The small 10

The Big 10 conference got it's behind kicked today in the New Year day bowl games. The non-AQ (thats my favorite abbreviation these days - non automatic qualifiers) TCU beat Wisconsin in the grand daddy today. It was a close game that ended 21-19. Thats a huge win for the AQ guys, who have consistently done well in the BCS bowls. In fact, thats why they are even allowed in these days after having a tougher time getting in during the first few years of BCS. The conference that should not be allowed in to the BCS games automatically is actually the Big East. Ever since Miami and Va Tech left the conference, they have been awful. After Cincinnati stunk up the BCS joint the last 2 years, it was UConn's turn today as they lost 48-20 to Oklahoma in the Fiesta bowl. Good for Oklahoma and Bob Stoops because they have looked horrible the last few years in the BCS games themselves. I feel like the Big East has single handedly diluted the BCS bowls the last few years. NCAA should definitely revisit this conference's AQ status for BCS the next time they look at it.

As for the Big 10, they again had all kinds of problems against more athletic teams and conferences. While TCU beat Wisconsin, Florida beat Joe-Pa and Penn state in a close contest for the Outback bowl. Miss state crushed Michigan 52-14 and Alabama rolled tide all over Michigan State 49-7. No special teams trick plays in this one for Michigan state. And Northwestern lost to Texas Tech 45-38 to complete the 5 losses in one day for the Big 10. This after all the controversy surrounding the Ohio state suckeyes. ESPN's Mark May ripped the NCAA for the soft penalty for the OSU players and he blamed it on NCAA's partial treatment of it's preferred conferences like the Big 10. His theory is that the penalty would have included the BCS bowl game suspension as well if it was a different school from the SEC or something. NCAA does look stupid that they suspended the guys for games next year, but they get to play in a couple of days in the bowl game. But thats what TV and money does to whatever little integrity thats left of the NCAA. Of course, it probably won't help the Big 10 on the field as I totally expect Arkansas to beat OSU in the Sugar bowl with or without these fools.

I can't believe we are already in the last week of the NFL season. There are a lot of scenarios to be played out tomorrow. The AFC is pretty much set with only the relative standings to be decided. The only open issue is the AFC South championship, but with Indy hosting Tennessee tomorrow, it's their division to lose. NFC is more interesting with 2 spots still up for grabs. The NFC West championship is still open. Seattle is hosting St. Louis and I totally want them to win. I don't care about either of these teams, but it would be totally awesome to have a 7-9 team in the playoffs. They not only get to make the playoffs, they will be hosting a playoff game against a team with a better record. It would be even more awesome if the Giants and the Bucs stay home with a 10-6 record while Seattle is stinking it up in the playoffs. I sure hope the Hawks bring it home tomorrow. The other wild-card spot is Green Bay's to lose. If they win, they are in. If they lose, the Giants can get in with a win. Bucs have the toughest route there since they need both the Packers and the Giants to lose. Unlikely given the opponents. Packers have the tough Bears, but it's at home and the Bears may not play their starters all game. Lets see what happens. I want the Packers to make it. I think they are the best team among the wild-card bunch and will be a tough out in the playoffs.