We wrap up Thanksgiving weekend with another Top 25 adjustment in College Football

We will know a week from now who will make up the BCS Title Game for the 2009 college football season. Further, all the bowls will be known. There is still an outside chance for a non-BCS conference team to make the BCS Title Game.

The final candidates for #1 vs. #2 in the BCS Title Game for the 2009 season?

• Florida
• Alabama
• Texas
• TCU
• Cincinnati

Boise State is the final undefeated team, but appears clearly out of contention for the BCS title game for this year, based on the current BCS poll.

Here's our take on the current Top 25 in College Football ...

1. Florida Gators (12-0, 8-0 SEC) - They will face #2 Alabama (12-0, 8-0 SEC) in the SEC title game this Saturday. Did you know that Tim Tebew's first bowl game was vs. Iowa in the 2006 Outback Bowl? The Gators would match up extremely well vs. Iowa, better than 2006, when the Gators beat Iowa 31-24 in Tampa.
2. Alabama Crimson Tide (12-0, 8-0 SEC) - The Crimson Tide are a little dinged with star sophomore RB Mark Ingram tending to an injury. The game with the Gators in the SEC title game will be a challenge for the Crimson Tide. It would be interesting to see coach Nick Saban and Alabama face off in a bowl game this season. Saban faced Iowa, when he was at LSU in the 2005 Capital One Bowl. The Hawkeyes pulled off the upset 30-25 on the final play. Could a Bama-Iowa match up be on the horizon?
3. Texas Longhorns (12-0, 8-0 Big 12) - The Longhorns will face the Nebraska Cornhuskers (9-3, 6-2 Big 8) in the Big 12 title game. A loss by the Longhorns would have to go down as the biggest upset in Big 12 title game history. The Longhorns and Hawkeyes faced off in the 2006 Alamo Bowl, when the Longhorns beat Iowa 26-24. It's not likely the Hawkeyes will see the Longhorns in a bowl game this season.
4. TCU Horned Frogs (12-0, 8-0 MWC) - The Horned Frogs need help to find a spot in the BCS title game. They actually could fall out of the Top 4, if Cincinnati gets enough love in the Bearcats final game. A TCU-Iowa bowl game is possible, but not expected at this point.
5. Cincinnati Bearcats (11-0, 6-0 Big East) - The Bearcats close out the regular season @ Pittsburgh (9-2, 5-1 Big East) in what is basically the Big East championship game, where the winner will represent the Big East in the BCS. Can the Bearcats make it two year in a row?
6. Boise State Broncos (12-0, 8-0 WAC) - The Broncos have finished 12-0 in two of the three past seasons now, with a strong season in '09. Could an Iowa-Boise State match up be on the horizon in the Fiesta Bowl? Many are pinning their hopes on such a match up in the Valley of the Sun this season.
7. Oregon Ducks (9-2, 7-1 Pac 10) - The Ducks close out the regular season Thursday when the host in-state rival Oregon State (8-3, 6-2 Pac 10), in what is basically the Pac 10 championship game. The winner will represent the Pac 10 in the Rose Bowl vs. the Big Ten champ, Ohio State (10-2, 7-1 Big Ten).
8. Ohio State Buckeyes (10-2, 7-1 Big Ten) - The Buckeyes are waiting to learn the news of who from the Pac 10 will face the Buckeyes in the 2010 Rose Bowl game in Pasadena. The Buckeyes captured the Big Ten birth this season with a OT win at home vs. Iowa two weeks ago.
9. Iowa Hawkeyes (10-2, 6-2 Big Ten) - The Hawkeyes need some help to figure in the at-large spot in the BCS bowls. An upset in the Big 12 title game would not likely be good for a Big Ten at-large team. Many are projecting Iowa vs. Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl. We will find out next Sunday.
10. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (10-2, 7-1 ACC) - The Yellow Jackets will face Clemson (8-4, 6-2 ACC) in the ACC title game. The Yellow Jackets are going for their third straight win over the Tigers.
11. Penn State Nittany Lions (10-2, 6-2 Big Ten) - The Nittany Lions are sitting and waiting to see, if they may be the 2Nd Big Ten team picked as an at-large BCS bowl invitee. Some project that the Nittany Lions may favor higher than Iowa for the Orange, should the Orange go with a Big Ten team as their at-large pick. Despite losing head to head to the Hawkeyes, the Nittany Lions may be favored in the Orange?
12. Virginia Tech Hokies (9-3, 6-2 ACC) - The Hokies regular season has concluded, but they will represent the ACC in a bowl game this season. The Hokies closed out the regular season with a 42-13 win @ Virginia (3-9, 2-6 ACC) that may be the final nail on the Al Groh era at UVA!
13. LSU Tigers (9-3, 5-3 SEC) - The Tigers closed the regular season with a 33-30 OT win vs. Arkansas (7-5, 3-5 SEC). The Capital One Bowl is a likely spot for the Tigers. Could a rematch be on track vs. Iowa, who squared off in 2005 in Tampa?
14. Pittsburgh Panthers (9-2, 5-1 Big East) - Despite the loss 16-19 loss @ West Virginia (8-3, 4-2 Big East) this Thanksgiving weekend, the Panthers still have a lot to play for. This week, the Panthers host #5 Cincinnati (11-0, 6-0 Big East) for a birth in a BCS bowl game. This would be the first BCS bid for Pitt, since the 2004 season, under former coach Walt Harris.
15. Oregon State Beavers (8-3, 6-2 Pac 10) - Can the Beavers play in their first BCS bowl game with a win @ Oregon? The Beavers @ #7 Oregon (9-2, 6-1 Pac 10) for the Pac 10 title and the birth in the Rose Bowl vs. Ohio State.
16. Brigham Young Cougars (10-2, 7-1 MWC) - The Cougars closed out the regular season with a solid 26-23 OT win over MWC and in-state rival Utah (9-3, 6-2 MWC). Could a bowl bid with Arizona be on the horizon again for the Cougars?
17. Miami-FL Hurricanes (9-3, 6-2 ACC) - The Hurricanes closed out the regular season with a 31-10 road win @ South Florida (7-4, 3-3 Big East). The Hurricanes await a bowl bid for the second straight season.
18. USC Trojans (8-3, 5-3 Pac 10) - The Trojans close out the regular season hosting Arizona (8-3, 5-3 Pac 10) in a final Pac 10 showdown of the regular season. The winner will finish in the top half of the conference.
19. California Golden Bears (8-3, 5-3 Pac 10) - The Cal Bears close out the regular season @ Washington (4-7, 3-5) in a final Pac 10 showdown of the regular season. The Huskies don't have a bowl game, so the Golden Bears need to be careful up North.
20. Houston Cougars (10-2, 6-2 C-USA) - The Cougars will face the East Carolina Pirates (8-4, 7-1 C-USA), who are the defending C-USA champs, in the C-USA title game. The Cougars are coming off a 73-14 blow out vs. Rice (2-10, 2-6 C-USA) to close out conference play.
21. Nebraska Cornhuskers (9-3, 6-2 Big 12) - The Cornhuskers will face #3 Texas (12-0, 8-0 Big 12) in the biggest game in the coach Bo Pelini era. Pelini is in his second season at Nebraska. A win in the Big 12 title game would be huge for the Husker nation. The Huskers are coming off a 28-20 win @ rival Colorado (3-9, 2-6 Big 12).
22. Oklahoma State Cowboys (9-3, 6-2 Big 12) - The Cowboys crashed and burned their BCS opportunity with a 0-27 loss @ Oklahoma (7-5, 5-3) over the Thanksgiving holidays. A solid bowl bid is likely, but the health of the Cowboys team is weakening, after a physical game with in-state rival OU.
23. Stanford Cardinal (8-4, 6-3 Pac 10) - The Cardinal ended Notre Dame's (6-6) regular season with a 45-38 home win to close out the regular season. Stanford has not been bowl eligible, since the '01 season. Coach Jim Harbaugh is in his third season at Stanford.
24. West Virginia Mountaineers (8-3, 4-2 Big East) - The Mountaineers pulled off a 19-16 home win over Pittsburgh (9-2, 5-1 Big East) in Big East play. The Mountaineers close out Big East play @ Rutgers (8-3, 3-3 Big East) to end the regular season this weekend.
25. (tie) Clemson Tigers (8-4, 6-2 ACC) - Next up for the Tigers is a ACC Championship game match up vs. Georgia Tech (10-2, 7-1 ACC). The Tigers are coming off 17-34 loss @ in-state rival South Carolina (7-5, 3-5 SEC), who has lost 10 of the last 12 vs. the Tigers.
    (tie) Utah Utes (9-3, 6-2 MWC) - The Utes concluded the regular season with a 23-26 loss @ Brigham Young to close out MWC play. The Utes await their seven straight bowl bid to close out the 2009 season.

peace

Hope everyone is enjoying their week of Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Creighton Bluejays pushed the Michigan Wolverines into OT in Orlando on Thanksgiving. But, too many mistakes cost the Jays down the stretch.

Ott's Thoughts: Michigan 83, Creighton 76 (OT) - White and Blue Review ‎
Except Creighton fans could say the same thing. The Bluejays out rebounded Michigan for the better part of 45 minutes. The Jays shot better than UM. ...
Michigan Holds Off Creighton in Overtime - New York Times
Michigan 83, Creighton 76 - USA Today
Recap: No. 15 Wolverines 83, Jays 76 (OT) - Detroit Free Press

Celebrating Thanksgiving today with our family and a little football

Friday, November 27Th on DirecTV today

• Rutgers at Louisville 10:00 a.m. ESPN2 (HD)


• Temple at Ohio 10:00 a.m. ESPNU (HD)


• Illinois at Cincinnati 11:00 a.m. ABC (HD) - Tough times for the Fighting Illini!


• Wyoming at Colorado State 1:00 p.m. Mtn.


• Alabama at Auburn 1:30 p.m. CBS (HD) / Online


• Memphis at Tulsa 2:30 p.m. CBSC (HD)


• Nebraska at Colorado 2:30 p.m. ABC (HD) - A Thanksgiving Family Tradition


• Pittsburgh at West Virginia 6:00 p.m. ESPN2 (HD)


• Nevada at Boise State 9:15 p.m. ESPN2 (HD)

Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving weekend!

peace

Iowa Basketball is 1-0 outside and 0-4 within the CBE Classic to open the '09-'10 season

The 2009-10 basketball season for the University of Iowa has not gotten off to a good start. The Hawkeyes did get one victory over Bowling Green in game 3 of the season. But, the Hawkeyes went 0-4 in the CBE Classic. The Hawkeyes lost two games at home in the on-campus part of the CBE Classic. Then, they followed it up with back to back games in Kansas City, both losses. The Hawkeyes fell to #3 Texas on Monday, then vs. Wichita State tonight.

Iowa is now 1-4 to open the season.

It's not likely going to be a pretty season for coach Todd Lickliter, now in his third season, at Iowa. The Hawkeyes have only two upper classmen and are not at full strength with a 13 player roster.

Looking at the teams in the CBE Classic field. Clearly the University of Iowa played the toughest slate of teams. Duquense and Texas-San Antonio were two of the better bottom bracket teams.

The bottom line is Iowa is not a very good team right now. They are inconsistent and lack a lot of what it takes to compete with the better programs in the NCAAs.

If you are an Iowa fan in 2009-10, it would serve you well to be patient. Otherwise, it will get pretty negative at times.

Remember, this is the time for Thanksgiving. On the football side, Iowa finished 10-2, 6-2 in the Big Ten, which is good for second place. Time will tell in the next couple of weeks, whether Iowa will pull in their second BCS bid in the history of Iowa football.

peace

Who is worthy of all-Big Ten in Football in '09?

The Big Ten Conference annouced the 2009 all-Big Ten football team on Monday, November 23, 2009. Here's a look at our all-Big Ten team for 2009 from cidsports, using Big Ten only stats.

First and second team offensive members

QB: Darryl Clark, senior, Penn State and Mike Kafka, senior, Northwestern
RB: John Clay, junior Wisconsin and Brandon Saine, junior, Ohio State
RB: Evan Royster, junior, Penn State and Adam Robinson, freshman, Iowa
WR: Blair White, senior, Michigan State and Tandon Doss, sophomore, Indiana
WR: Keith Smith, junior, Purdue and Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, junior, Iowa

TE: Tony Moeaki, senior, Iowa and Garret Graham, senior, Wisconsin

C: Stefen Wisniewski, junior, Penn State and Rafael Eubanks, senior, Iowa
G: Dace Richardson, senior, Iowa and Jon Asamoah, senior, Illinois
G: Justin Boren, junior, Ohio State and John Moffitt, junior, Wisconsin
T: Bryan Bulaga, junior, Iowa and Kyle Calloway, senior, Iowa
T: Gabe Carimi, junior, Wisconsin and Dennis Landolt, senior, Penn State

First and second team defensive members

E: Adrian Clayborn, junior, Iowa and Ryan Kerrigan, junior, Penn State
T: Jared Odrick, senior, Penn State and Mike Neal, senior, Purdue
T: Christian Ballard, junior, Iowa and Karl Klug, junior, Iowa
E: Brandon Graham, senior, Michigan and O'Brien Schofield, senior, Wisconsin
LB: Navarro Bowman, junior, Penn State and A.J. Edds, senior, Iowa
LB: Pat Angerer, senior, Iowa and Ross Homan, junior, Ohio State
LB: Greg Jones, junior, Michigan State and Sean Lee, senior, Penn State
CB: Amari Spivey, junior, Iowa and Brandon King, senior, Purdue
CB: Sherrick McManis, senior, Northwestern and Donavan Warren, junior, Michigan
S: Tyler Sash, sophomore, Iowa and Brad Phillips, senior, Northwestern
S: Kurt Coleman, senior, Ohio State and Brett Greenwood, junior, Iowa

First and second team specialist members

PK: Ryan Swensen, senior, Michigan State and Stefan Demos, junior, Northwestern

PT: Zoltan Mesko, senior, Michigan and Jeremy Boone, senior Penn State

KR: Keshawn Martin, sophomore, Michigan State and Ray Small, senior, Ohio State

KR: Derrell Johnson-Koulanos, junior, Iowa and Arrelious Benn, junior, Illinois

PR: Ray Small, senior, Ohio State and Colin Sandeman, junior, Iowa

Coach of the year: Kirk Ferentz, Iowa
Offensive player of the year: John Clay, RB, Wisconsin
Defensive player of the year: Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State
Newcomers of the year: Offense: Adam Robinson, RB, Iowa. Defense: Chris Borland, LB, Wisconsin

peace

The Iowa Hawkeyes finishe regular season 10-2, 6-2 in the Big Ten for '09, what next?

The Iowa Hawkyeyes (10-2, 6-2 Big Ten) keep Floyd south for winter for the eighth time in nine seasons with a 12-0 win over the Minnesota Golden Gophers (6-6, 3-5 Big Ten) at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday. Could a Fiesta be on the horizon for the Iowa Hawkeyes? Time will tell.

Bowl predictions: Iowa, 3 others battling for two BCS spots - Gazetteonline

The Hawkeyes are 11Th in the BCS bowl currently, after Week 12. The AP and Coaches polls rank Iowa 13Th. Latest college football rankings and polls

How would cidsports rank the Top 25 after Week 12?

1. Florida (11-0, 8-0 SEC)
2. Texas (11-0, 7-0 Big 12)
3. Alabama (11-0, 7-0 SEC)
4. TCU (11-0, 7-0 MWC)
5. Cincinnati (10-0, 6-0 Big East)
6. Boise State (11-0, 6-0 WAC)
7. Georgia Tech (10-1, 7-1 ACC)
8. Ohio State (10-2, 7-1 Big Ten)
9. Oregon (9-2, 7-1 Pac 10)
10. Pittsburgh (9-1, 5-0 Big East)
11. Iowa (10-2, 6-2 Big Ten)
12. Penn State (10-2, 6-2 Big Ten)
13. Oklahoma State (9-2, 6-1 Big 12)
14. Virginia Tech (8-3, 5-2 ACC)
15. LSU (8-3, 4-3 SEC)
16. Oregon State (8-3, 6-2 Pac 10)
17. Clemson (8-3, 6-2 ACC)
18. Miami-FL (8-3, 5-3 ACC)
19. BYU (9-2, 6-1 MWC)
20. Utah (9-2, 6-1 MWC)
21. USC (7-3, 4-3 Pac 10)
22. California (8-3, 5-3 Pac 10)
23. Houston (9-2, 5-2 C-USA)
24. North Carolina (8-3, 4-3 ACC)
25. tie Nebraska (8-3, 5-2 Big 12)
    tie Mississippi (8-3, 4-3 SEC)

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Can Iowa get to a BCS at-large bowl bid with win over Minnesota on Senior Day 2009?

The Iowa Hawkeyes have played some outstanding football in 2009, despite detractors nationally in the media over the course of the 2009 season. Iowa (9-2, 5-2 in the Big Ten) will face the Minnesota Golden Gophers (6-5, 3-4 in the Big Ten) for the annual battle for the Floyd of Rosedale Trophy at Kinnick Stadium. It's a 11 a.m. kickoff on ESPN.

• Seniors remain resilient - UI The Daily Iowan


• Iowa football: Hawkeyes will settle for any kind of win vs. Gophers - DesMoinesRegister.com


• Iowa, ISU still look good in bowl picture - Spencer Daily Reporter


• Minnesota Coach Tim Brewster’s memory is pink and hazy - Gazetteonline
  
  Our prediction for today's battle:

Iowa Hawkeyes 36

Minnesota Golden Gophers 18

Look for Floyd of Rosedale to remain in his southern home for another year!

peace

Congratulations to Coach Todd Lickliter and the Iowa Basketball team

The Iowa Hawkeyes (1-2) get first win of the 2009-10 basketball season on Friday night, with a 68-46 home win over Bowling Green.

Iowa claims first win of season - Quad City Times
"Eventually, I knew the shots would start to fall," Gatens said, referring to his 19-percent shooting in the Iowa basketball team's first two games. ...
Men's basketball: Hawkeyes cruise to first victory of season - DesMoinesRegister.com
Hawkeyes await shooting thaw - Burlington Hawk Eye

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Can #10 Iowa 'Just Do It' today in the Horseshoe vs. #11 Ohio State?

ESPN's College Game Day, the National media, the NFL on Fox, the Buckeye nation ...

They will all say 'no'.

#10 Iowa at #11 Ohio State in the Horseshoe on ABC/ESPN at 2:30 pm CT.

Who would have believed it at the beginning of the season? Where's Penn State or Michigan State in the Big Ten Conference title race?

Of course, Michigan State and Northwestern don't face the Buckeyes in 2009.

Iowa certainly has been tested all season and enters the game 9-1, 5-1 in the Big Ten. This is not a Ohio State coach Jim Tressel's BCS title bound or contending type team. They lost at home to a 2-loss USC team, lead by a true frosh. They were taken down on the road early in the Big Ten at Purdue, who is coached by a first year head coach.

Iowa has a huge test today. They don't get to take it at full strength. They debut a redshirt freshman at quarterback in his first start. It's truly a David vs. Goliath game for Iowa at Ohio State.

Just Do It Iowa!

Pick: Iowa 18, Ohio State 13

If true, the Hawkeyes, not the Buckeyes will be heading to the Rose Bowl this season.

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What the AP has to say about this week's game:

No. 15 Iowa (9-1) at No. 10 Ohio State (8-2), 3:30 p.m.
(ABC)

Line: Ohio State by 14.

Series Record: Ohio State leads 44-14-3.

Last Meeting: 2006, Ohio State, 38-17.

What's at Stake

Pretty simple, really: The Big Ten's automatic Bowl Championship
Series berth in the Rose Bowl. The winner will also be assured of at least a
share of the conference title with a one-game lead with one game left (Iowa
hosts Minnesota, Ohio State is at Michigan). Both teams are coming off emotional
games, the Buckeyes winning 24-7 at Penn State and the Hawkeyes falling for the
first time this season at home against Northwestern, 17-10.

Key Matchup

Iowa QB James Vandenberg vs Ohio State's defensive line. All
season long, DTs Doug Worthington and Todd Denlinger and DEs Thaddeus Gibson and
Cameron Heyward have applied heat. With Vandenberg making his first career start
in relief of injured Ricky Stanzi (ankle), those four will try to harass
Vandenberg. How the youngster — and his line and offensive coaches — handle it
will determine the outcome.

Players to watch

Iowa: DEs Adrian Clayborn and Broderick Binns can pen in Ohio
State QB Terrelle Pryor if they keep him off the edge. MLB Pat Angerer will
likely have a few collisions with Pryor too. RB Brandon Wegher must consistently
gain yards to wear down Buckeyes defense and keep ball away from the offense. TE
Tony Moeaki and WR Derrell Johnson-Kouliano need to keep defense honest to keep
pressure off Vandenberg.

Ohio State: Pryor is coming off a homecoming at Penn State that
was a huge success. No room for a letdown here. K Devin Barclay hasn't faced a
must-make FG since taking over for the injured Aaron Pettrey (knee). Can RBs Dan
Herron and Brandon Saine run against Iowa's stout defense?

Facts & Figures

Ohio State has won 10 of the last 11 meetings by an average
score of 34-17. ... Iowa has won four games by three or fewer points for the
first time in program history. ... Don't expect much scoring: Only a reviewed
(and still debated) Penn State rushing touchdown last week prevented the
Buckeyes from their fourth shutout of the year. Seven of Iowa's opponents have
scored 17 or fewer points. ... Iowa won 13 straight games before last week's
loss, its longest since a 20-game streak from 1920-1923. ... The Buckeyes can
clinch a share of their fifth straight Big Ten title, a feat accomplished only
twice before. Ohio State won six in a row (1972-77) and Michigan five
consecutive (1988-92). ... The Hawkeyes have won their last six road
games.

Tough day for this Iowan: the Hawkeyes fall in Football, later the U.S. House passes Health Care bill

Iowa 10

Northwestern 17

Final

The Hawkeyes lose four turnovers in the second quarter and QB Ricky Stanzi to injury to eventually fall to the Wildcats 10-17 at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday. The beginning looked good, as Iowa opened up with a 10-0 lead. But, instead of taking what the defense would give, short passes, the Hawkeyes were forced to punt, then turned the ball over, and eventually allowed Northwestern to take full control of the game with ball control, field position and mistakes by the Hawkeyes.

‘Cost us a TD and a QB’ - The Gazette

IOWA CITY — On Ricky Stanzi’s right, Iowa had a tackle, tight end and an H-back. Then, the ball was snapped...

Cidsports: Sadly, the tight end and H-Back may have gave away the play with the
pre-snap conversation!

Northwestern 17, Iowa 10: The Fifth Quarter - DesMoinesRegister.com
Iowa players said after Saturday's 17-10 loss that the redshirt freshman from Keokuk had few to no game reps with the No. 1 offense. On the bright side, ...
Final: Northwestern 17, Iowa 10 - ESPN
Big Ten: Iowa's perfect season ruined by Northwestern - Los Angeles Times
Northwestern topples No. 8 Iowa 17-10 - Chicago Tribune

Later on Saturday, the U.S. House passed a revised H.R. 3200 by a vote of "220 to 215 vote on HR 3962, Affordable Health Care for America Act, was taken late Saturday evening, and fell largely along party lines, although 39 Democrats voted no and one Republican – Rep. Joseph Cao of Louisiana – voted yes, according to C-SPAN."

The country has been hit by a “difficult economic shock” over the last year.
He said huge government spending efforts like the stimulus bill haven't helped,
and said the government was on an “unsustainable” course - Rep. John
Boehner (R-Ohio), the House minority leader

House passes health care reform bill Saturday - Lake County News - Elizabeth Larson
A summary of HR 3962 provided by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce states that HR 3962 would include sliding scale affordability credits, ...

When the smoke cleared last night in the House of Representatives, the score
was Speaker Pelosi 220 and the American People 215 - The Examiner

President lies and Pelosi swears to it. Illegal aliens get benefits in ... - The Examiner
It is also worth noting that in its preliminary score of HR 3200, CBO found that in 2019 there would be “about 17 million nonelderly residents uninsured ...

In its preliminary score of H.R. 3962, the Congressional Budget Office noted
that, in 2019 there would be “about 18 million nonelderly residents uninsured
(nearly one third of whom would be unauthorized immigrants).” Thus, unless the
number of illegal immigrants is projected to be fewer than 6 million individuals
in 2019—nearly half the illegal immigrants currently estimated to be in the
U.S.—the CBO score presumes illegals would have health coverage, raising further
questions as to whether or not said coverage would be taxpayer-funded - The
Examiner

Iowans in the Second District re-elected Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-Iowa) in November 2008. He was among the 220 House members who vote for the bill. His opponent in November 2008, Dr. Marrianette Miller-Meeks does not support this type of Health Care Reform. Dr. Miller-Meeks has been busy at Tea Parties and at Health Care Forums discussing how health care reform should be shaped.

Loebsack pleased with vote on health care bill - Burlington Hawk Eye
"A lot of things, we've actually improved since it was (the earlier) HR 3200." Among the improvements are the provisions Loebsack and his fellow Iowa ...

Tough Saturday for Hawkeye fans and those concerned about the direction Health Care Reform is taking in Washington D.C. QB Ricky Stanzi joins RB Adam Robinson and OL Dace Richardson with ankle injuries and likely the rehab room for the rest of the regular season.

The Hawkeyes will face a tough road in Columbus next Saturday for the Big Ten title and the right to represent the Big Ten Conference in the Rose Bowl. A win by Iowa over Ohio State, which would be the first win for the Hawkeyes in Columbus, since 1991, would clinch the Big Ten tie breaker and the bid for the Rose Bowl.

On the Health Care Reform front, taxpayers and Americans will face a tough battle as the Health Care debate moves the U.S. Senate, where hopefully long-term impact and fallout from the House plan will be thoughtfully debated and overturned.

peace

Iowa Football: Hawks look to get to 10-0 vs. Northwestern on ESPN at 11 am

The Iowa Hawkeyes (9-0, 5-0 Big Ten) host the Northwestern Wildcats (5-4, 2-3 Big Ten) at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, in front of a national audience on ESPN. The game is a 11 am Central Time kickoff.

Northwestern-Iowa Preview

He's done a great job of leading our football team." Senior quarterback Mike Kafka has done the same for Northwestern, leading the Big Ten in passing yards ... - ESPN

The Spotlight Dance — Northwestern - Gazette Online

Iowa football: Hawkeyes hope for better special teams play - DesMoinesRegister.com

Previewing the Hawkeyes - WNUR Sports

The Hawkeyes last win over Northwestern was a 62-10 win during Iowa's last and only 8-0 Big Ten run in 2002. The Wildcats have been a thorn for coach Kirk Ferentz, who is 4-4 as the Iowa head coach in this series. The Wildcats have won two straight in Iowa City and 3 of the past 4 in the series.

The Hawkeyes, #4 in the BCS, look to continue their historical run looking to get to 10-0 for the first time in the school's history. Iowa has the second longest FBS wining streak at 13, sandwiched in between #1 Florida and #3 Texas, in the latest CIDsports rankings.

Keys to the Game:

1. Line of scrimmage - who runs the ball effectively and who is able to get a pass rush/pressure going
2. Turnovers - Iowa's defeat at Kinnick in '08 to the Wildcats was fueled by 5 Hawkeye turnovers. Iowa was a -3 vs. IU last week, but won 42-24 any how
3. Special teams and field position
4. Red Zone production
5. Coaching

Prediction:

Iowa 31
Northwestern 20

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The Final Seven Undefeateds through the first nine weeks of the 2009 FBS season

Who should be the Top 7 in College Football, after nine weeks of play and through the first two months of action?

The candidates, in alphabetic order:

• Alabama (8-0, 5-0 SEC)
• Boise State (8-0, 3-0 WAC)
• Cincinnati (8-0, 4-0 Big East)
• Florida (8-0, 6-0 SEC)
• Iowa (9-0, 5-0 Big Ten)
• Texas (8-0, 5-0 Big 12)
• TCU (8-0, 4-0 MWC)

Of the Top 6 BCS conferences, only the Big East, Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC are represented. The ACC and Pac Ten have at least one loss or more among their members. Of the non-BCS conferences, the C-USA, MAC and Sun Belt have no representatives on the final seven, so it's up to the MWC or WAC member to carry the torch for the non-BCS teams. None of the three Independents are undefeated. Standings

Links to SOS rankings: CBSSports and Sagarin

So, entering November, who should be the Top 7 in College Football, why?

1. Florida Gators - The Gators are the defending BCS champions of a year ago. They hold the longest win streak in college football, losing to Ole Miss 30-31 in the fourth game of 2008 season. The Gators last OOC loss was in the Capital One Bowl at the end of the 2007 season, 35-41 to Michigan of the Big Ten. Florida already has locked up the SEC East spot in the SEC title game. Final three regular season games: @ South Carolina (4-4, 3-3 SEC), vs. Florida International (2-6, 2-3Sun Belt) and the in-state rivalry game vs. Florida State (4-4, 2-3 ACC). SOS rankings: #5 CBSSports and #27 Sagarin.
2. Iowa Hawkeyes - The Hawkeyes were 9-4 in 2008 and lost all four games by a total of 12 points. Iowa's last out of conference loss, was a 20-21 squeaker at Pitt in '08, prior to current QB Ricky Stanzi taking over from former Hawkeye QB Jake Christensen. The Hawkeyes in 2009 mirror very well with Alabama of 2008, as Phil Steele has pointed out before and during the 2009 season. The Hawkeyes beat the SEC's South Carolina 31-10 in last year's Outback Bowl. They have the second longest winning streak among FBS members. The Hawkeyes are 4-0 in 2009 in games trailing, while entering the fourth quarter. This week, Iowa scored 28 unanswered points vs. IU to beat Indiana at home 42-24. Unlike fellow Big Ten member, Ohio State, the Hawkeyes have beat a SEC opponent in bowl participation. For some number, OSU has never beat a SEC team in a bowl game, ever. Iowa's remaining games in the Big Ten are: vs. Northwestern (5-4, 2-3 Big Ten), @ Ohio State (7-2, 4-1 Big Ten) and vs. trophy game rival Minnesota (5-4, 3-3 Big Ten). SOS rankings: #12 CBSSports and #22 Sagarin.
3. Texas Longhorns - The Longhorns have the third longest winning streak in FBS, behind Florida and Iowa. The Longhorns avenged their lone loss in '08 when they beat Texas Tech in game 3 of the season, 34-24 in Austin. The Longhorns last OOC loss was a 7-24 vs. Ohio State at home in '06. The Longhorns avenged that loss last year in the Fiesta Bowl, beating the Buckeyes 24-21. The final four remaining regular season games for the Longhorns are: vs. UCF (4-3, 2-2 Sun Belt), then three final Big 12 games: @ Baylor (3-5, 0-4 Big 12), vs. Kansas (5-3, 1-3 Big 12), @ Texas A&M (5-3, 2-2 Big 12) and a possible Big 12 title game, if the Longhorns take care of business in the Big 12 South. SOS rankings: #31 CBSSports and #43 Sagarin.
4. Alabama Crimson Tide - The Crimson Tide have taken care of business in '09 thus far. The Crimson Tide were undefeated in the regular season in '08, but lost 20-31 to Florida in the 2008 SEC title game, then lost 17-31 to Utah to end the 2008 season in the Sugar Bowl. Coach Nick Saban is in his third season as head coach at Alabama. Ironically, his final game at LSU was a 25-30 loss vs. Iowa in the 2005 Capital One Bowl, where Iowa won on the final play of the game. The Hawkeyes have done that once this season @ MSU. A rematch of Iowa's Kirk Ferentz vs. Alabama's Nick Saban, who beat Ferentz in his first Big Ten game as Iowa's head coach, could be very interesting in a bowl game or title game, for that matter. LSU faces it's biggest SEC West game this week vs. LSU (7-1, 4-1), which could determine who plays Florida in the SEC title game. The Crimson Tide are coming off bye week. After LSU, the Crimson Tide face games @ Mississippi State (4-5, 2-3 SEC), vs. Chattanooga (a 5-3 FCS program, 3-3 Southern) and @ Auburn (6-3, 3-3 SEC). SOS rankings: #34 CBSSports and #36 Sagarin.
5. Cincinnati Bearcats - The Bearcats continue to remain undefeated in '09. This is despite the loss of QB Tony Pike to injury, which happened in '08, as well. Further, the Bearcats began the '09 season with a new DC Bob Diaco, former Iowa player at LB, and ten new starters on defense, from a team that went 11-3 and represented the Big East in the BCS bowl lineup in '08. The ACC's Virginia Tech beat Cincinnati though in the Orange Bowl last season, 20-7, which is the Bearcats last loss. The Bearcats last regular season loss in the OOC was a 26-52 loss early in '08 at Oklahoma (Big 12). The Bearcats have four more regular season games: vs. UConn (4-4, 1-3 Big East), vs. West Virginia (6-2, 2-1 Big East), vs. Illinois (2-6, 1-5 Big Ten) and @ Pittsburgh (7-1, 4-0 Big East) for a challenging slate for the Bearcats to close out '09. SOS rankings: #46 CBSSports and #74 Sagarin.
6. TCU Horned Frogs - The Horned Frogs come from the MWC and last year, the MWC represented the non-BCS conferences, since Utah went undefeated and beat TCU 13-10 at home in conference play in '08. The Horned Frogs went to Poinsettia Bowl in '08 and beat Boise State 17-16 to finish 11-2 in '08. TCU's lone OOC loss in '08 was at Oklahoma (Big 12) 10-35 before beginning conference play in '08. TCU has won four straight bowl games, with wins over Iowa State, Northern Illinois, Houston and Boise State. TCU closes out the regular season in conference play: @ San Diego State (4-4, 2-2), vs. Utah (7-1, 4-0), @ Wyoming (4-4, 2-2) and @ New Mexico (0-8, 0-4). SOS rankings: #40 CBSSports and #46 Sagarin.
7. Boise State Broncos - The Broncos are undefeated in the past two regular seasons ('08 and '09), but they have one big loss, a 16-17 loss in Poinsettia Bowl to close out '08 vs. TCU. The Broncos have lost back to back bowl games with losses vs. East Carolina (C-USA) 38-41 in the Hawaii Bowl to end '07 and of course last year's loss vs. TCU (Poinsettia). The Broncos last OOC regular season loss was @ Washington (Pac Ten) in '07 10-24. Boise State may end up undefeated in '09 and they have an impressive 19-8 season opening win vs. Oregon, 19-8, but it is hard to see the Broncos with a resume for a BCS title game in '09. The Broncos close out conference play in '09: @ Louisiana Tech (3-5, 2-3), vs. Idaho (7-2, 4-1), @ Utah State (2-6, 1-3), vs. Nevada(5-3, 4-0) and vs. New Mexico State (3-6, 1-3). Will the Broncos close out WAC play on top? SOS rankings: #85 CBSSports and #80 Sagarin.

We begin November play in Week 10. There is plenty of action to play out to determine most of the conference champs and who are #1 and #2 in the BCS race for a date in the Pasadena's Rose Bowl BCS title game.

Breakdown of conferences: (Bowl eligible, bowl eliminated)

• ACC - 3, 0
• Big 12 - 3, 0
• Big East - 3, 0
• Big Ten - 4, 0
• C-USA - 1, 1
• Independents - 1, 0
• MAC - 3, 4
• MWC - 4, 1
• Pac 10 - 3, 1
• SEC - 5, 1
• Sun Belt - 1, 0, x
• WAC - 2, 0

x - Western Kentucky cannot become for bowl eligible in '09.

Eight programs are already home for the Holidays in '09: Rice, Miami-OH, Akron, Ball State, Eastern Michigan, New Mexico, Washington State and Vanderbilt.

peace