It’s another reminder of the wrong turns that can be taken, when a sport must start choosing.

Thumbs of the week

Up to Billy Flutie. Touchdown pass off a fake field goal is key play in Boston College’s win over Maryland. That last name might ring a bell. Uncle Doug won a Heisman.

Up to Cincinnati. Orange Bowl dead ahead. And while knocking the Big East has become a popular sport, note that the conference has won its last three BCS bowl games.

Up to top five teams in BCS rankings. This is what you call last-minute campaigning. Alabama, Florida, Texas, Oklahoma and USC all play rivals — and win by an average of 32.2 points.

Up to Case Keenum. Houston quarterback throws for 494 yards and five touchdowns and sets NCAA record with 25 straight completions, including 22 from the previous game. Cougars lose to Rice, anyway.

Up to Oklahoma State. Cowboys might own the most honorable 9-3 record in history, with the three defeats to teams ranked Nos. 1, 2 and 3 at the time.

Down to Notre Dame. Four first downs and 91 total yards against USC? Irish go from disappointing to impotent. Now the soul searching on Charlie Weis can officially begin.

Down to LSU. Mississippi loss gives the Tigers a 7-5 record — the most regular season defeats for a defending national champion in The Associated Press poll since Ohio State went 3-6 in 1943. Not counting 1993 Alabama, which lost three games but had to forfeit nine.

Down to Oregon State. One home win away from the first Rose Bowl in 44 years — and then the Beavers give up 65 points.

Down to pre-game skirmishes. Notre Dame-USC only the latest. They’re boring, they’re silly, and they’re becoming too common.

Contact Mike Lopresti at mlopresti@gns.gannett.com