Fast Forward

? Virginia Tech (6-0) at Syracuse (3-3)
Hokies coach Frank Beamer has won 17 consecutive regular-season games and three of the last five Big East Conference titles. But he's 0-5 in the Carrier Dome. This year Syracuse is stout defensively, and Virginia Tech quarterback Michael Vick, a slow starter all season, had best not spot the Orange a first-half lead. No stadium gets loud more quickly than the Dome. The Hokies will hear an earful before they pull away.

? Alabama (3-3) at Tennessee (2-3)
Crimson Tide coach Mike DuBose took advantage of the bye week before last Saturday night's 45-7 rout of Ole Miss to increase what he called "fundamental" work, which is coachspeak for contact. Alabama's tackling improved tremendously against the Rebels. The Volunteers have won five straight games against the Tide. Their winning streak won't extend to six.

? Arizona (5-1) at Oregon (5-1)
In a game between the only two teams unbeaten in Pac-10 play, the Ducks have a lot going for them. Their 18-game home winning streak is second only to Florida State's 31-game streak, and Wildcats coach Dick Tomey is 0-4 at Autzen Stadium. In recent years Oregon has been susceptible to midseason slumps, caused largely by injuries. These Ducks are healthy. They will extend their streak and take sole possession of first place in the Pac-10.