College Football Week 12

This week we honor a loyal reader of the blog with a University of North Carolina Cheerleader. Perhaps he would like to contribute to the blog with his own "Night Out on the Town" post?

This was definitely not the weekend to play for a university that begins with "O." Of those who had much on the line on a national or conference level, they were defeated. It started Friday night with the upset of Oklahoma State. The state of Oklahoma then had to deal with another upset the following night as the Sooners lost to Baylor. Moving to the Pacific Northwest, Oregon had positioned themselves for a spot in the BCS title game, only to be defeated by USC. And in the Big Ten Ohio State lost any chance at the Big Ten title game by losing to Penn State. Definitely a gutsy performance for the Nittany Lions - a group of players being punished in the court of public opinion for something they had nothing to do with.

Had the Big Ten not gone to division play, the typical end of the year match-up between Michigan State and Penn State may have been for the Big Ten title. Instead Penn State has their own division championship game on the last weekend, but in Madison against the Badgers. Definitely the most important conference game of the weekend, but there is much on the line for a number of teams jockeying for bowl position. Iowa secured their spot and improved their ranking with the win over Purdue. Northwestern secured their position while Purdue can do so this weekend with a win at Indiana. And while Illinois has struggled over their last five games, they are still bowl bound. But Michigan's final home game with Ohio State may prove the most pivotal for every one's bowl standing. A Wolverine win and each team may be able to jump a spot. Many are projecting Michigan to make a BCS bowl with a ten win season - currently they are 9-2.

Another game of the weekend will be in Conference USA. Houston travels to Tulsa and defends their undefeated streak against the Golden Hurricane. The winner of the game will be the champions of the West Division and earn the right to play in the conference championship game. The Cougars have much to lose in Central Oklahoma.

And finally the premier football conference in 2011 is the SEC. And while the BCS top three teams have earned the most recognition one team that gets set aside is Georgia. Starting the season 0-2 the Bulldogs have quietly won 9 straight and will play for the conference title the first weekend of December. This past weekend created "BCS Chaos" with many teams in the top five losing. But what kind of chaos would we have if Georgia wins the SEC to earn the automatic BCS bid?

Hawkeyes over Penn State

The Iowa Hawkeyes opened Big Ten play in winning style with a 24-3 victory over Penn State. The third year in a row the Nittany Lions have fallen to the Hawkeyes. A year ago Penn State's Beaver Stadium was the White House as all fans were encouraged to wear white, but this year the Kinnick Stadium faithful mixed it up a bit by alternating the sections with black and gold attire.

It was the last game of Iowa's first half schedule, who close it at 4-1. They welcome a bye this week and then have seven consecutive Big Ten games.

Top Ten Most Memorable - #4

#5 - Iowa 24 - Penn State 23 - 2008. With national title aspirations on the line, the Penn State Nittany Lions entered the game in Iowa City as the number three team in the country. As the last road game on the Nittany Lions schedule, get past the 5-4 Iowa team and the argument would begin from Central Pennsylvania as to why they should play for the BCS Title. With the legendary Joe Paterno sitting in the press box due to an on-field injury he watched as his Nittany Lion team struggled out of the gate, almost losing the ball at their own one and punting to the Iowa team which found Doak Walker winner Shonn Greene rolling into the end zone for seven. The Iowa Defense was stingy and kept the Penn State offense from making key first downs or trips into the end zone. But each team would not back down. Trailing in the fourth quarter the Hawkeyes looked back to Shonn Greene who put the black and gold on his back putting the Hawks a field goal away from the win. The final Penn State drive had Tyler Sash intercepting a Daryll Clark pass which set Iowa up for a Daniel Murry field goal with a few seconds left. It was the biggest win for Iowa at home in a number of years and began a streak of win that would take them to the same weekend a year after this upset.

Amy T #4 - 2009 Iowa 15 - Michigan State 13. A record for consecutive wins to start a season was on the line as Ricky Stanzi complete a touchdown pass to Marvin McNutt on the game's final play for a Hawkeye victory.

Phil H. #4 - 2009 Iowa 21 - Penn State 10. In front of a White House, the Iowa Hawkeyes surprised most of the nation by winning in one of the nation's largest crowds. Penn State was looking for redemption for the loss at Iowa City the year before, but after taking an early 7-0 lead could not get their offense going.

Pete #4 - 2000 Iowa 21 - Michigan State 16. No one thought it would take the Hawkeyes over a year for Kirk Ferentz to secure his first conference victory, but in front of a Homecoming crowd, the Hawkeyes played steady, taking the lead in the fourth and hanging on for the victory.

Top Ten Most Memorable - #8

#8 is a tie between two games played at Penn State with the Nittany Lions The first is the 2000 game as Kirk Ferentz went back to his home state for the first time as a head coach. It was an afternoon in which very few believed this "Ferentz guy" would actually get it done in Iowa City. The "nice guy" did not seem like he could get the program going in the right direction, and it wasn't until a few days before entering the contest that he would come to terms of a contract, nearly two years after accepting the job. Overcast skies greeted the Hawks and the future leaders of the team were starting to emerge. Players such as Nate Kaeding, Fred Barr, and Colin Cole played a huge role in this double overtime thriller that found Ryan Hansen intercepting a Rashard Casey pass in the second overtime. The win started the winning ways for the Iowa program while sending Penn State to the bowl sidelines. Iowa took the victory 26-23.
The 2004 contest was the most unique in the series. Once again the storyline centered around Kirk Ferentz leading into Saturday. Ferentz had spent little time with his squad as he was dealing with the death of his father with the funeral taking place the day before the game.  The first he saw of his team was at the hotel in State College for the night meetings. What made this game unique was how the scoring took place. Two field goals for the Hawkeyes, two safeties for the Nittany Lions and the final ended up being 6-4, Iowa. It was an emotional scene in the locker room as Ferentz was awarded the game ball, bringing tears to many involved.

Amy T #8 - 2005 Iowa 20 Wisconsin 10 - The final home game for Wisconsin head coach Barry Alvarez was spoiled the Hawkeyes as they were seeking redemption for a heartbreaking loss the week before to Northwestern. The post-game ceremonies went on in front of a shocked Badger crowd who had not expected their beloved head coach to leave the Camp Randall sidelines with a loss.

Haddy #8 - 2003 Iowa 30 Michigan 27 - Any time the Wolverines are defeated is a special occasion. This time it was done on the Hawkeye's Homecoming, and this was definitely a party. The Wolverines stormed to an early lead, but the determination of the Hawkeyes fought back and took a lead in the second half. Up ten late in the game, Michigan tried all they could, but the Iowa defense kept Michigan out of the end zone when needed.

Pete's #8 - 2002 Iowa 34 Michgan 9 - Facing Michigan in the big house is never easy, but the Hawkeyes made it look so. The Wolverines had trouble getting anything going on this rainy, foggy day which sent the locals home quickly.

The Decision

Fiesta....Orange....Capital One....For Iowa fans any one of these bowl games is a welcome escape from the blustery, wintery cold of Iowa. But for the Iowa Football team it is about placing themselves in the best bowl possible. Since the advent of the BCS the goal for each team is to play for the National Championship or participate in one of the BCS bowl games. With one week to go many teams are still in the hunt for one of the coveted bowl spots, and among them are two from the Big Ten--Iowa and Penn State. Each team has done their share of lobbying either in public or behind closed doors. They are both 10-2 and are known for their legion of fans who will sell out the stadium. If it was decided on the playing field, Iowa would recieve the bid. The Hawkeyes defeated the Nittany Lions in State College 21-10 the last weekend of September. But bowls aren't necessarily decided that way. Iowa fans have benefitted from having the intangibles go their way in the past, but that may not be the case in 2009. Penn State boasts the largest living alumni in the world, a traditional football power, and a Hall of Fame coach who is nearing the end of his career and the opportunity to have him at your bowl many not happen again. Iowa, for good reason boasts their large fan base who travels very well to bowl games as well as a large amount of Iowans who winter-specifically in Arizona, the win over Penn State with a more impressive 10-2 record based on their demanding schedule, and the higher BCS ranking. As long as the favorites win their remaining games this Championship weekend, the Fiesta Bowl will have the first option to select an at-large team--most likely either Penn State or Iowa. The lobbying may continue between now and Sunday afternoon, and for what its worth, here are two videos produced in 2006 that support Iowa's bid to the Fiesta Bowl.

Land Grant Advances

In a first round match-up, the Land Grant Trophy between Michigan State and Penn State defeats the Illinois - Ohio State Illibuck.

This week the match-up is between the Purdue Cannon (Illinois - Purdue) and Governor's Victory Bell (Minnesota - Penn State, pictured). This bell is also up for grabs on the playing field as the Gophers travel to State College.

Remember, please vote in the poll in the upper right-hand corner of this blog. Poll closes the evening of Monday, October 19.

Iowa - Penn State: Game Time

Game time arrives and coaches, players and staff arrive at Beaver Stadium. Here Iowa Equipment Manager Greg Morriss meets Head Football Coach, Kirk Ferentz and escorts him to the locker room as ABC cameraman follows him in. Team buses typically arrive to any stadium two hours prior to kick off.

Despite the rain, Penn State fans turn out to tailgate. This photo was taken over three hours before kick off

Beginning about seven hours prior to kick off, rain fell upon the State College area, hard at times. Since the Friday walk thru the Beaver Stadium turf had been covered. Known throughout the country as one of the best playing surfaces, the crew went to work to make the field playable.Ninety minutes prior to kick off the tarp finally came off. Drains surround the crowned field. The only casulty was the Blue and White Marching Band that was not allowed to perform.

ESPN on ABC announcer Kirk Herbstreit prepares for his on-air assignment during the ESPN College Game Day Scoreboard which preceedes the night's broadcast. Due to the rain his on-air partners from earlier in the day did not join him.

Self named the Best Student Section in the Country, fans were asked to wear white and make Beaver Stadium the "White House." By far one of the best game day atmospheres I've been apart of, following an early PSU TD, the students created more noise than I remember for an outdoor stadium. All fans began jumping up and down at the time making the press box shake.

At the end of the day it wasn't a white out, rather a sea of black and gold bumble bees as the Hawkeyes were victorious over the #5 team in the nation.

Iowa - Penn State: Beaver Stadium

Naming of Beaver Stadium did not come from the little animals who may roam the Central Pennsylvania countryside, but from the former Governor of the Commonwealth and former Trustee, James Beaver


A new tradition at Penn State is "Paternoville," the tent city which is established outside Beaver Stadium every week to assure the student body good seats. For the Iowa game tents were set up as early as the Monday prior to game day. Players and coaches from Penn State came out to thank the students for their support as well as ESPN on ABC analyst Kirk Herbstreit joined them to play a little trash can football. Herbstreit was two for two.


On Saturday students are allowed in based on their academic year. Lines had formed as early as 9am for this gate of Freshman and Sophomores. It is obvious the drinking age is 21 as the gate for Juniors and Seniors was empty.

On the east side of Beaver Stadium is a replica statue of Joe Paterno.

The arrival of team buses is another tradition within the Penn State football program. Players and coaches dress at the Lasch Football Complex and are bused to Beaver Stadium in blue and white school buses. Hundreds of Penn State fans await their arrival every week.

Iowa - Penn State: ESPN College Game Day

Weekly the ESPN College Game Day Crew travels the country to produce their show live from the sites of the nation's top games. This week GameDay travelled to State College to promote its prime time battle between Iowa and Penn State.

A large turnout on many college campuses, the Game Day set was across the street from Beaver Stadium and its large parking lots.

The on-air talent consists of many former Big Ten players and coaches. Former Michigan Defensive Back Desmond Howard, Ohio State Quarterback Kirk Herbstreit, and Indiana Head Coach Lee Corso join host Chris Fowler.

Fowler does a fine job in relating to the college "frat" crowd. Prior to going on-air he explains what the show entails and his expectations to keeping it orderly. To get a charge out of the predominately Nittany Lion crowd he points out the lack of black and gold in the crowd, the least of any opponent on this year's tour. The blue and white fans loved hearing that.

Popular in the Game Day audience is the travelling Washington State flag. It is in the crowd at every Game Day location.

Signs abound in the background of the Game Day set. Among those seen on Saturday were, "Erin Andrews for Heisman," "Stanzi is a Panzy," and "Stanzi listens to Hannah Montana." ESPN encourages those signs as long as they are in good taste and clean. Title sponsor of the Game Day crew, Home Depot sets up a tent where fans are able to create their own signs.

Iowa - Penn State: Weekend

When Penn State was invited to join the Big Ten, part of the agreement included the lengthening of the State College Airport runways. Prior to 2000 Penn State and visiting teams were required to fly into Harrisburg and then bus two hours through Central Pennsylvania to the small college town. Today large planes are allowed to land at the local airport, less than five miles from Beaver Stadium.

Adjacent to the State College area is Mt. Nittany. Here seen from the tarmac of State College Airport.
After arrival in State College, team personnel head to Beaver Stadium to allow players to get accustomed to their surroundings. The Hawkeyes have lost only once in five games at Penn State since 1994.

Game broadcasters typically meet with coaches and players on Friday. ABC sideline reporter Lisa Salters talks with Iowa Wide Receiver coach, Erik Campbell.

The night before the game the Iowa Video Staff had the opportunity to have dinner with members of the Penn State Staff. Here retired Penn State Video Coordinator, John Palmgren joins me and current PSU Video Coordinator Pat Foley at Otto's in State College.

Hawks Upset #5 Penn State

A bit late on posting, but still worth seeing. The scoreboard reflected the outcome of the game for a few short minutes following the Hawkeye upset of Penn State Saturday night. Iowa fans could revel in it for a short time before the Nittany Lion staff turned off the lights on a White Out at Beaver Stadium. The win was the 7th in the last 8 for the Hawkeyes over Joe Paterno's club. Iowa currently ranks #13 in the AP / Writers poll while the Coaches have the Hawks at 17. Next week is a non-conference match-up with the Arkansas State Red Wolves out of the Sun Belt Conference. It will be on ESPN2 at 11am. Word from ABC workers leaving the Beaver Stadium Press Box Saturday night suggested Brent Musberger and Kirk Herbstreit may be calling the Iowa - Michigan game on the 10th from Kinnick Stadium.

College Football Week 3

After going a season without a win, it is only fair to show the Washington Huskies Cheerleading team some love after the football team upset USC in Seattle. As upset as Pete Carroll is at the loss imagine how Tyrone Willingham must feel.

Kansas State head coach, Bill Snyder signed his contract extension at the right time. After doing so his Wildcats went on the road and lost to Louisiana-Lafayette and UCLA. You could call him the Anti-Ferentz. Ferentz who hadn't finalized his contract until the second season of his Iowa head coaching career went on to win at Penn State and home against Big Ten leader Northwestern.

The ACC will take much heat this season as a conference that should be known more for basketball than football, but they will be better than public perception. Virginia Tech and Miami face off this weekend in the only battle between top 25 teams. North Carolina will contend for the title and Georgia Tech has a tough offense to prepare for in a week's time. The winner of the conference will definitely be BCS worthy and one that will be difficult to beat in a bowl game.

It is tough to put a "must-win" label on any game in week 4, but that is what Michigan State faces as they head to Madison in their conference opener. Very few expected them to be 1-2 and a road loss to an undefeated Badger team will place them in a corner they will fighting out of the next two months.

ESPN GameDay in State College

ESPN's College Game Day is heading to State College, PA for the Big Ten showdown between Iowa and Penn State. Chris Fowler, Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit and Desmond Howard will broadcast their show live from 9am - 11am on Saturday, September 26.

(Photo Courtesy Cedar Rapids Gazette)

It's Official--Three Night Games

(Doesn't that grass look great)

The Big Ten announced today three Iowa Football games will begin under the lights. Rematch of last season's upset of then undefeated Penn State will begin at 8pm (et) on ABC / ESPN in State College. The Hawkeye's Homecoming game with Michigan will also appear on ABC / ESPN beginning at 7pm (ct). Iowa's lone evening appearance on the Big Ten Network will be at East Lansing for the battle with Michigan State.

College Football Week 14

The Big Ten may have 11, but it's not as screwed up as the Big 12--I'm looking for some one's take on the Big 12 South. What did Texas do to lose the right to play for the championship? Their only loss is at Lubbock on a last second play to Texas Tech. The Red Raiders are also tied for the league lead, but lost badly at Norman. Oklahoma's one loss is to Texas, by ten points on a neutral field. The argument for the BCS is that the regular season is the playoff. Then Texas beat Oklahoma and the Longhorns should be on their way to play for Missouri and beat them for a second time this year. Sure, I'd rather see Oklahoma play for the conference and national title, but Texas has earned the right more than the Sooners.

Georgia drops the ball--Not only have the Bulldogs underachieved against the top teams of the conference, and now state, but the Georgia Radio Network may have had the biggest disappointment of the day. On a day that found in-state rival Georgia Tech win for the first time in seven years over the Bulldogs, but it was disappointing to hear (or not hear) the in-game ceremony for former Georgia radio announcer of 43 years, Larry Munson. At the end of the first quarter Munson was brought to the field to be honored with a video tribute in front of the sell-out crowd. However for those of us listening to the network that so many had enjoyed his calls, we were treated to the usual three minutes of commercials. What made Munson famous were his calls on the radio, and for the network that he worked for not to listen in and sell-out to advertisers was uncalled for.

Big Ten, not Penn State thanks Oregon--Oregon's win in the Civil War over in-state rival Oregon State will most likely send the Southern California Trojans to play in the Rose Bowl for the fourth consecutive year. Had the Beavers won, they would've received the invite to play Penn State and USC had gone to another BCS bowl game. Penn State would've been heavily favored over Oregon State in a re-match the Nittany Lions won by 31 in week 2. But it will be a home game for the Trojans and look for another USC win over the Big Ten in the Rose Bowl.

Faster, Stronger, Bigger Ducks--Did anyone else think it was a men versus boys match-up between Oregon and Oregon State. The Ducks were faster, stronger and bigger than the conference leading Beavers. Oregon State looked more like the team we've seen over the last five years than the team that beat Southern Cal.

Bowl Predictions--My bowl predictions with one week to go. Look for the Big Ten to lock their teams in this week.

Rose Bowl--Penn State v USC
Fiesta Bowl--Ohio State v Texas
Capital One Bowl--Iowa v Georgia
Outback Bowl--Michigan State v South Carolina
Alamo Bowl--Northwestern v Missouri
Champs Sports Bowl--Minnesota v North Carolina
Insight Bowl--Wisconsin v Kansas

The Capital One is very interested in bringing the Hawkeyes back to Orlando. The match-up with Georgia would showcase two of the best running backs in college football. Shonn Greene of Iowa and Knowshon Moreno of Georgia. The Outback is another possibility for the Hawkeyes and look for LSU to be the opponent if Iowa lands here. South Carolina also has a large fan following, but it wouldn't be necessary if Iowa is invited to Tampa. LSU has a bigger name and will be a good draw for ESPN.

Finally, I'm watching the Bears and the Vikings while writing this up. It sure is nice to see the retro uniforms of Minnesota. Except for them playing indoors, these unis are reminiscent of the Bud Grant, Purple People Eaters era of the 70s and 80s. Or where have you gone Tommy Kramer?

Night Out on the Town

Located just outside State College, Pennsylvania is a small colonial village and the home of one of my favorite places. Duffy's Boalsburg Tavern in Boalsburg, PA was built in 1819 yet has the feel of walking back into the Revolutionary War Known today for its local feel and fine dining, Duffy's remains the watering hole that of the local residents. We were told it is not out of the ordinary to find Penn State Football Coach Joe Paterno stop by for a drink.

#3 Goes Down

The unpredictability that is the college football season hit Iowa City, Iowa. Down 23-14 in the fouth quarter, the Iowa Hawkeyes beat the third ranked Penn State Nittany Lions on a Daniel Murray field goal with :01 remaining to give the Hawkeyes a 24-23 win and seemingly eliminate a Big Ten team from the BCS Title Game.

Just returning from a local night spot, Hawkeye fans are savoring the win, the first over a top five team since 1990. Ironically a member of that squad, John Derby was among those celebrating the victory at Eggy's in North Liberty. Quote of the night was directed from a female Hawkeye fan to Iowa Radio Voice, Gary Dolphin. The middle-aged lady said, "Gary, I'm having an orgasm just standing next to you."

This was the Hawkeyes sixth win in the last seven attempts over the Nittany Lions.

Sittin' in the Principal's Office

Alright, not the best shots, but you are looking at Kinnick Stadium on the Thursday prior to the #3 Penn State Nittany Lion's Saturday arrival. Musco Lighting was busy preparing its lights for the national television broadcast.
It doesn't seem long ago that Musco first lit up Kinnick Stadium, but it was over 23 years ago they were brought in for the Michigan - Iowa game. That day (October 19, 1985) the #1 Hawkeyes faced the #2 Wolverines. Today, a game of that magnitude would attract a national prime time audience with ESPN's GameDay. However that wasn't the case then. The game began at 2:30 with CBS showing the game to a split-national audience. Auburn and Georgia Tech was the other game. But one thing hasn't changed, Brent Musberger called that game as he still calls the most prolific games today. However Brad Nessler, Bob Griese, Paul McGuire and Stacey Dales will call the game for ABC Saturday.

Tim Tebow for Heisman
I'm not sure he deserves it this year. There are many other good candidates. Colt McCoy (Texas), Sam Bradford (Oklahoma), Graham Harrell (Texas Tech) are on most voter's lists, and for good reason. Each have led their teams to remarkable seasons, but the returning Heisman winner has received little attention and may not win it again this year. However this article http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/31/sports/ncaafootball/31florida.html?_r=3&pagewanted=2&ref=sports&oref=slogin brings to light the life of a college quarterback. Being a video coordinator, there are few who realize how important video is to a football coaching staff and team members. Tebow here shows the commitment needed to excel at the highest level.

Thanks for Playing
Five openings have occurred in Division I (FBS) College Football. The latest is Ron Prince at Kansas State. I don't have first-hand knowledge of what led to his dismissal, but it is extremely difficult to understand how someone could lose thier position after 2 1/2 years on the job. A new coach's first year is to understand his personnel and recruit players to fit his system Typically the coach takes over with a late jump in the recruiting process. In the coach's second year, the system begins to take place, but often they are doing it with young inexperienced student-athletes. In year three, positive signs should take place, however the coach still doesn't have many experienced players that he recruited. Prince made a commitment to the players and their families to be there until they completed their time at Kansas State. However the athletic director decided it was time to move in a different direction.
I don't feel it is right for any coach to leave for a better job after the same amount of time on the job, but it is worse for the University to rid themselves of a coach after the same period of time. I don't know all the circumstances, but how long will this AD give the next coach to succeed?

Obama for Playoff?
On the eve of the '08 Election, Barack O'Bama explained to ESPN's Chris Berman that he would like to see a college football playoff in college football. The next day prominent coaches like Bob Stoops and Pete Carroll came out in support of a play-off system. Let's forget about John McCain's plea for eliminating substance performing drugs. We wouldn't want to talk about something that isn't good for the body, rather center our focus on a seemingly trivial play-off system.
What i propose is the following. Start the season a week earlier and ensure it is over the Saturday prior to T'Giving. Thanksgiving weekend is Conference Champion Saturday. Each conference will play their title game or determine the champion in their pre-determined way. After those games, seed the conference champions into a 8-team play-off to begin play the first Saturday of December. The following Saturday would be the semi-finals with the title game played the Saturday after January 1. Those teams that don't qualify for the play-offs would then be sent to their conference designated bowl game. This would allow fans and staffs to adequately prepare travel arrangements. If the season were to end today your playoff would look like the following:
#1 Alabama vs #8 Boise State
#4 USC vs #5 West Virginia
#3 Penn State vs #6 Georgia Tech
#2 Texas Tech vs #7 Utah
The conference season remains important. You must win your conference to advance to the field of 8. Many notable top ten teams are absent. Florida, Oklahoma, Texas, are among the list. However now it is important to win every conference game, no matter when it occurs.

College Football Week 9

As you may have read, the Iowa Hawkeyes had the week off which allowed me to watch some football. However we took in a FCS game involving schools who do not offer scholarships, Drake and Davidson.
The ladies who grace this page belong to Washington State. We must honor them as it takes much to cheer on a team that holds try outs for the quarterback position. Typically a team who has lost any chance at post-season play looks forward to the last game of the season. But the Cougars' last game is at Hawaii. Win or lose, who wouldn't be looking forward to that. Let's hope these ladies get to make the trip.

Big Ten Scary Possibility I--Penn State (9-0) looks at the possibility of going undefeated and not play for the national championship. Alabama and Texas are ranked ahead of the Nittany Lions. If each team continue to win, they will earn their spot in the BCS Title Game. This wouldn't be the first time the Nittany Lions will have been subbed a chance to play for the title. 1993 was the most recent time as Penn State defeated Oregon in the Rose Bowl. As long as Penn State win out (at Iowa, vs Indiana, vs Michigan State), odds are Texas or Alabama losing at least one game. Having talked with some at State College today, they feel confident in winning their next three.

Big Ten Scary Possibility II--If Penn State loses one of their next three games, and Minnesota wins out (vs NWestern, vs Michigan, at Wisconsin, vs Iowa), the Gophers would get the automatic bid to the Rose Bowl. Penn State and Minnesota do not play each other this season, and it comes down to the Big Ten tiebreaker sending the Gophers to Pasadena.

Big 12 Rugged Schedule--Texas continues a brutal stretch this week travelling to Lubbock and face #7 Texas Tech. Tech recently scored 63 at Kansas. This battle may be the first to 50 wins. Tech is in the middle of their own rugged schedule. Last week at Lawrence, KS, this week Texas, next week Oklahoma State, followed by a trip to Norman, Oklahoma.

College Football Week 8

One rivalry trophy on the line this past week was the Rusty Toolbox which goes to the winner of the Iowa - Wisconsin Manager game. This year's game was played late Friday night in the Iowa Indoor Football Complex, better known as "the Bubble."

Iowa took the lead 7-0 with a defensive touchdown, but Wisconsin fought back in the second half with their own touchdown. Deciding for the tie with much time to play in this Flag Football game, the Badgers decided to go for one, and failed. The Hawkeye Managers won the game 7-6 and the toolbox stayed in Iowa City for the fifth consecutive year.

Other news and notes...

"The Sporting News" failed to recognize the accomplishments of Iowa Running Back, Shonn Greene. Greene was not one of their "Players of the Week," rather going with Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradord (36 comp, 466 yards and 0 Ints) and Akron RB Dennis Kennedy (277 rushing yards and 3 TDs). Greene only had 217 yards and 4 TDs. There was no mention of Greene in the Sporting News' Heisman Watch. It is tough to place Greene in any watch on a three-loss team, but he should garner some attention.

Penn State has finally exorcised some of their demons. After losing nine straight times to the Michigan Wolverines, the Nittany Lions followed up a slow start with a convincing 46-17 victory. Their next demon is to finally win in Columbus, Ohio--something that they have not accomplished since joining the Big Ten.

Speaking of Ohio State and Penn State, it looks like these two teams will meet in Ohio Stadium to decide the Big Ten Championship. Assuming Penn State is a legitimate #3 team in the nation, it should be able to beat the Buckeyes. Although Penn State still has to travel to Iowa City and host Michigan State, the number three team in the nation should win out. A loss to Ohio State and each team winning out should place each in the BCS at the end of the year. Something the mediocre Big Ten does not deserve.

A Long season--San Diego State may wish this long season be over. Last week the Aztecs lost 70-7 to New Mexico. Chuck Long may be facing his final few games as SDSU head coach.

BCS Talk--Utah and Boise State have cracked the top 12 of the BCS poll. The College Football Season is only a little more than half over, but these two teams seem to be in good position for a BCS bowl berth. However don't forget Tulsa, ranked at #19. They continue to state their case for a top ten ranking.