Don't be fooled, it wasn't Trent ... and ... Leaping Tigers

It almost looked like Scott Linehan might deliver the Rams' first win. Then the Rams turned into ... well ... the Rams. Trent Green tossed an interception that was returned for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter and that was the ballgame.

The Rams' offense finally showed some signs of life, but I think it would be misguided to think that the switch from Marc Bulger to Green was the reason for the flashes of life. Instead the offense's effectiveness can be attributed to the emergence of the running game. Steven Jackson rushed for 110 yards, which was more impressive because the Buffalo Bills hadn't allowed 100 yards rushing in any of the first three games.

But talk all you want about the Rams looking improved. In the end, they lost by 17 points. The Bills looked beatable, but the Rams weren't able to deliver at home. I can't imagine Linehan will be around much longer.

Mizzou jumps

The craziness Saturday in the world of college football helped the Missouri Tigers, who enjoyed their week off. It's hard to imagine the Tigers having a better off week.

Gary Pinkel's team jumped to fourth in the AP poll and third in the USA Today/Coaches poll. The path is clear now. The Tigers need to keep winning and they will play for the national championship. There's no doubt about that. With Oklahoma No. 1 in both polls, it's a sure thing. Missouri needs to be beat Nebraska in Lincoln, then find a way to take care of Texas in Austin. If the Tigers take care of both of those teams, a Big 12 championship victory would punch the Tigers' ticket. But that's an extremely difficult road ahead. How do you see it playing out?

Throne of Honor

I reread the question a few times to make sure I award the honor to the correct winner. My boy budman earns the spot atop the Throne after correctly answering the number of Cy Youngs won by Greg Maddux. Budman, this puppy was named after you for a while, so go grab your seat on the Throne. Your name has been on it before, so I know you don't need any directions.

Let's get to today's question: The Brewers ended their lengthy playoff drought. Which MLB franchise has the longest current streak of missing the playoffs?

Reserved Parking

There wasn't much going on in the area Sunday, but Kristi Frick scored the Southeast soccer team's second goal of the season. Unfortunately the Redhawks weren't able to earn their first win as they posted the 1-1 tie. Still, Frick found the back of the net, so she gets to park in the prime spot today. Congrats, Kristi.

Regular season ends

What a final day, well what was supposed to be the final day, of the regular season. I couldn't stop flipping between the Marlins/Mets game and Cubs/Brewers game. It was great drama. CC Sabathia tossed a complete game to beat the Cubs, and Ryan Braun launched a two-run homer to win it for Milwaukee. But the Brewers had to wait to celebrate. The Mets fell behind the Marlins but rallied to tie it before the Marlins went ahead by two. In the bottom of the ninth with two outs, Ryan Church drilled a ball to the warning track in right with a runner on to end the Mets' season. Like I said, it was great drama.

The NL playoffs look interesting, with the Dodgers taking on the Cubs and the Brewers and Phillies tangling. We still don't know what's going to happen in the AL since the Twins and White Sox need to sort some things out. I'm going to be planted in front of the TV today to catch the makeup game this afternoon between the White Sox and Tigers. I can't imagine Detroit is going to care about playing this one. If the White Sox win it, then the Twins and White Sox play a one-game playoff Tuesday. I can't get enough of this stuff.

Let's not forget about the Cardinals wrapping up the season with a win. Unfortunately Troy Glaus only knocked in one run, finishing the season at 99 RBIs. It was good to see Brad Thompson finish the season with a win, going five innings and allowing three runs. We'll discuss the Cardinals and the offseason in the coming days.

Today's Can't Miss

It's got to be the makeup game between the Tigers and White Sox, 1 p.m. on ESPN2, channel 43 in Cape.