If you were under the allusion somehow that NCAA football is not all about the money like its professional big brother, the NFL, this latest move by Ohio State University should help to open your eyes. OSU celebrated the 55th anniversary of its 1954 championship team on October 24th, and when the team takes on their archenemy, the University of Michigan, on November 21 in Ann Arbor, they will do so in a throwback jersey. Of course these jerseys will also be on sale to the general public.

The throwback jerseys will only be worn one time. This marks the first time in recent memory that OSU has worn an alternate jersey.

The Buckeyes are amongst several teams participating in a special rivalry uniform program sponsored by Nike, clearly designed to drum up jersey sales. The jerseys are still in production and will be unveiled on Nov. 15th on OSU Athletics' website.

OSU athletic director Gene Smith released a statement Wednesday saying:

"[Nike] offered us a chance to try a new uniform product featuring cutting-edge fabrics and technology. Participation in the program also offered us a one-time opportunity to salute one of those great championship teams that have built the Ohio State football tradition.

The University of Florida didn't sent too strong of a message to Brandon Spikes who was caught on film gouging the eye of Georgia running back in Washuan Ealey. Urban Meyer said that the All-American linebacker would have to sit out one half against Vanderbilt for the infraction. Spikes has stated he is sorry for the incident saying:

"I accept responsibility for my actions and I accept the consequences of my actions. I would like to apologize to my team and the coaching staff and Washaun Ealey," he said in a statement. "Football is a very physical and emotional game, but there is no excuse for my actions."

Here is the play in question. Do you think the punishment fits or was he let off to easily?

The Kent State Golden Flashes are in control of their own destiny in the MAC East Division. The Flashes own a 4-1 record in league play following a huge win over Western Michigan that snapped a 12 game skid against the Broncos. Leading the way in yesterday afternoon's victory was the combination of tandem of quarterback Spencer Keith and wideout Tyshon Goode. The pair connected on 11 pass plays for 198 yards and two touchdowns in the win. All together, the freshman Keith threw for 373 yards.

The defense gave up yards to the vaunted Western Michigan offense but would come up with big stops time and time again. Broncos quarterback, who some see as a future NFL signal caller, threw for 255 yards while completing 31 of his 49 with two touchdowns.

The Golden Flashes make the short bus ride to visit arch-rival Akron next week who is win-less in conference play so far this season. Then, if the Flashes can knock off the Zips, will be a huge game against Temple who is undefeated in the MAC's Eastern Division. The winner will likely be the champion of the league if things stay to form in the upcoming weeks.

Here are some video highlights of the big win by Kent yesterday:

Western Michigan quarterback Tim Hiller, who was born in Parma and later starred at Orville High School, is one of 16 finalists for the William V. Campbell Trophy. The award is a combination of academics, community service, and on-field performance and often dubbed as the "Academic Heisman".

Hiller has completed 62.4% of his passes for 2263 with 15 touchdowns this season and has Broncos in the hunt for a MAC championship. He has been even more impressive in the classroom already completing his business sales & marketing degree in August, 2008 and currently in classes for a MBA while maintaining a 4.00 GPA.

The senior standout ESPN regulars Tim Tebow and Colt McCoy are also finalists for the award. Here is a rundown of all the players who have excelled on the field and in the classroom this season and that are finalists for this prestigious award.

# JON ASAMOAH - OG - University of Illinois - 3.82

# MATT BAUMAN - LB - Brigham Young University - 3.91

# ERIC DECKER - WR - University of Minnesota - 3.42

# MOSES HARRIS - S - Fresno State - 3.56

# TIM HILLER - QB - Western Michigan University - 4.00

# PAUL JASINOWSKI - OT - Brown University - 3.70

# BEAU KILDOW - WR - Morningside College (Iowa) - 4.00

Did You Know That Knute Rockne's First Name Was Actually Pronounced Keh-NUTE?

Jerry McKenna, the sculptor who is the world's foremost authority on legendary Notre Dame football coach Knute Rockne, is in town for a couple of days. After beers and burgers at Herb's Tavern Tuesday night, Jerry spoke of Rockne and referred to him as Keh-NUTE. He stuck that "k" sound on the front of Knute's first name.

"When did you start calling him Keh-Nute?" I asked.

"I always called him Keh-Nute," said McKenna, "because that's how he pronounced his name."

"How come he kept the pronunciation of his first name a secret?" I persisted. "The world called him 'Nute.' He never corrected anybody."

"He didn't have to correct anybody because they didn't call him 'Nute.' They called him 'Rock.' Everybody did."

You can't argue with McKenna. He has personally known the Rockne family for decades. When we were in high school in the 1950's Jerry boldly walked up to the front porch of Rockne's son, who lived in Lakewood at the time, and pounded on the front door just to meet him. Later Jerry actually visited the site of the plane crash where Rockne died in a Kansas cornfield. He also visited the house where Rockne was born in Voss, Norway.

The match up against Purdue University (2-5, 1-2) on the road today was supposed to be an easy win for Ohio State, however the game did not pan out as expected. Instead, the no. 7 ranked Buckeyes lost 26-18 to the Boilermakers, who were just 1-5 coming into the game.

Joey Elliot passed for 281 yards and two touchdowns for Pudue, who dominated the game the first three quarters. He also hit 31 of 50 passes, including two touchdowns and one interception.

Terrelle Pryor just didn't match up, going 17 for 31 for 221 yards, including one touchdown and two picks. Ohio State tried to mount a comeback with Pryor at the helm, but he threw two interceptions and lost two fumbles.

In losing to Purdue, OSU (5-2, 3-1) blew their chance to tie the Big Ten record of 17 straight conference road wins, and were knocked out of the top spot in Big Ten rankings.