7 College Showdowns to Shape Season

Michigan quarterback Chad Henne warms up before the start of the football game against Vanderbilt at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2006. No. 2 Notre Dame takes on No. 11 Michigan, one seven games that match ranked teams against each other on Saturday. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) (Carlos Osorio - AP)

-- Seven games, 14 ranked teams, one beautiful day of football.

Since The Associated Press media poll started ranking the top 25 teams in 1989, there has only been one day _ Oct. 16, 1993 _ when more ranked teams squared off.

The showdown-filled Saturday will shape the national championship race, validate some teams as contenders and expose others as pretenders. Stars _ maybe even a few Heisman Trophy candidates _ will emerge. The pressure will cook some coaches and grant others a reprieve _ at least for a week or so.

No. 11 Michigan at No. 2 Notre Dame

What's at stake: The Fighting Irish have won two straight against Michigan and three in a row against the Wolverines in South Bend. Michigan hasn't won a road opener in six years.

What's really at stake: Michigan's pride and place among the nation's elite.

The pressure is on: Michigan coach Lloyd Carr. He's won a national title, but he hasn't beat Ohio State and Notre Dame lately.

The key: The Michigan running game with RBs Michael Hart and Kevin Grady must keep the pressure off QB Chad Henne.

The quote: "They're not coming up here hoping to win, they're come up here expecting to win. We wouldn't expect anything less from a Michigan team that we have a great respect for." _ Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis.

No. 6 LSU at No. 3 Auburn

What's at stake: The winner has earned the SEC West title four of the last five years.

What's really at stake: Both teams have legitimate national title hopes, but Auburn's toughest remaining games are at home against Florida and Georgia. LSU must go to Florida and Tennessee.