Hawkeye Hoops

Fran McCaffery promised, if nothing else, his Hawkeyes would be more interesting to watch this year. So far, Iowa has been. Sure, the Hawks blew an 18 point lead and lost in the Big Ten-ACC Challenge (again). But for the first time in a long time, I was entertained watching an Iowa basketball game. Are you not entertained?

Eric May is Vanilla Thunder. That kid can dunk from anywhere on the floor. What an athlete. It's amazing the transformation May has made in his short time under McCaffery.

Shawn

Underachievers, Iowa vs. Nebraska, Cooter Finds Internet

The Hawkeyes had 11 All-Big Ten performers, this year --- the most of any team in the league. That, right there, tells you all you need to know about this football team. It takes more than just a bunch of good players --- just ask the 9-8 Miami Heat.

Adrian Clayborn (named 1st-Team All-American on Monday) said that the team has "lost it's will to win". Some fans are upset with his comments following the loss to Minnesota, but I think it's refreshing. Would you rather have him lie about it? Sure, it would be nice if the team could stay motivated for a game against a 2-9 football team, but after the expectations this team had, how could you? I think we sometimes forget the human element involved in games played by kids.

Hawkeye Insider, Jon Miller, thinks the Hawks will play Missouri in the Insight Bowl. An even more intriguing possibility is this: http://www.omaha.com/article/20101127/BIGRED/711279845 ... If Nebraska loses in the Big 12 title game, and ends up playing Iowa in the desert, sign me up. For what it's worth (and I'm no Hawkeye Insider), I think the Hawks will play in the Gator Bowl. Call it a "gut feeling".


We've been hearing whispers that the 5-7 ISU football team could receive a bowl bid out of necessity. There were rumors that there weren't going to be enough 6-win teams to fill every bowl position. I'm not sure if that's true, or not, but I do know ISU isn't preparing for a bowl. A school administrator told me that he hasn't heard anything about it, while a player told me that they began the "off-season" today.

Our favorite Husker fan somehow gained access to the Internet. You can follow him on Twitter at @CooterRayCorn ... We knew he wasn't a smooth talker, but it also turns out he's not such a good speller. Here's his first status update: http://twitter.com/CooterRayCorn

This could be the worst match up in Monday Night Football history. The 3-7 49ers vs. the 3-7 Cardinals. The sad thing is, the winner of this game will only be one game out of first in the horrid NFC West.

Chris

Hawkeye Fallout

Iowa's loss to Minnesota was by far the most disappointing loss (in the most disappointing season) that I can remember... and here's why: The Gophers had more heart than the Hawkeyes. They wanted it more than the Hawkeyes. They out-hustled the Hawkeyes. Think about that. The 2-9 team playing for nothing but pride (and Floyd) played with more passion than the team trying to lock up an invite to the Outback Bowl.

Remarkably, Iowa is still very much in contention for an invitation to Tampa. But based on the 50 emails we've received from Hawkeye fans since early this evening, I don't think the black and gold faithful are real keen on the idea of traveling 2,000 miles to watch this team play another game.

Shawn

Thanksgiving Bowling, Born Free, Black Friday

• I hope you had a great Thanksgiving. Mine could only have been better if my mom and sister were here with me. Well, I could add more names to that wish list, but all told, a blessed day. We had a breakfast fit for a king, overate so much we skipped lunch, and then had a dinner so delicious even the kids raved, and they're not easily impressed. All credit to my wife, Jenny. My dad ate his weight.
• I  later earned my keep with solid football analysis from my manchair. First we watched the Patriots and Lions. The Patriots wore their throwbacks, so I instantly felt like a kid. Lions wore throwbacks too, but they're almost the same. Just a great game for uniforms. Uniforms are my only fashion care.
• Tom Brady is in the zone. He put on a passing clinic against the Lions. There is no one alive throwing the football better.
• Did you catch Kid Rock's performance at halftime? His Bob Seger sound-alike, Born Free, is a good song, and the entire God Bless America production was like something Ricky Stanzi would direct.
• Next up, Saints at Cowboys. We watched this one from the bowling alley. Yes, a tradition like no other... bowling. We had a blast at Plaza Lanes while the Saints ran up a big lead on the resurgent Cowboys. By the time I finished my 260, the Cowboys were showing life. (And by 260, I mean two games.) Dallas nearly won its third straight, but a Roy Williams fumble opened the door, and Drew Brees passed right through it. Great game.
• Jets-Bengals... couldn't see it. I have Mediacom. Mediacom, I'm barely hanging on. Need the NFL Network! I'm loyal because of MC22's devotion to local sports, but need that NFL Network! Sounds like the game was a dog anyway.
• Cyclone women won in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Hawkeyes in Mexico. I'll bet it was warmer.
• Andy Fales looked frozen at Jordan Creek Town Center. Wind chill of 10 and thousands of people are lined up for Black Friday doorbusters. That's nuts. I can never, ever see myself doing that. I realize some do it because they need the savings, and some turn it to sport, but I just don't get it.
• My wife and I are going on a trip and needed a few overlooked items. Wal-Mart was open on Thanksgiving. Selfishly, I'm glad, it helped, but come on, give everybody the day off! Shoppers, including absentminded me, can wait.
• Uh oh. I need to be up at 6 a.m., but Old School just came on HBO. I'm hooked.
• I'm thankful you indulge me with these scatter-shot thoughts. Thank you for stopping by. Please be nice to Shawn and Chris. They're good guys.

Hoiberg's Perfect, Miller Flips, Unstoppable Stopped

• Fred Hoiberg remains perfect as a head coach. The Cyclones are now 5-0. They haven't really beaten a good team, so the record isn't a shock, but what's most impressive is the way the team is playing. The Cyclones are having fun again.
• As I type, I'm watching one of my favorite comic commentators, Dennis Miller. It's fascinating to see his act go from the left to the right. He used to skewer what he now embraces, and vice-versa. He's funny in any ideology.
• I've been called out on the comments section for Tuesday's review of the movie Unstoppable.

Not Philip31972 said...


Murph your an idiot. How can you give "Unstoppable" an A-? There are some great action sequences, but aside from that, the movie is one tired cliche. From the big bad corporate execs motivated only by profit to the co-workers and Hooters patrons watching the coverage on TV while cheering on our heroes, we've seen it all before. And once the train is stopped - all broken relationships are repaired! C'mon, Murph! I know you've watched enough movies to know better.

I responded....

Everything you write is true, but I still enjoyed myself. It's been a bad year for action movies, so maybe I'm too generous. I also got to see it with my dad, which is a treat, so my mood was good going in.


All told, I like Unstoppable a lot.

Thanks.


The Idiot

Upon further reflection, A- is too high, but I didn't expect The Hurt Locker or Social Network. I expected a runaway train wreaking havoc for 90 minutes, and Unstoppable delivered top notch action. Plus, it wasn't animated.

• Happy Thanksgiving. I hope you have the opportunity to spend time with friends and family.

Unstoppable, Idiot, Thanksgiving

• Saw "Unstoppable" with my dad. Great action movie. 90 minutes of runaway train. Two thumbs up from the Murphy boys. A-
• The Hawkeyes have bounced back faster than their fans. They seemed fine at their weekly media interviews Tuesday. Lynn Melling said on the 9 p.m. news tonight, "The Hawkeyes could sleep on the field and still beat the Gophers." Lynn's from Minnesota.
• I had a Nebraska fan call me out on twitter. Philip31972 says, "murphy your an idiot". The grammar police asked Philip to change it to, "Murphy, you're an idiot".
• Joe Paterno turns 84 next month. He says he'll return for his 62nd season at Penn State. JoePa was coaching the Lions before they even realized they were playing football.
• Doesn't Thanksgiving get better and more meaningful with age?

No TV, A-Rob Rocked, Bo Knows Tantrums

• It's crazy the Iowa State - Creighton game wasn't on TV. All but the 10,000 at Wells Fargo Arena missed an early season classic. Jamie Vanderbeken's last second 3 was late, but it was still an incredible Laettner-like shot, aided in large part by an overlooked strike by Scott Christopherson. Had the game been on TV, Vanderbeken's shot would have been waved off, but that equals overtime, not an Iowa State loss. Who knows what happens then.
• Greg McDermott entered and exited with class. Bad fit at Iowa State. He'll win at Creighton.
• I'm worried about Adam Robinson. He looked knocked out after an uncalled illegal hit by Ohio State. That's A-Rob's second concussion in a month, and as Shawn Terrell reported Monday night, once you've had one concussion, you're five times more likely to have another. Robinson won't play against Minnesota, and I trust Iowa will take every precaution before running him in a bowl.
• Great teams find a way to win. Iowa is now finding a way to lose. It's just not Iowa's year. Offense, Defense, Special Teams, and Coaches all would like do-overs at critical times. That's football.
• Over-reacting Hawkeye fans need to realize Iowa doesn't have the talent or depth some elite programs have, and never will. It's a thin margin between wins and losses. Iowa was on the right side of it last year; this year, it's going the other way.
• I picked Iowa to go 9-3, and Iowa State 6-6. Turns out I thought too much of both teams.
• ISU's 0 points isn't all on Jerome Tiller, but the Cyclones need a QB to push Tiller, not just hand him the job. Iowa State also needs to go find a Seneca, Persa, Daniel, Tate or Reesing somewhere. An overlooked short guy who can really run the spread.
• Hawkeye and Cyclone fans, aren't you glad Bo Pelini isn't your coach? The guy is embarrassing. Erin Kiernan loves Nebraska, but she's had enough of Pelini's temper tantrums. She's not alone.
• The Vikings waited too long to fire Childress. He lost the team a long time ago. It's a lost season now.
• If you get a chance, check out the Iowa Energy. It's an entertaining night.
• The Event on NBC started with promise, but it's losing me.

Dubious Debate and Donuts

I used the drive back from Kinnick tonight to debate (with myself) whether or not this is the most disappointing Iowa season, based on expectations, in my lifetime. The candidates are: 1997, 2005, or 2010. In '97 and '05, the Hawks began the season with Rose Bowl aspirations, but stumbled to 7-5 finishes, punctuated by losses in bowl games. At this point, '97 has the edge, but if this year's team fails to win at Minnesota or in the bowl game, it earns the dubious distinction.

I was stunned that Iowa State didn't fire a shot against Mizzou, especially considering what was on the line. The Tigers have upgraded their defense considerably, but there's no way ISU's offense should get shutout on Senior Night with bowl eligibility on the line.

Shawn

Wrigley Debacle, Pearl of No Wisdom, Blue Steel

• What an embarrassing day for the Big Ten. How could you get all the way to the day before kickoff before realizing you don't want Northwestern and Illinois football players running into the Wrigley Field wall?
• Bruce Pearl was the overwhelming choice of Hawkeye fans after Gary Barta fired Todd Lickliter. Be careful what you wish for. The SEC suspends Pearl for eight games. Pearl knowingly committed NCAA violations, then lied about it. One Iowa fan told me today, he doesn't care. He'd take Pearl and probation in exchange for some winning. I think more fans feel that way than you'd think. Meantime, Illinois fans of a certain age have a good laugh.
• The bar is so high in Madrid, the Tigers are disappointed at a 13-1 football season. It was a title or bust season for a school that's enough of finishing second (1-7 in championship games). Boys, take it from me and many other football players who never even made it to the playoffs: you had a great run.
• Is the 4-A title game halftime show over yet? That was longer than Avatar, though it was good to see Tim Dwight. I just wish they'd have interviewed TD about his love of the movie Zoolander. Tim could have hit everybody with some Blue Steel.
• Bucs finally lose Friday night. Winning streak ends at six. Regg Simon has the boys playing (and fighting).
• Harrison Barnes shot 0-13 Friday night. That's a rough night for a pre-season All-America, but he is still a freshman.
• Xavier beat Iowa in the Paradise Jam. That's going to happen to the Hawks a lot this season. Fran McCaffery doesn't have enough talent for his system, or any system. It will take time, and it starts with recruiting. McCaffery can coach.
• I have a hard time predicting what this Iowa football team will do. I think Ohio State wins Saturday, but this season, who knows. Which Iowa team will show?
• I don't see any way Iowa State beats Missouri. Prove me wrong Clones.
• Iowa Energy start the season with an easy win at home. Energy at home Saturday once Dane Cook clears out of The Well. The Energy is under-rated entertainment. Cook? I'm not sure.

Bear Nap, Eastside Pride, Going Griswold

• Sounds like it was a good night to NOT have the NFL Network. Even Bears fans saying the game at Miami was an absolutely snoozer, but it was a Bears win. Bears now 7-3. Could be the worst 7-3 team in memory, but they're a contender. Heavy lifting ahead. As Cutler goes, so go the Bears. Defense will do its part.
• Major props to Eastside Pride. Four African-American honor roll students signing D1 basketball scholarships. Not surprising, the Scarlets are #1 in the first girls basketball poll.
• I spent $650 on new tires today. Is there anything less exciting than spending that kind of cash on tires. No one notices, no one cares, but you have to have them. I felt the same about a new roof. That was much more expensive.
• We had Iowa State's Scott Christopherson on the Murph & Andy Show. He was fun, and said he still hadn't missed a shot after going 11 for 11 against Drake. He knew that would change once he got back in the gym, unless he moved to Pleasantville and didn't know it. (The one in the movie, not Iowa.)
• I've seen several of the Harry Potter movies for the kids, and while they were entertaining, I'm sure it's not the same if you haven't read the books, and I haven't. Never even considered it.
• I just can't back Felix Hernandez winning the Cy Young award. It's not his fault his team was awful, but he was 13-12 and never pitched in pressure games. Again, not his fault, but numbers aren't everything.
• We ate at Red on Ingersoll for the first time. Highly recommended. Nice place.
• We shot our Christmas promo for the news team today. I got tangled in some lights like Clark Griswold. I hope that's left on the cutting room floor. I fear it won't be.

First Margarito vs Paquiao, Now Drake vs ISU

• Iowa State and Drake have played basketball 170 times and Wednesday night the Cyclones won by 48, their largest margin of victory in the series ever. How many people thought a team picked for 12th in the Big 12 would more than double the score on a young & talented Bulldog team? Not me.
• I think most Cyclone fans are realistic about the quality of competition in Iowa State's impressive 3-0 start. Still, Fred Hoiberg's team has outscored opponents 243-154.
• It's early, and there will be some rough nights for Iowa State, but it's hard to imagine the season starting with more promise. Hoiberg was smart enough to surround himself with a great staff, the players are clearly buying into the new system, and a year thought disposable may provide a thrill here and there. Already did.
• Scott Christopherson 11 for 11...  That's hard to do in the driveway with no defenders. When Christopherson left the game, he had outscored Drake 29-28.
• What in the world happened to Drake. Props to Mark Phelps for his candor. That was a good, old fashion whipping. 

White Magic Wins, Arnaud Really Done, iTunes Adds Who?

• That's one win for Fran "White Magic" McCaffery. The Hawkeyes still look like they're trying too hard, and there are going to be some rough, ugly nights, but at least McCaffery gets after it, and so do his players.
• Why don't more people support Iowa women's basketball? Lisa Bluder has the team in the tourney and competing for Big Ten titles, but compared to Iowa State, it's apathy in Hawkeye country. Why?
• Nice to see several of the Hawkeye football players admitting to Chris Hassel that they too are disappointed with not meeting their expectations this season. Many teams would love to have Iowa's current season, but Iowa is not one of them.
• Worst fears realized for Cyclone quarterback Austen Arnaud, torn ACL&MCL in his left knee. Paul Rhoads says Austen will have surgery after Thanksgiving. The Senior should expect a huge ovation Saturday on Senior Night---well, as much noise as the crowd can make. I'll be pleasantly surprised if attendance reaches 40,000.
• iTunes exciting, game-changing announcement is adding the Beatles?! Is there anyone out there who wants these songs who doesn't already have them? Well, at least Paul McCartney can finally make some money.
• My wife and I just bought new luggage. It's exciting to think where it might go. I just hope it does.

Vick Dazzles, Fennelly 500, Thanksgiving Rules

• Michael Vick put on one of the all-time great shows on Monday Night Football. I'm not sure a quarterback has ever played a better all-around game. 4 TD passing, 2 running?! It's staggering how much better Vick has gotten in the pocket. He's now a pass first, run second guy, and he's doing both at the highest level. It was 28-0 Eagles at Washington after one quarter. I haven't forgotten the horrible things Vick did to dogs, but he did his time, and he's making the most of his second act. I'm not cheering Vick, but I am in awe of his talent.
• Congratulations to Bill Fennelly on his 500th win. That's a number I wouldn't thought possible when Fennelly arrived at Iowa State, and the Cyclones didn't win or draw fans. I've said it many times, it's the most remarkable turnaround in women's basketball.
• The quality of the video in Monday night's MC22 broadcast of the Drake vs ISU game was much improved. Props to Mediacom for working to fix the problem.
• Hawkeye fans will feel a lot better if Iowa upsets Ohio State. The players must bounce back quicker than the fans have.
• It's going to be a cold night at Jack Trice Stadium for the Cyclones and #15 Missouri. We'll find out who the real fans are.
• Anyone see "Unstoppable"? Looks good to me.
• I just ate an entire bag of chocolate pretzels even though I'm not hungry. Seriously, how good are those?
• Can't wait for Thanksgiving. I love this holiday, and it moves up the charts as I get older.

Hawkeye Meltdown, Cyclone Letdown

• With great expectations come great disappointments---sometimes. And this is one of those times for Hawkeye fans. You should see our SoundOff emails. Wow. Hawkeye fans are TICKED, at least some of them are, and they're taking it out on their keyboards. "Fire O'Keefe... Ferentz is overpaid... Defense is Overrated... What's wrong with Stanzi?... The team is out of shape... We're too predictable... We never make adjustments... Time for serious changes... etc." It's brutal. Iowa is 7-3! May go 9-3, 8-4 at worst. Fans thought this could be the dream season, and it sure started with that potential, but great teams find a way to win, not lose.
• Perspective is needed. Iowa once had 18 straight losing seasons. Now 8-4 and a January bowl is a disappointment.
• It's easy to see why Kirk Ferentz doesn't like talking about his enormous salary. Frustrated fans go to the overpaid card quickly.  The money has gotten ridiculous, but Ferentz is making market value. Some Hawkeye fans don't understand, and never will, it's much harder to win at Iowa than it is Ohio State, Michigan, or Penn State. Iowa has several top ten finishes the past decade. That's impressive.  Plus, Ferentz and Hawkeye football make the U of I, and Iowa City, a fortune.
• Still, I do understand the frustration. Iowa wasn't ready to play at Northwestern, and with all it had on the line, that's inexcusable. Fans can complain about how predictable Iowa is, but so were Lombardi's Packers. That's Ferentz's style, and he's not going to change.
• Complain all you want about Ken O'Keefe, he's not doing anything without Ferentz's blessing.
• Iowa State had a disappointing Saturday too. The Cyclones were flat, sloppy, and manhandled by a bad Colorado team. The Cyclones were favored, but learned something they should have already known: they're not good enough to come with anything less than maximum effort.
• Paul Rhoads is easy for fans to love, and media to respect, but it's been a mixed season for ISU. Great program wins against Texas Tech and Texas, a near upset of #7 Nebraska. But there's also an embarrassing home thumping at the hands of Utah, a 52-0 loss at Oklahoma, a beat-down at Iowa, and a loss at Colorado with bowl eligibility on the line. Much work ahead and it starts with an upgrade in talent, especially speed.
• At least UNI won. Another conference title for the Panthers.
• I tried to watch a little basketball Sunday, not ready, but it's time. Iowa State's Fred Hoiberg still hasn't lost as a coach. Fran McCaffery still looking for his first win at Iowa. Hawks lost to South Dakota State. The Jackrabbits. Not a good start. It will be a season of transition at both places.
• It's 1:47 a.m.  NBC's Sunday Night Football pushed SoundOFF to an 11:30 p.m. start, a near record. Since the Patriots ripped the Steelers, I almost didn't mind --- until the post game show went on... and on... and on.

Reality

The reality is, the Hawkeyes are good, but not they're not a great football team. Great defenses don't allow teams to march 80 or 90 yards down the field and score a touchdown with the game on the line in the fourth quarter. That's happened to Iowa three times this season (four, if not for a drop by Indiana). Great offenses aren't held under 20 points by pedestrian defenses, which is what's happened to Ricky Stanzi and company in back to back games. And while Iowa's special teams have improved, see Arizona and Wisconsin for a commentary on those units.

The reality is, life isn't always fair. Austen Arnaud is the definition of a Cyclone football player, but I'll be shocked if he's able to run out of the tunnel on Senior Day against Missouri. That's not fair. Nothing is official until Arnaud is examined/tested by a doctor back in Ames, but I think his college career ended in Boulder. Paul Rhoads said as much in his post-game interview.

One of the few bright spots of Saturday was UNI. The Panthers are headed back to the playoffs after clinching the conference title against Missouri State. The reality is, UNI is the most consistent football program in the state of Iowa year in and year out.

Shawn

Ankeny-Dowling = Lethal Weapon 2

• Ankeny-Dowling 2, "The Rematch" proves a sequel can surpass the original (see Godfather II).  How can a team that lost 42-0 in October, nearly pull off an upset and lose 24-21 in November? They're kids. They have short memories. Congrats to Dowling on advancing to the title game. It's not easy being #1. Three close calls but the Maroons are still standing and still unbeaten.
• I hope Madrid wins the title. The Tigers have a reserved spot for their bus at the Dome, they're in the playoffs every year, but they often come up just short, kind of like the Atlanta Braves.
• Since I'm on a roll with predictions, I'll state with confidence Iowa beats Northwestern by double digits--- 14 sounds right. Teams often take on the personality of their coaches, and this is particularly true at Iowa. Kirk Ferentz seems tired of losing to Northwestern, the same way he was once tired of losing bowls, and losing to Iowa State. When he has that look, his teams respond.
• Teams who have fired their coaches, often play better. This scares a few Cyclone fans as Iowa State goes to Colorado. I don't think it should. ISU is not talented enough to win without playing hard, but I think the Clones will. ISU by 7.
• I took my mom to the new movie "Morning Glory". It's about network morning shows, and while it's no "Broadcast News", it's breezy and fun. Harrison Ford does his best work in years. He anchors the news in a growl---very unBachmanlike.
• Kevin love of the Timberwolves scored 31 points and pulled down 31 rebounds vs. the Knicks Friday night. First NBA 30/30 since Moses Malone in 1982.
• The Heat are good for the NBA. I enjoyed the Celtics win Thursday night way more than I should in November.
• A big welcome to Alisa Link. She's a channel 13 intern hall of famer who is now a full time employee working right here at whotv.com  Good for us, good for you.

11-11-11, Big East BS, sCam Newton

Don't look now, but we're just one year away from 11-11-11, and 2 years, 1 month, and 1 day away from 12-12-12. Thank GOODNESS there won't be a 13-13-13.

It would be nice if we could enjoy Thursday night NFL games --- the problem is, the majority of people can't see them because they're on the NFL Network. Instead, I'm stuck watching the Little East game of the week featuring Pitt and UConn. It amazes me that this conference is still considered a "power conference" by the BCS. There's no way any of the teams in the Big East deserve to play in a BCS game. That's part of the problem with NCAA football.

They're calling for cold weather and rain, on Saturday, in Chicago. That may bode well for the Hawks against Northwestern's heavy passing attack, but it sure as heck doesn't bode well for the fans (and me). It's hard to imagine worse weather than the torrential downpour at the Iowa-Ball State game --- but this could be worse.

Think of all the coaches that have been fired (in any sport) in the middle of the season. Then think of how many times those teams went on to win the very next game. It seems to happen all the time. On Sunday, I was picking the Cyclones to beat the Buffs, but after Dan Hawkins' firing, I'm going with Colorado. I'm worried ISU may run into a buzz saw, in Boulder. Hopefully I'm dead wrong.

Gene Chizik said, earlier this week, that Cam Newton would start vs. Georgia, this Saturday, PERIOD. Well, Rivals.com begs to differ http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news;_ylt=AniF1d1MiE7Yrix0DvPDHQwcvrYF?slug=cr-newtonnext11110

What ever the NCAA decides, I hope they do it soon. It wouldn't be fair to the Heisman voters, or the teams competing against Auburn, if it takes months for the NCAA to rule Newton ineligible. It also wouldn't be fair, to Newton, if this cloud of controversy engulfs his entire season, and costs him the Heisman, a championship, and possibly more, if he's innocent.

Chris

Hawkins Fired, Hawkeyes Fired Up

• I think Saturday's game just got more challenging for the Cyclones. The Buffaloes quit on Dan Hawkins a long time ago, so Iowa State should expect a better effort with Hawkins fired.
• What an awkward Senior Day for quarterback Cody Hawkins. At least his dad has the day off.
• Iowa will not underestimate Northwestern again. Kirk Ferentz will have the Hawks ready for a reversal of fortune against the Wildcats.
• Either there is an organized smear campaign against Auburn quarterback Cam Newton, or his past is catching up to him. Until the latter is proven, he still has my Heisman vote (provided he keeps outplaying everyone else).
• I have one of those tweener colds.  Not bad enough to stay in bed, too sick to be of much good to anyone.
• Can anyone beat Ankeny at state volleyball? I doubt it.
• Looking forward to watching the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary on Marcus Dupree. Dupree was the all-time "can't miss" prospect who missed. He played for Oklahoma in the 80s, so who knows what we'll learn in this one.
• Kurt Warner was voted off Dancing with the Stars. I like Kurt, but I couldn't bring myself to watch.
• Andy and Chris will likely show up at work Wednesday having not gone to bed. Why? Call of Duty: Black Ops is released Tuesday.

Rhoads' Onions, A-Rob Missed, Megamind Control

• I love that Paul Rhoads plays to win. I'd rather he played to win with someone other than a back-up punter throwing a pressure pass in OT against the #7 team in the nation, but I'll take aggressive over playing not to lose anytime. Dare to be great.
•  I didn't have a problem with Rhoads not taking a few shots down field with 40 seconds to play in regulation. Needed at least 40 yards for a field goal, kicker had already missed two, and quarterback Austen Arnaud had thrown a pick-six.
• I couldn't believe how many Cyclone fans had sold their tickets and parking passes to Nebraska fans.
• After Cooter Ray makes an appearance on SoundOFF, we always get several emails from Cornhusker fans who don't get how intentionally silly and over the top it all is. Fans are basically the same---good and bad, smart and stupid----anywhere.
• Iowa caught a break. John Bachman told me Iowa at Indiana would be closer than anyone expected. John was right. Iowa is fortunate to leave Bloomington with a win. As I said here last week, Iowa's challenge would be overcoming the complete lack of energy in the stadium.
• Marcus Coker proved a capable back-up, but Adam Robinson was missed, especially in the red zone where he's invaluable coming out of the backfield.
• Ricky Stanzi missed too many red zone throws, but he was clutch on winning drive.
• Congrats to Kirk Ferentz on 100 wins. Only 300 more to catch Joe Paterno!
• How in the world did TCU beat Utah at Utah by 35? Horned Frogs must be the real deal.
• I still can't believe the Browns blew out the Patriots.
• Say what you will about Brett Favre, that was a hall of fame comeback against the Cardinals.
• Is Brad Childress a buffoon, or did he just lose his mind in the post-game?
• Jerry Jones had no choice. The Cowboys quit, and you can't fire the players.
• It's good to see Iowa and Iowa State scoring in the hundreds again on the basketball court---I don't care who the opponent.
• If only Zenyatta had known how long the race was.
• Megamind was good. Great voice work by Will Ferrell and Tina Fey.
• Jerry Jones had no choice.
• I already have my first winter cold. What is up with that?

You Make The Call

I loved the call. To quote Herm Edwards, "You play to win the game!" and I love that mentality. That fact that Daniel Kuehl's pass fell incomplete doesn't change my opinion of Paul Rhoads' decision to go for two.

90 percent of the SoundOFF email we've received in the hours since the game share the same opinion of the call. And the 10 percent that disagree with the call admit they didn't like it only because it didn't work.

A week ago I praised Ricky Stanzi's prowess, so it's only fair to point out that Stanzi didn't play very well at Indiana. His final numbers weren't too shabby, but I thought the Rickster missed several throws in the red zone, which forced Iowa to settle for field goals. I should point out that Stanzi was clutch at crunch time, as he has been in most games throughout his career.

Can you imagine the meltdown Hawkeye nation would be experiencing had DeMario Belcher hung on to that last-second pass? Had Belcher made the catch, I'd would have received 40 angry Ken O'Keefe-related emails since the end of the game... As it turns out, I've only received one. It just goes to show how a close win vs. a close loss leaves people with wildly different perspectives. It had felt like karma wasn't on Iowa's side all season, until Belcher's drop.

The League is my favorite show on TV right now. The quirky humor is akin to Seinfeld, albeit cruder. And the backdrop is a group of guys in a fantasy football league, as opposed to a coffee shop.

Pearl Jam rocks.

Shawn

Hoiberg's Nervous, Marv's Run, Chizik's Headache

• Great to see Hilton Coliseum open for business. Props to the folks who worked around the clock to get the place ready in time for the first basketball game.
• Fred Hoiberg told me he's getting butterflies and spending sleepless nights as his first game as Iowa State head coach approaches. Fred leads the Clones for the first time Friday night.
• Nebraska at ISU is sold out except for the hillsides. That's a lot of cash at 90 dollars a seat.
• The Paul Rhoads locker room speech is an indelible image from the mostly one-sided ISU-Nebraska series, but my favorite moment is Marvelous Marv Seiler's improbable run to lock-up the stunning upset in 1992. Marv will join Andy and me in the KXnO studio Friday at 2:30 p.m.
• Where there's smoke is there fire at Auburn? ESPN.com and the NY Times both report Heisman front-runner Cam Newton was offered by a middle-man to schools for around $200,0000. Ruh-roh. Former Iowa State coach Gene Chizik said on his radio show Thursday night, "I will  say very loud and very clear: Cameron Newton is eligible at Auburn University, period. End of story''. I doubt it. 
•  Iowa can still win a Big Ten title, and if Wisconsin loses, go to the Rose Bowl, which is what makes the complete lack of buzz in the Iowa-Indiana game surprising, but somewhat understandable. It's hard to get up for a game in Bloomington, where the Hoosier fans don't even care. That's one of the challenges facing the players. There won't be much energy to feed off.
• I hope Adam Robinson doesn't play unless he's 100% after the reported concussion (Hawkeye Insider.com), and I trust Kirk Ferentz will make the right call.
• Nice job by good guy Doug McDermott, scoring 18 points in his Creighton debut.
• Wrestling is back, and that means interviews with Iowa's Tom Brands. Didn't take him long at media day to drop another, "I don't know if they're going to poop their pants" when talking about his young Hawks. Inexperienced or not, Iowa being ranked 7th is crazy. Come on, three time defending NCAA champs.
• I'll take Dowling over Ames, but I'm less sure about Ankeny-Urbandale. The Jayhawks are the hottest team in the state right now, but I'll go with Ankeny in a toss-up.
• I'm ready for the weekend. You?

Garnett vs Villanueva, Hoiberg vs Keno, Democrat vs Republican

• The Vikings cut Randy Moss because he turned out to be... Randy Moss. How did this organization become such a joke? What a mess. Only one team even bothered to claim Moss on waivers---the Titans---which tells you a lot about how this talented receiver is regarded throughout the league. He's just not worth the headache anymore.
• Charlie Villanueva, who has a condition that prevents him from growing hair, says NBA trash-talker extraordinaire Kevin Garnett called him a "cancer patient". Garnett now claims he said, "You are a cancer to your team and to the league". Who do you believe? Me too. One rings a lot truer than the other.
• Fred Hoiberg, who has had open-heart surgery, will join 63 other D1 coaches in a free throw shooting tournament for the American Heart Association. Not only does Hoiberg have personal experience on his side, he was a world class shooter not too long ago. Fred's first round opponent is Keno Davis. If Hoiberg keeps winning, and he should, he could face Steve Alford, a guy who could also fill it up back in the day, and loves to compete. (Ben Jacobson and Greg McDermott are both in the bracket as well.)
• Fran McCaffery--White Magic--is not. McCaffery did spend time in his media talk Wednesday saying how terrific Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore were when they used his luxury box. McCaffery said they did nothing wrong, and simply posed for a few pictures with anyone who asked. Any story involving Hollywood celebrities gets blown out of proportion. This was no different. The story, first reported by The Shovel, the Des Moines Register's Tom Witosky, went international.
• I'm watching more NBA than I have in years.
• Happy birthday to the nicest man I know, my dad.
• Derek Jeter will reportedly marry Minka Kelly next weekend. Sorry guys.
• I'm proud of my colleagues at channel 13. I thought the election night coverage was the best I've seen. I also wonder why more people on opposite sides of the aisle can't have thoughtful, respectful, civil discourse like our political insiders, Mike Mahaffey and Jerry Crawford. They proved all night it doesn't have to be an angry yelling match. Bravo.

HB at NC, Posting the Vote, 400 vs 100

• Here's an interesting question: If Ames' Harrison Barnes had picked Iowa State, not North Carolina, would he still have been the AP's first freshman voted to the pre-season All-America team? I'd say no. Either way, Barnes wouldn't have played a minute of college basketball yet, and in both scenarios he would have been equally impressive in high school, AAU, and all summer against big time competition, but the perception of recruits tends to go up or down based on the school they choose.  One can argue Barnes will be a better player when surrounded by more talent at North Carolina, but this vote takes place before we even know.
• Yes, I voted on election Tuesday. I think it's now law to say that in a blog, or facebook, or twitter --- if that gets more people out, I'm all for it. My favorite voting quote comes from Churchill: “The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter.”
• I respect anyone who puts it out there and runs for elected office. I can't imagine doing it.
• No more attack ads!
• Joe Paterno will soon win his 400th game. For perspective, Kirk Ferentz will soon win his 100th. Think about that.
• Bummer Iowa linebacker Tyler Nielsen is likely out the rest of the regular season with a neck injury. Nielsen is a gamer.
• Baseball still has a pulse on TV. The World Series beat Monday Night Football in the ratings.
• Our thanks to the guys at http://www.buildahead.com/ They just sent a Ferentz, Stanzi, and Hoiberg. If your school needs a fundraiser, the guys have some good ideas.
• I hear Cooter Ray is back on SoundOFF Sunday night. Hide the women and children.

Toss Moss, Demigate, HB Hype

• What in the wide world of sports is going on in the Vikings front office? Trade a third round draft pick to New England for Randy Moss mid-season, then cut him? Moss is a strange guy, and it was surreal hearing him talk about the Patriots like an old girlfriend he suddenly appreciated, but whatever's ailing the Vikings, I doubt dumping Moss is the cure. It's just a dysfunctional mess. I keep thinking the Vikes will find a way to make the playoffs, but I'm starting to wonder.
• Somewhere Bill Belichick is laughing a mad genius maniacal laugh.
• Glad the NCAA did the right thing, which was nothing, over Demigate. Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher didn't intend Iowa any harm by posing for pictures with recruits, but they did do something unthinkable for years: put Iowa basketball on the national media radar. The story was everywhere, which ironically, does end up helping recruiting.
• Ames' Harrison Barnes is the first ever Freshman named to the AP pre-season All-America team. Think about that... he hasn't played a minute of college ball, and he's already considered one of the five best players in America. No wonder Cyclone fans wanted to believe so badly he'd pick Iowa State.
• The Giants are World Series champions. The Giants!? Meantime, Cubs fans wait. And wait. And wait...
• Monday, my son Cade and I went to U of I Hospitals & Clinics and had a great day. We celebrated the only way you should when you're in Iowa City and feeling good: a trip to Steak n Shake!

Hawkeyes Punk Spartans, Cyclones Punk Jayhawks, Kutchers Punk Recruits

• When people said before the football season, that if things went right, Iowa could go 12-0 and play for the BCS title, those people expected to see the Hawkeye team that played Saturday. Iowa absolutely destroyed #5 Michigan State.
• Iowa State had a perfect day, a good crowd, and a bad opponent. The Cyclones had to win, and after a sluggish start, took care of business. Paul Rhoads and staff are working wonders with a team that needs a serious talent upgrade. 5-4, and believe it or not, Iowa State controls its own destiny in the Big 12 North. It likely won't last long with Nebraska headed to Ames Saturday, but it's true on November 1st.
• Faithful blog readers know before the season I picked Iowa to go 9-3 and Iowa State 6-6. No way I hit both, so which is more likely right (or is that wrong)?
• This is the week we find out just how many Nebraska football fans live near us and work with us. We won't hear from them during basketball season.
• Recruits posed for a picture with Ashton & Demi? Yawn. If this makes someone sign with Iowa we're all being punked. It's minor stuff.
• Brett Favre has guts, I'll say that for him. His act is tired, but against the Patriots, Favre played hurt and played well. The NFL will be a lot less interesting when Favre's gone. He's never boring.
• How can the Cowboys be this bad?
• Hang in there. The attack ads are almost over. (See Andy and Hassel's in the whotv.com video player)

Everyone Wins

I still can't believe how badly Iowa dominated Michigan State. No one saw that coming. Saturday's game showed why so many Hawkeye fans were thinking national title at the beginning of the year. This is Kirk Ferentz's most talented team... too bad it wasn't sharp in big games until Saturday.


The improvement Ricky Stanzi has show from his junior year to his senior year has been more dramatic than I anticipated. Ferentz has said countless times than no player prepares harder than Stanzi, and the proof is in the numbers. Stanzi now has 19 TD passes and just two interceptions this season (one of which wasn't his fault). Hands down, he's the best Iowa quarterback since Chuck Long.

It's not surprising that, coming off the monumental win in Austin, the Cyclones started slowly against Kansas. What's most encouraging is that Iowa State was mentally and physically tough enough to pull it together and handily defeat the Jayhawks. At the beginning of the season, I said the Cyclones would find a way to scratch together six wins and get back to a bowl game, despite the brutal schedule. I was basing that projection mostly on the coaching prowess of Paul Rhoads, and Rhoads hasn't disappointed.

Shawn

Norm!

• The Hawekeyes problems in their two losses won't be helped by the return of Norm Parker---he's not coaching special teams---but it can't hurt. Besides that, it's just good to have Norm back. He'll coach from the press box.
• I could see Iowa winning this game by 14, or losing. I just don't have a good feel. The Vegas line seems crazy, Iowa by 7? I'll take Michigan State to cover, but the Hawks to win.
• Iowa State, at last report, is a 20 point favorite vs. Kansas. I think the Jayhawks have quit on Turner Gill, but 20? That also seems crazy. These are still the Jayhawks who beat Georgia Tech and the Cyclones who lost by 52 to Oklahoma. I'll take KU to cover, and the Cyclones to win.
• Iowa State's longest Big 12 drought: Oklahoma. #2 Kansas. Surprised? Paul Rhoads was.
• I still can't believe Mark Dantonio reinstated Chris L. Rucker to play as Rucker was leaving jail. Even worse, Dantonio said he'd leave the decision whether to travel to Iowa to Rucker. Yes, good idea. A guy arrested for assault and drunk driving should make the decision, not the head coach.
• Michigan State sports information confirmed to Shawn Terrell Rucker made the trip. Of course he did.
• I hope Oregon hangs 50 on Lane Kiffin and company.
• I'm now a believer. The Chiefs are for real.
• I'm still not a believer. The Bears are not.
• Chris Hassel has taken out an attack ad on Andy Fales. It airs Sunday night on SoundOFF.
• Andy Fales has taken out an attack ad on Chris Hassel. It airs Sunday night on SoundOFF.
• Can't wait for Vikings vs. Patriots.
• Of course Brett Favre will start.
• Happy Halloween!

Stay classy Florida, Michigan State, Notre Dame

• Matt Gatens must be a fast healer. In 24 hours he's gone from "out indefinitely" to "hopes to play in Iowa's season opener". That's great news for Hawkeye fans---and Fran McCaffery. Gatens is Iowa's best returning player. He had surgery Thursday for a torn tendon in his non-shooting hand. Gatens is a gamer.
• Michigan State football coach Mark Dantonio says he has a "zero tolerance policy". Thursday, Dantonio reinstated cornerback Chris L. Rucker on the same day Rucker was released from jail. In less than one year, Police arrested Rucker for both assault and drunk driving (though a plea agreement reduced charge to reckless driving). Dantonio says Rucker can make the trip to Iowa if he wants. Do you think he'll want? I'm not sure which is more insulting, Dantonio reinstating Rucker so quickly, or Dantonio defending his zero tolerance policy.
• Not to be outdone, Florida coach Urban Meyer reinstates receiver Chris Rainey despite a September arrest for felony stalking. Among other things, Rainey sent a text to a former girlfriend which read, "Time to die, b---". Stay classy, Florida. 
• How in the world could Notre Dame have a student-manager shooting video of practice on a lift 30 feet in the air while winds were gusting up to 50+miles an hour? The death of Declan Sullivan is tragic and senseless. And perhaps negligent.
• All told, what a shameful week for the win at all costs mentality of college football. I feel like I need shower.

Urbandale did what?!

• Nobody's perfect. Can't believe the Giants knocked the Rangers Cliff Lee out of the game. Easy to tell the country is not gripped with World Series fever, but I for one am glad to see some new blood in there. Sloppy game 1, but still fun.
• Friday it felt like spring, Wednesday winter. Come on old man, let us ramp up to the misery. the high school football playoffs were COLD.
• The mostly unneeded round one had a couple of upsets proponents will point to for years: 3-6 Urbandale stunned 9-0 Council Bluffs Abe Lincoln, and 3-6 Waukee surprised 8-1 Ft. Dodge.
• I loved watching the Celtics beat the Heat on opening night.
• Matt Gatens tearing a tendon in his non-shooting hand won't ruin Iowa's season---it's a transitional year anyway---but Gatens is a hard worker who always looked like he belonged in the Big Ten, even when others in the Lickliter years did not. Tough bounce for Gatens, I hope he's back soon.
• I watched Masterpiece Theater this week on PBS. That's a sentence I never thought I'd type. The update of Sherlock Holmes was entertaining.

Boise Blowouts, NCAA Tourney Town, Lights Out for Anchor

King James made his regular season debut, tonight, for the Heat --- and I didn't watch. I thought I would care, because of the story lines, but I just don't. I'll tune in at playoff time.

The truth is, it's 8pm, and I'm watching the Boise State game. Right now Boise is tied at 7 with Louisiana Tech. I'm assuming the Broncos will win by 40, but if this team wants to challenge for a bid to the title game, they need to start beating these teams by 60 and 70. I'm of the belief that Boise could be any team, on any given day. But, I'm also of the belief that if they played in the SEC, Big Ten, PAC 10, or Big 12, they'd struggle to win week in and week out.

I'd love to see an Auburn-Oregon title game, but I don't think it will happen. I still think Alabama has a better chance, than anyone, to win it all. I think the Tide will beat Auburn and face Oregon in the big one.

The MVC preseason poll was released, today. Wichita State is the overwhelming favorite to win the conference. Two-time defending champion UNI is picked 3rd, with Drake coming in at 8th. The Bulldogs are young, but I don't see them finishing that far down the standings.

The NCAA basketball tourney is coming to Wells Fargo Arena --- the women's tourney, that is. Iowa State was awarded the 2012 1st and 2nd rounds, while UNI will host the 2012 regionals at WFA. Let's hope that attendance is, once again, off the charts. That's the only way Des Moines is going to be able to convince the NCAA to bring the men's tourney into town. That, and more bars within walking distance, and a few more seats in the arena.

And now, your news blooper of the day. Maybe it's fake...maybe it's not... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxLpcqIEfVk

Chris

Turn out the lights, the party is over

• The Cowboys are done. Can't believe they have just one win. Has there ever been a more overrated team going into the season?
• Who is the NFC's best team? It's wide open with mediocrity right now.
• It's hard to take one's eyes off Brett Favre right now---it's a tragicomedy with occasional glimpses of glory. Favre looked 51, not 41, while limping off the field Sunday night. With two fractures in his ankle, who knows when/if we'll see him again, but I hope we do. Love him, hate him, it's always a great show.
• How 'bout Iowa State's Jake Lattimer. In his first career start, he's the Big 12 defensive player of the week. Where can he go from here...
• Lost in Saturday's clock mismanagement debate is another terrific outing by Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi. He's actually underrated this season, which almost doesn't seem possible.
• Former Iowa quarterback Paul Burmeister of the NFL Network is a straight shooter, and Monday he told me Hawkeye fans could not have a better coach in Kirk Ferentz, and that Ferentz is a 10 out of a possible 10. Paul says Iowa could not have a better coach, and fans need to remember that---especially after tough losses.
• I think the Rangers will win the World Series.
• KXnO's new morning team should prove entertaining. Travis Justice will tell you exactly how he feels about anything, and Tim Fisher is a pro looking for the right show; this could be it. It always comes down to chemistry, but I'll be rooting for TNT.
• I'm watching HBO's Boardwalk Empire, and for a few seconds, it suddenly went porno on me. Wow.

Rhoads Rules, Hawkeye Heartbreak

• I've never been more surprised by a team winning than Iowa State at Texas Saturday. Absolute shocker. After giving up 120 points the past two weeks, the Cyclones held Texas without a touchdown for more than three quarters in front of 100,000 Longhorn fans. The win was no fluke either. The Cyclones flat out punched Texas in the mouth.
• I've said the past two weeks, Paul Rhoads had his toughest coaching assignment just keeping the Cyclones focused and believing. Rhoads overachieved. Texas has far more talent, Iowa State far more heart. The resources available to each program make any win against Texas a major upset, but to do it in Austin, a week after losing by 52? Wow.
• Iowa and Wisconsin played an exciting football game. The Badgers won, but it was back-and-forth all game. There's widespread overreaction from Hawkeye fans right now because Iowa could have won, but failed to execute special teams and clock management. With great expectations often comes crushing disappointment. There's still a lot out there for Iowa. A win over #5 Michigan State Saturday will make fans feel a lot better. I think it happens.

Cyclone Stunner and Hawkeye Heartbreak

Let's start with the good and work our way to the bad, shall we?

How about those Cyclones?! If you saw a this one coming, you deserve your own daytime cable show. After being outscored 120-27, by Utah and Oklahoma, the 'Clones just flat out punk Texas right in their own stadium, 28-21. I absolutely love the way Paul Rhoads coached this one: onside kicks, 4th down conversions, flea-flickers. This is exactly why he's the right man for Iowa State. Most of the time Iowa State loses, big, against the big boys --- but he's 1-0 against Nebraska, and 1-0 against Texas (BOTH on the road).

We knew the Cyclones were going to need to win a game (like Nebraska in 2009) to reach the 6-win plateau, and make a bowl game. This may be that game. ISU should reach 5 wins against a really bad Kansas team, at home, next weekend. Rhoads would be one win away from back-to-back bowl appearances with games @Colorado and vs Nebraska/Missouri. They've put themselves in position, once again.

AS FOR THE BAD...well....I could go on all night.

Iowa didn't deserve to beat the Badgers. The Hawks were out-played, out-smarted, and out-coached. Once more, Ferentz is being blamed for his poor clock management, and I'm one of them. Time and time again, Ferentz has shown a lack of game awareness in tight ballgames, in the final minute, and once again it costs his team. Was it the reason Iowa lost? No ---  but it was one of them.

I like to say "I told you so", so here's a quote from myself on this very blog from Tuesday:
"The kicking game will rear its ugly head at some point, this season."
Little did I know, it would be this week. And it's not just the kicking game, either. It's hard for me to believe that a Ferentz coached team is THIS bad in all phases of special teams play.

And what about the defense? Wow --- for a unit that was expected to be one of the best in the nation, they've sure let the Hawks down, this year. First, they let Arizona march all over them for a game-winning score, then Michigan nearly erases a 21-point 4th quarter deficit, and now Wisconsin runs it down their throat for 31, and another game-winning TD.

If Iowa wants to get back into the Big Ten race, they better figure it out, and figure it out quick. I expected a lot more from the Hawkeyes, this season. I still believe they have a better team than they had a year ago, but they aren't exactly showing it on the field.

Who would've thought that the Hawkeyes would lose, at home, Iowa State would be the team returning home with a win? It certainly was a wild day in the world of college football, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

If you're a Cyclone fan, enjoy the win --- it's a big one. If you're a Hawkeye fan, sulk in your disappointment, and get back up for next week. The season is far from over.

Chris

Polar Bears, Dodgers, Rangers

• Congratulations to the North Polar Bears. North won its first football game since 2008. That's a long drought but it's not because the kids don't work hard or sacrifice just as much as the players on winning teams. Actually, you can argue it's harder because losing takes a mental toll. Sorry the win had to come at Hoover's expense, another team looking for its first win of the season. Tip of the cap to all the Seniors in Iowa who played their final game.
• Classy move by the PCM. The school gave up part of its gate from the showdown with Bondurant-Farrar to the family of former Bluejay Chris Norton. Norton broke his neck while playing for Luther against Central last week.
• How 'bout those Dodgers. Fort Dodge won at Valley for the first time. It was a last minute 15-12 classic too.
• If you're not a Yankees fan, then you probably enjoyed seeing the Yankees lose to the Rangers. The Texas Rangers in the World Series... now there's something I thought I'd never see.
• Peyton Manning must be in the fetal position. Dallas Clark is out for the season.
• I'll take Iowa by 10 over Wisconsin and Texas by 28 over Iowa State. If I'm wrong, it's here to remind me.
• KXnO will announce it's new morning show Monday. No, I don't know who it is. If you do, please let me know.

Shawn, Dallas, and Norm

The BBC will spend the next two years following one Olympic hopeful from every sport. For women's gymnastics, it's Shawn Johnson. The first feature on Shawn aired Thursday. There was nothing earth-shattering about the piece, but I found it refreshing that Shawn is able to acknowledge she's a long-shot for London. Shawn said the hardest part is "not knowing if I'm gonna make it or not."

Colts tight end Dallas Clark needs wrist surgery and is out indefinitely. No one is more disappointed that Peyton Manning.

Thanks to a grass roots effort from hawkeye fans (isn't it funny that a modern day grass roots effort usually involves facebook and twitter?) The University of Iowa has pledged support for "Norm" chants during Saturday's game against Wisconsin.... well, sort of. Iowa fans were pushing for Norm chants on every Badger third down. Iowa officials are requesting that the chants takes place on first down. Saturday's game could feel like an episode of "Cheers."

Oregon's uniforms are butt-ugly.

Shawn

James Harrison is full of crap

• In the history of foolish posturing, Pittsburgh's James Harrison pretending he might retire because he can't deal with the NFL's clamp down on helmet-to-helmet tackles ranks near the top. Harrison finished several credits shy of a general studies degree at Kent State, so his career options for jobs that pay $51 million could be somewhat limited.  (Thursday morning update: James Harrison is full of crap. He's back with the Steelers already. Tough job market out there.)
• As usual, the MLB league championship series' have been terrific, especially the Giants-Phillies. I understand why Fox and MLB want Yankees-Phillies II, but Rangers-Giants interests me more. The Rangers feature Josh Hamilton, a fascinating study of redemption and the best player in the American League. The Giants just flat out look like they're having fun.
• If Iowa runs the table, will the 11-1 Hawkeyes play for the BCS title? I don't think so, but it would be fun finding out. At worst that run leads to the Rose Bowl, not a bad consolation. Of course, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Northwestern, Ohio State may have something to say first.
• If Iowa keeps winning, Ricky Stanzi will end up in the Heisman Trophy conversation. Don't believe it? See Brad Banks, 2002. And Stanzi is better than Banks.
• I think Iowa State is smart to offer $40 fan ticket packs for the KU and Missouri football games. The $10 ticket gets you a hillside seat, soda, and hot dog (minimum 4 tickets). It's a great deal, and the Cyclones need to avoid a half-empty stadium at all costs. 
• Thanks for encouraging me to watch Modern Family. It's now appointment television. No other sitcom on TV comes close. 

Cubs Choke, Bielema's Tattoo, Hawkeye Holes

The Cubs should've hired Ryne Sandberg. I'm too mad about it to type anything more.

As you may know, Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema has a Tiger Hawk tattoo on his leg. At the Big Ten Media Day, in August, I asked him if he's ever considered having it removed. Bielema laughed and said a few Badger fans have offered to do it for free, but he wants to keep it. He says it was, and always will be, a part of him. I'm not a huge Bielema fan, but you have to respect that.

I believe this Hawkeye team could be the best I've seen in my lifetime (started watching in 1990), but there are a few glaring holes that should be of concern going forward:

1. They're one Adam Robinson injury away from losing their entire running game. I also find it hard to believe that A-Rob will be able to run effectively against Wisconsin, MSU, and OSU, unless he gets some help from Coker or another backup.

2. The kicking game will rear its ugly head at some point, this season. Michael Myers has been shaky, at best, this season. He was barley clearing the Michigan line on a few of his PAT attempts --- but he did hit a pressure packed FG late in the game

3. Micah Hyde. If you saw the 4th quarter of the Michigan game, you don't need an explanation.

Unlike Keith, I haven't given up on Iowa's national title hopes, either. Yes, it's a long shot, but it's still a shot. But I don't think the argument carries much weight until Iowa gets past Wisconsin and Michigan State. We'll revisit the subject if they can win both of those games.

Chris

MLB vs NFL, Iowa vs Wisconsin, Bud Light vs Wheat

• The TV ratings aren't out yet, but for one night, it feels like MLB finally beat the NFL head-to-head. Cliff Lee made the Yankees look silly as the Rangers spanked the Yanks, 8-0. Meantime, Monday Night Football was a complete no-interest dog with the Titans whipping the Jaguars. The NFL is king, but if baseball didn't win this night, it never will.
• The Big Ten names Ricky Stanzi offensive player of the week. Stanzi earned it at Michigan, but the award could have just as easily gone to Iowa's Adam Robinson or Derrell Johnson-Koulianos.
• The road to the Rose Bowl now goes through Kinnick Stadium. I'll try not to write that, or say it, too often the next few weeks, but it's true. The Big Ten's remaining big games are all in Iowa City. First up, Wisconsin. The Badgers all but ruined Ohio State's season Saturday night. Most Buckeye fans are in the mindset of title game or bust. Ohio State now needs others to lose just to win another Big Ten title. It's five straight and counting. How spoiled is that.
• I don't see any way the Cyclones can't be dealing with shaken confidence right now. Iowa State has given up 158 points in three weeks, and the past seven quarters the Cyclones haven't been competitive. They've been blown away on both sides of the ball. And now... Texas.
• I get why Iowa State said no to Fox College Sports for the Kansas game. First of all, next to no one gets FCS. Secondly, the network would pay ISU 0 dollars. Thirdly, it's late October, a night game, or even a morning kick would draw a smaller crowd. ISU needs the fans, and the money. There was no exposure to be had anyway.
• I've never seen two strong Heisman candidates benched the same say. Nebraska's Bo Pelini made a terrible decision to sit Taylor Martinez---wasn't Martinez's fault receivers wore oven mitts---and now his confidence in big games is sure to be shaky. Michigan's Rich Rod can say Denard Robinson was hurt, but it was clear the coach wanted to stay with Tate Forcier---and with reason. If Robinson stayed in, Iowa wins by 20.
• Good to see the UNI Panther basketball team again Monday. I still can't believe the Cats took down #1 Kansas in the NCAA tournament, but that was glorious.
• I'm watching the Blind Side again. I know I'm being manipulated, the movie plays more like an After School Special on second viewing, but it's still highly entertaining.
• How weird is the commercial of the Bud Light bottle making out with the shock of wheat?!

College Football Saturday

I thought if the Hawkeyes played well in Ann Arbor, they'd beat Michigan by double digits. They did. And they did. However, the game didn't play out like I thought it would. If you would have told me on Friday that the Hawks would be plus-four in turnovers and block a kick, I would have said Iowa would win by three touchdowns. Michigan hung around late, despite its self-inflicted wounds. That shows just how difficult it is for Iowa to win in the Big House.

I thought the Hawks got a little conservative on offense for a couple series in the second half, but stayed aggressive for the most part. It was great to see the slant pass calls to Marvin McNutt, DJK, and the screens to Adam Robinson late in the game. I like the aggressiveness, relatively speaking.

I expected Oklahoma to blow out Iowa State, but I never imagined it would be 52-0. The Cyclones brought a knife to a gun fight, which is one way of saying they didn't even get a shot off. There's no shame in a loss to a top ten team on the road, but Iowa State wasn't even competitive. That's disconcerting. I wish I could break down the game more, but to be honest, I quit watching in the second quarter. I couldn't take any more.

Shawn

McCaffery Mad, Kansas Punked, Trump in HD

• Let's Be Mad Again. Or  not. The slogan doesn't work, but the intent does: get Iowa back to the NCAA tournament (March Madness... Mad... get it? I know. A reach that doesn't work. Anyway...) Fran McCaffery is a proven winner at a few stops, so I do think he'll get Iowa back to the tourney, just not this season. He's a coach, not a miracle worker. However, Hawkeye fans will enjoy this season more than any in many years because Iowa will break, dunk, and score---even in losses. Losses will be more fun to watch than most wins under Todd Lickliter.
• If a coach could be fired his first two months on the job, Turner Gill might be that coach. Kansas was embarrassed again. This time, it really hurts because rival K-State did the embarrassing, 59-7. Remember, Nebraska just punked K-State in its own place. Mark Mangino could run for 100 yards on this Kansas defense.
• HD is not good for everyone. Have you seen Donald Trump up close on the Apprentice? Based on recent ratings, I'd say you haven't.
• Andy and Chris are headed to the Big House. Not sure what they have planned to be noticed alongside 113,000 people.
• The weekend is here! Enjoy.

Favre's Elbow, Secretatiat, 30 for 30

• Does Brett Favre need more attention?! Favre is saying if his elbow doesn't improve, he might not play against the Cowboys. There is 0% chance of Favre not playing --- at least not because his elbow hurts. (And yes, I know tendinitis in the elbow lends itself to numerous jokes. It's low-hanging fruit. Strike that.)
• Reggie Bush read Sports Illustrated's cover story on agents paying players and asked for his Heisman Trophy to be shipped back. Many more players than anyone wants to believe have taken money from agents for years. Make it decades.
• "Secretariat" is predictable---we know what's going to happen---and at times it's corny, even formulaic, but it's rousing family entertainment. I loved it, and so did my kids. I still can't believe the Belmont in '73. 31 lengths!
• It's surreal seeing Fred Hoiberg as the head coach of Iowa State, partly because he looks mostly the same as he did in his playing days.
• Shawn Johnson will sign autographs at the celebration of the the Chow's Gymnastics expansion Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m.
• It's easy to knock ESPN---ESPN Hollywood anyone?---but the 30 for 30 documentaries have been outstanding. Once Brothers this week was one of the best.
• 11:40 p.m. I promised myself I'd leave the station by 11. I have a Boardwalk Empire to watch.  I shouldn't lie to myself.
• Until next time...

D-Rob, A-Rob, and A-gents

Kirk Ferentz is widely regarded as one of the best coaches in the country --- but when it comes to close games, he's one of the worst. Fanhouse.com crunched the numbers and, over the last 5 years, Iowa is 11-15 in games decided by 8 points or less. That ranks last among all 27 teams that have competed in BCS games since 2005. Cincinnati is first. http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2010/10/12/mcmurphys-law-lsus-mad-hatter-is-really-a-mad-genius/

The Hawkeyes are tired of talking about Denard Robinson. Let's just hope that, come Saturday, they don't get tired of chasing him. The Michigan QB is averaging 3 touchdowns a game, while the Hawks haven't allowed a touchdown since the Arizona game. Michigan State handled the Wolverines, with relative ease, last week. That doesn't mean Iowa fans shouldn't be worried about going into "The Big House". It's still Michigan, they're still 5-1, with the Heisman Trophy front-runner, and the Hawks have only one win in Ann Arbor since 1990. I think Iowa returns with a win, but it won't be easy.

It's a shame the Buckeyes and the Spartans don't play each other, this season. I highly doubt both teams will go unbeaten, but a perfect season isn't out of the question for Michigan State. Sparty's toughest game is in Iowa City on October 30th. MSU's other five games are against Illinois, Northwestern, Minnesota, Purdue, and Penn State.

Chris Williams, of Cyclonefanatic fame, reports that Alexander Robinson practiced (without pads) for ISU, Tuesday. The 'Clones are a 24 point underdog at #6 Oklahoma, Saturday night. I think you'd be hard pressed to find many Cyclone fans giving their team a chance, in Norman. But, let's not forget, the last time Iowa State got whipped this bad, at home, was in 2007 (56-3 to Texas). The following week, #4 OU came to Jack Trice, ISU darn near pulled the upset. Don't hold your breath.

The Rays and Rangers are playing game 5 of the ALDS, as I type, but I can't watch. There's nothing worse than trying to watch a game being played in a dungeon with weird horn sounds and catwalks effecting routine fly balls.

If you're a sports fan, you'll probably find this article interesting. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/magazine/10/12/agent/index.html

News blooper of the day http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiSTAcYl0_w

Bad Favre Good Favre, Stay Classy Bielema, SoundOFF

• Well, say this for Brett Favre, he's never boring. The Monday Night Football game had it all. First, a 45 minute delay for lightning, which left several noticeably uncomfortable ESPN personalities even more time to discuss the NFL's investigation into Favre's cell phone habits. Then once play starts, Favre looks terrible for most of three quarters. Bad Favre. Before you can say, "he's lost it", Favre suddenly looks 30 again. He throws three gorgeous touchdown passes. Good Favre. Just when Vikings fans believe, pick 6. Bad Favre. The ol' gunslinger did play in obvious pain, and it was great theater. Jets 29, Vikings 20.
• The Vikings and Cowboys have two wins between them.
• Crazy stat of the night: the Braves have played nine playoff elimination games at Turner Field in Atlanta, and they've lost all nine. Ouch.
• Tim Lincecum vs Roy Halladay in game 1 of the NLCS? I'm in.
• Bret Bielema's going for 2 against Minnesota up 25 with 6 minutes to play showed little class. Tim Brewster will likely lose his job soon, but at least he stood up to Bielema for that low-rent move. The card said go for 2? Ignore the card, use your head.
• Bielema knows midfield confrontations. This is the guy who as a Hawkeye player, told Iowa State head coach Jim Walden, "I've enjoyed kicking your a-- the past five years". Nice.
• NBC's Football Night in America show again pushed SoundOFF so late, many of you have asked where you can watch the show on whotv.com. You can't see the show in its entirety each week, but will you find show staples like "I Think", "What's Bugging Andy?" and "FaceOFF" under the SoundOFF dropdown menu. Also, here's a link to the new Hassel spoof: http://www.whotv.com/videobeta/4788973f-5be6-4128-ac67-dff7a5e4321c/Sports/SoundOff-Chris-IS-The-GEICO-Guy

49ers? Fast Utes, Deflated Big House

• NBC had a dog game Sunday night, but at least it turned out competitive with the Eagles keeping the 49ers winless.
• One week after one of Iowa State's most exciting football wins, the Cyclones have one of their most deflating losses. Utah flat out dominated ISU. The Utes scored 68, and could have scored more. There was a glaring difference in team speed. Iowa State learned it has a long way to go, and it starts with recruiting. Recruiting speed.
• Around half the fans at Jack Trice Stadium didn't return after halftime, and this week, you can't blame them. Utah led 41-14, and somehow it wasn't that close.
• Paul Rhoads is a good motivator and leader. He'll use all his skills to try and keep the Cyclones moving forward as they run through the Utah/Oklahoma/Texas gauntlet. It won't be easy. Much of sports---like much of life---is about confidence.
• Iowa will play in front of 110,000 people Saturday, but it won't be an electric atmosphere---not after Michigan State punked Michigan again. The Spartans brought Blue back to earth, and put the Heisman trophy race back in play. Iowa can follow Sparty's blueprint to neutralize Denard Robinson, but I think Iowa could figure it out anyway.
• Andy Fales and Chris Hassel are headed to the Big House. I think they'll see another Iowa win. I was there in 2002, and it was one of the more spirited on-field celebrations by a Hawkeye football team.
• Jane Lynch elevated all the material on Saturday Night Live. She should return as host soon. She's reason enough to watch Glee, even if you don't want your friends knowing.
• Has anyone seen Secretariat? I'm going Tuesday and really looking forward to it.

That.... was.... UGLY. It's hard to know where to start with the Cyclones. Utah came to Ames and ran circles around ISU. I didn't see that coming. After last week's big win, and Paul Rhoads comment that his team "might have turned a corner," I really thought the Clones could hang with the Utes for four quarters. Boy, was I wrong.

The Utes rolled up 600 yards of offense, and hundreds more on kickoff, punt, and interception returns. ISU was 0-11 on 3rd down. But the most disappointing number might have been the attendance... 43,195.

The outlook from the outside has changed drastically in the last 24 hours, especially with road games at Oklahoma and Texas on the horizon.

Shawn

How 'bout this weather!

• Week 7 of the high school football season. Man, the weeks are flying by.
• Can't believe it's going to be 80 degrees on October 9th. Perfect day for tailgating. If Iowa State can't pull 50,000+ fans for #10 Utah in this weather, it will never happen past September.
• No baseball crowd beats the fans at Fenway Park, but on TV, Pac Bell comes close.
• My son Colin, who's six, just reached that point where generic sneakers from Target are no longer cool. Dang. He wanted Nikes. I blame the older brothers. He's still young enough to think a new pair of kicks makes you faster. He was zooming up and down the street today.
• Enjoy this beautiful weather. We'll miss it soon enough.

Go Big Red, Yankees>Twins, Big Game Warning

• Please welcome Nebraska to the national championship chase. The Cornhuskers announced their presence with authority by embarrassing K-State in the Little Apple, 48-13. Let's also welcome quarterback Taylor Martinez to the Heisman Trophy watch. Martinez rushed for 242 yards and 4 touchdowns. That's nuts. He's not Denard Robinson, but he's close.
• The Yankees just flat out own the Twins. If one thing goes wrong, the Twins get psyched, and can't handle it. We keep seeing the same show over-and-over. It's like watching TBS.
• The Rangers won more playoff games in 24 hours than in the rest of their franchise history.
• Shawn Terrell's story on what the Hawks do during their bye weekend was interesting. Popular answers: eat mom's cooking and sleep.
• A warning to anyone going to Norwalk vs. Carlisle football game: Chris Hassel will be there. If the first six weeks are an indicator, that means this game will be a blowout.

I'm Your Huckleberry

• Say "Doc Holliday", and most people picture Val Kilmer in the immortal Tombstone, one of the great guy movies of all time. I'd like to think women appreciate the genius of Tombstone too. Please let me know. (Update: Erin Kiernan just informed me she loves Tombstone) Anyway, we have another Doc who's our huckleberry, Roy Halladay. Different spelling, same steal-the-show result. (A "huckleberry" is a person perfect for the job. That's both Docs.)  Halladay put a much needed jolt into day one of the MLB playoffs by no-hitting the Reds, and it was his first post-season appearance. Halladay already has a perfect game this season.
• Twins and Yankees follow the same ol' script. Twins take the lead, Yankees come back and win. At least Target Field looks great; first outdoor playoff game in the Twin Cities in forty years. Hassel is there. Hopefully he's not singing the Stivers jingle or doing Dolph impressions.
•  The Rays are a popular pick to win it all. Sure didn't look hat way in game one. Cliff Lee and the Rangers dominated. I'd like to make an out of the box pick, but I said on our radio show "Phillies", and with that pitching, I'll stick with it.
• Iowa defensive coordinator Norm Parker is as tough as they come. He's battling diabetes daily. Parker already lost several toes on his left foot, and two weeks ago, doctors amputated Parker's right foot. Parker's personality is missed daily by the Hawkeyes, not to mention his defensive genius. Here's hoping for a speedy return.
• Nothing heals like time. Vikings fans had their fill of Randy Moss by the end of his first run in Minnesota, but now they welcome Moss with open arms. They should too. Moss gives Brett Favre a deep threat, and immediately makes Minnesota a much better team. It's back on for Vikings fans. Moss will eventually implode, but he never does when first arriving. He'll be good, if not great, this season.

NFL Talk

As a Bears fan, I hated the Kyle Orton- Jay Cutler trade from Day 1, and it looks more and more lopsided with each passing week. Orton leads the NFL in passing yardage, averaging more than 350 yards per game. Cutler continues to struggle with subpar receivers and an aging offensive line, and there's no help on the way, because the Bears gave Denver all their draft picks to get Cutler.


Is Randy Moss headed back to Minnesota? I think it will happen, assuming Moss' contract demands aren't... well, too demanding. The Vikings have shown a willingness to mortage their future for a shot at this year's Super Bowl, and I think the Patriots are eager to unload the aging and tirade-prone Moss before he has another podium meltdown.

The Name Is Woodhead

• How can you not love Danny Woodhead. The little guy from Chadron State College in ErinKiernanville, Nebraska made you root for him in HBO's Hard Knocks, but the Jets cut Woodhead. The rival Patriots picked him up, and for the second straight week, Woodhead turned it out. The Patriots embarrassed the Dolphins in Miami, 41-14 (after trailing 7-6 at halftime).

• Ed says Saturday night will be as good as it gets for October weather in Iowa. Just one more reason Cyclone fans need to rally one of their biggest crowds for #10 Utah at Iowa State. After hanging 52 points on Texas Tech, the Clones deserve it.

Hawks Rock, Cy Shootout, Cutler Sacked

• What an absolutely awesome weekend for the Big Two football programs in our state. The Kinnick Stadium crowd looked amazing on television---the place was rocking---and Iowa dominated Penn State in deliberate, methodical fashion. That defense is ridiculous.
• Christian Ballard made one of the all time great goal line plays. I still can't believe he found a way to keep Penn State's QB out of the end zone, when it looked like he was a lock to cross the plane.
• I know Hawk fans---and football fans period---wanted to see Iowa keeps passing, and keep scoring, but that's not Ferentz football. He's conservative, and it works. Plus, no way he tries to embarrass Joe Paterno.
• Iowa State had the second biggest win of the Rhoads era, and though not as surprising as winning at Nebraska, outscoring Texas Tech in a shootout is something most of us did not see coming. 52 points!?
• Paul Rhoads called the win a potential turning point. With ISU's schedule, we'll find out.
• I'm happy for Austen Arnaud. Not only did Arnaud show why he's the starter, but he played hurt, and played the game of his life. Arnaud is so well liked and respected, no one likes criticising him, and this week, no one should.
• With Iowa off, and great weather expected, there is no reason Iowa State shouldn't have the biggest crowd in Jack Trice Stadium history (new configuration) for #10 Utah. Cyclone fans, local football fans, it's time to show up.
• Colorado Buffs fans stormed the field after beating 1-4 Georgia. The standards have fallen in Boulder.
• New AP college football poll has no USC, Penn State, Texas, or Notre Dame. (Iowa is #15.)
• The Bears-Giants game Sunday night was AWFUL. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Jay Cutler was mugged (and held on to the football too long).
• Eagles fans, good job giving McNabb an ovation. He deserved it. I knew you'd surprise people.
• Falcons,  you should go back to wearing those red helmets every week.
• Why doesn't Des Moines have a Steak N Shake?!

Owning JoePa, Turning a Corner, and Ryders on the Storm

That's just a good, solid Big Ten win for the Hawkeyes. The game epitomized Kirk Ferentz's coaching blueprint - methodical offense, STOUT defense, and mistake-free special teams. Was it a little bland? Sure. White rice. But no one should complain with the end result. Iowa has now won eight of its last nine games against Joe Paterno and Penn State. That's nothing to sneeze at.

Next to last year's win at Nebraska, Saturday's win against Texas Tech is the biggest of the Paul Rhoads era. The Cyclones won the type of game they've lost countless times in the past. Iowa State blew a 24 point lead, but still had enough composure and fortitude to wrestle the momentum back in its favor and win the game. Rhoads said in his post-game news conference "we might have turned a corner tonight." Coming from a straight-shooter like Rhoads, that's a big statement.

I love the Ryder Cup, but hate that it's played right in the heart of football season. I'd love to see the event moved to July or August, so the Ryder could get the attention it deserves.

Shawn

TV Nirvana, Inflated Heroes, Buc Beers

• It is a glorious weekend for sports addicts. You can start watching college football Saturday morning, continue all afternoon, have the Cyclones on one set and the Hawkeyes on the other at night, catch a west coast game past midnight, take a 2 hour nap, pick up Ryder Cup coverage beginning on channel 13 at 3 a.m., follow that until noon, switch to NFL game 1, followed at 3:15 by game 2, then it's time for Sunday Night Football, Bears-Giants, then cap off the night with SoundOFF. Seek professional help.
• Temps in Iowa City and Ames will dip into the forties by the second half. Brr. Not ready.
• The lasting impression of Ken Burns' terrific "Tenth Inning" is just how juiced baseball was for 15 years. The images of McGwire & Sosa in 1998 make me feel duped. The sight of Barry Bonds physical transformation from Bruce Banner to Hulk is ridiculous. At least Bonds knows we didn't enjoy his assault on baseball's cherished home run records.
• Good to see Regg Simon back leading the Bucs. Place was rocking again Friday night. Buc beer night helped.
• Johnston's Nathan Depenning scored 10 touchdowns in two weeks. I called that a career.
• The local community lost a good man in Paul Lane. The Funny Bone owner provided years of laughs for tens of thousands, and he was as nice as they come. I already miss him.

New Schedule, Greenway, and Expanded NFL Season

The Big XII did a solid job with its new football schedule, with one major exception. I don't like that the order of the schedule wont' fluctuate from year to year.

Chad Greenway is one of the most beloved Hawkeyes of the Kirk Ferentz era. Greenway will be Iowa's honorary captain on Saturday, which should bring good karma... the Hawks were 4-0 against Penn State during Greenway's tenure at Iowa.

There should be a college football game involving BCS teams every Thursday during the season.

We're more aware than ever about the toll playing football takes on the body. Hundreds of former NFL players struggle to function normally upon retirement. Many have others have died prematurely. And the NFL's answer is to add two more games to the regular season? Unbelievable.

Shawn

Tenth Inning, Social Network, MC22

• Tip of the cap to Ken Burns and PBS (IPTV) for The Tenth Inning. It picks up where "Baseball" left off in 1994.  The past 16 years of baseball are exciting and infuriating at the same time.
• Fran McCaffery needed to land Cedar Rapids Washington star Josh Oglesby. It's a start.
• Drake had it women's basketball media day Wednesday, September 29. We missed it. I'll confess we've never put anything basketball related on the calendar prior to October, but with the schools moving everything up, we better start. Bulldogs, we owe you one. Sorry.
• Bob Feller just added a pacemaker. Feller may be 91, but he's not going anywhere without a fight.
• I'm watching the Defenders on my DVR. When did Jim Belushi morph into Johnny Bench?
• I can't wait to see Secretariat.
• The Social Network is not something that appeals to me, except Aaron Sorkin wrote the screenplay. Anyone who wrote A Few Good Men, The West Wing, and Sports Night knows how to use words. Especially A Few Good Men.
• Yes, the video quality for the UNI at ISU football game on MC22 was poor, as spoofed on SoundOff, but if not for Mediacom the game wouldn't have been seen at all. Coverage of local games is the only reason I haven't switched to DirecTV because I really want the NFL Network.

Reds Clinch, Free DJK, Cubs Cashgrab

• The Cincinnati Reds win the NL Central. Who told you that would happen? Not me.
• Baseball playoffs begin next week. Will we notice? I hope so. I'll jump on the Twins bandwagon.
• Don't miss Shawn Terrell's story on the silencing of DJK at Iowa. It's on our sports page video player.
• The Cubs will charge fans $50 to play on Wrigley Field after the Northwestern-Illinois game. Hey, they have to do something to pay for Soriano, Zambrano, and Ramirez.
• Time to watch Ken Burns' Tenth Inning. Can't wait.

Bears Win, The Real Ed Wilson, Tenth Inning

• Now Packer fans know how Hawkeye fans felt after Arizona. Green Bay appeared the better team in Chicago, but the Packers self-destructed with bad special teams, foolish penalties, and lack of a running game.
• Chris Hassel and Shawn Terrell are both big Bears fan. They're being set up.
• @TheRealEdWilson on Twitter is not the real Ed Wilson. Many of you have asked if he is. Our Ed is not on Twitter, but the Ed who is does give a brief forecast. Monday's one word example: "MOIST".
• Is it just me, or has the baseball season all but disappeared? Next to no buzz.
• If you're a baseball fan, don't miss Ken Burns' "The Tenth Inning" on PBS Tuesday and Wednesday night.