By Dennis Dodd
CBS SportsLine Senior Writer
Nov. 7, 1998
At least Ohio State avoided the last-minute rush.
It choked early.
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Habitually bothered by archival Michigan in the season finale during the John Cooper era, the Wolverines passed some of their karma on to Michigan State on Saturday. The Spartans team that lost its season opener to Colorado State at home, provided the biggest shocker of this season.
It was fitting. Ohio State was becoming just this side of invincible until it decided to cough up a 15-point lead at home. The only thing left to do is sort out the implications.
From this standpoint, this is how it looks. The winners: Clearly Tennessee and Kansas State benefit the most from Ohio State's loss. There's the likelihood both will have a No. 1 ranking when the new polls are released Sunday. Kansas State was No. 2 in the coaches poll. Tennessee was No. 2 in the Associated Press poll.
THE VOLS (8-0) HAD LITTLE PROBLEM Saturday with Alabama-Birmingham. Likewise, Kansas State (9-0) with Baylor. What about UCLA? Out in the cold right now. The big question is whether the Bruins can ease themselves into the top two of the Bowl Championship Series poll.
It seems unlikely. After taking a huge poll hit last week and struggling against Oregon State on Saturday, UCLA might not have enough schedule juice to overtake either Tennessee or Kansas State. After the Beavers, it plays at Washington, at home against USC and then at Miami against a Hurricanes team that might not be ranked.
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It's another year of unfulfilled expectations for Ohio State.
(AP)
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The Wildcats and Vols have the added advantage of playing in conference championship games. While those games might be perilous to their undefeated status, the BCS upside is that each is certain to play a ranked team in those championship games.
For Kansas State, that means possibly closing the season against three teams ranked in the top 15. No. 14 Nebraska -- which plays the Wildcats Saturday in Manhattan -- is likely to move up after beating Iowa State. The same goes for No. 18 Missouri, which handled Colorado 38-14.
Next week's Tennessee-Arkansas game will be the matchup of the day. If Arkansas wins, it probably ices the SEC West and takes Tennessee out of Fiesta Bowl running. If the Vols are able to hold serve at home, they will not face another ranked team until the SEC championship game.
TENNESSEE STILL HAS TO PLAY at home against Kentucky and at Vanderbilt.
Here's a scary thought: If both K-State and Tennessee stumble, it's possible Florida or Florida State, each with one loss, gets new hope for the Fiesta. The Gators play at Florida State on Nov. 21 to close out the season.
Speaking of new hope, by winning its final two, Michigan (7-2, 6-0 Big Ten) wins the conference title again. The Wolverines have won 15 consecutive conference games and play host to Wisconsin (9-0, 6-0) next week.
The Badgers aren't in the running for the Fiesta but what a glorious Rose Bowl it would be. Wisconsin, a 26-7 winner over Minnesota, could clinch a spot by winning out against Michigan and Penn State.
Hey Buckeyes, you're still in the Big Ten running as well. That's your consolation prize. Enjoy. The clock is still running at 30 years and counting without a national title
It's clearly now a three-team race for the Fiesta. They'll be celebrating in Manhattan, Kan. Saturday ready to explode if the Wildcats get their first No. 1 ranking in history. Down in Knoxville, Tee Martin has accomplished what Peyton Manning couldn't.
UCLA is waiting in the wings if the noose tightens on those above it. Ohio State can tell you all you want to know about rope burn.
Dennis Dodd is a senior writer in CBS SportsLine's Kansas City bureau.