Columnists' Corner

Jeff Carroll, South Bend Tribune: Crewcut Charlie Weis of 1-7 Notre Dame must know something the rest of us don't. "People better enjoy it now," he said, shortly after a 38-0 loss to USC. "Have their fun now." Curious time for bravado, isn't it?

Greg Hansen, Arizona Daily Star: This was a sober, solemn Jim Livengood, the Arizona athletic director who now knows, more than any fan, that his football team is likely to finish 2-10 and the only thing left to play for is to save jobs. Mike Stoops' job and, certainly, his own job.

David Whitley, Orlando Sentinel: Can a two-loss team win the national championship. Florida players believe they are back in the title hunt.

Rachel Blout, Minneapolis Star Tribune: How big was North Dakota State's victory over Minnesota? Governor John Hoeven was among fans celebrating with the team.

Steve Kelly, Seattle Times: Slowly, too slowly in some estimations, Washington is getting better, but it is not getting wins. The Tyrone-must-go fraternity is growing.

Michael Rosenberg, Detroit Free Press: Don't let the score fool you. Michigan State's 24-17 loss at Ohio State was a bit of an illusion.

Pat Harty, Iowa City Press-Citizen: How bad is Iowa? The legendary Nile Kinnick holds the team record for most punts in a game at 16, but he might not hold it much longer if this continues.