Defense helps Gators turn Tide

? Florida coach Urban Meyer learned a lot last year at Alabama, most noticeably that defense can win games in the Southeastern Conference.

Ryan Smith had two interceptions, Reggie Nelson returned another pick for a touchdown and the fifth-ranked Gators beat the Crimson Tide 28-13 on Saturday to avenge last season’s most embarrassing loss.

The Gators pressured John Parker Wilson into three turnovers, converted two of them into fourth-quarter touchdowns and turned a one-point game into a comfortable win.

No. 3 USC 28, Washington State 22

Pullman, Wash. – Steve Smith responded to the loss of All-American Dwayne Jarrett with a career-high 11 catches for 186 yards and two second-half touchdowns and the Trojans survived a scare.

No. 6 Michigan 28, Minnesota 14

Minneapolis – Chad Henne was 17-for-24 for 284 yards and Mike Hart rushed for 195 yards for the Wolverines.

No. 9 LSU 48, Mississippi St. 17

Baton Rouge, La. – JaMarcus Russell threw for 330 yards and three TDs for the Tigers in a game delayed nearly an hour by a thunderstorm.

No. 10 Georgia 14, Mississippi 9

Oxford, Miss. – Gregg Lumpkin ran for 101 yards and Matthew Stafford directed two second-half touchdown drives for the Bulldogs.

No. 24 Georgia Tech 38, No. 11 Virginia Tech 27

Blacksburg, Va. – Reggie Ball and his teammates made their second consecutive visit to Virginia Tech a success, jumping out to a big lead and avenging last year’s blowout loss.

No. 12 Notre Dame 35, Purdue 21

South bend, Ind. – Brady Quinn threw for 316 yards and two touchdowns and Darius Walker ran for 146 yards as the Irish played their best offensive game of the season.

No. 14 Oregon 48, Arizona St 13

Tempe, Ariz. – Dennis Dixon threw for 215 yards and three TDs and Jonathan Stewart ran for 142 yards for the Ducks.

No. 15 Tennessee 41, Memphis 7

Memphis, Tenn. – Erik Ainge threw four touchdown passes and the Vols had an easy time beating their cross-state rival.

No. 18 Clemson 51, Louisiana Tech 0

Clemson, S.C. – James Davis ran for 143 yards and two touchdowns to lead three Tiger rushers with over 100 yards.

No. 20 California 41, Oregon St. 13

Corvallis, Ore. – Nate Longshore threw for 341 yards and four touchdowns as the Golden Bears coasted.

No. 22 Boise St. 36, Utah 3

Salt Lake City – Jared Zabransky passed for 210 yards and a touchdown and ran for a score in what turned into an easy win for the Broncos.