Let me start off by saying congratulations to Tyrone Willingham and Notre Dame. I had questions about Notre Dame's team speed against Maryland and I was completely wrong. Willingham again proves he's not only a master technician with the Xs and Os, but a master motivator as well. The Irish had incredible energy and enthusiasm on both sides of the ball.

	Tyrone Willingham got a huge win in his first game at Notre Dame.

On offense, QB Carlyle Holliday looked like he's been running the West Coast offense his entire life. He made great decisions, showed poise and scrambled when he had to. It's obvious he made a heck of a commitment to improve and learn this offense. Meanwhile, Notre Dame's defense was just swarming. They gave up just 133 yards and snagged three interceptions.

In weeks to come, we'll find out if Notre Dame has improved that much or if Maryland has taken that many steps backwards. Maryland's struggle show you just how much RB Bruce Perry - out with a groin injury - and QB Shaun Hill - who graduated -- meant to this offense last year. But while there are still many hurdles left for Willingham and the Irish, it's a great start. So, congrats.

Reason to believe
Sooner or later, I'll believe that Colorado State can matchup with Colorado. After Saturday's win, the Rams have now won three of the last four over the Buffs. Eventually, I'm bound to buy it, right? Still, it was amazing to see Colorado start the season with such incredible talent yet get outhustled by an undersized Colorado State team. The Rams took advantage of three CU turnovers and Bradlee Van Pelt and Cecil Sapp provided enough offense for Colorado State to win. Bottom line is when it came down to crunch time, Colorado State wanted this game more.

Hail to the victors

	UM's Philip Brabbs's game-winner was a great ending to a classic game.

Being part of College GameDay, you almost have to say we're not worthy to be on the sidelines for classics like the Washington-Michigan game. Six lead changes, five in the second half. The character both teams showed in coming back again and again. You just had an eerie feeling late in the game, even after Michigan turned the ball that if Washington didn't get a first down, somehow Michigan would get an opportunity to win the game.

Michigan new offensive coordinator Terry Malone did a good job calling plays. You saw a more wide-open offense, but you also saw the Michigan offense everyone expected when it was physical and pounding the ball. But once Washington regained the lead, Malone opened the playbook up again and boom, they scored. When he does that and the Wolverines are aggressive with their play calling, that's when Michigan is a very dangerous offense to deal with.

As for Washington, it may not want to hear this right now, but considering how bad the Huskies were on the road last season - it was 2-3 on the road and allowed over 40 points a game away from home as compared to 19 at home - this is a huge step in the right direction. Down by 14, it would have been easy for them to fold the tent, but they battled back. This is a huge character builder for them.

Nothing Hokie about Va. Tech
Virginia Tech did exactly what you expected at home against LSU. They took away the LSU running game and dared the Tigers to throw the ball and it worked to perfection. Early in the game it looked like LSU had the upper hand, but after the Hokies made a few plays on defense and special teams - including a blocked punt -- the momentum switched. And once that happened, it was like an avalanche. That's what Virginia Tech does to teams at Lane Stadium. I think there is a new QB emerging in Blacksburg. Bryan Randall looks more athletic than Grant Noel and he adds a few more dimensions to the Hokies attack to go with star RBs Lee Suggs and Kevin Jones. Also, the Virginia Tech receivers looked good and are very athletic. If the Hokies wide receivers and QBs continue to develop, keep an eye on Virginia Tech.

Quick reads