Gridiron Gazette: Goal Line Stand (Week 10)

Gillespie State has plenty to be thankful for, nothing more special than superstar WR Terrell Owens. Two years ago, the team tried to trade him out of town, but nobody was biting. Now, comfortably sitting atop the FBCS, the Black Diamonds couldn't imagine life without #81.




Goal Line Stand (Week 10)
Cam Pannalist, Gridiron Gazette



It's November, a time to give thanks for all that we have in our lives. For the 11 teams of the FAC-10, there is plenty to be thankful for:


- Arizona-Kickery hasn't had the best of times this season, but they should be very thankful that their lack of success will be rewarded when the 2008 draft comes around. Plenty of options should be available to them at the top of the draft board, including a freshman class full of quality running backs.

- Sure, everybody loves a win, but nobody is more thankful for one than Bud Heavy University. After 4 straight losses, The King was finally given a bye week, which ensured them a chance at making the playoffs. Sure, it's not the BEST chance, but its that glimmer of hope that will keep Bud Heavy competitive for the next two weeks.

- It's quite possible that a team's chemistry can be destroyed having a new passer each week, but Rakeville has barely survived with their quarterback-by-committee. The Grays are truly thankful for a rule in the FAC-10 that allows them to sign and release players whenever they wish, which has been beneficial with future star QB Matt Leinart out for the year. Rakeville will be even more thankful if their quarterback (whoever it is this week) can sneak them into the playoffs.

- Who loves legalized gambling more than sports stars? Thanks to their comfortable home in Las Vegas, Stardust University has been a favorite of big-time free agents and trade chips. Marvin Harrison, LenDale White, Ben Roethlisberger, and most recently Ricky Williams have all chosen the SUCH over other destinations. Being the league's favorite city is something to truly be thankful for.

- There hasn't been much for the Dublin University of Brewery Arts to be thankful for this season, as they sit in 7th place at 4-5. However, thanks to the golden arm of QB Tony Romo, they've scored over 80 points in their last four games, going 3-1 and building the 5th ranked offense in the league. If Romo and company can continue their recent hot streak, they should sneak into the postseason and use their momentum at a run for the championship.

- In the first two years of the FAC-10's existence, there were never any in-season trades. This year, with a whopping 3 trades prior to the deadline, it was no surprise when Golden took advantage and upgraded at 2 important positions. The Gryphons snagged QB Peyton Manning and WR Roy Williams, while sacrificing very little. Golden is more than thankful for a league in which teams are not afraid of change, and ones that give him a top-3 quarterback and a top-20 wide receiver.

- Nothing looks better to a team fighting for playoff position than watching the four teams above them all playing each other while they sit comfortably in a bye week. Mexico is more than thankful for Week 10, which guarantees them at least 4th place by Tuesday. If the Wildcats can take care of Dublin to finish off the season, they just might be thankful for a 1st round playoff bye as well.

- It may not be as obvious, but Athol A&M is truly thankful for the easiest schedule in the league from Week 1 through 6. For the first time in three years, the Alckys were playing with confidence, and their record reflected their effort. Since then, they've gone 0-3, but the fast start has winning on their minds, and should help them into the playoffs.

- How can you not be thankful for the top rookie of the year candidate? Anheuser-Busch has been riding the coat tails of RB Adrian Peterson all season. Even with the 22 year old sitting out with a knee injury, AB can still give thanks for the position their top draft pick has put them in.

- Fitchburg Tech is thankful for its players, in which all 7 of its skill players fall within the top 50 rated in the league. Everyone knows what QB Tom Brady (1st) and WR Randy Moss (2nd) have done, but its the supporting cast of RBs Joseph Addai (9) and Clinton Portis (21), WRs Plaxico Burress (35) and Santonio Holmes (38), and TE Tony Gonzalez (42) that have solidified Tech as the best offense in the league.

- For the first time in years, there is major parity within the league. Ten out of Eleven teams have 4 wins or more, and all ten have a shot at the playoffs with just 2 weeks left in the season. Gillespie State is thankful for the parity, for while everyone else is beating each other up, the Black Diamonds just keep winning. With a win this weekend against #2 Fitchburg Tech, they can clinch their 2nd regular season title in 3 years.

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Week 10 Matchups
(1) Gillespie State over (2) Fitchburg Tech
(4) Athol A&M over (3) Anheuser-Busch
(6) Golden over (8) Stardust
(10) Bud Heavy over (7) Dublin
(11) Arizona-Kickery over (9) Rakeville
(5) Mexico over Bye

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Power Rankings
1. Gillespie State ( - )
2. Fitchburg Tech (+1)
3. Mexico (+1)
4. Dublin (+1)
5. Golden (+2)
6. Anheuser-Busch (-4)
7. Athol A&M (+1)
8. Rakeville (-2)
9. Stardust ( - )
10. Arizona-Kickery ( - )
11. Bud Heavy ( - )

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League Notes
- Stardust University signed free agent RB Ricky Williams this week. Williams had offers from Athol and Golden, but chose Las Vegas because it's easier to get drugs there.

- Thanks to a 3 team trade deadline deal, Peyton and Eli Manning will both be playing for the Golden Gryphons. Parents Archie and Olivia are relieved they will no longer need to make excuses about skipping Eli's games.

- Arizona-Kickery's loss this past weekend mathematically eliminated them from the playoffs. WR Marvin Harrison, who was traded to Stardust prior to the game, hasn't stopped smiling.