Michigan looked unimpressive during its 28-17 win over Northwestern last Saturday. Tony Ding/Icon SMI

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Given the national media's commitment to mentioning its loss to Appalachian State in nearly every article written about it, is there anything Michigan can do to regain some respect? The Wolverines' stock in the rankings remains static despite the meteoric rise of Oregon, knocking off a 10th-ranked team (Penn State) and yielding one touchdown in their last three games.
--Dave, Herndon, Va.

They can start by playing remotely like a top 25 team. Did you watch the Wolverines' game against Northwestern? (That's a rhetorical question. The game was on the Big Ten Network -- which, by the way, is now available on something called WideOpenWest.) Michigan trailed for three quarters (including 16-7 at halftime), finally pulling away to win 28-16 after forcing four fourth-quarter turnovers. This was the same Northwestern team, mind you, that Ohio State beat 58-7 the week before -- and it wasn't even that close. Somebody named Omar Conteh (15 carries, 115 yards) from Northwestern outrushed Mike Hart (30 carries, 106 yards), and Wildcats QB C.J. Bacher, when he wasn't throwing interceptions and fumbling (a combined five times), passed for more yards (289) than the combo of Chad Henne and Ryan Mallett (260).

Michigan already faced a significant challenge restoring its credibility due to the perceived weakness of the Big Ten this year. (It's not just a perception, by the way. In Jerry Palm's conference ratings at CollegeBCS.com -- which basically mimics the formula used to calculate conference RPIs in basketball -- the Big Ten is sixth.) But it may be a moot point, because it seems these Wolverines may very well be just an average team. Henne's return to the lineup should boost the offense, but the defense will likely continue to struggle against spread-type offenses -- which nearly all their remaining Big Ten opponents run.

I know you've moved on to a new Celebrity Crush, but a guy doesn't forget about a girl like Jenna Fischer in just a year. How did you feel about Pam Beasley and Jim (or as Kevin put it: PB&J) in the season premier?
--James Doker, Gainesville, Fla.

You know, I always thought that if Jim and Pam ever actually got together it might ruin The Office the way Ross and Rachel (and Rachel and Joey, and Chandler and Monica, and ...) did Friends. But from the moment Michael crashed into Meredith, the season premiere was nothing short of comic genius. Dwight taking it upon himself to euthanize Angela's cat. Michael's newfound concern for rabies. Andy's nipple chafing. (I can't imagine how out-of-context that last one must look to anyone who doesn't watch the show.) Even with all that, the Jim-Pam thing just seemed to slip in naturally.

Of course, they can't just live happily ever after. Some sort of conflict will inevitably arise. And what could possibly be a better plot twist than ... P.J. from My Boys turning up to whisk Jim off to Italy. (Still got your back, Jordana.)

How do you think LSU fans feel about being No. 1 in the AP poll this week. Do you think they are telling everyone that "we're not really No. 1," because, as they all said after the 2003 season, the only poll that counts is the coaches poll?
--Chris Baker, Tucson, Ariz.

Good question. I'll find out for myself this weekend when I visit Baton Rouge. Whenever I travel, I'm always sensitive about not doing anything that might offend the locals. So, even though LSU has been No. 1 on my ballot the past two weeks, and even though I'll be referring to "No. 1 LSU" in everything I write this weekend (because SI.com, like most publications, uses the AP poll as its default ranking), I will be extra careful to acknowledge USC's true status as the nation's No. 1 team if the topic happens to come up in conversation. Because if I don't, I'm certain any LSU fan in his right mind will be quick to remind me that the Trojans are currently ranked as such by the two polls (coaches and Harris) used by the BCS -- the only system agreed upon by all participants beforehand.

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