Go Tigers! Hook ‘em ‘Horns! Drew Brees is the man! With the Hokies off this week, I found myself cheering like mad for the big boys to fall. It was a great weekend of college football…some great games, close calls, and shocking upsets. Let’s have a look….

For the third straight year, Texas ousted powerful Nebraska, putting a serious dent in the Cornhusker’s hopes for a national title. Turnovers seemed to be the key to this game, as Nebraska gave up the ball three times. The most costly – a fumble on the Texas one yard line in the fourth quarter, sacrificing a much needed touchdown.

With a little less than eight minutes left to play, Longhorn hero Major Applewhite and his team were faced with a three point deficit and 60 yards to the end zone. Four plays later, tight end Mike Jones caught an Applewhite pass and barreled in for the dramatic touchdown. Texas was able to stop Nebraska on the ‘Huskers following drive, forcing the turnover on downs. Nebraska, with no timeouts remaining, could do nothing as Texas ran out the final two minutes of the contest.

Texas – Virginia Tech Hokie fans everywhere thank you for your effort! This was a pretty exciting game, and I must say I was surprised with the outcome. Nebraska was much more dominant on offense that the Longhorns – outgaining them by over 150 yards. But as I mentioned earlier, turnovers were the deciding factor in this game.

There is a slight possibility that these two teams could do battle again in the Big 12 championship this year. If so, I’m not too sure Texas can pull out another victory. As for the Cornhuskers, this loss most likely knocked them out of the title hunt…not to mention they have yet to play Texas A&M and Kansas State.

Overall performance: Texas – B+…Nebraska – C+

Good ol’ Dad pulls out a nail-biter against his son’s much improved Clemson Tigers. Of all the big upset scares this weekend, this one surprised me the most. I continuously checked the score between innings of the World Series, expecting to see the Seminoles explode for a few unanswered touchdowns. The Tigers held strong though, and carried their 14-3 lead well into the second half. The Seminole defense stepped up in that second half, allowing Clemson to cross the fifty only once. Much to the chagrin of Hokie fans, Clemson’s final attempt to tie the ball game was tipped at the line. The one positive that came out of this game: the realization that FSU can be beaten.

Overall performance: FSU – C…Clemson – A-

I’m glad I’m not a Penn State fan…as I’m sure most of them have some pretty good sized ulcers about now. For the third time this season, the Lions pulled out a squeaker to preserve their perfect record. Drew Brees had a great game, but couldn’t come through in the end; with 31 seconds to play, on the PSU 12 yard line, Brees threw four straight incomplete passes. While Penn State obviously has a good team, I’m not so sure they can keep winning these close games week in and week out. They’ve had a little luck in their eight wins so far, and I honestly don’t think luck will get them past Michigan or Michigan State. At least I’m hoping it won’t.

Overall performance: PSU – B…Purdue – B

I’m not so sure what to think after this game. Miami looked awful all the way into the late third quarter, when BC just rolled over and played dead. Kenny Kelly stepped up in the fourth quarter, throwing for over 200 yards and three touchdowns. His performance late in the game proved that the Cane offense is pretty tough, though I’ve got to question a defense that gives up 28 points to Boston College.

Overall performance (first three quarters): Miami – D…Boston College – A-

(fourth quarter): Miami – A…Boston College – F

How on Earth could the Wolverines lose to the Illini? Because they stink.

For some odd reason, I thought A&M was pretty good this year. I guess I was wrong.

I can’t for the life of me figure out how the Spartans have managed to win six games so far this season. For the second straight week, they look like they belong in the Pac 10.

Vols looking impressive…

Has K-State won this year without having to stage a dramatic second half comeback? No way they keep this up all year.

The Bulldogs are undefeated. But you can’t be that good if you’re only beating LSU by a point…just ask Georgia.

Kentucky makes Georgia look pretty decent! The Dawgs still have to play Florida and Georgia Tech…and I bet they lose to Auburn as well (take note of this).

Yea…but it was Buffalo!

"Momma’s happy, I know that" – Florida State coach Bobby Bowden on his wife’s feelings towards the first ever father-son matchup.

Chad Pennington – Marshall. Pennington put up Vick-like numbers, throwing for over 300 yards and five touchdowns in less than three quarters.

Charles Grant – Georgia. Grant had three sacks and seven tackles against the Wildcats. He topped off his stellar defensive performance with two rushing touchdowns.

Drew Brees – Purdue. Brees threw for 380 yards, nearly pulling out the upset over #2 Penn State.

Texas Offensive Line. The Longhorns gave Major Applewhite plenty of help…he was not sacked all day.

Kicker – Tennessee. This guy (I believe his name is Alex Walls) had a blatant late hit on an Alabama return that wasn’t called. He was shown smiling after the play. Punk.

Knock on wood here, but I really don’t see any team in the BIG EAST that can hang with the Hokies.

Kentucky defensive end Anwar Stewart leveled Cap Burnett on a punt return block. I tried to find a video clip of this…but no luck. Trust me, it was a helluva hit.

If there is one lesson to be learned this weekend, it is that no team is invincible. In a weekend of blowouts, upsets, and nail-biting victories, it seems as if the National Championship is up for grabs. Suddenly, teams with one loss are back in the hunt…putting all the more pressure on the undefeated. And with the Hokies inching ever-so-closely to the #2 spot, I see no reason not to make reservations for New Orleans. Wishful thinking? Perhaps. But I see it more as confidence.

Take care y’all…and as always….

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

-- Drew Jacobs