The Steelers are usually a sure bet to win, and win big under the lights at Heinz Field. The Black and Gold did not have their “A Game” against Green Bay on Sunday Night, but all that matters is that they got the win. Sure, it wasn’t impressive. Truth be told, the Steelers may have gotten lucky. They turned the ball over three times offensively, and gave up a few long scores with a shaky defense. It wasn’t a thing of beauty, but it keeps the Steelers atop the AFC.
• Just when you think you’ve seen it all from Antonio Brown the Steelers’ receiver turns in another performance that leaves you shaking your head. Brown was brilliant against the Packers. His sideline catch in the final minute was one of the greatest of his career, and came just when the Steelers needed some help to get in field goal range for a game winning kick. I wrote a few years ago that Brown could be the best receiver the Steelers have ever had. He may never get the four Super Bowl titles that Lynn Swann and John Stallworth got, but he’s right up there with the two Steelers’ greats.
• IUP looked unstoppable to open the NCAA playoffs. I took in the game at Miller Stadium and am convinced that after clobbering West Chester, IUP can win a national championship. This team is that good. The best news for IUP is that they get to keep playing at home. I hope fans turn out for these games, because this IUP team is something special.
• Penn State’s offense has been on fire the past few weeks. The Lions put up 56 against Nebraska and followed it up with 66 at Maryland. The Lions finish the regular season a “disappointing” 10-2. I say that because they could have and should have beaten Ohio State, where they led by 18 in the fourth quarter, and at Michigan State, where they could have won the game late had they converted on a fourth down pass that was dropped. Still, Penn State is back, even if many people around the country will never pull for the program again. James Franklin and his staff will now hit the road recruiting. They have another top recruiting class coming in, and are still in the running for some four and five star players who have yet to commit. There’s a lot to like if you are a Penn State fan, which I am.
• Pitt pulled the upset of the year by dominating second ranked Miami at home. This was no fluke. The Panthers were clearly better on both sides of the ball. Pitt may have found its quarterback of the future in freshman quarter Kenny Picket. He was simply outstanding. Great win for the Panthers, who now must try to convince players to come play for a program that’s down and doesn’t get great fan support. This win, however, certainly will help Pat Narduzzi and his staff.
• Every year we see a few upsets in November that impact the college football playoffs. Alabama was beaten by Auburn, but could still make it to the playoffs with one loss. Ohio State could get in if the Buckeyes beat Wisconsin in the Big Ten title game. Next weekend’s championship games will be interesting to say the least.
• There were some big-time college football programs with openings over the Thanksgiving weekend. You had Tennessee, Florida, UCLA when the weekend began, and Nebraska, Texas A&M and Arizona State before the holiday weekend was over. The most impactful hire is clearly Chip Kelly to UCLA. That’s a big get for UCLA, who will try to overtake USC in the Los Angeles market. Kelly turned Oregon into a powerhouse in the Pac 12 while coaching the Ducks. He has a chance to make the Bruins really good really quickly. Dan Mullen to Florida is a nice hire. Mullen was part of the Gators’ national championships under Urban Meyer. He’s shown he can be a really good head coach while at Mississippi State.
• A big shout out to Homer Center for their incredible win over Bishop Guilfoyle in the District 6 Title Game. It’s hard to put into words how much of a shocker this one was. Most fans, myself included, thought Homer had no chance to end Guilfoyle’s 59 game winning streak. I was on my way back from State College on Friday night when I was able to pick up the final minutes of the game on an Altoona radio station. I was cheering on the Wildcats from my car. Congratulations to coach Greg Page and the entire Homer Center program on their win for the ages!
• I finally made it to Happy Valley to see a Penn State hockey game. Pegula Arena is everything they say it is…spectacular. Penn State’s team isn’t bad either. The Nittany Lions were one win away from making it to the Frozen Four a year ago. With their facilities and geographic location, plus playing in the Big Ten, there’s no reason to think they can’t be a national contender every year. Oh, and the place was packed, just like it is every game.
