Scattershot thoughts:

-Bad news for Iowa State football: Bo Pelini can't be worse than Bill Callahan. You really have to work at being mediocre with all the advantages that program has in Lincoln.

-I really like what I see from UNI's Mark Farley. He choked up when talking about the fan support, and feeling like he let those fans down. He didn't. UNI gave us something to feel good about this football season.

-I think Michigan had real interest in Kirk Ferentz, but we'll never know what really happened. One thing is certain: people in other places appreciate what Ferentz has done at Iowa more than some people who live right here. It's not an easy place to win big.

-Among the big-name coaches who went 6-6 this year: Spurrier, Saban, Ferentz. It happens.

-Keeping Cael Sanderson at Iowa State is Jamie Pollard's best proven move to date. It's remarkable what Cael's done already. A win at #1 Minnesota? He's for real, and so are the Cyclones.

-It's going to be a long season for Todd Lickliter. He can coach, and I think he's a good man, but he just flat out doesn't have much to work with. In the end, it's mostly about talent. It's no coincidence the best basketball team in our state the past twenty years had 3 future NBA players. (2000 Iowa State Cyclones, and yes, I'm counting the author, Paul Shirley.)

-I can't belive Central played playoff football in the snow, ice, and sleet. Props to the fans who sat in the stands for that one. It had to be miserable. The outcome didn't help. Great season for the Dutch, who play for love of the game.

-The Heisman Trophy should go to the nation's outstanding college football player. Not the offensive MVP on the best team (see Jason White), or the guy with the eye-popping stats (see Andre Ware). It frustrates me no defensive player has any chance. I voted for Tim Tebow this season. I don't think he'll be the best pro, but I do think he was the best college football player this year. I have Darren McFadden a close second.

-Is the NFL MVP Tom Brady, Brett Favre, or maybe Randy Moss? Moss is the main reason Brady is playing video game football. I'd still vote for Tom. Without a great quarterback, Moss disappears.

-I'm not used to the Des Moines Register's new Web site yet. I miss the old one.

-Have you been to this place "Pump it Up"? It's like kids' paradise. The energy in that place could power the cars of an entire NBA team. Brilliant idea, well run and fun, so of course it work$.

-Saw "Enchanted". Loved most of it, though the ridiculous dragon bit at the end nearly ruined it for me. Still, I'll give it a B. Amy Adams is brilliant, and Dr. McDreamy does a nice job, though Patrick Dempsey careered out in Can't Buy Me Love. Love that silly movie.

-Did I just see Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer in a commercial? Is nothing sacred?

Stay warm,
Keith