College Football and The NFL

It's certainly been an action-packed two days across the world of football. From high-scoring college games to professional battles around the country, we've seen a great deal of defining moments.

Perhaps the most eye-popping score came right out of Ann Arbor, where the Wolverines knocked off Illinois 67-65 in three overtimes. That score represents the highest number of points ever scored between two Big Ten schools, but despite their alarming lack of defense, U-M finds itself bowl-eligible for the first time under Rich Rodriguez.

In looking at games with bigger implications than just bowl eligibility, TCU thoroughly dominated Utah, 47-7, to keep a firm grasp on the third BCS spot. This was the last major hurdle for TCU, and should they finish undefeated, there'll be a gridlock among two no-loss mid-majors, assuming Boise State runs the table in a weak WAC. I'm curious to see how that scenario will play out, as is the rest of the Top 10, I'm sure.

Of the teams who round out that group, LSU helped itself the most this weekend by beating Alabama 24-21. Their incredible team speed (which they used again to great effect, with 275 yards on the ground) is a huge asset in an already-fast SEC, and they've now put themselves in position to claim an SEC division title. In the Big Ten, Wisconsin moved up to the 7th spot nationally by defeating Purdue by 21, and Iowa made a late push to knock off the Hoosiers-as the season progresses, a Hawkeye loss would be extremely beneficial to the Spartans' Big Ten title hopes.

Switching gears to examine the NFL, I was perhaps most surprised by the Browns' 34-14 defeat of the Patriots. In leading his troops to victory, Eric Mangini has done something few other Bill Belichick products have done: beat their former boss. With a 6-2 record, there's no denying that the Patriots are right in thick of a tight AFC East race, but the loss must still be troubling to Pats fans.  Around the league, both the Vikings and Jets pulled out narrow victories-I was shocked to see New York go into an extra period with Detroit, and yet this points towards a return to competitiveness for the Lions, who might've let such a game get out of hand in past years.

Look back here later this week for analysis of the NBA and also Spartan basketball.

--Beau