Hello Hokies!

Like many of you, I was a little too excited about our beloved Gobblers this weekend to care much about the other big games. There was plenty of great football played this Saturday though, so let’s get to it…

For the first time in 30 games, Florida lost at home: the famed and feared "Swamp". The Crimson Tide put up nearly 450 yards in total offense, as did the Gators. The big factor in the game, however, was time of possession. Alabama held the ball for over 40 minutes, while Florida only saw 18 minutes of offense. The Gator defense was simply too worn out to stop ‘Bama QB Andrew Zow and star player Shaun Alexander.

Late in the fourth quarter, a touchdown behind Florida, Alabama was forced to punt the ball away. As luck would have it, Gator return man Darrell Jackson dropped the catch and the Tide recovered the loose ball; giving Alabama exceptional field position and a final shot at tying the game. The Gator defense once again held ‘Bama for three downs, but on a fourth-and-two run, Alexander bowled over the line and carried the ball into the end zone. The PAT was good, and the contest headed to overtime.

Florida scored relatively easily on their possession, but missed the crucial point-after kick. Alabama answered right back with another long touchdown run from Alexander. Ironically, the Tide missed their kick as well…but an offsides penalty, compliments of the Florida defensive line, gave kicker Chris Kemp a shot at redemption. He wouldn’t miss a second time…

Those who have read this column for the last couple of weeks know that I have been pretty harsh on Alabama. Perhaps I was a little too quick to judge, because it seems as if the Tide has turned their season around tremendously. But before I give them too much credit, I will say that the Gators lost this game. Alabama was kept in the contest on a number of Florida mistakes…the muffed punt catch, the missed extra point, the critical offsides penalty…

Alabama did have a great game; they played with tons of heart, and Shaun Alexander was simply awesome. Their win made them a force to be reckoned with in the SEC and delivered a huge blow to Florida’s National Championship hopes.

I loved to hear the post-game quote from the biggest jerk in college football: "They’re still hollering out there and we’re in here crying." – Florida coach Steve Spurrier.

Overall performance: Florida – C+…Alabama – A-

To be honest, this one surprised me. I thought Michigan was overrated and Purdue would prove so on Saturday (either by winning or at least keeping it close). The Wolverines, apparently settling on QB Tom Brady, looked pretty damn good…shutting down Drew Brees and the Boilermaker offense. They now (deservedly) take over Florida’s #3 spot with an impressive offense and a stingy defense. I think it’ll be tough for the Wolverines to run the table; they still have quite a few strong teams left on their schedule (including Mich. State next). Time will tell, but I don’t see it happening.

Overall performance: Michigan – A…Purdue – C

I really didn’t know what to think of the Aggies so far this year. They had a huge win a few weeks ago against Tulsa, but struggled a bit offensively against Southern Mississippi last Saturday. Texas Tech may have proved this week that A&M was a little bit overrated. There is plenty of time left in the season, so we shall see if the Aggies have what it takes to stay in the Top Ten.

Overall performance: Texas A&M – C…Texas Tech – B+

I made the short trip up to Athens for this game and was able to witness first-hand just how bad the Dawgs are. For the second straight week, Georgia is somehow able to blow a loss to an inferior team. The Bulldogs had numerous chances to put this one in the books, but gave LSU tons of opportunities to come back. The Tigers, who weren’t exactly playing great football themselves, eventually scored with 18 seconds left in the contest. They elected to go for the win with a two point conversion (good call, I think…it’s not like they had much to lose). The pass was blocked and Georgia was somehow able to run out the remaining couple of seconds. They move to 4-0 and earn the distinction of being the worst undefeated team in the NCAA. OK, so maybe I’m being overly critical and a little bit cruel, but take into consideration what I am subjected to here in Atlanta. The fact that UGA fans actually considered Quincy Carter to be a Heisman candidate pretty much sums it up…

Overall performance: Georgia – D…LSU – D

I didn’t see but a few minutes of this game, so I can’t comment too much. I am quite impressed (surprised?) with the ‘Cuse so far this season. They have obviously been playing great football…their only loss was a close one to Michigan. I thought that the Orangemen would struggle this year without star QB McNabb, but their offense has been fairly productive…and their defense is very strong. Homecoming this year in Blacksburg is sure to be interesting (to say the least). Congrats to kicker Nate Trout on becoming Syracuse’s all time scoring leader.

Overall performance: Syracuse – A-…Tulane - C

Last week I said that the Buckeyes were overrated (told you so!). They already have two losses…and they still have to play Michigan. I might be surprised if they even finish in the Top 20 this season.

Hey, since Notre Dame won, are they going to regain their spot in the Top 25?!?!? Big deal…the Irish still have three losses and they still stink!

I don’t think the ‘Noles can be beat. And after seeing Warrick have yet another huge performance, I think he’s a lock for the Heisman.

Nebraska. Yea…they’re pretty good.

After last week’s nail-biter against Memphis, the Vols come back with a pretty convincing victory.

Texas seems to have a different team every week. After annihilating Baylor last week, they can’t seem to get it done on offense against the Wildcats.

Hey, the Spartans are looking tough! I’m excited to see how they match up with Michigan next week…

Quote of the Week: "…I guess I might have been too relaxed" – Alabama kicker Chris Kemp on missing his first attempt at a game-winning extra point. Too relaxed?!?!? This guy was too nervous and he choked. Thanks to the boneheads on Florida’s defensive line, he got a second chance.

Best Overall Performance – Offense: Shaun Alexander – Alabama. 94 yards receiving and 106 yards rushing, including a 25 yard overtime TD run.

Best Overall Performance – Defense: Deon Grant – Tennessee. Grant intercepted three passes, one of which came on the first play of the game and was returned for a touchdown.

Best Performance in a Losing Effort: Jasper Sanks – Georgia. Jasper had 156 yards rushing. Wait…the Dawgs won. It was still a losing effort.

Best Supporting Cast: Mississippi State defense. The Bulldogs move to 5-0, holding Vandy to 150 yards in offense and causing three turnovers.

The LaVar Arrington Sportsmanship Award: Virginia fans. They taunted Tech before the game…got their butts’ whooped…and STILL think they are better than us! I hate DSU.

Most Likely to Give Tech a Tough Game: Obviously Syracuse is going to be a test for the Hokies. One team I think we should pay close attention to is BC. They are undefeated and have moved up a couple of positions in the polls. Granted, they haven’t beaten anybody special, but they apparently have some talent and could give us a run for our money.

Best Hit: Todd Howard – Michigan. His hit on Purdue’s Larry Shyne was incredible. I’d recommend you check it out for yourself: http://espn.go.com/ncf/video_991002.html

Final Thoughts:

Florida proved this weekend that the Top Five aren’t invincible (that includes the Hokies now, folks!). The competition is definitely heating up…as many teams with early season weaknesses have improved and are making strong cases for the top positions. VT looked better than ever Saturday night, and I think they can only get tougher. There is a lot of season left for everyone, but everything seems to be shaping up quite nicely…and all signs point to even more exciting football in the coming weeks.

Well, that’ll ‘bout do it for me.

Take care y’all…and as always….

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOKIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!