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It won't be an easy weekend for BCS Cinderellas, even though they're all playing at home. Cincinnati faces No. 25 West Virginia, TCU gets the pressure of GameDay and No. 16 Utah, and Boise State deals with a surprising 7-3 Idaho (and a visiting AD who doesn't like to fly on planes with Broncos markings).

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Is it an eye for an eye and toothless punishment for toothless punishment in Gainesville?

Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes' attempt to play ophthalmologist against Georgia hasn't gone unnoticed, but a lot of people seem to think it's going essentially unpunished by Gators coach Urban Meyer and the SEC. Spikes will have to sit out the first half of Florida's game against Vanderbilt this week. No offense to Vandy, but Spikes and a lot of Florida first-stringers probably would have ended up sitting out the second half anyway.

On the other side, SportsNation blogger RedskinJohnnie blames the media.

Seth (Miami)

Hey Mark,Im happy Spikes got suspended for an entire first half against Vandy. If he actually did rip that kids eyes out, he might of got a WHOLE game! Is that RB gonna get a suspension for trying to damage Spikes fingers with his eyes? And lastly, which is the most pathetic? The gouging, the punnishment, or Tebow's justification. Here i was thinking Tebow was a good sport and not the "well, we werent doing anything they werent doing" type.

Mark Schlabach
Mark Schlabach

It was a very chippy game. I was there. But there's no excuse for putting your hands inside another player's face mask. I'll go back and watch the tape and see what else I see. I know Spikes had his helmet ripped off early and it looked like he got hit in the eye. Retaliation isn't good, especially when it's caught on tape. Both sides had some questionable behavior on Saturday. Full transcript

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'SportsNation' TV: Monday

November 2, 2009
Nov
2

Michelle Beadle and Colin Cowherd considered renaming "SportsNation" TV the "Fall Classic."

Argue the hot topics of the day and vote on the biggest stories from the world of sports. The show airs on ESPN2 at 4 p.m. and midnight ET.

Note: Broadcast voting results are as of this afternoon (ET).

What is "SportsNation" TV, and how do you make your voice heard? Read about the new ESPN show that features fan opinions with calls, tweets, polls, rankers and more.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

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'SportsNation' TV: Tuesday

October 27, 2009
Oct
27

Michelle Beadle and Colin Cowherd are deadly beyond the "SportsNation" TV 3-point line.

Argue the hot topics of the day and vote on the biggest stories from the world of sports. The show airs on ESPN2 at 4 p.m. and midnight ET.

Note: Broadcast voting results as of this afternoon (ET).

Florida Gators Should Florida still be motivated by Georgia's '07 end-zone celebration?
Coaches have long memories when it comes to motivation. Winning a title should have changed the subject, but you never know in the SEC.

Referee Which team should Mets fans root for in the World Series?
It's the cross-town rivals versus the division rivals. Maybe baseball fans in Queens will just switch to the NBA for the next two weeks.

Green Bay Packers How should Packers fans welcome back Brett Favre?
There's no doubt fans in Green Bay have torn loyalties about the QB who led their team to its most recent Super Bowl. Should they applaud? Boo? Turn their backs?

What is "SportsNation" TV, and how do you make your voice heard? Read about the new ESPN show that features fan opinions with calls, tweets, polls, rankers and more.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

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USC fans still have BCS hope, but know their team can't lose again. Boise State, Cincinnati and Iowa fans wonder what more their teams can do, besides pray for a loss by one of the top 3.

Now that Ohio State has two losses SportsNation thinks Ohio State is using Terrelle Pryor incorrectly. Fans, however, still think Sam Bradford is a first-round pick.

Florida State kicked off Week 8 with a needed win, and Alabama, Florida and Texas face opponents they shouldn't overlook.

Beano Cook

Mark Ingram is a good reason for [Alabama's] passing to be less of a factor. Wait until next year for any shot of a Vols upset.

-- Beano Cook
Florida

I pick Florida to win this game, but to be seen as legitimately No. 1, the Gators should win convincingly, even more so than against Arkansas.

-- IdahoanTyke
Iowa

My ranking: 1. Iowa; 2. Florida; 3. Alabama; 4. Texas; 5. Virginia Tech; 6. TCU; 7. Boise State; 8. USC; 9. Oregon; 10. LSU.

-- CheezusCrust

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Fans Bustin' On The BCS

October 20, 2009
Oct
20

Never mind that games yet to be played will determine who is in the BCS bowl games. The release of the first standings unleashed a torrent of opinions among college football fans.

The biggest complaints came from Iowa fans and those who argue that Boise State, Cincinnati or both are overrated.

"How is Boise State ahead of Iowa with that cupcake schedule?" wrote droste23. "I thought strength of schedule counted. Guess not. Iowa with wins AT Penn State, AT Wisconsin, Michigan. Laughable. If Iowa was Ohio State or Texas, with the exact same schedule, they'd be ranked probably No. 2."

Here's a sampling of opinions from fans of the Top 5 teams.

Florida

Bama and Florida have more games to play yet, so while we have dueling No. 1s the argument will rage on. I personally don't care for speculation. They'll settle it on the field if things work out.

-- u_gator
Alabama

I'm just making my case for Bama here. To me, Florida is clearly No. 2 and I almost believe they should leave No. 3 blank. There is that much of a difference between the next best teams (Iowa and then Texas).

-- theballguy
Texas

Texas-Florida in BCS Championship Game. Colt McCoy doesn't deserve the Heisman. Tim Tebow can have that as an advance consolation prize for losing to Texas on Jan. 7 in Pasadena.

-- johnznash
Boise State

Finally some respect. We are No. 4 because we are consistent winners. Look at the facts: Broncos' decade of dominance. ... We can beat any team any given Saturday. Don't hate us; hate the system.

-- boisestate42
Cincinnati

Boise ranked over Cincinnati? You have to be kidding! I guess being in a BCS conference doesn't mean much. ... They limped this week against Tulsa, while Cincinnati dominated a 21st ranked South Florida team even after Tony Pike was injured. P.S. Who is this Brian Kelly guy anyway? Notre Dame doesn't deserve him.

-- Bobnance13

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Blog That Kick: Week 7

October 16, 2009
Oct
16

Iowa fans like shuman346 should beware. When your team reaches this point in the season undefeated, every blogger starts eyeing it as a potential upset victim.

In addition to Hawkeyes-Badgers, fans who blogged about football this week are looking forward to the Sooners-Longhorns and Trojans-Irish rivalry games this weekend.

On sideline topics, Florida State did nothing to quiet the debate between the camp that believes Bobby Bowden's record speaks for itself and those who ask what the Seminoles coach has done lately for the team's win-loss record.

These are the best college football fan blogs of the week. Click through to comment, disagree and discuss your favorite teams.

Week 7 predictions: RollFreakinTide37 | BrookBerringer18 | I am Ron Burgandy | gbirkem2 | TheSwingingFriar | Sportsguru6 | IdahoanTyke | TheVols2k7

Rankings (with No. 1 team): pnthrsfn1012 (Florida) | canesinla (Florida) | C.UngureitJr (Alabama) | TheVols2k7 (Alabama) | Yodaman0420

Wisconsin

Wisconsin over No. 11 Iowa. Let's face it, has Iowa really proved themselves this year? Wisconsin at home in my mind is an easy pick.

-- gbirkem2
Florida State

Now, I'm gonna break down the men I think should lead Florida State University: 1. Jim Leavitt; 2. Tommy Tuberville; 3. Kevin Sumlin; 4. Jimbo Fisher.

-- malcolmpar
Jimmy Clausen

When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. When Jimmy Clausen gives you lemons, you thank him and walk away slowly.

-- I am Ron Burgandy

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Blog that kick: Week 6

October 10, 2009
Oct
10

Michigan State fans like detroittim8 are still jumping up and down after their win over in-state rival Michigan last week.

Meanwhile, Florida State fans are hopping for another reason: lack of success.

"I have a ton of respect for Bobby Bowden," writes ryanvcu. "He is one of the greatest coaches ever. However I do feel at the end of the year he should hang it up."

The discussion, spurred in part by rumblings among the university's leadership, includes plenty of people who believe Bowden's legacy speaks for itself.

"The only expert qualified to comment the worthiness of Bobby Bowden's future as coach also has two names that begin with 'B', and the last time I checked he traded his hound's tooth hat for a halo," writes joe.t.elkins.

The Seminoles could quiet critics for at least a week with a win against Georgia Tech.

These are the best college football fan blogs of the week. Click through to comment, disagree and discuss your favorite teams.

Week 6 predictions: JFLASHUBY | TheVols2k7 | cardon032 | bballfever101 | Sportsguru6 | JoeRevs300 | Joey DS | gbirkem2 | dfpsports | TheSwingingFriar | nunyabiz81 | bballfever101

Rankings (with No. 1 team): ADEVARTS (Florida) | pnthrsfn1012 | canesinla (Florida) | fusebox2010 | C.UngureitJr (Alabama) | volsandtitansfans101 (Texas) | CheezusCrust (Iowa)

Notre Dame

Jimmy Clausen has Heisman numbers so far, and he still has some winning to be done. He plays a pro-style offense.

-- I am Ron Burgandy
Florida Gators

In the end LSU will not be able to keep up with the machine that is Florida. Tebow or no Tebow their running game isn't going anywhere and Brantley will make the throws necessary to win.

-- fusebox2010
Oklahoma

This is the "The One Point Season" that needs to be the wake up call for this coaching staff. I am not optimistic but I hope Bob Stoops can acknowledge the situation and make the coaching style changes needed to fix this issue.

-- espnb12s
Wisconsin

Wisconsin, Auburn: Great job going 5-0. You beat the teams you had to beat even though none of them were very good. The meat of the schedule is now upon you. Are you guys the prince or the ugly frog?

-- cardon032

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SportsNation TV: Tuesday

October 6, 2009
Oct
6

Michelle Beadle and Colin Cowherd plan to take "SportsNation" TV from a dome to an open-air stadium without public financing.

Argue the hot topics of the day and vote on the biggest stories from the world of sports. The show airs on ESPN2 at 4 p.m. and midnight ET.

Note: Broadcast voting results as of this afternoon (ET).

Tim Tebow If you're an LSU fan, do you want to play Florida at full strength?
It's still not clear whether Tim Tebow will play Saturday. Would a Tigers win be worth less if the Florida star quarterback doesn't get on the field?

Tony Gonzalez Do men listen to everything women say?
"When we act like we aren't listening, we really are," Tony Gonzalez told Cosmopolitan magazine. "We hear everything you have said."

Brett Favre Is Brett Favre still a great quarterback?
The Vikings QB threw for three touchdowns and 271 yards. Of course, eight sacks by the defense probably contributed to the Monday night win.

Braylon Edwards What do you think of Braylon Edwards allegedly hitting another guy?
The NFL is looking into the accusation that Edwards punched promoter Edward Givens, a friend of NBA superstar LeBron James, early Monday morning.

Rush Limbaugh Would new Rams owners be good or bad for fans?
Rush Limbaugh said he is teaming up with St. Louis Blues owner Dave Checketts in a bid to buy the Rams, owners of the NFL's longest current losing streak.

What is "SportsNation" TV, and how do you make your voice heard? Read about the new ESPN show that features fan opinions with calls, tweets, polls, rankers and more.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

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Stanford has produced more than its fair share of famous alumni, from heads of governments in Japan (Taro Aso), Israel (Ehud Barak), Honduras (Ricardo Maduro), Peru (Alejandro Toledo) and the United States (Herbert Hoover) to our personal favorite, the late wine guy Robert Mondavi. The list of athletic alumni is hardly less impressive, including Tiger Woods and John Elway.

Toby Gerhart? Let's just say he's not quite there yet.

Gerhart is not, in fact, a midfielder with the United States national soccer team. Nor is he a goaltender for the Maple Leafs, a right tackle for the Packers or a reliever for the Twins. But try telling that to the nearly 70 percent of SportsNation that picked one of those options.

With 650 rushing yards through four games, including 334 against Washington and UCLA the last two weeks, Gerhart earned his place on ESPN.com's Heisman Watch. Now all he needs to do is introduce himself to SportsNation.

orangemochafraps

If it weren't for the fact that Toby Gerhart is only 14 miles away from the Pacific ocean, he'd be at the top of the Heisman list.

-- orangemochafraps
rolltide_54

I would like to know why this list is mostly offense. I know its pretty and scoring points is cool but defense wins CHAMPIONSHIPS

-- rolltide_54

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