These Go to Eleven

I got to see Spinal Tap on the big screen the other night.  Our local art house plays cult films on Sunday evenings, and I finally made it to a showing.  I was very impressed that the movie still seems fresh, relevant, and bitingly satirical 25 years later.  Here's the best clip: These Go To Eleven.  Based on the string of upsets on Saturday, the volume on the underdog pool is definitely cranked up to eleven.

The weekend was full of great upsets, and I can't possibly mention them all.  The biggest one was Nothwestern over Iowa, but it seemed like everyone knew it was coming.  11 poolers picked it.  The lead story on college game day was the likelyhood of each undefeated team staying unbeaten- with Iowa picked dead last with only a 36% probability of surviving the season unscathed.  And, worst of all, Sports Illustrated had the gall to put the Hawkeyes on the cover.  ESPN's Pat Forde put it a little harsh, but I think he has is mostly right:

One year ago almost to the day, The Dash offered sincere thanks to Iowa for knocking 9-0 Penn State from the ranks of the unbeaten and saving America from another beatdown of an overmatched Big Ten team in the BCS National Championship Game.

This year, the thanks flow in a different direction from Iowa City. The Dash is sending balloons, kazoos and party streamers to Northwestern for exposing fraudulent Iowa. The Wildcats spared this great nation from having to listen to more earnestly deluded Hawkeyes fans explain why their team deserved a shot at the national title, despite a string of underwhelming victories against suspect competition.

Listening to Iowa's attempts to twist logic was like watching John Goodman try to fit into Prince's jeans. Not pretty.

Now everyone knows the truth. Even Iowans, who are free to return to reality

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Ironically, had Iowa quaterback Rick Stanzi had not been knocked out by an ankle injury in the second quarter, Iowa could have easily scored at least 8 more points and would have won the game.  Now Hawk fans have to face Ohio State in Columbus without Stanzi and may have to change their airline tickets from Pasadena to Orlando. 

I really should have known this, but ESPN revealed that teams that beat USC under Pete Carrol rarely win the following week.  I am happy to learn that defeating the Trojans uses up every ounce of karma the universe has bestowed upon a dog.  Oregon was the latest to fall victim to this let-down, but give due credit to Stanford.  Jim Harbargh has his offense burning Texas Tech style high-octane fuel and could finish 3rd or 4th in the conference.  USC better be prepared when the Cardinal come to visit this Saturday, or I will never hear the end of it from my wife (Stanford, '91).  And no, I will not be placing a bet with her.  I lose those bets more often than I care to remember. 

Brian Shedek (BShedek) had a very good weekend.  Although he is a die-hard Hawkeye fan and should have been heartbroken by the Northwestern loss, he knew it was coming and capitalized on in by pulling down 35 points and doubling his season total.  His day got even better when his cousin, a defensive back for Navy, led the Midshipmen to a stunning upset at Notre Dame  . . . again.  The Navy win has caused the national media to start calling for Charlie Weis' head, but I am not sure I want him to be fired (what do you think?  Vote on the poll to the right).  He's a great villian for Trojan and Wolverine fans (right, GoBlue! and Khouse?).  Also, the Domers have been in every game this year and have to be one of the most entertaining teams to watch.  They really are three plays away from being undefeated.  If Clausen stays for next year, they should have a great ride.  Maybe.  Then again, they will probably lose to Pittsbugh and Stanford this year and finish 7-5

Although Ohio State's upset was only worth 4 points, the degree in which they mauled Penn State was impressive.  It seems that Terrell Pryor has finaly figured out how to throw the ball to the Scarlet and Grey and not the other colors.  The Buckeyes are peaking at just the right time and the Hawkeyes are in big trouble come Saturday.

I have to give a honorable mention to Wake Forest, who took Georgia Tech to overtime and almost sent the ACC's "Wheel of Destiny" spinning like a top.  An old adage of the underdog pool remains in effect: pick the Demon Deacons at home in conference games, but never take them on the road. 

In honor of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, ESPN Gameday visited the Air Force academy and their game with Army.  The opening was impressive: the cadets stood at attention in quiet remberance as Chris Fowler described the mourning of the murdered soldiers at Ft Hood.  But as soon as the F-16's finished their fly-over, the cadets broke out their previously hidden signs and banners and starting cheering like crazy.  Here's President Obama's opening address for the show:  Obama

Although there was great football on all day, I didn't watch very much.  We were blessed with 70 degrees and full sunshine, which is unheard of for Iowa in Novemeber.  As one local DJ described it, on a scale of 1 to 10, the weather rated an 11.  We happily spent the whole weekend outside, cleaning up the garden, planting bulbs for spring, and playing wth Sophie and the doggies. 

Have a great Veteran's Day.
Fight On,

Hans

PS:  Here's a very nice article about Iowa Football that appeared in the Wall Street Journal of all places:
Iowa Football