In a battle of unbeatens, Ohio State-Iowa will be tight

Two years ago in Iowa City, then-backup QB Troy Smith was unable to stem a 33-7 Hawkeyes rout. A year ago in Columbus, Smith ran for 127 yards as OSU pulled a 180, beating Iowa 31-6. This year, the score will be a whole lot closer, and this time Smith's arm will make the difference.

Oh, cruel ACC scheduling gods. For some reason you've seen fit to send the Yellow Jackets to Blacksburg in consecutive seasons. Last year's trip resulted in a 51-7 Hokies demolition. What could possibly cause a 44-point turnaround in one year's time? I have no idea. Just go with it.

You've got to love 'Bama fans. Last year's 10-2 season cemented Mike Shula as a state-wide hero and earned him a rich new contract. Last week the Tide lost to Arkansas, after which I received at least 10 e-mails questioning Shula's worthiness. Just wait till this weekend.

When it comes to the Heisman, it pays for your team to have a bad defense. Think about it. If Brady Quinn had thrown for five touchdowns in a 44-6 rout last week, the reaction would have been, eh. But doing so as part of a dramatic comeback suddenly got him back in the race.

In light of the Ducks' controversial win over Oklahoma, Oregon coach Mike Bellotti acknowledged this week, "We probably need to validate the Oklahoma win in everybody's eyes." Unfortunately for him, the only thing a win over Arizona State validates these days is Dirk Koetter's critics.

A strange thing happens when the Broncos leave the familiar blue turf of their home stadium: They lose their edge. Boise State's last six regular-season losses have all come on the road. This season the Broncos have scored 40-plus points in all three of their home games, 17 in their one away game.

Is it just me, or have we not heard a single word about Dennis Franchione's team this season? Can you name a single Aggies player besides QB Stephen McGee? And what was up with Mike Leach's team scoring three points against TCU a couple weeks back? Should I just flip a coin?

Three years ago, newly anointed Tampa Bay Bucs QB Bruce Gradkowski led Toledo to a 35-31 upset over then-No. 9 Pittsburgh. This year's Panthers aren't as good as that 2003 team; the Rockets, who beat Kansas on Sept. 15, are dangerous as always.