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Defensive coordinator Bud Foster’s unit keeps losing starters — this week LB Bruce Taylor to a foot injury — and somehow improving. The Hokies (7-1, 3-1) are No. 13 in the nation in total defense (295 ypg). Virginia Tech is shooting for its 11th straight win over Duke, but this one might not be so easy. The Blue Devils (3-4, 1-2) are dangerous with QB Sean Renfree, who is third in the ACC in passing (257 ypg).

Georgetown at Holy Cross

When » Saturday, 1 p.m.

Where » Fitton Field, Worcester, Mass.

After beating Colgate 40-17 for the first time in nine tries, Georgetown (6-2, 2-1) has clinched its first winning season since it joined the Patriot League in 2001. Holy Cross (4-3, 2-0) is the first stumbling block in the Hoyas’ route to a conference title. The second comes Nov. 12 at Lehigh (6-1, 2-0). The Hoyas toppled the Crusaders last year 17-7. On Monday, Georgetown LB Robert McCabe was named Patriot League defensive player of the week.

South Carolina State at Howard

When » Saturday, 1 p.m.

Where » Greene Stadium

After handing N.C. A&T its first MEAC loss, Howard (4-4, 3-2) is full of confidence. Next up is perennial conference power S.C. State (4-4, 3-2), which had one MEAC loss in three years before this season. Bison freshman QB Greg McGhee was named MEAC co-rookie of the week, his third such honor this season. Howard leads the MEAC in pass defense (107.7 efficiency rating) and third-down defense (30 percent).

Delaware at Towson

When » Saturday, 7 p.m.

Where » Johnny Unitas Stadium, Towson, Md.

TV » CSN

Against perennial FCS power Delaware (4-4, 2-3), surprising Towson (6-1, 4-0) will try to remain in first place in the CAA. The Tigers travel to co-leader Maine (6-1, 4-0) next week. Towson leads the CAA in total offense (449 ypg) behind freshman RB Terrance West, who leads the league with 14 touchdowns, and QB Grant Enders. The Tigers’ defense, led by DE Frank Beltre, must deal with Delaware RB Andrew Pierce (99.6 ypg).

Top fives games to watch

5 No. 6 Clemson at Georgia Tech » Two weeks ago, this set up to be a preview of the ACC title game, but that was before Virginia and Miami solved the triple-option offense of the Yellow Jackets. Now Georgia Tech needs a win to keep its Coastal Division hopes alive. A Clemson victory would make the Tigers 9-0 for the first time since 1981, their last national championship season. (Saturday, 8 p.m., ABC)

4 No. 22 Georgia vs. Florida »

To fans, it’s still the “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party,” though host city Jacksonville has tried to distance itself from the alcoholic connotations. Resurgent Georgia (5-2, 4-1) has won five straight against unranked teams, while Florida (4-3, 2-3) has lost three in a row to ranked foes without QB John Brantley, who returns this week. (Saturday, 3:30 p.m., CBS)

3 No. 9 Michigan State at No. 13 Nebraska »

Coming off Saturday’s miraculous win over Wisconsin on a Hail Mary pass on the game’s final play, how difficult will it be for the Spartans to recapture the edge at the formidable Cornhuskers? It has been an incredible month for Michigan State with wins at Michigan and Ohio State. With a win, the Spartans can take control of the Big Ten Legends Division. (Saturday, noon, ESPN)

2 No. 11 Oklahoma at No. 10 Kansas State » It has been 13 years since Oklahoma lost two straight in the Big 12. Recovery from last week’s stunner at home to Texas Tech won’t be easy, especially at Kansas State, the rare Big 12 team that prefers the run to the pass. QB Collin Klein, who can do both, shoots for the Wildcats’ first win over the Sooners since the 2003 Big 12 title game. (Saturday, 3:30 p.m., ESPN)

1 No. 4 Stanford at USC » The Cardinal (7-0) own a nation’s-best 16-game winning streak, blasting each of their last 10 foes by at least 26 points, a feat that no other team has accomplished in the last 75 years. QB Andrew Luck is getting lots of support from the Stanford running attack. Expect the Trojans to milk the potent aerial combo of Matt Barkley and Robert Woods. (Saturday, 8 p.m.)

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