College football was at it again this past Saturday.
Six teams from the nation's Top 25 fell, and several others barely survived. However, it was one game that did not result in an upset that captured the attention of collegiate enthusiasts across the nation.

Deep in the heart of the Sunshine State a typical Southern shootout took place between then No. 3-ranked Miami and then No. 18-ranked Florida. Miami escaped with a 38-33 victory. Season intact ... upset avoided ... heroics abound. And clearly the essence of what makes college football so damn exhilarating every fall was never more apparent -- the ability for a team on the ropes, one that shouldn't be in that position in the first place, to overcome unfathomable circumstances and win.

This was one of those made-for-a-television-commercial games -- a pair of tickets on the 50-yard line ... $300, two hot dogs and two beers ... $12.50, being a part of a game that truly defined college football ... priceless.

Miami vs. Florida 2003 was more than just an intrastate rivalry and it was more than an almost improbable upset by the youthful, yet extremely talented Gators. It was a game that exemplified winning with more than strength and speed, but with heart and desire and pure athletic instinct.

Brock Berlin, Miami's incumbent starting quarterback, was the All-everything Florida recruit in 2000, but he could never crack the Gators' starting lineup and bolted for South Beach.

Much of the hype for the game revolved around the fact that Berlin was facing his ex-team. And it appeared as though the hype had gotten to Berlin in the first half versus the Gators, which made his sizzling second half more memorable.

In the second half, Berlin trotted on to the field to a chorus of boos from the Orange Bowl crowd, and that's when the "sense of urgency" switch was flicked on -- and, man, did Berlin flick that baby. He erased a 23-point deficit in leading the 'Canes to a victory that some have already hailed as one of the most memorable in Miami's storied history.

However, it was not only Berlin that kicked it in gear, but all the integral pieces of the Hurricanes puzzle. Senior wideout Kevin Beard, sophomore tailback Frank Gore, the inexperienced offensive line, and, of course, the vaunted 'Canes defense.

When Miami put all of these aspects together it exemplified what makes college football so special -- so real -- compared to professional football. Young men laying everything they have on the line for their school, for their fans and for themselves. A sense of urgency is not something that can be taught during film sessions or on the practice field, nor can it be gained through strenuous summer sessions in the weight room. It is an innate instinct -- a compelling athletic instinct that gifted teams and players possess.

No longer did Berlin worry about the pre-game hype or the fact that he was playing his former team. No longer did his teammates worry about dropping or fumbling balls or missing tackles. They engaged themselves in the heat of battle and let their abilities take over. Defeat reared its ugly head, and like any championship-caliber team can do, the mighty Hurricanes beat it down.

Miami defensive end John Square could not have said it better: "We're the Miami Hurricanes. We win games like this."

Square was right, but it's not just the Hurricanes that win games like this. Think about the national champions and successful teams over the past decade -- good luck finding a team that did not pull a game out from the clutches of despair.

Penn State in 1994 overcame a fourth quarter deficit to defeat Illinois 35-31 and salvage a perfect season. In 1997, Nebraska was saved by a Scott Frost touchdown pass that was kicked in the air by the receiver it was intended for in the final seconds versus Missouri. They eventually won the national championship. Just last year, Miami roared back from a 27-14 deficit with less than 10 minutes to play versus Florida State to maintain a perfect season.

It's a sense of urgency that separates national champion contenders from national champion wannabes ... it's a sense of urgency that separates you're typical Miami vs. Louisiana Tech blowout from a Miami vs. Florida Instant ESPN Classic. It's a sense of urgency, and the teams that display it, that make college football worth watching every Saturday.