Perfect 10? Well, almost...

Week ten saw a ton of great football action, and most of our league fall off the table. Let's get to the fancy words about stuff:

As you may have heard; U$C's "letdown jinx" is contagious, and was passed to the Oregon Ducks. Who would have guessed that, after such a historic beating of the Trojans, Eugene's finest would fall apart against an up and coming Stanford team. While Oregon still controls it's destiny for Pasadena, it's now looking at Roses instead of possible crystal footballs. Stanford played smart football; which is not unexpected given their academic acumen. Coach Jim Harbaugh has turned things around there, much to the chagrin of...

Mich1gAAn fans, whose "savior" has led his team to only 8 wins in two years. Harbaugh, in many people's opinion, is a true "Michigan Man"; an alum and a person who strives for excellence in his players on and off the field. While Rodriguez may also "strive" for that, it's clear that this year's version of the team has next to no idea about defense. As TTUN drops to 1-5 in Big T1e1n play (and that one win came at the result of some questionable officiating), you have to wonder what Rodriguez' hopes for the rest of the season are. Other than making some new friends, that is.

It wouldn't be a Saturday in the south without some questionable SEC officiating. As seems to be the case, an undefeated team benefits from a dicey call, as Alabama goes on to defeat LSU in a game that was much closer than the scoreboard would indicate. With Florida's win over Vandy (whew- I guess you didn't need Spikes after all...), this sets up an undefeated vs undefeated SEC championship game, as long as UA and UF don't drop one before then. For Florida, the rest of the season seems to be a walk; for Bama, though, there's always the Iron Bowl against a resurgent Auburn team who beat Furman on Saturday.

Speaking of shady calls- I'm still not sure that Darryl Clark has scored yet in Happy Valley, but it didn't matter as Ohio State defeated the Nittany Lions 24-7. The highlight video for me didn't occur on the field, but afterwards when the Buckeye team gathered to sing Carmen Ohio with the fans in scarlet and gray. These folks decided to mock Penn State's use of Seven Nation Army, and the team... well... here:

Best part? Tressel's face right before he joins in... "Eh- Why not?"

The ranks of the undefeated were lessened by one, as Iowa's dream season collapsed with their QB's sprained ankle. Northwestern's upset of the Hawkeyes guaranteed that this week's game against Ohio State will decide the Big T1e1n champion and a bearth in the Rose Bowl. Iowa will give their backup QB his first start ever in Columbus. I hope he doesn't get killed.

Notre Ame couldn't stop the Navy attack, and have lost at home to them in back to back attempts for the first time in a really long time. Heisman candidate Pickles Clausen was sacked for a safety (the margin of victory) and was intercepted by linebacker Ram Vela. Where have we heard that name before? Oh. Right.

While NA, TTUN, Iowa, and PSU all losing made some people's day, it was capped for others by a huge win in Lincoln. For the first time since 2001, the Huskers defeated Chokelahoma in a defensive shootout 10-3. A tru case of the pupil defeating the master- Nebraska (and Ohio State alum) coach Bo Pelini worked with Oklahoma's Stoops, and learned defensive philosophy from Bob's father when they were both in Youngstown Ohio. To reiterate- Oklahoma doesn't seem to be able to beat their first rival (Texas) and their loss to a former rival has got to hurt. But, I'm sure he'll still be known as "Big Game Bob".

Illinois has found it's way, and won it's match against Minnesota. Kansas State upset the Jayhawks- I guess EMAW after all. UCLA squeaked by UW in this year's addition of the Neuheisel Bowl. TCU continues to roll, and Kentucky manhandled a much lesser opponent. Oklahoma State pounded the Cyclones, while Georgia Tech showed that the option is best built for overtime victories. The Beavers defeated Cal- our thoughts and prayers are will Jahvid Best after his horrific accident. Cincinnati and Boise State stayed perfect, each doing just enough to beat their inferior opponents.

I've complained before about the idiots on the Big T1e1n network- I doubt I'll do so again after watching this highlight from Comcast's coverage of Villanova and Richmond. Warning- crass language and even worse football.

Over in the world of lesser schools: APU had a bye, so no loss this week. Anderson, though, got throttled on Senior Day. The Crimson Storm made homecoming memorable, and Frostburg State held off the Apprentice School 35-30.

In our league- big kudos to Terry's amazing week:
When most of us are going 6-4 or worse, 8-2 is really pretty sweet. As is 7-3... what's happening in Salem Oregon, and why didn't it help Steve?

Somehow Jake parlayed 4-6 into third place on the points chart. Atlantic City, anyone? PErsonally, I'm just thankful for Joe, Michael, and Jordy. You guys are awesome.

It was a difficult week overall for Dan W- the Phillies lost, the Eagles lost, Penn State lost, and he fell out of the top spot in both the picks and points bracket. Aaron leads our picks, and I wish he'd come up with a nickname-

While Janie leads the points chase. Still a lot of games to be played, but last time she took the lead she didn't relinquish it until after bowl season, if I remember correctly.

We've talked already about the big game in the Big T1e1n- Iowa at Ohio State for all the marbles. In the Big lEast (where big games are televised on Fridays), the Bearcats and the Mountaineers meet up as ranked foes in Morgantown. Mich1gAAn travels to Wisconsin, Illinois and Northwestern play for the Sweet Sioux Tomahawk. Kentucky and Vandy square off in the SEC Irrelevance Game, and Boise State meets Idaho for the Big Bag O Taters. UW and toOSU continue to battle for Northwestern supremacy, while Nebraska tries to slow down Mangino's boys. T. Boone Pickens University hosts Cap'n Leach's Pirates, Notre Ame travels to Pittsburgh, and TCU tries to stay unbeaten against #16 Utah's Utes.

Small schools: Azusa Pacific hosts Langston in a nationally televised game on the CollegeFanz game of the week. I have no idea where to watch this other than online- I'm actually going, so good luck finding it. Anderson ends it season by trying to regain the Bronze Ball from Manchester- I'm still waiting for a picture, Joe. SNU travels to Tyler Texas for great BBQ and to close their season out against Texas College.

It's time once again to visit the Monon Bell Game as our obscure game of the week. This year is the 116th meeting between Indiana's Wabash and Depauw colleges, and will see each team entering the game with only one loss. Depauw has clinched a playoff bearth, while Wabash will be seeking one with a win over the Tigers. While usually covered by HDNet as a national game, there are rumors that this year's clash may actually be hosting ESPN's Gameday.

As a proud Anderson alum, I hope they both lose.