Tuesday Sports Talk

LSU - 38

Ohio State - 24

The Blowout Championship Series concluded with LSU's victory against Ohio State last night in New Orleans. I guess I should be happy since I'm hardly and OSU fan and my team plays in the SEC but I have never been one of those "root within your conference" folks. Logically I suppose I should be since who's in your conference in important is important in the rankings but I really couldn't care less about last night's game. Now of course, the debating on if either team really belonged in the National Championship game continues....on that note the SEC and ACC are trying to establish a +1 playoff system. Anything would be an imporvment over the current system but I think they need to go with 16 playoff teams. That would include the 11 conference champions and give bids to five at large teams. We will see if anything comes of it. Of course the Pac 10 and Big Ten both oppose any kind of playoffs. Oh, the politics of sports!!!!

One of my Steelers peeps comments was published in the Jacksonville Times-Union's Monday Morning Quarterback.

"Pittsburgh's prevent offense displayed with three minutes left in the game once again takes the ball out of Ben's hands after scoring on the four previous possessions. The loss is on the Steelers coaching staff."

Well said, Ralph but I still can't forgive our horrendous special teams who did what they did best all year....SUCK! There is so many holes in the team that it really is a wonder looking back we ended up with a winning record this season. The off season agenda should start with Ben restructuring his contract. He has two years left on his original deal and is scheduled to pick up a pretty hefty bonus but considering Charlie Batch's salary was actually more than Ben's this year I can expect something will get done soon. Especially after Romo's outrageous deal in Dallas. Plus I want to go into next season knowing Ben's going to be around for long haul.

In happier 'burgh news Sidney Crosby led all NHL All Star voting again this year with more than 200,000 votes than the next player.

So far, he's the only Penguin heading to Atlanta but the remainder of the rosters will be announced later this week. Speak of the devil, Sid just scored to put the Pens up 2-0 on the Panthers....woot!

No surprise that Fred Taylor was added to the AFC's roster for the Pro Bowl but this did shock me a bit:

"Taylor initially considered turning down a Pro Bowl invitation if either Tomlinson, Addai or Parker couldn't make the trip for the Feb. 10 game -- he even said "maybe the Pro Bowl doesn't deserve Fred Taylor" -- but his wife convinced him otherwise."

He's a good back and has been an important player for Jacksonville but to think he deserved to go over any of those three players...okay, sure. He wasn't even one of the top five rushers this season. When he's been healthy he has been solid for the Jags and reaching the 10,000 yard mark is a great milestone for him but that's a lot of sour grapes to consider turning the invite down.

So American Idol is starting up again here soon. I know millions and millions of folk religiously watch this show and I am not one of them. I did watch quite a bit of the season with Chris Daughtry, Elliott Yamin and company. I love those guys but of course neither one of them won despite being the most talented vocalists. That's why I don't watch, it has nothing to do with who is the best singer. Case in point...this guy.

He was dropped from his record dealwith J Records today. Shocking.

The New Hampshire primaries were today and with a majority of precincts reporting it appears McCain has won the Republican race there. Who says Americans won't vote for the old guy?

The Democratic race is too close to call but Hilldo has a slight lead on Obama at this point. There was record turnout today and that's great to hear. This is one of the most important Presidential races in history and it's good to see that people care.

That's it from me for the day. Until tomorrow....

Black Monday: Part Deux

STEELERS - 29

JAGOFFS - 31

Well, that just sucked. I'm glad the Steelers came back from an 18-point deficit to make a game of it, particularly after a very poor first half of football. Ben took the blame, but honestly two of the int's were just great plays by Jagoff DB Rashean Mathis. Now I'm not saying Ben wasn't a factor in the loss but I would still take him over any of the other QB's that came out of the 2004 Draft. And most certainly over David Garrard who, despite being a winning quarterback out of Wild Card weekend, is still more of a game manager than an elite QB. It's important to win something first unless, of course, you live in Peter King's world. Although that guy flip flops more than a presidential candidate.

I would dissect the game for you but too much beer and a refusal to read or watch anything sports related since Saturday has left me rather uneducated on the stats. However, I saw enough on Saturday and all season long to call our play calling a bit suspect at times. 3rd and 6 and run a QB keeper....for reals???

While the season is over there is much to be determined. Faneca's status as a free agent, how all these injuries are going to heal in the off season and what the hell they plan to to with the o-line issues.

Also, I was called out by an anonymous poster for my lecture given to Steelers fans about their lack of enthusiasm. Being that I don't live in the 'burgh these days I have to rely on the local Pittsburgh news outlets and those I know that still live there. I stand by the fact that I felt there was not the same level of excitement entering the playoffs as we have had in years past. But Steelers Nation showed up at Heinz Field on Saturday night and the place was electric from what I saw and from what I heard from those that were there. My apologies for doubting you all....

P.S. A little foreshadowing on my part by calling Saturday's post: "Saturday Night's alright for fighting" although I wasn't the one throwing punches. I won't get into it but let's say this....Jags fans are the worst winners in the league. To the guy who told me that Ben probably holds the record for INT's in the playoffs....I'm not sure that he does....but this I KNOW; I can guarantee the Jagoffs are the first playoff team to have THREE blackouts in a season. Now there's something to be noted for in the record books. A%#holes.

To cap off a perfectly shitty weekend in Pittsburgh the Panthers dropped their first Big East game to Villanova yesterday. Another 'burgh team to feel the wrath of the injury bug. However, on a lighter note, there is a congratulations is order for the other Panthers. The Pitt women's basketball team upset 15th-ranked DePaul yesterday. The Lady Panthers scored first and never relinquished the lead winning 97-68.

More good news, the Pens shut out the Florida Panthers yesterday capping off what was terrific week for them and certainly a bright spot for Pittsburgh sports fans. Wins against Toronto, Buffalo and Florida puts their win streak at six games. Malkin also had his first career hat trick against Toronto on Thursday in a game where the Pens scored three goals in 48 seconds. Sid's excellence continues and Conklin's goal tending has been above average. It appears after a slow start this season the Pens are finally playing to their potential.

Let's see what else is going on in the world:

And the hits just keep on coming for Brit-Brit. Now Dr. Phil is involved. Apparently he was going to air a show on Britney tomorrow but the plug has been pulled after some of her family members pulled out.

"Britney, you need to get reeeeaalllll!"

Ummm, Reggie Bush is hooking it up with Kim Kardashian? Why didn't I know this? If they get married she can be Kim Bush.....ha ha ha. I can just see that is neon lights, can't you?

Time to check in old Winehouse....passed out on a couch in the airport and dressed to kill. Yep, that's our special girl!

Well, I am going to try and make it through the rest of the day unscathed by all my co-workers who were Jaguars fans for the weekend. One already said she wasn't sure if she was going to root for the Jags or one of her other teams. Seriously, these are the kind of people I deal with. Welcome to my frustration.

Saturday Night's alright for fighting...

...at least that's what I'm telling myself since I have a feeling I will end up knocking out a Jaguars fan later whether the Steelers win or lose.

With the Steelers decimated by injuries I am beyond nervous to see what happens tonight. Trai Essex is taking over the curse that has become left tackle in Pittsburgh. Hopefully these guys will come out fired up and ready to take back Heinz Field from the Jagoffs. We are the underdogs at home and I don't know if that's offensive or a blessing since the Steelers usually play better with a chip on their shoulder.

I'm so ready to get the game going. It's not even noon and I'm sick of Jacksonville already. I would love to be up there so on behalf of those of us who cannot be in the 'burgh tonight, Steelers fans better get their asses to Heinz Field.

LET'S GO STEELERS!

Wish I was there!

Alright, let's try and quell the anxiety for a minute....



How about that crazy beotch Britney Spears?!?!?





It appears that she really is crazy as she has the "Code 5150" status to prove it. After refusing to return her tots back over to K-Fed on Thursday night, the cops were called and apparently all hell broke loose in Cali. Kind of inconvenient for Brit-Brit since her latest set of lawyers had just given her the heave-ho. She is still in the hospital and Kevin Federline has been granted full, legal custody of their kids. Who thought the Federline would come out of this debacle smelling like a rose?



Every once in a while you come across a really great pic!

BWAH HA HA HA HA HA! What a dork!

No story there...just posted it for my own entertainment.

Sorry for the short post but my even my lap top appears to be having temperament issues today! Depending on tonight's outcome you may or may not hear from me for a while...lol! Happy weekend all....

Cheaters never win and winners never cheat...oh wait...yeah they do!

AP COACH OF THE YEAR....say what?

What a crock of shit! I have always questioned the integrity of the media but handing Bill Belichick Coach of the Year honors is an absolute disgrace. Let's recap....he gets caught CHEATING (yes Pats' fans...it's cheating even though you've convinced yourselves that everyone else does it) and the NFL finds the infraction serious enough to warrant a $500,000 fine for Billy and a $250,000 fine for the team and removal of the Patriots' first round draft pick. They went 16-0 with the best team in football which also has arguably the most depth on their roster. Since they play in one of the weakest divisions in the league the pretty much had half their season wrapped up before taking the field.

On the other hand, Mike McCarthy lead the youngest team in the NFL with no running game and an aging, kamikaze QB to a 13-3 record and manages this without stealing signals and being a complete asshole. Green Bay went 4-12 two years ago and Favre had one foot out the door. The team was a mess when Sherman left and has done a complete turn-around this year and McCarthy deserved the recognition.

As if I am not on edge enough this week!!!!!

Kansas Jayhawks - Orange Bowl Champions

On to the Blowout Championship Series....last night's Orange Bowl game between Kansas and Virginia Tech appeared to be taking the turn down blowout avenue in favor of the Jayhawks but Tech apparently made a game out of it sometime during the 3rd quarter after I quit watching. Kansas ended up winning by 3 points but from what I hear it was never really that close. Congrats to Kansas, a big win for their program.

Hmmmm...what else can I bitch about? Oh yeah, STEELERS FANS. Yes, that's right. I'm about to throw my own fans under the bus. I have been reading a lot of negative news out of the 'burgh the last few days about the lack of excitement in Pittsburgh for playoff football. Is our our team decimated by injuries? Yes. Did we just get beat by the Jags less than a month ago? Yes. Is it going to be cold? Yes. But selling tickets under face value? No "Here We Go" signs up all over town? I'm not sure what to say. I suppose it's easy to take attending games for granted when you live in the 'burgh, but how can we call ourselves the best fan base in football when it appears there are quite a few fans out there who don't have much faith.? Look, we have to play a great game to beat the Jaguars. They are a good team with a lot of confidence and have had much success against us in the last 10 years. But our team got their asses into the playoffs and after the letdown of last season I happily stand behind them as they approach January football. You owe it to them to do the same.

So with that I have a little motivational video for you....seeing this never gets old to me. Even Sally Wiggin tears up!

Steeler Nation

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Is it Saturday yet??

The anticipation of the Steelers/Jags game is almost too much to handle for me right now. Probably because I have the unfortunate luck to live in Jacksonville. Let's get to some news so I don't have to think about that right now.

• Congrats to WVU interim head coach Bill Stewart on his whooping of Stoops and his Sooners. Excuse me, HEAD coach Bill Stewart. That didn't take long...apparently his hiring will be announced from Phoenix later today.

• A long year of even more obnoxious Presidential campaigning is upon us. The Iowa caucus is today. Not sure why a state with historically low voter turn out is so pivotal in the race but that's the way it is. I, for one, have absolutely no idea who I will cast my vote for this November yet. If any of you are in the same boat I highly recommend The Undecided Voter's Guide to the Next President by Mark Halperin. I'm about halfway through now and have eliminated at least two candidates. (And Hillary doesn't count since I'm skipping her chapter.) Okay, no more politics I promise!

• Another Ben spotting from http://www.bigbennews.com/ . I need to borrow their tracking device the next time I head home. Ben took the court at Mellon Arena with the Harlem Globetrotters last week.

http://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/photos/videos/

• Celebrity Edition of The Apprentice starts tonight....who are some of these people??? Wait...is that Big Pussy?

• This guy really stirred some shit up in Pittsburgh. Apparently black 'burghers can't afford Steelers games and are highly offended by the "Anglo" music selections at Heinz Field.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/opinion/columnists/seate/s_543263.html

The Mountaineers are maaaaaaaaad!

Mid-4th Quarter Update

WVU - 48

OU - 28

Early on it appeared the game would be a defensive battle. Well, that changed in a hurry. Every time I look up someone in blue pants is running for a 50-yard TD and that interim coach looking like he may burst into tears at any moment. Sorry, Stoops...not much of a desert person myself.

I was about to be a smart ass and bust on the BCS again but Oklahoma just scored to cut the lead to two touchdowns. I had to go and turn the computer back on!

Who is this Laura "Oompa Loompa orange face" Orkin sideline chica? Someone needs to hold her down and exfoliate.

So far...not impressed with '08

Happy New Year all! Took a few days off to head home to the 'burgh again. Drank too much beer, spent a lot of $$ and had my roast beef from Primanti's. In other words, it was a full trip. Ready to get back into the swing of things (if this damn computer would cooperate) so let's get to it....

I thought this was an appropriate photo to represent a game that I would be sorry I attended if it wasn't for the motorcoach ride complete with a police escort and the sweet tailgate. The Gators lost to Michigan in the Capital One Bowl in Orlando yesterday. Timmy spent most of the afternoon running for his life and the defense made Lloyd Carr look like he knows what he's doing. Chad Henne had all day long to throw the ball and I think Florida was penalized at least five times per quarter. Afterwards they carried Carr off the field...after all...there is nothing like being Capital One Bowl champions. Do I sound like a sore loser? Well, if you haven't figured it out yet this must be your first stop here...

Speaking of losers....anyone spot Rich Rodriguez on Michigan's sidelines yesterday. BOOOO!

In other Gator news....former Gator, current Steeler Max Starks is out for the year. I'm waiting for the Rooneys to announce an open tryout for left tackle. Also looking for some help with our superb special teams, former Olympic skier/Philadelphia Eagle Jeremy Bloom was signed as a return specialist. I'm not sure about his football skills but he certainly ups the overall hotness factor in Pittsburgh.

In any case, at least he is used to cold weather.

If you are looking for sports radio here in Jax and you don't have satellite radio your choices are pretty limited. One option is listening to some douche bag named Mike Dempsey. Mr. Dempsey recently referred to Steelers Nation as a "myth" after he saw Steelers fans leaving the game against the Jags a few weeks back. Well, some Steelers fans in Jax got pretty pissed and starting flooding his in-box with nothing but kind words I'm sure. He ended up getting into a war of words with a guy called Mr. Steeler who runs a pretty large Steelers club here. It ended up being covered in the Folio Weekly, a local rag. Now one of the local stations is going to run a story about the large contigent of Steelers fans living on the First Coast on their Friday morning show. If you have some time check out the article or you can send Mike an e-mail at pressbox@1010xl.com.

More bitching out of J-Ville...Fred Taylor has called Heinz Field's turf "a lawsuit waiting to happen." A little foreshadowing perhaps...he is due for an injury. He can't possibly play for a full season AND in the post season, can he?

Finally...something good to talk about. The Pens defeated the Sabres 2-1 in The Ice Bowl yesterday afternoon, in front of the largest NHL crowd ever. Sid scored the game winning goal, natch, and brought the Pens to within a point of first place New Jersey. The Pens have won four straight games and take on Toronto at the Igloo tomorrow night.

The Blowout Championship Series got off to a predictable start last night as Georgia blew out Hawaii in the Sugar Bowl. We'll see if WVU has better luck against the Sooners tonight. Although the Fiesta Bowl has not been kind to Oklahoma...I'm sure it was super fun watching those Statue of Liberty highlights all year long.

Looks like the WVU kicker is still not mentally recovered from the death threats either as he just missed his first field goal try. WVU defense is looking tough thus far but I think I am going to go with the new ep of Gossip Girl tonight. Yes, I love sports and trashy shows targeted at teens.

XOXO! (If anyone who reads this blog understood that sign off I should give you some kind of prize!)