How much is reputation worth in college football?

According to the “human” and “computer” rankings that the Bowl Championship Series uses, the answer is quite a lot.

Mark Edwards Sports Editor

Florida is No. 1 across the board to human voters, but the computers put the Gators at No. 2. Ohio State is ranked at least No. 17 in the human polls, but No. 23 on the computers.

According to the computers, Iowa is No. 1 and Oregon No. 6, while the human polls have the Hawkeyes no higher than seventh and the Ducks no better than No. 10.

It’s worth noting this reputation vs. accomplishment argument, because Southern California (6-1) will play at Oregon (6-1) on Saturday, and the Pac-10 title likely hangs in the balance.

Should we go with reputation over accomplishment? In this case, neither. Instead, let’s consider that Oregon is at home and better at creating turnovers. Otherwise, the two teams are amazingly well-matched statistically. ... Oregon 21, Southern California 20.

No. 24 Ole Miss (5-2) at Auburn (5-3): Typically, we start this picks column with a game involving Alabama or Auburn.

We didn’t this week, partly because of the Tigers’ free fall. It will end eventually, but for now, Auburn is showing how little talent former head coach Tommy Tuberville left behind. It’s not necessarily current coach Gene Chizik’s fault the team has fallen off so badly.

In fact, it’s a minor surprise he has managed a 5-3 record out of this group.

This week, Auburn is facing a good defense that hasn’t allowed more than 17 points to anybody this year, other than Alabama, and the Crimson Tide managed only five field goals and a touchdown. The Tigers rank 19th in the nation in total offense, but that doesn’t reflect what kind of team they are today. ... Ole Miss 20, Auburn 13.

No. 1 Florida (7-0) vs. Georgia (4-3): Instead of recounting all the statistics for you, let’s just boil it down to this — Florida is ranked extremely high in all categories, except passing offense, while Georgia is mediocre in everything, except net punting.

Florida coach Urban Meyer is 12-1 against Georgia, Tennessee and Florida State, with the lone loss coming to Georgia in 2007. ... Florida 28, Georgia 14.

Mississippi State (3-5) at Kentucky (4-3): Kentucky’s losses have come to ranked teams — Florida, Alabama and South Carolina. ... Kentucky 24, Mississippi State 20.

No. 11 Georgia Tech (7-1) at Vanderbilt (2-6): The Commodores have started seven freshmen this season. Tech is aiming for its sixth straight win for the first time since 2000. ... Georgia Tech 29, Vanderbilt 17.

No. 21 South Carolina (6-2) at Tennessee (3-4): The Gamecocks are 1-13 against Tennessee in Knoxville, with the lone victory coming in 2005. South Carolina also beat the Vols in 2008 at home. ... Tennessee 20, South Carolina 16.

Tulane (2-5) at No. 9 LSU (6-1): Warmup game for the Bengal Tigers before facing the Crimson Tide on Nov. 7. ... LSU 42, Tulane 7.

No. 3 Texas (7-0) at No. 13 Oklahoma State (6-1): The Longhorns are ranked first in the nation in scoring offense and No. 2 in total defense, while OSU may be a little overrated. By far the Cowboys’ most impressive win is a home victory over Georgia in the season opener. ... Texas 30, Oklahoma State 17.

Alabama State (3-3) vs. Alabama A&M (4-3): Alabama A&M has won four straight in this series. ... Alabama A&M 28, Alabama State 21.

West Virginia (6-1) at South Florida (5-2): Without the loss to Auburn, West Virginia would remain a darkhorse in the national championship race. As it is, the Mountaineers are in the Big East race, as one of three teams without a league loss. Cincinnati and Pittsburgh are the others. ... South Florida 24, West Virginia 22.

Last week: 10-0.

Overall: 67-13.