Casey Blake is the most down-to-earth six million dollar man you'll ever meet. He still lives in Indianola, just opened The Yard with this brother, and signed a new one year deal with the Indians. Good guy.

The Drake critics are starting to surface. Yes, Drake's schedule is soft, but 18 wins in a row is impressive no matter who you play. If it were no big deal, Drake wouldn't have the nation's second longest streak. It's arguably even more impressive because the Bulldogs have won so many close games. It's a lot easier to run off long winning streaks when most teams you play are overmatched (see Memphis and Kansas).

I'm glad Wesley Johnson's foot shows no structural damage. He's fun to watch, and Iowa State can't afford to lose him for long.

Imagine what Todd Lickliter will do when he has more Big Ten caliber talent.

The Hawkeye wrestling program has its swagger back. Credit Tom Brands.

Big thanks to the anonymous Drake fan who watched SoundOFF and then donated 2,000 T-shirts. The White Out was a huge success. Andy Fales hasn't worked that hard in a while.

Speaking of thanks for anonymous contributions... I owe someone BIG TIME for those fun pictures of Erin Kiernan back in her Drake Bulldog cheerleader days. Unlike my old college pics, Erin looked good, not embarrassing. I think this also confirms we can't expect objectivity from her (at least where Drake basketball's concerned).

The Super Bowl spread is 12. Look for the Patriots to win by more than that.

Friday Night Lights has its mojo back.