For most of the Steelers’ game, I was ready to write how they had lost to another horrible team, in this case the 3-6 Colts, and that they were now 0-4 after bye weeks the past four seasons. The Steelers were awful for most of the first three quarters in Indy. They gave up two long touchdown passes and struggled to do anything offensively. But when it counted the Steelers turned it on. The defense started to dominate while the offense came to life. I didn’t understand the Steelers’ play calling when they got the ball the last time. They looked like they were trying to run out the clock and play for OT. I’m sure I wasn’t the only fan screaming at the TV wondering what they were doing. Maybe Todd Haley really does know what he’s doing, because the Steelers made a few plays to set up the winning field goal. I would never have believed that was possible when the drive started. The win proves that you don’t always have to have your A Game to come out on top. The Steelers were off most of the day, but when they needed to make plays they did.
• Give credit to the Steelers’ wide receivers for making the plays when they had to in the final minute. Martavis Bryant had a big catch and run to keep the chains moving. Not surprisingly, it was Antonio Brown’s catch that set up the winning score. AB was held in check nearly all day by the Colts. He could have packed it in. Instead, he made the biggest play of the game. That’s why Brown is the best receiver in football.
• We’ll have to see how serious the injuries versus the Colts end up being for the Steelers. Cornerback Joe Haden left in the first half. Safety Mike Mitchell joined him later. Both are key players in a secondary that has shown tremendous improvement. They’re guys the Steelers can’t afford to lose for any length of time.
• Chris Boswell won the game with the winning kick, but could easily have left Indy as the goat. He had an extra point blocked and later missed a field goal in the fourth quarter that could have put the Steelers ahead. Thank goodness he made it when it counted.
• Jesse James did not have a big game, but came up big on a play that defined hustle and never giving up. His tackle on the blocked extra point saved the Steelers from giving up two points to the Colts. Those points were big. Great effort by James.
• IUP is champion of the PSAC. No surprise there, as the Crimson Hawks went to West Chester and dominated play. Coach Paul Tortorella has done a phenomenal job in his first year at the helm since taking over for Curt Cignetti. With the win IUP advances to the NCAA playoffs where they will have home field advantage. That’s big in the playoffs, and IUP has earned it. Could this be the year IUP finally wins that long awaited national title?
• Penn State looked awful in the early going against Rutgers before waking up before the homecoming crowd. I love Penn State, but this is not one of the top teams in the country. It’s incredible to me, as well as so many others, that Penn State can’t run the football. Saquon Barkley was again held in check by a Rutgers team that has been one of the worst teams in the country against the run. Barkley should be running away with the Heisman Trophy. He won’t win it now, thanks to his horrendous offensive line.
• This was supposed be a year where Pitt took the next step forward. Instead, the Panthers have had a nightmare of a season. Now 4-6, they have to win their last two just to qualify for a bowl. With games at Virginia Tech and home against still undefeated Miami, it seems hard to imagine the Panthers will prevail in must-win games. Last Thursday night’s loss to 1-8 North Carolina at Heinz Field was simply embarrassing. Equally embarrassing was the fact that there were probably only about twenty thousand fans at Heinz Field. The crowd shots on ESPN were not exactly flattering for a once proud program. One has to wonder what Pitt’s recruits are thinking when they see such poor fan support?
• November is the month when the college football playoff picture really takes shape. Georgia was pounded by Auburn. Alabama had to score in the final minute to win at Mississippi State. Miami remained undefeated by crushing Notre Dame, ending the Irish’s hopes of being in the playoff. Who knows what will happen down the stretch. Don’t be surprised if there will be more upsets. There always are.
• The Penguins still haven’t won the second game of a back to back this season. That’s hard to believe, but true. The Pens have had a very challenging early season schedule. Still, one would think they’d be better than this. Unfortunately, they haven’t been.
• Where has Sidney Crosby been? He hasn’t scored in the past eleven games. That’s mindboggling to me. Crosby is considered the best player in the world, but has been invisible so far this season. He’s had plenty of chances. Crosby is going to break out of his slump soon. When he does…look out NHL!
• The Pirates exercised their option on outfielder Andrew McCutchen recently. That doesn’t mean we’ll see Cutch at PNC Park for the entire final year of his contract. I would expect the Pirates to think seriously if another club makes a good offer for Cutch during the offseason. My guess is he will open the season as a Pirate, but unless the Pirates are contenders he will be dealt at the trade deadline. I’d be shocked if McCutchen is in Pittsburgh after next season.
