The family and I took a day-trip to Chicago last Saturday, and we were away from the TV for most of the games. Thanks to the wonder of the internet, I was able to stay on top of all the pending upsets (thank you Dearl) and catch up on key events when I got home later that day (thank you ESPN).
I was entranced by the Iowa State - Nebraska tussle in Ames. This game was particularly significant because it represented the last conference game between the two teams. They may not play again for a decade or more. The series, dating back to 1896 and played every year since 1920, has been owned by Nebraska, 85-17-2. One of those precious few Cyclone wins came last year and spawned one of the greatest locker room celebrations ever (Locker Room Celebration Video). How would this series end? Would the Huskers keep rolling on the way to the Big 12 title game? Or would Iowa State, fresh off of its only win over Texas in history, upset the mighty Big Red? Go Blue and I thought it could happen, needing every 19 of the points the upset was worth.
The Cyclones led for much of the game, until Nebraska pulled away, 24-10 in the 3rd quarter. Knowing the Blackshirt's reputation for defense and the Cyclones lack of an explosive offense, I put away my phone and kissed those 19 points away. Next thing I know, the game is in overtime, with Nebraska scoring first and kicking the convential PAT. Iowa State scores on their series in OT and line up for the extra point. But they go for the win and execute a fake. The holder lofts a floater to a wide open tight end, but it is snagged by a leaping Blackshirt instead. Game over. Series over. What a finish!
I give Paul Rhoads all the credit for going for two. That's a great call and most of the Cyclones I have heard from agree. In a way, this was the perfect ending for the series. Nebraska needed a win to continue their march toward the title in their last year in the league. And the Cyclones needed to give them a going away present. Iowa State succeeded in everyone's hearts. But not on the scoreboard. Ross Mathiasen, one of my residents and a Husker, was at the game. He said this week, "what a weird game."
Aparently, he didn't watch the USC- ASU game.
THAT was a weird game. In the course of the evening, there was an interception returned for TD's by EACH team, a 100 yard kickoff return by ASU, a blocked extra point returned for 2 points by USC, a couple of missed field goals including hitting the post, and a blocked punt by USC. Wow! What a wild ride. I am was very glad to see USC finally win a close one.
Another wild ride took place in Salt Lake City. In what was billed as the biggest sporting event in Utah since the Olympics, TCU met Utah in a battle of undefeateds. Unfortuantely for the Utah fans who had paid several hundred dollars for scalped tickets, the game was ugly early and often. TCU dominated to become a clear legimate contender for the BCS championship. There is no way that a one loss team (even from the SEC) will get in ahead of an undefeated TCU.
Fight on.
Hans
TCU UTAH
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