There’s no place on the planet I’d rather be on New Year’s Day than in picturesque Pasadena, California. The Rose Bowl parade is something everyone should see at least once in their lifetime, and the game is also pretty special, especially if you get to see your team win, like I saw my beloved Penn State do in 1995. This year I had to settle for watching the games on television, which wasn’t half bad.
• The Georgia-Oklahoma Rose Bowl was nothing short of sensational. I guess it was fitting that it went to overtime. It was a game of runs, with Oklahoma looking unbeatable in the first half and Georgia dominating for most of the second half. I know it’s a cliché, but it was a shame one team had to lose. Georgia returns to its home state where it has a chance to win the national championship in Atlanta. The secondary ticket market will be absolutely crazy for this game.
• I never expected Alabama to dominate Clemson the way they did. The Tide’s defense was incredible. They look like a team with a chip on their shoulders, and maybe they are after losing on the final play of the game in last year’s championship game. So now it’s an SEC final with Georgia vs Alabama. Georgia has a great offense, but they say that defense wins championships. That’s why I’m going with The Crimson Tide.
• I was really happy to see UCF cap an improbable undefeated season by knocking off SEC power Auburn, and was most disappointed to see the team I covered for fourteen seasons, LSU, lost in the final minutes to Notre Dame.
• I had no problem with the Steelers resting many of their key players in the season finale against Cleveland. The Steelers had little chance of getting the number one seed in the AFC since New England was at home to face the NY Jets. The Pats won big, as expected, so the decision by Mike Tomlin was the right one. Backup quarterback Landry Jones played well enough for the Steelers to win. He’s no Big Ben, but who is? The defense was not great, and once again gave up a lot of big plays. That should be a bit of a concern as the Steelers head into the playoffs. Still, a 13-3 record is pretty darn good.
• The Steelers may have gotten the steal of the draft in second rounder JuJu Smith-Schuster. It’s been fun to watch this fan favorite develop this season. He’s brought the Steelers a youthful enthusiasm that the NFL lacks. He’s also been a heck of a player. JuJu is a star in the making. He was great as a receiver against the Browns, and his kickoff return for a touchdown was icing on the cake. And oh yes, his touchdown celebrations are pretty cool as well. I loved it when he threw the snowball.
• We are so lucky to call ourselves Pittsburgh Steelers fans. Our team has won six Super Bowls and has had many memorable seasons. How would you like to be a Cleveland Browns fan, like my esteemed colleague Jack Benedict? The Browns became only the second team to go 0-16. They were 1-31 under coach Hue Jackson over the past two seasons, and yet Jackson will get another year in Cleveland. Unbelievable.
• The one team I didn’t want the Steelers to have to play again in the playoffs was the Baltimore Ravens. That won’t happen as the Ravens were stunned by Cincinnati in the final minute at home. For the record, I loved it, and I’m sure most Steelers’ fans felt the same way. If it was Marvin Lewis’ last game as coach of the Bengals he went out in style.
• It’s pretty obvious that the Penguins need to make some moves before the season goes down in flames. Jim Rutherford knows it, and so do the Pens’ players. The only four guys I would not trade at this point are Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Phil Kessel and Matt Murray. I would consider trading elite defenseman Kris Letang, who has clearly struggled this season, and has a history of injuries. I have to believe that Letang’s value isn’t what it once was, which might make pulling off a deal for him less likely. That said, I’d see what teams are willing to offer for Letang, and if the return was substantial I would seriously consider moving him. That would certainly get the players’ attention.
• According to multiple reports, the Pirates are motivated to trade pitcher Gerrit Cole. So, don’t be surprised when the deal takes place and if it includes Josh Harrison as well. And if that happens, don’t be alarmed when Andrew McCutchen is also dealt. I’m glad I don’t work in the Pirates’ ticket sales department. Talk about a tough sell, even with the giveaways and fireworks nights.
