Nebraska could threaten Oklahoma

I'm somewhat jumping on Nebraska's bandwagon now after watching them in recent games, including the 28-0 rout of Iowa State over the weekend. I've been watching how the Huskers are dominating. They're physical, and they're doing it with defense. Their special teams are opportunistic; they block kicks and score touchdowns. This could be a Nebraska team that's going to challenge Oklahoma in the Big 12 championship game.

For many weeks now, we haven't had a team from the North appear to be capable of challenging the Sooners. I think Nebraska definitely is the team to beat up there now, and that's good for college football. Wouldn't it be awesome (unless you're a Sooner fan) if Nebraska knocked off OU in the Big 12 championship game and turns the BCS standings upside down? I think the Huskers are capable.

Tip of the cap

Just one this week ... well two, sort of. Bobby Bowden again, this time for passing Joe Paterno on the all-time wins list for Division I-A coaches. Being able to be around his son Terry, and to see how the family pulls for each other in all they've been through – the good and the bad – and the enduring that he's had to deal with, I'm just really happy for him. The man has made such an impact on hundreds of kids – not just the stars – but hundreds of players have learned life lessons from Bobby Bowden. He is a class act who has been very kind to many people.

He's very deserving of the all-time wins record, and I get the feeling he'll do it for as long as he can, or as Terry says, as long as he can play for a national championship. I'm happy for Coach Bowden as well as for his wife. Without a good wife, he'd have never made it. Ann Bowden gets a big Tip of the Cap.

Heisman update
Oklahoma QB Jason White's still the guy (19-of-28, 248 yards, three TDs in a 34-20 win at Colorado), and I'll keep Pittsburgh WR Larry Fitzgerald No. 2 (tied Charles Rogers' NCAA record of 13 consecutive games with a TD reception in a 34-13 win over Syracuse). But I'm keeping a close eye on USC QB Matt Leinart (19-of-29, 354 yards, four TDs in a 43-23 win over Washington).

Leinart's numbers are better than Carson Palmer's were at this time last year.

Through eight games:
Leinart, 2003: 148-of-237 (62.4%), 2175 yds, 21 TD, 7 INT, 162.9 rating
Palmer, 2002: 195-of-314 (62.1%), 2429 yds, 18 TD, 8 INT, 140.9 rating

This race is nowhere near decided. If the Trojans keep winning, and Leinart keeps posting these kinds of numbers, he's got a great chance to sneak in there, especially if White stumbles.

Wouldn't it be something if the successor to the previous Heisman winner took home the trophy?

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