It’s Alabama vs Clemson tonight, Part Four. It’s the third time these two teams have met in the championship game for college football’s top prize. On paper it’s a terrific matchup, and it could go either way. That said, I’m going with Alabama. They average nearly 48 points a game. When it’s all said and done I think the Tide will roll again.
• Nick Saban has a chance to win his sixth national title at Alabama. And don’t forget, he lost another one on the final play of the game against Clemson, or he would already have six. He also has a title from his days at LSU. Win or lose, Saban is the greatest coach in college football history. Better than Bear Bryant, who is still revered at Alabama, and better than Joe Paterno.
• I don’t watch soap operas on television but I do follow the Pittsburgh Steelers. The soaps have nothing on Team Turmoil. Mike Tomlin’s season ending news conference was one for the ages. Tomlin seemed quite perturbed by how the season played out and absolutely disgusted with start receiver Antonio Brown, who has nothing on any soap opera. Changes are coming in Pittsburgh, believe it. Joey Porter has already lost his job as linebackers coach. My guess is Tomlin will make more changes, perhaps major changes. Tomlin also needs to change. He needs to hire someone to help him with replays and clock management. And he needs to lay down the law with his players. sure.
• If the experts in the media are correct, Brown has played his last game as a Steeler. When Hall of Fame writer and IUP grad Ed Bouchette says the Steelers will have to trade Brown that tells me a deal is very likely. Bouchette is a terrific reporter and knows the team as well as anyone ever has. My guess is perhaps he’s also been told by people within the organization that a trade is coming in March when the new league year begins. Until then, let the speculation continue.
• What a Wildcard Weekend in the NFL. Three of the four road teams came away with wins. The reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles scored late and then survived when Chicago’s last second field goal hit the upright and crossbar in Soldier Field. The LA Chargers went in to Baltimore and built up a big second half lead before hanging on to knock off the Ravens. Red hot Indianapolis was dominant in their victory in Houston. The only home team to survive was Dallas, who hung on to top Seattle.
• It’s hard to believe the Penguins’ eight game winning streak came to a close at the hands of the lowly Chicago Blackhawks, one of the worst teams in the league. After losing to the Hawks earlier this year, I fully expected the Pens to bury the Blackhawks. While it’s a disappointing loss, it’s hard not to be excited about the Pens recent streak. They’ve suddenly put it together in all phases of the game. Once thought to be a team that might not make the playoffs, the Pens now look like a serious contender to again raise the Stanley Cup. It’s time to start a new streak.
• Sidney Crosby is one of the greatest players to ever lace up the skates. He’s also one of the best guys off the ice. Crosby made headlines when he sent a signed stick to a fan in New York who had heckled him during a game at Madison Square Garden. It was a heck of a gesture and shows that Crosby has a sense of humor. How many players would ever think of doing something like that? Not many, I’m guessing.
• If you haven’t looked lately, IUP’s basketball teams are having outstanding years. The men are 13-0 and ranked third in the country. The women are second ranked in the country and are now 11-0. Joe Lombardi and Tom McConnell are terrific coaches. IUP is lucky to have them. Look for both teams to have nice playoff runs come March.
• Pitt’s football team will have another offensive coordinator this coming season. The job has been a revolving door under Pat Narduzzi. I feel for the players who will have to learn another system. Penn State’s James Franklin fired his wide receivers coach, but there are still many fans, myself included, who wonder if Penn State should also change offensive and defensive coordinators. My guess is more changes are coming for both coaching staffs.
• RIP Mean Gene Okerlund. I used to watch the WWF back in the 80s. The best part of the shows were the hilarious interviews conducted by Mean Gene. He was one of the greatest straight men ever. Mean Gene knew how to keep the wrestlers in their place and never seemed shocked by their outrageous behavior. He was a classic, and will be missed.
