The worst thing about watching the baseball playoffs: commercials. Or Tim McCarver. Or the Giants’ creepy pirate beards. Anyway, I’m now concerned about gingivitis and uric acid. No signs of depression, though, since the Rangers disposed of the arrogant Yankees.

Back to school: THE OSU showed up Saturday, but I think someone kidnapped Purdue’s football team at a Cracker Barrel on Interstate 70. The result of the Buckeyes’ 49-0 win — given pollsters’ anti-Big Ten sentiment — means they’ll probably drop in the BCS standings. A few other observations as I think (not too hard) about raking leaves:

• Michigan State’s fake punt is a weapon. The undefeated Spartans used it to beat Notre Dame and Northwestern. That play won’t work a third time, right?

• The fake punt craze spread to Iowa, where Wisconsin used one to keep its winning drive alive in a 31-30 win over the napping Hawkeyes.

• Texas lost to Iowa State, so the Longhorns must be bad. The fans in Austin are whining more than those slackers in France.

Law and order: I’m not defending Brett Favre because I don’t like mixing sports and soap operas, but I find it strange (not surprising) that former Jets “game emcee” Jenn Sterger has a manager and has signed up a law firm to “advise” her.

I’m thinking some of that $17 million the overpaid Favre will make this season won’t be available to buy Wrangler jeans.

Philosophy lesson: Speaking of pro athletes, one of our loyal readers sent me this quote from Oscar Wilde: “The Americans are certainly hero-worshippers, and always take their heroes from the criminal classes.”

I don’t know Oscar Wilde from Oscar Mayer, but that quote does make you think about more than bologna sandwiches. Thanks for attempting to enlighten sports fans, George.

Friday fun: I’d like to thank all the area high school football coaches and stat guys for helping us upgrade our Saturday Sports section this fall. We’re covering more games than ever; let’s finish strong in Week 10.

If you have any story ideas, or thoughts on how we can improve our winter sports coverage, drop me a line or give me a call.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2163 or bkollars@DaytonDailyNews.com.