The Steelers, who should have run away with the AFC North, are at least back in the playoff picture after their Thanksgiving win over the Colts. The Steelers have looked really good the last few weeks and seem to be coming on when it counts. What’s more, they now have a few extra days to rest up and get ready for the much improved New York Giants. I’m not saying the Steelers will win the division, although I still think they can. What I will say is that I think the Steelers can win the rest of their games if they play like they have the past two games.
• The Steelers’ Killer Bees are as good as anyone group in football. Ben Roethlisberger, a sure first ballot Hall of Famer, performed like a surgeon on Thanksgiving night. Antonio Brown put on a clinic with his many catches and three touchdowns. I wouldn’t trade AB for any other receiver in football. The same goes for duel threat running back Le’Veon Bell, who simply pounded the Colts all night. Many football experts wondered if the Steelers would even try to bring Bell back after this season. Now, I wonder how the Steelers would even consider not bringing him back.
• IUP’s season ended with another loss to nemesis California. Still, I don’t know how any fan can be disappointed with how the Crimson Hawks performed. IUP gave a great effort minus star quarterback Lenny Williams. There’s simply no replacing a player of his caliber. Kudos to Curt Cignetti and his team for another great season. Hopefully Williams will be healthy when IUP opens the 2017 season. If he is, look out.
• I’ve never hidden the fact that I am a diehard Penn State football fan. I’m also a very happy Penn State fan after what happened over the weekend. If you had told me at the end of September, when the Lions were 2-2, that they would win eight in a row and win the Big Ten East Title, I would have taken that bet in a second. James Franklin and his team deserve a tremendous amount of credit for what they’ve done. I don’t think Penn State is one of the top teams in the country, but I do think they are good and may only get better in time. They’ll probably be the underdogs when they face Wisconsin in Indianapolis. And if injured running back Saquon Barkley is out, they’ll probably lose. Still, I could not be more proud of this team. We are!
• Pitt’s football team actually scored more points against Syracuse than its basketball team did against the Orange. That’s pretty incredible when you think about it. I did a double-take when I saw the final score. Big win for the Panthers, in more ways than one.
• I actually rooted for Ohio State when they played Michigan. That’s a first, and it was only because I wanted to see Penn State get to play in the Big Ten Championship game. Truth be told, I thought the Buckeyes were lucky. I think Jim Harbaugh was right when he said that Ohio State didn’t make a first down that would have given his Wolverines the game. Still, I’m happy with the result.
• The coaching carousel was sure in high gear over the weekend. Jimbo Fisher played LSU before staying at Florida State, which I expected all along. LSU promoted Ed Orgeron, but only after Fisher decided to stay put and Houston’s Tom Herman bolted for Texas hours after the Longhorns fired Charlie Strong. Things will really get crazy if Notre Dame cans Brian Kelly, which would not surprise me one bit. Several other jobs will also come open, possibly some big jobs. The next few weeks will definitely be interesting.
• Sidney Crosby is playing out of his mind, and scoring goals at a ridiculous pace. His game tying goal in the final seconds of regulation against New Jersey over the weekend was one for the ages. Crosby is often called the best player in the world. I don’t know how anyone can argue with that assessment these days. Sid is playing on a level that few players ever get to. And that’s good news for the Penguins.
• Congratulations to Homer Center for making it to the District 6 title game. The Wildcats had a really good year. I wish they could have knocked off powerhouse Bishop Guilfoyle, but few thought that was possible. And best of luck to Ligonier Valley as they continue their march in the state playoffs. Hope they can keep their dream season going.
