BIG BEN JUST DOESN'T LOSE TO THE BROWNS

Football season is back. I look forward to the Steelers’ opener this Sunday versus the rival Cleveland Browns. The Steelers are a team that is mentioned as a Super Bowl contender. The Browns are improved and a team in transition. They’ve turned over 59% of their roster since last year. I doubt this will be an easy win for the Steelers but I still like the Black and Gold. Big Ben just doesn’t lose to the Browns.
• I never thought the Steelers would cut quarterback Landry Jones in favor of second year signal caller Josh Dobbs. Jones had served the Steelers well as a backup the past few years and knew the offense as well as anyone. Dobbs played great in the pre-season, but the numbers seemed to be against him making the roster. It’s a heck of a gamble by Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin. Hopefully Dobbs won’t have to see the field. If he does the Steelers could be in big trouble.
• I loved the Steelers’ trade to acquire receiver/kick returner Ryan Switzer. The Steelers didn’t lose a draft pick and only move down one round to get the dynamic returner. I saw Switzer all through college and thought he was incredible. He could be just what the Steelers need in the return game.
• Great opening win for IUP at Ashland, snapping Ashland’s 22 game home winning streak. It wasn’t a thing of beauty, but IUP will take it. The Crimson Hawks had a little bit of a scare late in the game and Ashland had all the momentum. But like really good teams do, IUP never panicked and held on for the win. That might be the toughest game on IUP’s schedule. Up next is the home opener against Millersville under the lights this Thursday night. The atmosphere should be electric.
• About the only bright spot for the Pirates lately has been the pitching of Trevor Williams. He’s been fantastic, and that’s probably putting it mildly. Williams has been dominant for the Buccos. Unfortunately, he just hasn’t gotten much run support. Williams could be a key player going forward for the Pirates. He’s suddenly become a player the Pirates will look to build around for 2019.
• The Pirates had no chance to dump Josh Harrison once it became obvious that his hamstring will keep him from making any real contribution the rest of the season. Jay Ha cleared waivers, but no team was willing to make a deal for him. I’m glad David Freese will get a chance to earn a ring in Los Angeles. He deserves the chance to play for a winner.
• Penn State was lucky to come out on top against upset minded Appalachian State. The Nittany Lions were completely outplayed in the fourth quarter by the visitors. The Penn State defense was awful. They have to be considered a major concern going forward. If they don’t improve this team could have their hands full when they face their difficult Big Ten schedule.
• Pitt looked great in the first half of its opening win against Albany. It’s obvious that quarterback Kenny Pickett is the real deal. The kid is a fun player to watch. As usual, there weren’t a lot of fans on hand at Heinz Field to watch Pitt play. But that will change this week when the Panthers host Penn State.
• I wish Pitt and Penn State played every year. That’s not going to happen now that Penn State has added a few other teams to its schedule in the coming years. Penn State is the favorite for this week’s game, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Pitt comes out on top. This will be Pitt’s Super Bowl. Penn State has the better roster and was a Top Ten team before it opened the season. Look for a close game. I just hope Penn State comes out on top.
• It was pretty obvious to me while watching college football’s opening week that Alabama is a machine and could win another national title, Oklahoma and Ohio State are loaded, Michigan still needs a signature win against a ranked opponent and Notre Dame and LSU are vastly improved. It’s going to be a fun season, that’s for sure.
• I despise the New York Yankees. I adopted the Boston Red Sox in the summer of 1967 during their Impossible Dream season so I had a team in the American League to root for while pulling for my beloved Pittsburgh Pirates in the National League. Now that Andrew McCutchen is with the Yanks I won’t be totally disappointed if New York wins it all. Cutch deserves a ring, even if it comes from being part of The Evil Empire.