Originally aired February 9, 2005
Written by Todd Slavkin & Darren Swimmer
Directed by Jeannot Szwarc
Metropolis University sends its star football player, Geoff Johns (no, not the writer), to show Clark the benefits of attending the college, but trouble brews when a friend of Geoff's dies and the blame falls on Lois.
Tropes present in the episode:
- And I Must Scream: Geoff's power, when set to full.
- Artistic License – Law: Lois is out on bail after being charged with an assaultive offense. It's almost certain one of the bail conditions would be no contact with the alleged victim. By visiting Coop in the hospital, Lois's bail would be revoked once the authorities find out about it. (Perhaps Lois decided to risk it as her only viable opportunity to find out what really happened.)
- Drinking Contest: Lois engages in one with Coop in the teaser. By the episode's end, it results in her getting kicked out of Metropolis University.
- Drowning My Sorrows: Possible reason Coop engages in a drinking contest with Lois, because of what he discovered about Geoff.
- He Knows Too Much: Geoff paralyzes Coop when he learned of Geoff's powers and talked to a reporter, and later killed Coop.
- I Did What I Had to Do: Geoff never had to use his powers while playing for the Smallville Crows. But college football is a lot more competitive and under intense pressure that he's forced to use them to win, as well as cheat on his physical exams and kill anyone who finds out his powers. This led Clark to give up football for good.
- Mythology Gag: Chloe's line to Clark about how he's meant to do more than score touchdowns mirrors Jonathan Kent's words to a teenage Clark Kent in Superman: The Movie.
- The Paralyzer: Geoff can render anyone he touches unable to move; this can range from their entire body or just one certain part.
- So Proud of You: Chloe tells Clark such when she finds out he turned down the football scholarship.Clark: I'm not playing football anymore. I turned down my scholarship.Chloe: Let me get this straight—you were offered a full ride with chrome wheels to play the game that you love, and you said "Thanks, but no thanks?"Clark: I don't know. I'm just not sure that football's my calling.Chloe: I'm proud of you, Clark.Clark: You're proud of me? Why?Chloe: I just have a feeling that you're destined to do a lot more in this world than just score touchdowns.
- Villain of the Week: Geoff Johns, star football player with paralysis powers.
- Vorpal Pillow: After Geoff paralyses Coop completely.
