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Last week's series of wild finishes a tough act to follow

Updated 10/26/2006 11:18 AM ET E-mail | Save | Print | Subscribe to stories like this  

 

Enlarge By Phil Coale, AP

Florida quarterback Chris Leak will try to avoid big hits against the Georgia defense.

Whomever wrote "It's always darkest before the dawn" must have been a college football fan. How else do you explain all the wild finishes that seemed to be in abundance last Saturday?

There were great plays under pressure, lucky bounces and season-saving endings. Many fans likely turned their televisions off in exhilaration or disgust only to find out later that they missed the wild endings.

In case you happened to be one of those with an itchy trigger finger on your remote, here's a recap of some of the highlights:

Northwestern 38, Michigan State 3, 9:47 remaining in third quarter.

The Spartans scored five touchdowns, then kicked a field goal in the final minute to stage the largest comeback in Division I-A history.

UCLA 17, Notre Dame 13, 1:02 remaining

Three plays and 80 yards later, the Irish are in the end zone and have a win to save their BCS hopes.

Nebraska 20, Texas 19, 2:23 remaining

Nebraska quarterback Zac Taylor completes a pass for a game-clinching first down, but Terrence Nunn fumbles, setting up Texas to kick a game-winning field goal in the final seconds.

California 31, Washington 24 with 6 seconds remaining

With the ball on the Cal 40. Carl Bonnell's Hail Mary pass is tipped to Marlon Wood at the goal line and the Huskies force overtime. The Bears rebound from the stunning play and win in the first extra period.

Oklahoma State 27, Texas A&M 20 with 1:40 remaining

The Aggies convert fourth-and-13 on their own 32 and score to tie the game. After the Cowboys match Texas A&M's touchdown in overtime, they miss the extra point and lose 34-33.

The lesson from the dizzying day should teach you the next time you pull up your chair or lay down on your couch to watch a game, be prepared to stay a while.

No. 1 Ohio State vs. Minnesota, 3:30 p.m.

After blocking a field goal in the final minute to salvage a win against North Dakota State, the Golden Gophers now have the joy of playing at the nation's top-ranked team. Look for Troy Smith to pad his already impressive Heisman credentials. Ohio State 40, Minnesota 10.

No. 2 Southern California at Oregon State, 3:30 p.m.

Where have you gone, Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart? Five straight wins with 28 points or less lets you know that this year's Trojans are content to grind out wins with a nondescript offense and an opportunistic defense. Southern California 27, Oregon State 16.

No. 3 Michigan vs. Northwestern, noon

It still is October, but it has already been a long season for Northwestern with the death of their coach before the first game and a 2-6 record that includes squandering the biggest lead in Division I-A history. Their resiliency will be tested this week in Ann Arbor. Michigan 38, Northwestern 14.

No. 5 Texas at Texas Tech, 7 p.m.

Even though it wasn't pretty, the Longhorns escaped Nebraska with their Big 12 win streak intact at 19 games. There will be another close one this week as the Texas defense, which is tied for the conference lead in sacks, faces off against the high-powered Red Raiders offense and an improving Graham Harrell. Texas 28, Texas Tech 24.

No. 7 Auburn at Mississippi, 12:30 p.m.

As the Tigers continue to battle injuries in the backfield, the emergence of true freshman Ben Tate has to make Tommy Tuberville feel good. What won't make the Auburn coach feel good is if his team takes the improving Rebels lightly. Auburn 27, Mississippi 13.

No. 8 Florida vs. No. 25 Georgia, 3:30 p.m.

How bad has it gotten for the Bulldogs? Even though they're hanging on to the tail of the Top 25, Mark Richt's bunch is a 14-point underdog to Florida on a neutral site formerly known as the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. Things won't change much in Jacksonville this year, however, with another close game and plenty of drinks to go around. Florida 21, Georgia 16.

No. 9 Tennessee at South Carolina, 7:45 p.m.

The "friendly" rivalry between Steve Spurrier and Phil Fulmer was left smoldering while the former was in the NFL for two seasons. But after the Gamecocks left Knoxville with a win last year, Spurrier is back to tweaking the Vols. Fulmer will be happy to get the last laugh and leave the field Saturday night with a victory. Tennessee 20, South Carolina 17.

No. 10 Notre Dame vs. Navy, noon

Had the Midshipmen not lost starting quarterback Brian Hampton, they would have had a great opportunity to end their 42-game losing streak to the Irish. Notre Dame won't complain about an easier-than-expected game after needing last week's heroics against UCLA. Notre Dame 35, Navy 20.

No. 11 Clemson at Virginia Tech, 7:30 p.m. (Thursday)

It has to be a rare circumstance to pick against the Hokies at home on Thursday. This is not the same Virginia Tech we have seen in recent years. Meanwhile, the Tigers are dominating the ACC and know this is the last major hurdle in their chase for the division title. Clemson 24, Virginia Tech 17.

No. 14 Arkansas vs. Louisiana-Monroe, 7 p.m.

This is the last chance for the Razorbacks to catch their breath before the final four games in the SEC determine the success of their season. Arkansas 40, Louisiana-Monroe 10.

No. 15 Boise State vs. Fresno State, 8 p.m. (Tuesday)

This was supposed to be the Game of the Year in the WAC before Fresno State floundered. On a six-game losing streak after a season-opening win against Nevada, the Bulldogs can only play spoiler as the Broncos take aim at the BCS. Boise State 38, Fresno State 21.

No. 16 Rutgers vs. Connecticut, 8 p.m. (Sunday)

Their impressive win against Pittsburgh silenced the Scarlet Knights' doubters, including the one with the picture at the top of this page. You now have to consider Greg Schiano's team as a serious threat to both West Virginia and Louisville. Rutgers 31, Connecticut 9.

No. 17 Boston College vs. Buffalo, 1 p.m.

In normal circumstances coming down from their win at Florida State would be a concern for the Eagles. No rough landing this week as the Bulls are struggling after starting the season with some promise. Boston College 42, Buffalo 10.

No. 18 Wisconsin vs. Illinois, noon

You won't hear Brett Bielema's name mentioned among the candidates for coach of the year. All he has done in his first year as Barry Alvarez's replacement is lead the one-loss Badgers into the Top 25 on the strength of four straight wins in the Big Ten by an average margin of 31 points per game. Wisconsin 30, Illinois 16.

No. 19 Oklahoma at No. 23 Missouri, noon

It is time for the team from the Show Me State to show what they're made of. The Tigers split games at Texas Tech and Texas A&M earlier this month. That was nice. Let's see them get it done against the Sooners. Oklahoma 21, Missouri 20.

No. 20 Nebraska at Oklahoma State, 3:30 p.m.

You never know what will happen when you mix two teams coming off heartbreaking losses. Don't be surprised if the Cowboys have a bit more in the tank playing at home and the Huskers, who have not beaten a team with a winning record, are sent back to Lincoln with a loss. Oklahoma State 24, Nebraska 23.

No. 21 Georgia Tech vs. Miami, 3:30 p.m.

Suspensions or no suspensions, the Hurricanes had no business needing a late interception to beat Duke. Amazingly, Miami still controls its own destiny in the ACC Coastal. And a win in Atlanta would go a long way toward saving Larry Coker, who might have been fired on the spot if his team fell to the Blue Devils last week. Georgia Tech 23, Miami 14.

No. 22 Texas A&M at Baylor, 7 p.m.

With three conference wins, the Bears have already achieved their best finish in the Big 12. Next on the list of goals is a bowl game for the first time since 1994. The Aggies, too, are having a rebirth. A win against Baylor is key this week to keep the momentum going with Oklahoma, Nebraska and Texas looming in the final three weeks. Texas A&M 28, Baylor 20.

No. 24 Oregon vs. Portland State, 7 p.m.

A good chance for the Ducks to lick their wounds and get healthy after a turnover-laden loss at Washington State. Oregon 45, Portland State 12.

Last week's record: 15-5 (11-9)

Season record: 133-30 (72-75-2)

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