.: The Cardinal have quietly climbed to the top of the Pac-10 standings, while the Beavers have been just plain quiet after somewhat of a breakthrough season a year ago. … Stanford 33-24.

Kansas State (3-2, 1-0 Big 12) at Texas Tech (3-2, 0-1), 6 p.m., FSN: Can Steven Sheffield build on his impressive performance last week as he makes his first career start? The more important question might be, can the Red Raiders’ offensive line keep him upright? Against the rebuilding Wildcats, the answer to both questions is yes. … Tech 38-17.

Colorado (1-3) at No. 2 Texas (4-0, 1-0 Big 12), 6:15 p.m., ESPN: The Buffaloes have looked a little better since being blown out in each of their first two games, but they don’t have to horses to run with the Longhorns, who have a much greater challenge in Dallas next week. … Texas 44-10.

No. 10 TCU (4-0) at Air Force (3-2, 2-0 Mountain West), 6:30 p.m.: The Falcons have jumped out to an early lead in the conference race, but they’re about to face the team that likely will win the league. The Horned Frogs, who are playing their conference opener, are the only unbeaten team in the MWC. … TCU 31-13.

No. 1 Florida (4-0, 2-0 SEC) at No. 4 LSU (5-0, 3-0), 7 p.m., CBS: In what could be a preview of the SEC title game, the Gators and Tigers go toe-to-toe in what figures to be the best game of the week and possibly the season. With Tim Tebow’s status in question, and with the game in Baton Rouge, I like the Tigers to take down the defending champs. … LSU 23-20.

East Carolina (3-2, 2-0 Conference USA) at SMU (2-2, 1-0), 7 p.m.: Is June Jones in the midst of a breakthrough season in his second year with the Mustangs? If they can beat the Pirates, who sit atop the East Division, I’ll say yes. … SMU 35-34.

Michigan (4-1, 1-1 Big Ten) at No. 12 Iowa (5-0, 1-0), 7:05 p.m., ABC: The Wolverines’ fast start was halted by rival Michigan State last week, while the undefeated Hawkeyes seem to get better each time out. I’ll take Iowa at home, but not by much. …  Iowa 21-20.

Let the games begin!