Peerless Prognosticator

Egad! There's a lot of cheering in the land now that Notre Dame's athletic director has ruled out firing Charlie Weis. Most of it is coming from Michigan, Purdue and Southern California.

Harrumph!

Peasants, it's safe to say the mighty Boilermakers won't find anyone to beat in Kinnick Stadium this weekend. Captain Kirk's boys will dismiss Purdue and take another step toward a bowl game in a warmer climate. Then again, the Motor City Bowl might beckon. Doesn't Detroit send a chill up the spine? Kaff-kaff!

What can I say, Cyclone fans? You fell a lousy yard short in Boulder and your coach is fending off gossip. Here's the good news - after today, you will never see Chase Daniel in a Missouri uniform again. Your best hope is that the next quarterback will bring back memories of that glorious Woody Widenhofer Era for the Tigers. Harrumph!

The Fighting Farleys play today in that cradle of college football, Terre Haute. The Sycamores haven't won since the Galloping Ghost roamed the land, and they won't beat UNI today. But there will be Indiana State fans in the stands. Then they'll be taken back to the slammer to serve the easy part of their sentence. Kaff-kaff!

Until Tuesday, peasants.

HOOPLE'S PICKS

Iowa 20, Purdue 17

Missouri 45, Iowa St. 35

UNI 49, Indiana St. 13

Wisconsin 24, Minnesota 9

Ohio St. 31, Illinois 23

Michigan 16, Northwestern 10

Texas 48, Kansas 31

W. Illinois 27, Illinois St. 7

S. Dakota St. 27, S. Illinois 26

Loras 13, Luther 10

TIE-BREAKERS

Total points (both teams): Purdue-Iowa: 37

Total net yards (same game): 573