Even though this game wasn’t as dramatic as we hoped, at least it was close. Despite suffering a brutal concussion two weeks ago against Kentucky, Tim Tebow decided to play for his Florida Gators in college football’s Game of the Week. Many assumed No. 1 Florida would need Tebow in top form to beat No. 4 LSU, but that wasn’t the case. While Tebow was far from horrible, Florida’s spectacular defense was the deciding factor, as the Gators snatched the win over the Tigers 13-3.

Tonight’s matchup was the first time two top-five teams faced one another this year. If anything, the outcome is further proof that Florida has what it takes to win another national championship. Early on, it was clear that Florida coach Urban Meyer was watching out for Tebow’s safety, deciding to keeping the ball on the ground. In the end, Florida combined for a total of 193 yards on 43 carries. Tebow never hung onto the ball too long, sticking to his trusted running game. Nevertheless, he didn’t shy away from contact, often bulldozing his way through LSU’s defensive line, notably taking two heavy hits in the first quarter. Of his 16 passes, 11 were caught for 134 yards, including his 24-yard touchdown pass to Riley Cooper at the end of the second quarter. It was the final time either team scored, leading to a second half dominated by defense.

In front of the largest crowd in the history of Tiger Stadium, sophomore quarterback Jordan Jefferson couldn’t generate any significant offense for LSU. The Gators defense held Jefferson to 96 yards and picked him once. In total, LSU finished with a measly 162 yards. The Florida defense also controlled LSU’s senior tailback Charles Scott, who once again failed to notch 100 yards in a game. After a breakthrough performance last week against Georgia, Scott was a non-factor tonight, rushing for 53 yards and no touchdowns.

Nobody expected Tebow to run for a touchdown and throw for 210 yards and two scores like he did last year against the Tigers. He didn’t have to. Florida’s defense is that good, and they have the ability to immobilize a top-ranked team like LSU, even on the road.

Terrelle Pryor and the rest of the Ohio State offense were bound to have a quiet game. Despite their relatively subtle performance, Ohio State’s defense and special teams managed to keep the Buckeyes on the board as they held off the Badgers 31-13.

After losing to USC in the second game of the season, Ohio State is evolving into a remarkably complete team under coach Jim Tressel. Remember, this is the same program that lost star running back Beanie Wells and their top receivers in the last NFL Draft.

The Buckeyes held their composure against an undefeated Wisconsin squad, quickly overcoming a 10-7 deficit in the second quarter. Both teams were 2-0 entering today’s overlooked matchup at the Horseshoe. With this win, Ohio now has a great shot at winning the Big Ten.

Although Badgers quarterback Scott Tolzien passed for 250 yards, he couldn’t find anyone in the end zone and was picked twice. Even worse, those two interceptions were returned by the Buckeyes defense for touchdowns. Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor did connect with DeVier Posey for a 32-yard touchdown, but he only threw for 87 yards total.

Interestingly enough, Wisconsin put up much better numbers offensively. With 250 yards passing and 118 yards rushing, they should have outlasted Ohio State. In the end, Tolzien’s interceptions cost his team an important victory.

Did anybody else feel the energy completely evaporate at the beginning of the third quarter? This game took place in Oxford, Mississippi and the fans consistently did their best to keep the Rebels inspired. Nevertheless, Ole Miss quarterback Jevan Snead was never able to make the big play that would turn this game around. By the third quarter, the noise in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium was the equivalent of a gigantic yawn.

Alabama entered this competition 5-0, favored to beat Ole Miss who held a record of 3-1. Over the last four seasons, Albama had won this competition each time, though the game always came down to the final possession. However, today’s meeting was never really close, despite the score at the half.

Throughout the game, Jevan Snead failed to complete crucial first downs. Alabama’s defense terrorized his offense, picking off Snead four times. (Snead had previously only thrown five interceptions on the year.) They also limited Ole Miss’ rushing to a pathetic 57 yards.

On the other hand, Alabama QB Greg McElroy was able to come through on big downs. Though he still passed for the same amount of yards as Snead, he didn’t throw any interceptions. In the end, neither quarterback was stellar. McElroy didn’t complete a touchdown pass as well. Alabama kicked their way onto the scoreboard, as
Leigh Tiffin made each of his five field goal attempts. Running back Mark Ingram scored the game’s only touchdown, weaving through the Ole Miss defense on a 36-yard run.

College football fans might look at this game and think Alabama did everything right. While they beat a talented team in Ole Miss, they were still limited to 152 yards passing and 202 yards rushing. Alabama’s defense ensured this win. If Nick Saban can turn his offense into a force half as dominant as his defense, Alabama will be unstoppable.

When your team can’t run, pass, or defend during the first half, how do you expect to win a college football game? Auburn was 5-0 on the season before this game, coming off a big win over Tennessee in Week 5. Despite the early game time in Fayetteville, the stadium quickly came alive as the Razorbacks came out in full force, scoring 20 unanswered points. At the half, the Razorbacks were in complete control with a 27-3 lead over Auburn.

Today’s win was obviously led by Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett, who threw for 274 yards and two touchdowns on 24 of 37 attempts. He even ran one into the end zone early in the third quarter, exposing Auburn’s confusion on the defensive end. Although he was picked off once, he constantly found receivers Greg Childs, D.J. Williams, and Cobi Hamilton. Childs especially did an excellent job finding his way into the open field, catching fives passes for 85 yards.

However, one shouldn’t overlook Arkansas’ defense, which forced three turnovers and shut down Auburn’s passing game. Auburn quarterback Chris Todd completed 15 of 28 passes for 133 yards, but none were for touchdowns. Auburn was forced to rely on their running game, consistently feeding the ball to Ben Tate.

In the end, Auburn’s rushing couldn’t catch Arkansas, who kept the pressure on from beginning to end. Congratulations to Hogs coach Bobby Petrino for earning his first SEC win. While the announcers practically discussed Florida’s Tim Tebow the entire game, Arkansas overpowered an undefeated team, and Petrino was obviously a huge part of that. After starting their 2009 schedule with a 2-2 record, this win should instill a needed confidence in the Razorbacks. They’ll need to harness this same intensity if they stand any chance against Florida next week in Gainesville.