Quick Kicks
Tomlinson tops 2,000
Texas Christian’s LaDainian Tomlinson topped the 2,000-yard rushing mark in the Horned Frogs’ rout of SMU, making him the eighth player to do it in a season.
With 174 yards Friday night, Tomlinson also joined former Texas star Ricky Williams as the only players to have 2,000 yards in a season and 5,000 in a career.
Tomlinson’s totals are 2,158 this season and 5,263 for his career.
Sooners need two for the show
No. 1 Oklahoma can see its immediate goal: the chance to win a Big 12 championship at Kansas City, Mo., next week.
First, there’s Oklahoma State, an opponent the Sooners are expected to handle without much trouble today but one they still must try to focus on before advancing to bigger things.
The Sooners have clinched the Big 12 South Division title, and a loss this week wouldn’t change that. But a loss would spoil their chance for their first perfect regular season since 1987, and would ruin any hopes of winning a national championship.
A victory over Kansas State next week at Arrowhead Stadium would send the Sooners to the Orange Bowl for a shot at the national title - but only if they beat Oklahoma State first.
BC, then BCS for Miami?
They’ve lost more times than any other Miami Hurricanes class in recent history. All things considered, they’ve accomplished more, too.
Miami’s seniors, many of whom joined the Hurricanes when it wasn’t the popular thing to do, play their final game at the Orange Bowl Saturday against Boston College.
Having never played for a championship, this one game eventually could get them two.
The No. 2 Hurricanes can clinch their first Big East Conference title in four years and a Bowl Championship Series berth by beating the Eagles. They also have a shot at the national title, but might need some help.
“Now it’s almost like we’re at the last little chapter of our book,” said receiver Reggie Wayne, one of 17 Miami seniors. “Hopefully we can make a great ending.”
Miami is third in the Bowl Championship Series rankings, a little more than a half-point behind Florida State. The two top teams will play in the Orange Bowl Jan. 3. Even if the Hurricanes beat the Eagles, it might not be enough for them to pass the Seminoles.
The ‘Canes probably need Oklahoma State or Kansas State to upset Oklahoma.
USC may be sitting pretty
When something is on the line for Notre Dame, it seems like that’s when Southern California plays its best.
The Irish’s last two losses to USC at the Coliseum - 27-20 in overtime in 1996 and 10-0 two years ago - kept them from lucrative bowl bids.
The Trojans have spoiled things for the Irish over the years, first in 1938 when they beat No. 1 Notre Dame 13-0.
USC tied Notre Dame 14-14 in the final game of the 1948 season, snapping the Irish’s 21-game winning streak, and beat top-ranked Notre Dame 20-17 in the last game of the 1964 season.
In addition, USC beat No. 2 Notre Dame 20-3 to complete the 1980 season.
A Notre Dame win today would likely result in a berth in the Fiesta Bowl and a $13.5 million payday. A loss and it will be the Gator Bowl and $1.4 million.