The Steelers are getting hot at just the right time. That’s three straight for the Steelers after they beat the Giants, a team that had won six straight. It was like a playoff atmosphere at Heinz Field and the Steelers didn’t disappoint. Most football experts, including the Fox pre-game show analysts, expected the game to be an offensive shootout. It was anything but that. I thought Ben Roethlisberger would have to put up big numbers to win this game. That wasn’t the case. The Steelers won, and because of it they kept pace with the Baltimore Ravens for first in the AFC North. The Steelers are in a must win situation down the stretch, and so far they’ve been up to the task.
• We’re now starting to see what tight end Ladarius Green can bring to the Steelers’ offense. He had over 100 receiving yards and a touchdown against the Giants. Green is a guy that can stretch the field. And with so many of the Steelers’ receivers out because of injuries, he is a much needed weapon at just the right time.
• Kudos to the Steelers’ defense. They held the Giants to just 14 points, with the last 7 coming in the final minute. That’s a heck of an effort. What’s more, the Steelers held the Giants’ Odell Beckham in check. That’s not easy to do. The Steelers defense has really turned it up during this three game winning streak. They deserve game balls for their performance.
• Ben McAdoo has done a heck of a job in his first year as head coach of the Giants. Fox said during the telecast that there were four busloads of people from Homer City there to see their native son coach against the Steelers. Gene Collier of the Post Gazette also had a great story about McAdoo that even included quotes from his childhood friend Mark Hilliard of Renda Broadcasting. I’m pulling for the hometown kid, except when his team faces the Black and Gold.
• I have never been more proud of my beloved Penn State. While they just missed out on making it to college football’s four team playoff, I am not the least bit disappointed. Penn State’s comeback against Wisconsin was one of the greatest efforts I have ever seen. Who could have imagined the Nittany Lions would win the game when they were down 28-7 and being manhandled by the Badgers? This team never gave up all season long, running off nine straight wins and ultimately winning the Big Ten Championship. That’s a heck of a year. Going to the Rose Bowl isn’t a bad consolation prize either. I think Pasadena is the greatest setting of all for college football. I’d love to see my Lions play there again. Anyone have an extra ticket?
• Penn State takes on USC in the Rose Bowl in a matchup of two of the hottest teams in the country. It should be a heck of a game. I was at the 2009 game when the Trojans dominated Penn State. I like the Nittany Lions’ chances a lot better this time around.
• Pitt gets to go bowling in the Big Apple. I like the Panthers to win big against Northwestern in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. That should be a nice trip for Pitt and its fans.
• Alabama is the heavy favorite entering the four team playoff, which has the Tide as the number one seed, Clemson at number two, Ohio State at number three and Washington rounding out the field. After watching Bama clobber Florida in the SEC Title Game, I think it’s obvious that Nick Saban’s team is the best team in college football, by far. I believe the only way Bama loses is if they have an off day and their opponent plays lights out. It can happen, but I doubt it will.
• It’s pretty obvious that it’s not a question of if the Pirates will trade Andrew McCutchen, rather how soon it will happen. Cutch has played his last game as a Pirate, and that’s something Buccos’ fans will have to accept. The fans aren’t happy, judging by the calls I heard on the Fan in Pittsburgh this week, and I can understand that. I just hope that the Pirates get a good return for their franchise player. If not, fans have every right to never believe anything this front office says again.
• I’ve kind of run out of superlatives to describe Sidney Crosby. Crosby turned in a few more highlight reel plays this past week. Whether it’s scoring a goal or making another eye popping assist, Crosby just makes you shake your head in amazement nearly every time out. I can’t imagine he can play any better, but knowing Crosby it’s possible. I just hope that fans appreciate the greatness they see every time Crosby steps on the ice.
• It was great to see the Pens honor their back to back Stanley Cup championship teams from 1991 and 92 over the weekend. Those guys were the ones who laid the foundation for what has become one of the more successful franchises in the NHL. I saw the Pens play in both of those finals against Minnesota and Chicago, and the old Civic Arena was electric. The Pens won two cups with Mario Lemieux leading the way. Looking back, I don’t know how they didn’t win more.
• Tiger Woods finally made his return to golf, and naturally all eyes were focused on the fourteen time major champion. Woods even looked like the old Tiger at times. Still, I would caution all those fans who think that Tiger is back to take a deep breath. Woods will never play like he did during the years when he dominated golf. And he may never even win another major. After all, it’s been nine years since he won his last one. Just having Tiger back on tour is good for the game. Now, let’s see if the guy still has game when it really counts.
