BLACKSBURG, Va., 3 November 2003 — Kevin Jones rushed for 124 yards and Virginia Tech got two touchdowns from its defense as the Hokies stunned second ranked Miami (Florida) 31-7 in college football play on Saturday.
Virginia Tech (7-1) managed just 219 total yards and only 44 yards passing, but used its overpowering defense to throw the national championship picture wide open.
Miami (7-1) had its 39-game regular season unbeaten streak snapped and the loss could end the Hurricanes chance at once again playing in the national championship game.
The Hurricanes trailed 31-0 before finally scoring with 7:53 remaining on a 10-yard pass from back-up QB Derrick Crudup to Jason Geathers.
Meanwhile, top-ranked Oklahoma rolled along, destroying local rivals Oklahoma State 52-9. Jason White threw for two touchdowns and rushed for another to lead the Sooners (9-0) to another win as Oklahoma looks for a berth in the title game — this year the Sugar Bowl.
Kejuan Jones scored a pair of touchdowns for the Sooners, who took an early 17-0 lead and were never threatened.
Number three USC was also a big winner, dismantling number six Washington State 43-16 in Los Angeles.
Matt Leinart threw three touchdown passes and LenDale White rushed for 149 yards for the Trojans, who moved right into the mix for a title game berth with the win.
Fourth ranked Georgia also had its title hopes ruined as the Bulldogs were upset 16-13 at Jacksonville by Florida.
Matt Leach kicked a 33-yard field goal with 33 seconds left to give the Gators the win.
In other games involving top-ranked teams, number five Florida State helped its postseason aspirations with a convincing 37-0 win over Notre Dame.
Number eight LSU also romped to a win, knocking off Louisiana Tech 49-10 and number seven Ohio State edged Penn State 21-20.
