KNOXVILLE, TENN. ? Nine months ago, Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer was grim as he answered questions about a 5-6 finish.

On Saturday, he enjoyed the 23rd-ranked Vols’ 35-18 victory over No. 9 California.

“We expected to win this ball game and be Tennessee,” Fulmer said.

No. 1 Ohio State 35, Northern Illinois 12

Columbus, Ohio – Troy Smith tossed touchdown passes of five and 58 yards to Ted Ginn.

No. 2 Notre Dame 14, Georgia Tech 10

Atlanta – Brady Quinn and hometown favorite Darius Walker each ran for scores.

No. 4 Auburn 40, Washington State 14

Auburn, Ala. – Kenny Irons rushed for 183 yards for the Tigers.

No. 5 West Virginia 42, Marshall 10

Morgantown, W.Va. – Steve Slaton ran for 203 yards and scored two touchdowns.

No. 7 Florida 34, Southern Miss 7

Gainesville, Fla. – Chris Leak threw three touchdown passes for the Gators.

No. 8 LSU 45, Louisiana-Lafayette 3

Baton Rouge, La. – JaMarcus Russell threw three scoring passes in the first half.

No. 14 Michigan 27, Vanderbilt 7

Ann Arbor, Mich. – Mike Hart ran for 146 yards for the Wolverines.

No. 15 Georgia 48, Western Kentucky 12

Athens, Ga. – Three QBs directed the Bulldogs to the win.

No. 16 Iowa 41, Montana 7

Iowa City, Iowa – Drew Tate threw for three TDs.

No. 17 Virginia Tech 38, Northeastern 0

Blacksburg, Va. – Sean Glennon threw three TD passes.

No. 18 Clemson 54, Florida Atlantic 6

Clemson, S.C. – Will Proctor threw for three TDs.

No. 19 Penn State 34, Akron 16

State College, Pa. – Anthony Morelli threw for 206 yards.

No. 21 Oregon 48, Stanford 10

Eugene, Ore. – Jonathan Stewart rushed for 168 yards.