Game of Week #1: UCLA 27 -- Tennessee 24 (OT)

ESPN got lucky and so did college football fans. Last week's game of the week proved to be the Tennessee-UCLA game that was featured on Monday Night Football. With the pros back this week, it's the last time we'll see a big college football game on Monday night until the BCS championship. The Pac 10-SEC matchup started slowly and was a defensive/special teams struggle until the 4th quarter. And Tennessee appeared in control as long as it stayed that way. However, both team's offenses came to life in the 4th quarter and UCLA got right back into it. In fact, the Volunteers needed a last second game-tying FG to force overtime.

The overtime proved less dramatic as UCLA hit their field goal on its first drive, while Tenneessee's kicker Daniel Lincoln missed his chip shot. Too bad. However, this game reminded us how excited college football can be because of the unique overtime format. I sure wish the NFL would adopt the college rules. I love when these games go 4 or 5 OT periods.

As for the game's turnout, I wouldn't read too much into the result. UCLA is rebuilding and will still struggle this season in the Pac 10. Meanwhile, Tennessee had a tough task beginning the season on the West Coast and playing in the famed Rose Bowl. Their running game, led by star Arian Foster, and defense looked solid as usual. QB Jonathan Crompton was only fair but he did play very well when it mattered most. I think UT can still make some noise in the SEC East this year, led by my favorite player WR Josh Briscoe.