In a battle of the Big Ten unbeatens, Michigan State utilized their offensive talents to overcome the mighty Wolverines of Michigan. Duo Bill Burke and Plaxico Burress had record-setting performances – connecting on ten passes for 255 yards and a touchdown. Burke finished the game with 400 total yards, completing 21 of 36 attempts. While the offense was certainly spectacular, the Spartans had a lot of help from their stingy defense. Michigan tried to run 21 times during the game and finished with merely six rushing yards. The Wolverines continued juggling quarterbacks, going back and forth between Drew Henson and Tom Brady. Henson started strong, but was replaced by Brady after throwing an interception that led to a Michigan State touchdown. Brady staged somewhat of a dramatic comeback in the fourth quarter with three touchdown drives. Down by a field goal with less than three minutes remaining, the Wolverines attempted an onsides kick. The Spartans were able to recover the kick and run out the clock – securing the upset and adding to their perfect record.

This was an all-around great game. I said last week that Michigan was going to have a tough time running the table – not necessarily due to lack of talent, but because they had such a rough schedule. Michigan State proved my point…and looked really good doing so. The Spartans move to 6-0 and break into the Top Ten…and with such great offensive potential in Burress and Burke, they could be trouble. They do have a couple of big hurdles left in the season (i.e. Penn State), but they definitely have what it takes to finish with a perfect record. Michigan’s title hopes are quickly fading, as they have yet to face Penn State and rival Ohio State. This may not be the last loss that the Wolverines see this season…

Overall performance: Michigan State – A-…Michigan – B+

Georgia came into this contest 4-0…a very bad 4-0. The Dawgs had won their last two games (against mediocre teams) by a margin of two points. Luck played a big part in both of those wins, but luck eventually runs out. Tennessee continues its dominance over Georgia, running all over the Bulldogs for the ninth straight year. Tee Martin had a stellar performance with 238 yards on 21 completions in three quarters of work. The slightly biased Atlanta Journal-Constitution states "despite the loss, Georgia’s SEC title hopes are not eliminated". Well, not officially eliminated, but the last time I checked, the Dawgs still have to play Florida. And, I’d be willing to bet they lose to Auburn as well…

Tennessee moves to 4-1, their lone loss to the Florida Gators. The Vols are looking pretty tough, perhaps that one set-back won’t be such a blemish at the end of the season.

Overall performance: Tennessee – B+…Georgia – C-

With Peter Warrick’s troubles down in Tallahassee, Joe Hamilton had the chance to "steal" the Heisman spotlight Saturday night against the Tar Heels. The Heels managed to keep this one close, thanks to Hamilton’s two fumbles and two interceptions…not exactly a Heisman-worthy performance. Despite the turnovers, Hamilton threw for 273 yards…connecting on two touchdowns and running in the game-winner. The Yellowjackets narrowly escape the upset and move to 4-1.

Overall performance: Georgia Tech – C…UNC – C+

What a week it has been for the Seminoles. With star player and Heisman front-runner Peter Warrick out on felony charges, I thought for sure this game had upset written all over it. FSU proved that it is deeper than one man and rightfully retained its spot as the number one team in the nation. Seminole QB Chris Weinke had a superb game – completing two touchdown passes and throwing for nearly 350 yards. After seeing this team bounce back from their legal problems in such a convincing fashion, I still don’t think FSU can be beat…with or without Warrick. The only roadblock between the ‘Noles and a trip to New Orleans is Florida. That’ll be a great contest, but I see the Gators losing in the Swamp for a second time this year.

Miami, despite losing their third straight game, looked pretty decent. Kenny Kelly and Santana Moss connected twice for two touchdowns and kept the contest close. I’m anxious to see how the Hokie D stacks up against these guys…

Overall performance: Felony Shoppers University – A-…Miami – B

Looks like I was giving Purdue a little too much credit lately. Ohio State will try and make it two in a row when they travel to Penn State next week. Not likely…

Darkhorse East Carolina’s run at perfection comes to an end. That’s too bad…I really did like these guys.

Everybody gives the BIG EAST a hard time, but the Pac-10 is a joke. USC will try to bounce back next week against the Irish of Notre Dame. THAT will be exciting (please note sarcasm).

Of all the unbeatens left, I think Penn State is the most likely to lose one.

The Husker defense is tough, and the team can obviously put up some points. They’re pretty damn good…

Steve Spurrier said "this could be one of the most undisciplined teams we’ve ever had…" The Gators won…big. What a jerk that guy is.

The Wildcats are looking tough…are they that good or is Kansas that bad?

Don’t look now, but the Bulldogs are undefeated. The question is, can they keep it that way?

"We screwed up every way we could, but I guess four wrongs makes a right," – Duke coach Carl Franks on his team’s win over Virginia. A special thanks to DSU for helping out the Hokies on SOS. Punks.

Like I said before, I’d like to avoid giving these awards to Tech players…but I just can’t resist this week. Michael Vick looked amazing – throwing for 4 touchdowns and rushing for one. Vick is the man.

Michael Jameson – Texas A&M. Jameson had a interception return for a touchdown and blocked a punt.

Santana Moss – Miami. Moss had nine catches for 180 yards and two touchdowns.

Penn State Defense. The Lions twice stopped Iowa on the one-yard line as the Hawkeye’s tried to keep the game close.

I didn’t see any blatant displays of poor sportsmanship this week. Maybe I’ll give it to Peter Warrick because he’s such a bonehead.

Last week I said that BC might be a tough one. Well, they lost to Temple this weekend and suddenly don’t look like much of a threat anymore. I’ll go back to saying that Miami is going to be a huge test. Their offense looks great.

To see what I mean about Miami’s offense, check out the Kenny Kelly/Santana Moss play:

http://espn.go.com/ncf/video_991009.html

For the second straight week, a Top Five powerhouse falls…giving a lot of help to the Hokies. As I watch these games, I wonder how VT would stack up against these elite teams that seem to have a permanent position in the Top Ten. I honestly think we can hang. I have observed that most of these teams rely on a high-powered offense, as their defenses tend to give up quite a few points. I’m confident that the Hokie D can shut down or at least contain most of these offenses…and with our own offensive improvements, Tech can play with the big boys. Hopefully we’ll get our chance in New Orleans…

Take care y’all…and as always….

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

-- Drew Jacobs

Drew Jacobs graduated from Tech in 1998 with a Marketing degree and is employed as a Marketing Communications Specialist with Videoconferencing Systems, Inc., where he serves, among other things, as the company's webmaster.