Stewart Mandel's Three-Point Stance

1 In 1969 Bo Schembechler's first Michigan team stunned No. 1 Ohio State. It will take a bigger miracle for the Wolverines to upset the Buckeyes in Rich Rodriguez's first try. Michigan ranks 105th in total offense; Ohio State is 13th in defense.

2 The financial stakes involved in this Saturday's Utah-BYU game are staggering. With a win the undefeated Utes would most likely clinch a BCS berth and earn an estimated $9 million for the Mountain West Conference. A loss probably drops Utah to the Poinsettia Bowl, with a $750,000 payout.

3 The SEC is proving to be surprisingly thin beyond Alabama and Florida. Last Saturday, LSU trailed Troy 31--3 before rallying, and South Carolina lost to the Gators 56--6 yet may still go to a New Year's bowl for lack of better candidates.