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FOOTBALL THOUGHT OF THE WEEK

Two orange and blue squads from the land of Obama invaded a state to the north-east this weekend. Both squads were needing big wins. And both had a much easier time than what was expected.

First on Saturday, the Fighting Illin came into the Big House and just dominated Michigan, 45-20. I was at the game, and while it was close for a quarter or two, the difference in talent level was obvious. Everytime Juice Williams and co. wanted to pass, there was room for that. Everytime they wanted to run, that was an option as well. Williams himself had quite a day, passing for 310 yards and two touchdwons while rushing for 121 and two more scores (The 431 total yards set a Michigan Stadium record). The Wolverines are not very good right now- especially on offense- but it was stilll a big win for the Illini. At 3-2, they obviously are eliminated from BCS conversation. But considering both losses came to teams ranked in the top six (Missouri and Penn State), the Illini still can play on New Year's Day, either in the Capital One or Outback bowls, if they continue to win. And with the way the Big Ten looks right now, it wouldn't be a shock to see any of five teams end up on top when the season is over.

The next day, the Bears went into Detroit's Ford Field and drove right over the Lions. Now that shouldn't come as a big shock because, well, they are the Lions. But remember Detroit won both game's against the Bears last year, the difference between the Bears' 7-9 record and a 9-7 one. Kyle Orton actually showed he could throw the ball down the field, as Mr. Neckbeard threw for 334 yards and a couple of touchdowns. Rookie Matt Forte continue to impress with a couple of TD's of his own, and the defense looked great, harassing the Lions all day and even scoring a touchdwon off an interception. Add to all of this Green Bay's loss at home to the Falcons (The Bears next opponent) and there's a certain team from a certain city that starts with C, ends with O and has 'hicag' in the middle (sorry, couldn't resist the SNL reference) that's atop the NFC North right now.