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The Race for No. 2 - Page 2

© Chuck Bednar

Georgia Tech 51, Georgia 48 -- If you missed this one, you missed one of the wildest finished in college football history. With nine seconds left in regulation, when Georgia's Jasper Sanks fumbled at Tech's 2-yard line. Despite the fact that television replays clearly showed he was down before the fumble, the Yellow Jackets recovered to force overtime.

The Bulldogs got the ball first in overtime, but failed to score. Tech drove down to the 25 and set up for a game-winning field goal try on third down. Luke Manget's 38-yard attempt was blocked, but in a head's up play, holder George Godsey, recovered the loose ball at the 21. Manget made good on the second chance, and Georgia Tech left the game with a win over their in-state rivals and a trip to the Gator Bowl.

Stanford 40, Notre Dame 37 -- This game was the Cardinal's big chance to make a statement against a so-called national powerhouse, on primetime television, before battling Wisconsin the Rose Bowl. Despite several Fighting Irish turnovers and mistakes, Stanford almost blew it. But Mike Biselli booted his fourth field goal of the game (a 22-yarder) as time ran out to give the Pac-10 team the victory. Looking for something to take away from this otherwise sloppy game? The Stanford defense surrendered 241 yards rushing to the woeful Irish. Just wait until Ron Dayne gets a hold of the game film.

West Virginia 52, Pittsburgh 21 -- The Panthers had plenty of motivation for this one. Not only was it the Backyard Brawl, but their postseason lives were on the line. But in spite of the motivation, they looked flat and lifeless as the Mountaineers rolled all over them. Marc Bulger threw four first-half touchdowns, and Avon Cobourne ran for 210 yards and three scores as West Virginia eliminated the Panthers from bowl contension. You've got to question the coaching of a team that plays so poorly when they have so much on the line, and I for one have the feeling that Walt Harris will have some questions to answer during the long offseason.

Southern 37, Grambling State 31 -- The Bayou Classic is always a classic rivalry game, and the battle of the bands is not to be missed. But there was more on the line for the Jaguars, who clinched the SWAC West title and a trip to the conference championship with the win. Backup quarterback Terrence Levy passed for two touchdowns as part of a 21-point comeback. Southern will now meet East Division champion Jackson State in the SWAC title game, held on Dec. 11 in Birmingham, Ala., while Grambling finishes their season at 7-4.

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