Two Down, and a Wolverine to Slaughter

Last nights episode of Survivor was a good one.

In the Nakum tribe, we saw the real Judd, a hothead, egotistical guy who thinks he IS the tribe. And we saw his antithesis Margaret, still upset with Judd for his breaking of an alliance she felt she had with him. There was a lot of jawing in and out of camp, especially by Judd. Grand pubah Probst got a lot out of the tribal council.

At Yaxha (pronounced Yasha) we saw the result of Golden Boy Blake being voted out last episode -- the rest of the gang likes each other, work together well ... "hate to see anyone have to go" kind of tribe.

The reward and immunity challenges were one in the same -- a contest where two tribemates at a time squared off against the other tribe to roll a boulder-type ball across a goalline. Nakum, with Judd's power, ended up winning a close match. The reward was a hamburger/hot dog/beer feast. It also was an immunity challenge of sorts -- the winners went on to an immediate immunity challenge where one tribemember could win personal immunity. Personal, because Pubah Probst announced that one member of each tribe was going home.

The redheaded Raef won individual immunity, thanks to Judd giving him the answer to a word puzzle they had to solve. Raef was safe, and in addition to not being voted for, got to attend the Yaxha tribal council and have a secret veto vote. If Yaxha voted out a tribemember that Raef secretly protected, then that member would stay, and the next highest votegetter would go.

The Nakum tribal was a verbal jarring match between Judd and Margaret. M lost and went home.

Over at Yaxha, the tribe that now loves each other, Brian received all but his own vote, which went to Bobby Jon. Raef protected Gary in the secret veto, so Brian went home. This council contained one of the best single lines of any show ever. As Brian cast his vote for Bobby Jon, he told the camera, "This would be the outwit part of Outwit, Outlast, Outplay." We all now Bobby Jon is three brain cells short of a dozen ... what a great line. Ironic tht Brian was then outwitted by receiving every vote. Frankly, I was surprised that Raef protected Gary instead of Brian. Brian and Raef both appear to be light in the loafers, and I would have thought one would bond to the other. So much for my knowledge of alternative lifestyle issues.

That leaves 11 of 18. Here's my take on everyone and who wins in the end.

Amy O'Hara (Yaxha): Been gimping on a bad ankle the whole time, but is as tough-as-nails. Everyone likes her. When the tribes join together, her bum ankle will be to her advantage because she won't be considered as physically threatening. Amy gets to the final four.

Bobby Jon (Yaxha): Holdover from last Survivor will be voted off as soon as this year's cast decides a second-round contestant doesn't deserve a chance to win. He stays until a merger, and then is voted out quickly.

Brandon (Yaxha): Farmer from Kansas, self-described redneck/hick. Well-liked, reserved personality, competitor. Final four.

Cindy (Nakum): Zookeeper. Doesn't appear to be strongly aligned with anyone, and neither well-liked or hated. She flies under the radar for awhile and might be a swingvote for another person's ousting. Voted out just prior to final four.

Danni (Yaxha): One of my favorite players left. Likes sports, seems nice, not obnoxious in any way. Final four.

Gary (Yaxha): Seems to be in control and well-liked by everyone. I still think the quarterback thing comes back to haunt him. Nakum also has a numbers advantage which might hurt Gary if it holds until merge. Makes it to about #6.

Jamie (Nakum): Aligned too closely with Judd, and Judd is going soon. Jamie goes the week after Judd.

Judd (Nakum): Could be next week or the following that he gets the boot. Depends on the immunity challenges. Most colorful character, and he'll talk his way right out of the game.

Lydia (Nakum): A physical liability, but everyone likes her. Hangs around unless she becomes specifically responsible for a tribal loss during a physical challenge. I think that happens soon and she goes home.

Rafe (Nakum): Soft-spoken and unassuming, definately under the radar. He needs to get himself aligned with some strong players. If he does, he could be final four.

Steph (Nakum): People seem to like Steph, buty she gets the boot for the same reason as Bobby Jon -- twice in Survivor is one time too many.

Final Four: Amy, Brandon, Danni, Rafe
Just misses: Gary (Gary or Rafe)
Final Two: Brandon, Danni
Wins a million: Danni

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After Iowa was trounced by Ohio State I said that Iowa would go 5-6 for the year. They are now 5-2, with Michigan visiting Kinnick this Saturday. Michigan is having an un-Michigan year, but they have a bruising line and a running back who could tear off huge chuncks against the porous Iowa run D. Michigan has been giving up a lot of passing yardage. Iowa's Tate plays will play a very emotional game as Iowa protects what has become a record home winning streak. Just how hard is it to play at Kinnick? We're going to find out this Saturday.

This is a tough game to call. Iowa loses if they play in Ann Arbor. Is the Kinnick mystic enough to carry the day, and will Iowa's offense be able to put up some points?

Yes, and yes. Iowa has improved since the Ohio State debacle more than Michigan has improved since the first week.

Hawks: 31
Slayed Wolverines: 27