So, here are the big stories: The Iron Bowl turned out the way most impartial observers expected; Michigan-Ohio State was as good as advertised; the Scarlet Knights don’t save the princess; and Chad Johnson’s big numbers are backing up his big mouth.

But what about the other subplots in football?

Has no one noticed what’s going on in the Big Easy, Big D and the Bluegrass state?

It’s about time someone piped and gave these guys some love, and guess who’s going to do it.

I’ll salute what I like to call the overdogs when we go down “The List.”

Wild, wild Wildcats – By show of hands, who thought Kentucky would have as many wins at this point of the season as Alabama. Yeah.

The Cats are bowl eligible, and they’ve beaten some pretty good teams to get there.

Alas, the best they can hope for is the Jim Bob Auto Parts and Car Cleaning.com Bowl. Still, their program gets cut a nice check for playing an extra game.

5. Saints and winners – New Orleans is a good team. You wouldn’t know it by the way they’ve played in their last three games, but they can beat some people.

A month ago, I was ready to announce quarterback Drew Brees as the league’s next savior. But after throwing three really senseless interceptions in a loss to the Bengals Sunday – two of them in the end zone – he’s just a good QB that needs to get his mind right.

Plus the Saints have the odds-on favorite for rookie of the year, Devery Henderson.

I’m interested to see how this team bounces back for a rough schedule down the stretch.

4. The Pittsburgh Steelers – Oh wait. How did that get in here? I must have sneezed while I was typing.

Oh by the way, I heard they won yesterday … against the Browns. Yeah.

3. The Baltimore Ravens – What’s not to like about this team?

The defense has teeth once again. Steve McNair hasn’t exactly been reborn after being shoved out of Nashville, but he’s playing well enough to give his team a chance to win.

The Ravens will win the Super Bowl this season. No, I’m just kidding.

Unless, of course they do win. In which case you can say you heard it here first.

2. Tony Romo – Yeah, you already know by now he’s good.

But I bet you didn’t know how good.

For instance, only Peyton Manning has a better passer rating. Romo also averaged a touchdown pass every 16 attempts entering Sunday.

And probably most notably, Terrell Owens hasn’t said anything bad about Romo’s mama yet.

1. George vs. Plastation2 – Some of you may remember I got drafted to be the quarterback who will save the Cowboys franchise.

How’s 44 touchdowns, an MVP and a Super Bowl sound?

Yeah, that’s right, baby. Anybody who wants some is welcome to come and get it.

George L. Jones is sports editor of The Selma Times-Journal. He can be reached at .