In this episode, a character named Mikail Mxyzptlk appears with mind control powers. He is overcome by a tip from a Google search that asks if "KLTPZYXM" was meant. In the Superman comics, Mr. Mxyzptlk was a being from the fifth dimension that occasionally annoyed Superman and could only be temporarily defeated by tricking him into saying his name backwards.
In this episode, Clark wears a number 8 jersey. The number closely resembles the Kryptonian symbol which was burned onto his chest by his father Jor-El and is also reminiscent of the letter 'S' in the Kryptonian alphabet, forshadowing his future as Superman.
This episode was sponsored by Old Spice and contains obvious product placement, including a stick in Clark's locker and banners at the championship game.
Mikhail Mxyzptlk is Smallville's version of Mister Mxyzptlk, a foe of Superman in several comic stories. Mister Mxyzptlk was an imp from the fifth dimension. Not being bound by our physical laws, he could do things that seemed to be magical. He is the 18th DC Comics character adapted in to the series.