LEADING OFF

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Photograph by Cliff Welch/Icon SMI

SPEED TRAP As a stampede of Bulls closed in on him last Thursday, Rutgers punt returner Mason Robinson had less than a split or two to process his decision: call for a fair catch, let the ball fall to the turf or attempt a return. He chose the latter, for which he was rewarded with a perfectly timed hit by South Florida's Fidel Montgomery that jarred the ball loose. The Bulls' Reshard Cliett (16) recovered in the Scarlet Knights' 23--13 victory. Robinson was uninjured. To see more great photos from this weekend's college football action, go to SI.com/Top25

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Photograph by Robert Beck

DANGEROUS LIAISON San Francisco defensive lineman Justin Smith paid the price in this collision with Lions running back Joique Bell in Sunday night's game at Candlestick Park. Led by the relentless play of their defense, the 49ers walked off with their second straight eight-point victory over an NFC North playoff team from last season.

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Photograph by Simon Bruty

CHIN STRAPS, FOLKS. LET'S USE 'EM Steelers wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery was buried by a near half ton of Jets during Sunday's game in Pittsburgh, but it was New York's Bart Scott (57)—sandwiched between teammates Aaron Maybin (51) and Yeremiah Bell—who came out of the play worse for the unwearing in a 27--10 Jets defeat.