Gridiron Gazette: Goal Line Stand (Week 13)

With 11 teams battling for 6 playoff spots, his team down 23 and on the verge of elimination, Drew Brees lifted the Kickers onto his shoulders and engineered one of the best comeback victories of the year. The 29 year old kept Arizona-Kickery's hopes alive, but will it enough to get them into the postseason?





Goal Line Stand (Week 13)
Cam Pannalist, Gridiron Gazette



"Every game matters." It's quite the cliche, and brutally obvious. When Kickers' QB Drew Brees exploded for 30 points to lead their come-from-behind victory over Golden, it created such a logjam in the standings that we have never seen before. 2 teams (Twin City Tech, Bud Heavy) clinched playoff spots with victories in Week 12, the longest its ever taken for the first playoff spot to be claimed.

Which leaves 4 remaining spots, and 9 teams mathematically eligible to take them. Last week we took a look at playoff possibilities, but one week has cleared up the picture quite a bit. Taking matchups and point totals into account, who has the worst chance at getting into the FBCS Postseason:


Stardust
The Crazy Horses are in the midst of a 5-game losing streak, all of which followed a 93-58 shellacking of Gillespie State back in Week 7. Eli Manning took over for Ben Roethlisberger under Center, and has put up big numbers, but the rest of the team has refused to play for him. The receiving core has had just one 10-point game under Manning (Steve Smith, Week 8), and the running game has completely disappeared.
Matchup - Golden is beatable, just not by the Stardust.

Rakeville
The Grays have managed a 6-6 record and a shot at the playoffs even with their inability to score points. The roster is highlighted by RB Marshawn Lynch and WR Calvin Johnson, who have produced about 75% of the team's offense this season and should continue to do so for years to come. Unfortunately, it takes more than 2 to tango in this conference. With points as the first tiebreaker, even a win this weekend won't help them into the playoffs.
Matchup: Even in defeat, Mexico has looked good the past few weeks (97 points in a loss to Athol in Week 10).

Gillespie State
The Black Diamonds have done nothing to help themselves, falling like a rock from playoff contention with 3 losses in their last 4 games (their only win against bottom-of-the-standings Weymouth). They have gotten nothing out of the Quarterback position, failing to score 10 points since Week 8. Lee Evans leaving town has created a resurgence in the receiving game, but they'll need the numbers from Jake Delhomme if they want any chance at this thing.
Matchup: Busch is looking for blood, and the #2 seed, so don't expect them to roll over for the struggling Black Diamonds.


Which leaves 6 teams with the best shot at the final 4 playoff spots:


Athol A&M
A&M has scored 71.32 PPG this season, 2nd in the conference... Unfortunately, they've also given up 75.47, which puts them 12th. The Law of Common Sense states that if the other team scores more points than you, you lose, so even having a stranglehold on the playoff tiebreaker won't help the Alcky's as they welcome the top rated offense to finish off the season.
Matchup: If Athol can pull off the upset, they're in. However, Twin City Tech has scored 91.59 over their last 3 games, so they'll have to put up their biggest numbers of the season to do so.

Mexico
Three weeks ago, we would never have imagined Mexico with ANY kind of shot at the playoffs, yet here we are. 2 big wins against playoff contenders has the defending champions in prime position to sneak into the 6th seed, but it might be a little too late. The Wildcats need a lot of help: A victory, at least 3 of the 6-6 teams to lose, and enough points to overtake the tiebreaker. With that said, Mexico should be the final team left out of the playoffs this year.
Matchup: The 3-ring circus known as Rakeville should be entertaining for Mexico, and will make this playoff picture very interesting.

Golden
The media tore Golden to shreds when they sent away superstar wideout Andre Johnson for first-year starter Michael Turner, but the 26 year old has held down his end each and every week. Unfortunately, even a 29 point explosion last week couldn't give the Gryphons a victory, but it did help their point total. GU has the 4th best offense in the conference.
Matchup: With the struggling Stardust coming to town, Golden should lock up the final playoff spot.

Dublin
The Oktoberfests' offense has been atrocious over the past 4 weeks (48.42 PPG), yet a 6-game win streak in the middle of the season has them in a great spot to make the playoffs. Their points were supposed to come from their running backs, but its been the receivers who have been carrying them to... well, losses. They'll need that strong ground attack if they want any chance to continue their season.
Matchup: "Win And You're In" looks a lot better when you're facing a team with nothing to play for. Bud Heavy is just who DUBA wants to see right now.

Arizona-Kickery
The Kickers offense has been hit-or-miss all season. One week they'll be on top of the world (98 vs. Gillespie State in Week 6), and the next they'll look like a Pop Warner team (37 vs. Rakeville in Week 7). Their big victory against Golden last week doesn't bode well for the "Here Today, Gone Tomorrow" theme of this offense, but with the 3rd highest point total in the conference, a tiebreaker is all but theirs.
Matchup: It's always nice to see an expansion team on your schedule for the season finale, but not when that team is coming off a 92 point outburst. However, don't expect lightning to strike twice for the Islanders of Weymouth.

Busch
Even with their worst point total in 5 weeks (59 vs. Dublin) the Lattes still managed to win. Fate is on their side, as well as well as one of the best running games in the league. Everything starts and finishes with Adrian Peterson on this team; As he goes, they go. A big game from the 2nd year back will get them in, and possibly with a BYE.
Matchup: Gillespie State has been a mess as of late (60 PPG in their last 7) which should be easy pickings for the defending runner ups.

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Week 13 Matchups
(1) Twin City Tech over (9) Athol A&M
(4) Dublin over (2) Bud Heavy
(3) Busch over (7) Gillespie State
(5) Arizona-Kickery over (12) Weymouth
(6) Golden over (11) Stardust
(10) Mexico over (7) Rakeville

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

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League Notes
- Since acquiring RB Julius Jones after a 93 point outburst in Week 7, the S.U.C.H. offense has been able to crack 53 points just once. Apparently Jones doesn't like gambling, and the rest of the locker room is not happy about it.

- The best defense in the league thus far has been Bud Heavy, who's averaging 57.99 points against this season. The worst defense? Any team that is playing Twin City Tech.

- 7th Round draft pick Chris Johnson -- chosen after failed rushers Kenny Watson, Rudi Johnson, and Ahmad Bradshaw -- has been a top-20 running back all season for Dublin, proving that bitterness truly is the greatest motivator in the world.

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Gridiron Gazette: Goal Line Stand (Week 12)

One year removed from their 2nd FBCS title, the University of Mexico is in position to miss the playoffs for the first time in school history. Can the addition of WR Lee Evans sneak the Wildcats into the postseason, or is it too late for the defending champs?





Goal Line Stand (Week 12)
Cam Pannalist, Gridiron Gazette



How did we get ourselves into this mess? 11 teams, with just 2 weeks remaining in the season, have a shot at the postseason. Unlike it's NCAA counterpart, the FBCS takes pride in its "Everyone Has A Chance" setup, with 6 teams fighting it out in a bracket-style playoff. And instead of letting those 6 teams be determined by strength of schedule or margin of victory, the conference bases it solely on record (fortunately for the FAC-10, everybody plays each other at least once, rather than allowing schools to choose their own schedule).

Each and every game matters in a 13 week season, and nobody knows that more than the Mexico Wildcats. If it weren't for a .27 defeat to Gillespie State in Week 1 (every time those two teams meet, it's a dogfight), a 2.17 loss to Arizona-Kickery in Week 8 (Drew Brees exploded for 339 and 3 TD for UAK), or a 3.09 nailbiter to Twin City Tech (Mexico had the 2nd highest point output in the conference)... well, Mexico would be in 1st place rather than 11th.

The season, however, is far from over for Mexico and everyone else. After this week, the playoff picture should be a little clearer, but not by much. Here's a look at how everyone should finish the 2008 season:


Sure Things
1. Twin City Tech (vs. SU, AAM)
Without QB Tom Brady, the FAC-10 exposed the Red Raiders for what they are: A 1-trick pony... or did it? The acquisitions of QB Kurt Warner and WR Andre Johnson pushed TCT back into the #1 offense spot, as well as #1 in the FBCS.

2. Dublin (vs. BU, BHU)
DUBA's 6-game win streak came to an end last week in Mexico, but that hasn't changed the minds of Oktoberfest fans that their team should be #1. The Dublin running game is best in the conference, but unfortunately they have 3 guys for 2 spots. If the coaching staff can pick the correct 2 each week (so far, they have failed to do so) they're a lock for a playoff BYE.

3. Busch (vs. DUBA, GS)
Besides Twin City, nobody is playing better football right now than the Lattes. Three 80-point games in a row have them right where they left off 2007 when they rode the #6 seed all the way to the Conference Championship. This year's path to the PBR Llama Bowl should be a bit easier, with a top-4 seed waiting for them.



On The Bubble
4. Bud Heavy (vs. AAM, DUBA)
It's amazing to think that if it weren't for a 0.01 loss, Bud Heavy would be in sole possession of the #1 rank in the FBCS. Unfortunately, that game did happen, but it hasn't crushed anyone's spirits. If The King can steal a win in Ireland, they'll be a lock for the playoffs, but they'll need plenty of help from their run defense.

5. Golden (vs. AZK, SU)
Golden has been the quietest 6-5 team in the conference, one that nobody saw coming. They sold their soul to get QB Peyton Manning last season (giving up studs Larry Fitzgerald and LenDale White) and he's been anything but spectacular. The running game has been horrendous (prior to the acquisition of Michael Turner) with Larry Johnson and Steven Jackson battling injuries and poor play. And yet, here we talking about the Gryphons possibly getting the #3 seed? Simply amazing.

6. Gillespie State (vs. UM, BU)
Their loss last week to U-RAKE definitely put the Black Diamonds in a hole they might not crawl out of. Their final 2 games are against two of the hottest teams in the conference right now: Mexico (79.5 PPG in their last 3 games) whom they barely beat in Week 1, and Busch (84.3 PPG in their last 3) who hasn't allowed a 70 point game since Week 7. Their bubble is thin, and ready to pop if they don't get the production they expect from newly-acquired RB Thomas Jones.

7. Athol A&M (vs. BHU, TCT)
When the season schedule was released back in August, Athol AD Dave Grubb nearly vomited... 2 games against Twin City Tech, including the season finale? And sure the team hoped they'd have a playoff spot locked up long before then, but they don't, which means their game against Bud Heavy is a MUST, MUST, MUST MUST win before they host the Red Raiders next week.



Need Some Help
8. Mexico (vs. GS, RU)
3 losses by a combined 5.5 points is what may ultimately keep Mexico out of the playoffs for the first time in school history. Those wins, including one in which the Wildcats had the 2nd highest point output for the week, would have propelled them to #1 in the FBCS. The offense is finally clicking, but it may be too late for the defending champs. They'll need to win out, and get a lot of help, for them to be able to sneak into the postseason.

9. Rakeville (vs. WEY, UM)
In 2007, Athol sat atop the FBCS for over 6 weeks with one of the worst offenses in the league. This year, the Grays are following the same pattern of stellar defense and safe offense. #7 U-RAKE is 6-5, yet boasts the 11th ranked offense in the conference. A win against the Islanders is a must win, while their final game vs. the Wildcats could be quite a massacre.

10. Arizona-Kickery (vs. GU, WEY)
Az-Kickery fans were ecstatic with the way their team started the season. After a 3-8 last place 2007, the Kickers started things off 5-3 behind one of the best offenses in the conference. Now, after 3 straight losses and failing to score 57 points, Arizona is looking at another failed season. Their only consolation is a season finale at home against the expansion Islanders, but even that game isn't a sure thing.



Preparing For Next Season
11. Stardust (vs. TCT, GU)
Nobody is playing worse football than the S.U.C.H. right now. Since their Week 7 blowout of Gillespie State, the Crazy Horses have failed to break 53 points (42.6 PPG over their last 4 games). With Twin City and Golden coming to town, the boys from Vegas should start planning for 2009 (and a top-3 draft pick).

12. Weymouth (vs. RU, AZK)
The Islanders began 2008 with a plan; a plan that didn't involve 2008. They managed a few wins here and there, but management knew that with the depth and strength already present in the FAC-10, an expansion team would need time to become a contender. Their remaining schedule is light, and they might be able to pull off a couple upsets, but don't expect much from Weymouth other than the #1 pick in next year's draft.

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Week 12 Matchups
(1) Twin City Tech over (10) Stardust
(8) Athol A&M over (2) Bud Heavy
(5) Busch over (3) Dublin
(4) Golden over (9) Arizona-Kickery
(11) Mexico over (6) Gillespie State
(12) Weymouth over (7) Rakeville

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

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League Notes
- WR Lee Evans transferred from Gillespie State to Mexico, just in time for the two teams' matchup this weekend in Guadalajara. He still hasn't decided if he'll live on campus or not, mainly due to his inability to speak Spanish.

- With just 2 weeks left in the regular season, 11 teams still have a chance to make the FBCS Postseason. "I'm lovin' it," said FBCS President Jason Sehorn with a mouthful of Southwest Style Crispy Chicken Sandwich.

- Weymouth and Rakeville will play this week in the Nobody Cares Bowl. The winner gets to telephone their mother and let them know how the game ended, since nobody will be coming to the stadium to watch.

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Gridiron Gazette: Goal Line Stand (Week 10)

Chad Johnson and the rest of the Athol A&M receiver core were all smiles last week, putting up 10 points each in an 81-64 shellacking of Rakeville. The Alckys will have quite the challenge this weekend against a Mexico defense that hasn't allowed 80 points all season.





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



A complete package is what separates a poor team from a good one. Sure, having a star helps, but you win as a group, not individuals. This concept is most obvious by the fact that in the past three years, the roster containing the FAC-10 Player of the Year has never been the roster that wins the title... hell, those teams haven't even made the championship game.

In 2005, RB Shaun Alexander rushed for 1880 yards and 27 touchdowns for Gillespie State, yet the Black Diamonds were ousted in the semi-finals by Doug Flutie #1 Pick (now Bud Heavy University). In '06, RB LaDainian Tomlinson had 1800 and 28 TDs, only to finish 3rd behind 2 expansion teams. And just last year, QB Tom Brady had the single-best season of any passer in history with 4800 yards, 50 TDs and just 8 interceptions... and, according to the script, the Red Raiders were knocked out of the semi-finals.

Building the perfect well-rounded roster is tricky, but the best way to do it is building position by position. Find where your team is hurting, work on that spot, and move on. It sounds simple, but in a league filled with thick-skinned Athletic Directors hesitant to make moves, it's nearly impossible to go about it this way. Let's look at who has the best (and worst) situations at each locale:


Quarterback
Best - Twin City Tech (Kurt Warner, Brett Favre, Tom Brady)
Who would have thought that the Red Raiders would lose the 2007 Player of the Year and still have the best quarterback situation in the conference. Tech pounced on Warner as soon as Brady went down, and this past week added depth with Brett Favre. The duo combines for 76 years of smart passing.
Worst - Rakeville (JaMarcus Russell)
Back in the 2007 Expansion Draft, the Grays picked Matt Leinart and hoped for the best. Unfortunately, the Cali Kid hasn't panned out, and neither has Rakeville's current project. Russell has struggled since joining the team last year, and curiously, the team has no intention of a change. "We stick with our guys, and JaMarcus is our guy," said Head Coach Drew Bledsoe.


Running Back
Best - Dublin (Brian Westbrook, Chris Johnson, Brandon Jacobs)
Most teams would love 3 top-10 backs... but not DUBA. The coaching staff struggles each and every week to decide which two guys to put in, and often times regrets the decision (Jacobs had 117 yards and a TD on the bench last week). If a top running back goes down in the FAC-10 somewhere, look for Dublin to be the first one on the phone to them.
Worst - Weymouth (Lawrence Maroney, Darren McFadden, Leon Washington, Jonathan Stewart)
The Islanders have a ton of young talent in the backfield, none of which has come to fruition yet. Maroney is out for the year, McFadden and Stewart are battling injuries, and Washington is simply a backup in a starter's role. With a little patience, these guys MIGHT be stars someday... just not today.


Wide Receiver
Best - Twin City Tech (Andre Johnson, Plaxico Burress, Randy Moss, Roddy White)
When Randy Moss is your 4th WR, you know you have a good roster. The trades for Johnson, as well as the early season pickup of White, were ingenious moves by the Red Raiders. However, in a league of parity, this star receiver core is barely the best, with teams like Busch, Gillespie State, and even Athol A&M close behind.
Worst - Mexico (TJ Houshmandzadeh, Marques Colston, Torry Holt, Donnie Avery)
Once the elite force of the FAC-10, this receiving core has become the laughingstock of the conference. Age has become a factor, but that's no excuse for how far this group has fallen. Houshmandzadeh has been the only contributor, and he has just 570 receiving yards (13th in the conference), while nobody else has more than 375.


Tight End
Best - Gillespie State (Antonio Gates)
All Gates does is score touchdowns. In a conference thin at this position, it's a relief for the Black Diamonds to have someone they can count on week in and week out. Only Jason Witten (SU) and Tony Gonzalez (TCT) are comparable, but even they can't keep up with the former Kent State basketball star.
Worst - Mexico (Vernon Davis)
The Wildcats had high hopes for former TE Heath Miller, but a sprained left ankle put an end to that real quick. The team traded Jason Witten away in the offseason for Ryan Grant, which has yet to pay dividends for Mexico.


Kicker
Best - Athol A&M (David Akers)
In a season where kickers have been more valuable than wide receivers, David Akers has been at the top of the class. Often overlooked in most conferences, the FAC-10 takes pride in homegrown kickers almost as much as quarterbacks (almost). Akers's left foot is 83% this season, even though he has yet to be tested from 50+.
Worst - Rakeville (Nick Folk)
Speaking of homegrown, Folk has held the job since the Grays joined the conference. Unfortunately, Rakeville Head Coach Drew Bledsoe enjoys scoring just a bit too much, and has often gone for the end zone on 4th down inside the 40 yard line. With just 11 attempts, Folk has yet to be given a chance, though he does have 27 extra points (most in the conference).


Defense, Team
Best - Busch (Tennessee)
Busch's defense has been excellent as of late, with just 103 points against (1st in the league), 13 interceptions (tied 1st), and 22 sacks (5th). It's a position that demands consistency, and Busch has gotten 10 points/game out of them.
Worst - Dublin (San Diego)
After riding Dallas throughout the beginning of the season, DUBA is on its 3rd defense in 3 weeks. The strategy yet to pay off (the Oktoberfests got just 1 point out of their defensive spot-start last week), but this week looks to be more fruitful. Still, with nobody's job safe on the defensive side of the ball in Dublin, there have been plenty of grumblings throughout the locker room.


Defensive, Player
Best - Twin City Tech (Patrick Willis)
The top defensive player in 2007 is back at it again, anchoring MLB for the Red Raiders and doing a fine job of it. Willis has 57 tackles, tops in the conference, not to mention 1 sack and 1 interception which he returned for a touchdown. The rest of the defense is a bit weak, which explains why Willis is on the ball on every play.
Worst - Mexico (Ray Lewis)
Mexico cut its longtime defensive star London Fletcher in Week 8 for Lewis, yet the return has been short of spectacular. Since an injury held him to 6 games in 2005, Lewis has been much slower. With most D men averaging over 3 points/game and Lewis barely getting 2, look for the Wildcats to make a move here soon.

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

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

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League Notes
- Due to an electrical problem on campus, Arizona-Kickery has been relocated at a temporary facility across town. Unfortunately, the Kickers' field won't be ready in time for this weekend's game against Bud Heavy, and instead will ominously be played over at Norwood Field in Tempe.

- Weymouth believes in giving everyone a chance, having instilled a "defense by committee" all season. According to insiders, whichever defensive unit can swim across the school's parking lot the fastest gets to play that weekend.

- Golden cut K Nate Kaeding this week, supporting the fact that players who look 12 years old do not belong in the FAC-10.

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Twin City Register: All-Conference Races Heating Up

With only 4 weeks of FAC-10 regular season action left to go, teams are having a tough time separating from the field. That's not the case with the stars on the field, though. The competition for All-Conference spots is in full swing, with a many deserving stars shining on the field. Let's take a look at our All-Conference projections through Week 9:

K- David Akers, Athol A&M - Leading the conference with 83.50 Fantasy Points (FP), Akers has been ultra-consistent for A&M. He doesn't bring the distance that he once had, but he makes the most of his many opportunities. Honorable Mention - Rob Bironas, Golden University

TE- Antonio Gates, Gillespie State - Gunning for his 3rd All-Conference selection in 4 years, Gates is putting up less-than-stellar numbers for him. With the rest of the conference's Tight Ends struggling to get in the end zone, Gates' 5 touchdowns leads all tight ends. Honorable Mention - Owen Daniels, Rakeville University

WR- Anquan Boldin, Athol A&M - Even after nearing being decapitated (left) 3 weeks ago, the former Florida State QB has put up some ridiculous numbers. Leading all WR with 8 TD's, and over 74 FP, Boldin is on track for his first All-Conference selection.

WR- Andre Johnson, Twin City Tech - After a really slow start, Johnson was shipped from Golden to TCT for Santonio Holmes and Michael 'the burner' Turner. Since that trade, Johnson has been gashing defenses and now leads the conference in recieving yards with 834 (70 more than 2nd, Greg Jennings).

WR- Santana Moss, Bud Heavy University - What? You thought the other Moss (Randy) would have made the list in the preseason, but Santana has really stepped up his game. He's 3rd in the conference in FP, and has a punt return TD to his credit as well. The diminuitive wideout has helped keep BHU right in the thick of the FAC-10 race.

WR Honorable Mentions - Larry Fitzgerald (Stardust U), Calvin Johnson (Rakeville), Roddy White (Twin City Tech)

RB- Clinton Portis, Twin City Tech - Once a player who was shopped during the draft and even the first few weeks of the season, Portis has torn up FAC-10 defenses. He has over 100 more yards than the #2 RB, and has single-handedly kept TCT in the FAC-10 race after Brady went down and given Joe Addai's ineffectiveness. He also gives some pretty entertaining press conferences (see right).

RB- Marion Barber III, Bud Heavy University - Quietly having a top 10 season according to Y!. Barber has been impressive not just powering over people, but in the pass game, with 264 yards receiving and 2 rec TDs. He just barely beats out several RBs, so this race is still wide open (excuse the pun).

RB Honorable Mentions - Frank Gore (U of AZ-Kickery), Chris Johnson (DUBA), Lendale White (Stardust U)

QB- Philip Rivers, Athol A&M - Many votes have gone out to Brees (U of AZ-K) and Warner (TCT), but if you look at it, you can't deny that Rivers is having the best statistical year. With over 2000 yards, 19 TD's and 6 INT's, he has put Athol in a position to win on most Sundays. Athol just can't seem to come together as a unit, with a 4-5 record despite the conference's 3rd best offense.

QB Honorable Mentions - Drew Brees (U of AZ-Kickery), Kurt Warner (Twin City Tech), Aaron Rodgers (Weymouth)

Rookie of the Year (Tie) - Chris Johnson (DUBA), Matt Forte (Athol A&M)

Duds of the Year - Laurence Maroney (Weymouth), Tom Brady (TCT)

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Gridiron Gazette: Goal Line Stand (Week 9)

Dallas Clark had a career game, but came up 1 yard shy of putting Bud Heavy in sole possession of first place. Now, it's a 7-team logjam atop the FBCS standings.




Goal Line Stand (Week 9)
Cam Pannalist, Gridiron Gazette




It was the greatest game in FAC-10 history. Twin City Tech had an 11 point lead going into the 4th quarter, but it all vanished as Bud Heavy TE Dallas Clark remembered how to play football. 7 catches, 94 yards, and 2 touchdowns later, we had the makings of a fantastic finish.

The final drive for Bud Heavy began at their own 10, as TCT kicker Stephen Gostkowski boomed a kickoff that made his mother proud. The Red Raider special teams swarmed KR Mark Clayton, who did nothing the entire game. Jason Campbell (who hasn't thrown an interception for Bud Heavy all season) went to work, firing strike after strike to Clark as they moved down the field. A game-winning score seemed inevitable.

With 12 seconds left, on their own 37, Campbell hit Clark over the middle. The Red Raider defense was playing the sidelines, leaving a giant gap in the middle of the field. Instead of trying to get out of bounds, Clark's eye glimmered with a chance to score the game-winning touchdown. All 252 pounds of him rumbled towards the end zone as the game clock expired.

Out of nowhere (ala Mike Jones for the Rams in Super Bowl XXXIV), Tech's Patrick Willis ran in from behind, wrapped Clark up by the legs, and kept the Tight End from reaching the end zone.... one yard short.



The game will go down as the greatest in FAC-10 history, but even more amazing is how much of a mess it created in the FBCS. Seven teams now have the best record in football at 5-3, while last place Weymouth is just 4 games back with just 5 weeks left. In comparison, here's how the 2007 FBCS stood after eight games:

1. Gillespie State	7-1	556.08
2. Twin City Tech	6-2	768.59
3. Athol A&M	6-2	446.62
4. Busch	5-3	640.59
5. Mexico	4-4	632.73
6. Golden	4-4	552.97
7. Stardust	4-4	490.54
8. Rakeville	4-4	461.51
9. Dublin	3-5	548.87
10. Bud Heavy	3-5	400.17
11. Az-Kickery	1-7	420.17

So we are left with 12 teams still alive for what is shaping up to be the greatest FAC-10 finish in conference history. And if this past week's Bud Heavy/Twin City Tech game was any foreshadow, this thing just might come down to one yard.

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Week 9 Matchups
(1) Twin City Tech over (12) Weymouth
(2) Arizona-Kickery over (10) Busch
(11) Mexico over (3) Stardust
(4) Dublin over (6) Gillespie State
(8) Golden over (5) Bud Heavy
(7) Rakeville over (9) Athol A&M

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

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League Notes
- The Tech/Bud Heavy game was one of the greatest games ever, but barely anybody saw it. Fans protested the game due to an incident the previous week in which Matty J Stadium refused to serve alcohol after the first quarter.

- Even though Bud Heavy played without a defense, which ultimately cost them a win last week, Stardust has opted to follow the same strategy this week against Mexico. "The stupid Wildcats can't score anyway, whats the big deal?" grumbled some middle-aged tourist in a casino.

- Nick Folk is still the worst kicker in the conference.

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