Changing of the guard

It was a day of droughts broken.

The Dodgers completed the sweep and won their first playoff series in 20 years, consigning the Cubs to a 101st year of waiting for that elusive next World Series win. It's amazing what a difference the addition of Manny Ramirez and Casey Blake made to a team that looked destined to finish a little way under .500 and a long way under expectations.

And Missouri, 30 years after they last won at Nebraska, marched into Lincoln carrying the Silver Ball and never gave the Huskers a chance to take it, winning 52-17. The final score probably flattered the home team. Next week, the Cowboys of Oklahoma State travel to Mizzou to challenge for the title, and if the Tigers survive that, a blockbuster Silver Ball showdown with Texas looms.

And what of #1 Oklahoma, at one total week as holder the most underachieving team in Silver Ball history? They will have played Texas already. They might get a shot at the Silver Ball in the Big 12 title game. Or not. We'll see...