In 1955 Ohio State running back Howard Cassady hopped his way to the Maxwell Award as the best player in all of college football. More than a half century later, Buckeye greatness perseveres as three players stand poised to hop the bar set by Hopalong himself. Recently, junior Beanie Wells along with seniors Todd Boeckman and Brian Robiskie were formally recognized as contenders to win the 72nd annual Maxwell Award.

Missouri vs. Illinois - One of the week's top games for rankings impact will take place in St. Louis where No. 7 Missouri and No. 45 Illinois (CCR Top 120) will hook-up . The Tigers are among the favorites to win the Big 12 title behind returning QB Chase Daniel, while Ron Zook's Fighting Illini are projected by many to gain a second consecutive top-three finish in the Big 10. The computer projects Missouri as a 10-2 team and the only real challenger to Kansas in the Big 12 North.