College Football Championship Weekend

Out with the BCS and in with the College Football Playoff. This format is much more welcomed then the computer driven BCS system that only allowed two teams to battle it out for a national championship. The controversy though with the playoff committee has been loud and some of it could be legitimate.

Jameis Winston and company have yet to lose in the last 27 games
but still have fallen to #4 in the rankings.

The top four make the playoffs with a shot at the national title.
1. Alabama
2. Oregon
3. TCU
4. Florida State

All of these teams are in action today, three out of the four in conference championships.

-Alabama takes on Missouri in the SEC Championship

-Oregon defeated Arizona to take the PAC-12 Championship Friday night.

-TCU plays Iowa St. today in their final regular season Big 12 game.

-Florida State plays Georgia Tech in the ACC Championship.

It is safe to assume that if all four of these teams win today they will be in the four team playoff. Oregon already took care of business Friday night and will now wait and see who they will have to play.

On the outside looking in...

- #5 Ohio State plays #13 Wisconsin in the Big 10 Championship game Saturday night.

- #6 Baylor hosts #9 Kansas State

Ohio State and Baylor are hoping for a loss somewhere in the top four, which would be the only way they take a playoff spot.

The level of excitement for a college football Saturday doesn't get much better than this and it should be a good one.

Jumping Classes in WPIAL Basketball

Football is still king in Western Pennsylvania, but I still get excited for basketball season. It's possibly because when I went to high school, we were a basketball school. I watched from the rowdy and packed student section as my Butler Golden Tornado had two consecutive improbable runs in the WPIAL Playoffs. There has also been tremendous talent to come out of the WPIAL in recent years. DeJuan Blair, D.J. Kennedy, Sheldon Jeter, Ryan Luther, Micah Mason and those are names that just come off the top of my head. Frankly if you watch WPIAL over the course of the season, not only are you bound to see Division I talent, but also some very exciting games.

New Castle taking home their 2014 PIAA Championship

But, I do find fault with a WPIAL rule that, frankly, I saw first hand the impact it can have on a section, let alone an entire AAAA season. New Castle and Hampton knew they had teams who could compete for state championships last season and the season prior to that. When they saw this opportunity in front of their programs, these AAA class teams jumped up to the AAAA level.

Classes are determined by school enrollment, a very contrite policy. However, one caveat to the rule, is that teams are able to jump up classes every two years if they so choose. So, Hampton and New Castle both realized that they not only had the talent to compete in Quad A, but rather the talent to chase a state championship. So, up came Hampton and New Castle. And they didn't lose. That's also not a hyperbole. Hampton lost five times in the past two years. Four of those games were to New Castle. New Castle meanwhile lost only once, to a team from basketball crazy Philly. They took home state titles and were extremely impressive.

But guess where these teams are this year? AAA. How is it fair to teams who were in New Castle and Hampton's section? I'm saying these teams would have been bottom feeders this year. But, instead Section 3 has to welcome in Central Catholic, always a tough team no matter what year. So, how is that fair to Butler, North Allegheny, Seneca Valley, Pine Richland and the others. They would have had an opportunity to finally get back at Hampton and New Castle, but instead won't even get to see them. Could you imagine being a player on these teams and after two years of getting beat by these teams, there gone. And you could have had a shot to beat them. Every competitor loves the chance of revenge. Now, Hampton and New Castle will go play a class down and try to compete. I just don't see how it's fair. The ability to play with the big guys when you want to and then to retreat again.

I enjoy WPIAL basketball. It's just this one rule that's always irked me.

Hot Stove and Other Quick Hits

Nobody Asked Me But...

- A.J. Burnett signing made too much sense not to do. Not too many times does a professional athlete take a pay cut to play another season. Burnett spurned $4 million to play with the Pirates. A move that speaks volumes to not only the Pirates organization but the atmosphere PNC Park and the fans of Pittsburgh.

- I'm very upset the Ike Davis situation didn't work out. He seemed like a great guy, great clubhouse leader, solid defender. But, the Pirates can't have a first basemen who only hits 10 home runs and bat .230 on the season. Almost no brainer move by Huntington and crew. But, for Davis' sake- I hope he goes on to have a successful career.

Pedro Alvarez takes the keys to 1st base for the 2014 season

- With Ike Davis being designated for assignment Pedro Alvarez becomes the future first baseman of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Hopefully the move will allow him to focus on the new position, rather than trying to figure out the old position. Also, hopefully he can hit 40 home runs again. Key word: hopefully.

- The Pascal Dupuis news was awful. Between Dupuis and Olli Maata it's hard to not think how much sports is a minute matter in situations like these. But, I also would like to show how much sports helps these situations. Not only does Dupuis have the encouragement and prayers of the Penguins, but he has the full support of the Pittsburgh and all hockey fans. I think there are times when sports fans are able to rally together and show the general kindness in humans. It's one of the beauties of sports; it constantly shows the ability to create cherished bonds between people.

- The Steelers couldn't have a better time for a bye week. Injuries, on and off the field issues are slowly rising, and the Steelers need a break. Despite the roller coaster of a season, "them Stillers" are sitting at 7-4 and if the season were to start tomorrow the Steelers would be a number five seed in the AFC Playoffs. Not a bad situation. They also have a very much realistic chance at the division. But, hampered by injuries to Ike Taylor, Ryan Shazier, and Troy Polamalu among other bumps and bruises on the team. It's just a good week for the Steelers to sit at home and relax.

- No more Pittsburgh Power. It's a shame I suppose...but in a much more real sense, I don't really care.

LaGarrette Blount: Life and Times of a Short Steeler Career

LaGarrette never got it right. In college, the pros- he just can't seem to get it right. Count the seven months he spent in a Steeler uniforms. He was a superb talent running back. He had size, speed, and skills. If he only had a brain.

Blount signed a two year deal with the New England Patriots
on Thursday for a two year contract. 

Blount hit the yellow brick road and had become the wicked witch of the west for fans of Pittsburgh and inside the Steelers locker room after his Monday night adventure. (I think that does it for Wizard of Oz references) Blount left the field before the game ended after being apparently upset that he didn't get any carries. Well, in the NFL not everyone gets a trophy. If the backup running back is not content with being the backup running back, the solution is fairly simple. Play better.

Here's the kicker for the Blount. The Steelers signed Blount, with both parties knowing that he would serve as LeVeon Bell's backup. They had signed a very talented running back to compliment another extremely talented in the backfield. But, Blount came with backstory- a troubling one at best. He had thrown a punch in a game vs. Boise State while he was at the University of Oregon. He had thrown another punch in a practice with the Titans. He did have a successful 2013 season in New England which led to his two year deal with the Steelers.

Not even three weeks into an innocent preseason schedule, Blount aptly lived up to his name when he was arrested for marijuana possession along with his backfield cohort LeVeon Bell. Everybody gets one mistake and everybody deserves second chances. But, the Steelers kept him around because they felt he gave them a chance to win. But, when he walked off the field before the end of the game he walked off the team. The Steelers cut ties with Blount the next afternoon.

Hopes were high for Blount- but he was higher. (I'll be here all week) He fell short of organization expectations and on field expectations. One of those being actually staying on the field for a full 60 minutes.

The Steelers are on a bye this week and they began it with a "buh-bye" to Blount.

Slippery Rock vs. Bloomsburg Preview

The 2014 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Championship heads to Mihalik Thompson Stadium this afternoon. Slippery Rock will play host to the undefeated and top 10 ranked Bloomsburg Huskies. If the match-up seems familiar, it indeed is. These two teams met last year in the championship game, which the Huskies won 42-38 with a touchdown in the waning seconds of the fourth quarter. Coach Mihalik and company look to reverse their fortune as they bring their 8-2 Rock team into the championship game this year.

Senior QB Jared Buck will command the Rock offense
for the 6th week and the PSAC Championship Game

QB Jared Buck, who replaced Zack Newsock five weeks ago, will handle the duties of the Rock's high paced offense. Coach Mihalik said on Thursday nights Sports Soundoff with Matt Clement, the team is shooting to run 80 to 90 plays on offense, which will allow them to control the clock.

Meanwhile on the Bloomsburg side of the ball, it's an offense that ran the ball last year, and will run the ball this year. Their defense also has a +20 turnover ratio,allowing their offense to set up in close field position.

Slippery Rock color analyst Glenn Thompson expects this game to be a back-forth match-up that will feel like new age old time football. Both teams are run-oriented and rely on their defense. However, it's not "huddle up, under center, and two men backfield" offense. Instead it's a no huddle, quick to the line, run as many plays as you can offense.

Preivew
Site: Mihalik-Thompson Stadium
Kickoff: 12:30 PM
TV: PCN
Radio: 97.7 WLER

Sizing Up the MVP Race

Kershaw's ERA for 2014 was 1.77

The Baseball Writers of America will crown a Most Valuable Player for the 2014 season on Thursday night (both American and National Leagues). The Pirates have the defending NL MVP in Andrew McCutchen. He is also up for the award this year. Joining him is Miami Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton and Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw.

What are McCutchen's chances of taking home the award in back to back years? Unfortunately not likely. Clayton Kershaw has thrown for numbers that have not been seen in years before. (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kershcl01.shtml?redir) It's hard to compete with numbers along those lines. What does McCutchen have going for him? Kershaw is a pitcher though. They don't win these awards too often. Justin Verlander won the MVP in the AL in 2011. The last NL pitcher to win was Bob Gibson back in the 1960s.

McCutchen's worth is easily measured. When he was injured in August, the team went into a tailspin that included 10 consecutive losses. He was worth that much to this team.

My guess: Clayton Kershaw is the 2014 NL MVP. He was just that good.

Steelers vs. Ravens Preview

The Baltimore Ravens take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in a game that will have significant implications in the AFC North.

The Ravens beat the Steelers 26-6 early this season.
Both teams sit at 5-3.

The Steelers are coming off, one could argue, their best game in the last three years. A 51 point performance from the offense and a career game from Ben Roethlisberger has Pittsburgh feeling pretty good about its football team.

The Ravens, meanwhile, are playing confident football of their own this year. Joe Flacco has been able to develop connections with new WR Steve Smith as well as his go to's in Torrey Smith and Dennis Pitta. Their defense has proven to be a force this year as well. With veteran Terrell Suggs anchoring the middle along with Haloti Ngata, their defense is as formidable as ever.

The Steelers, with questions still surrounding their defense, need this win Sunday night. It would improve their record to 6-3 and have upcoming games against the New York Jets and Tennessee Titans. The Steelers could easily find themselves at 8-3 heading into Thanksgiving. The win would give them room to work within the division as well, as they have already split the series with Cleveland and a season split with Baltimore is the best option at this point.

RUNDOWN

Kickoff: 8:30 PM
TV: NBC
Odds: Baltimore (-1)

What's Wrong With Pitt Football?

After another loss for the Pitt Panthers, another proverbial nail has been placed in coffin for another season. It looks like Pitt will finish with a 6-6 or 7-5 season, records that have become the standard of mediocrity for the Pitt program.

So, why is the Pitt program stuck in mediocrity? The obvious answer is that they are just not good enough. But, that reason is never enough to satisfy the masses. People want to know who's responsible for the team's inability to show ability.

Wannstedt went 42-31 in 6 seasons as HC.
The Panthers are 19-20 since his firing.

For me, it all started back in 2010 whenever Dave Wannstedt was forced to resign. It was only 2 seasons earlier, Wannstedt led the Panthers into the top 10 and had them threatening for a Big East title. They finished with a 10 win season, the first time since 1982. In fact, Pitt gave Wannstedt a 2 year extension to run through 2014. Little did they know, the Pitt Football program would go through three head coaches in that short time.

The Wannstedt resignation was the biggest blow to the Panther program. He was a local guy, who was able to recruit, and was the first coach to get the Panthers into the top 10 for the first time in 25 years. The suits and higher ups in the Pitt Athletic Department believed there was more on the horizon for Pitt Football. Meanwhile, no other coach had put Pitt in the top 10 since legendary Johnny Majors did it.

So, out went Wannstedt and Athletic Director Steve Pederson hired Miami (OHIO) head coach Mike Haywood. The media responded questionably to Haywood's first press conference. The players were even more lukewarm. He was hired on December 16, 2010 and by January 1, 2011 he was fired. He was arrested for domestic violence.This was the beginning of head coach turmoil for the Pitt program.

Pitt announced the hiring of the good ole southern boy, Todd Graham as their head coach on January 2011. He promised to make Pitt Football, "High Octane," and then they went 6-6.

By December 14, 2011 Todd Graham had accepted the offer to become Arizona State's new head football coach. In less than a year, the Panthers would be looking for their third head coach.

Then on December 22, 2011 the Panthers hired Paul Chryst from Wisconsin. Now, in his third year at Pitt, the Panthers appear to going for another six or seven win season.

Stuck in mediocrity.

At least this is better than what Wannstedt would have done. I mean this guy couldn't win the big game!

At least we were talking about playing in big games with Wannstedt. But, personally, I'm looking forward to another trip to the BBVA-ABC Care Care Pizza Compass Bowl.

What Does a Russell Martin Contract Mean?

Russell Martin. Defensive Wizard, Club House Leader, Heartbeat of Pirates. He's also a pending free agent. Most think he'll only see PNC Park in a visitors uniform in the future. I side with most. People will be quick to blame ownership. "Spend Nutting, Get Nutting." I believe was a sign once. But, in this instance, is it OK to spend nutting?

Russell Martin batted .291 with 11 home runs in 2014.

Yes, you're right. I would be insane to think Russell Martin would not help the 2015 Pirates. But, would Russell Martin help the 2018 Pirates. That may be the real question. If the Pirates were to resign Martin, he would probably run the Bucs at least four years and 60 million. That's a big chunk of change, especially for a catcher.

Martin would be 36 years old for the 2018 season. That's an old catcher, it's also an expensive catcher. $15 million committed to a catcher who's 36 is a risky investment for a small market team. That's money that could be committed to a starting pitcher. Money that could be committed to Neil Walker.

Small market teams can't be wrong when issuing big contracts. They hamper future decisions. Dedicating money towards players who can't play result in a restricted use of team payroll.

So, I'd love to see Russell Martin in a Pirates uniform. I'd also love to look at the crystal ball and see if he would be worth it four years from now.

Extra Link: Charlie Wilmouth of MLBTradeRumors wrote a great look at the Pirates Offsesson. Pirates Offseason Lookout

Colts vs. Steelers Preview

The Steelers are coming off of a big win against the Houston Texans. Granted, one could argue the Steelers looked bad for 50 minutes of the game, but they had a stunning three minutes of football that propelled them to victory. So, how do they size up against a top tier Indianapolis Colts?

Luck has the Colts on a 5 game winning streak
after losing the first two of the year.

Andrew Luck has quickly proven himself to be an elite quarterback in the NFL, which spells disaster for the Steelers defense. So far, the Steelers have been able to avoid supreme quarterbacks. (Hoyer, Flacco, Newton, Glennon, Bortles, Fitzpatrick) What's scary is Hoyer, Flacco, and Glennon torched the Steelers secondary. Badly. Add in the fact that Luck has thrown for over 2,300 yards, 19 TDs (only 4 shy of his seasonal record)
, and over 100 QB rating this year and it could result in a career day for Luck.

The Steelers aren't a push over though; not by any means. They are 4-3 and the offense has looked good at times, despite the controversy surrounds the play calling. With Ben Roethlisberger as the Steelers QB, anything is possible.

The Colts are the favorite to win, sitting around three point favorites. Which indicates the times the Steelers are going through. Very rarely were the Steelers ever the underdog at home. It's reached that point though this year. No one can trust this Steelers team; they could very easily lose by 14 and win by 14.

Either way, this is game two of the Steelers three game home stand. They are off to a 1-0 start. They need to make it 2-0 on Sunday.

Kickoff: 4:25
Heinz Field
TV: CBS

Colts favorite by 3.

Sorry Colbert, But its Time to Go

A loss to the Cleveland Browns, albeit a quality Browns team, is emblematic of a throng of problems for the Steelers organization. Despite the media critics and Snoop Dogg (does it have two g's?) the problem is not Todd Haley. The problem is not an aging Dick LeBeau. The problem is not Mike Tomlin. It's the players. A sheer lack of talent and depth is the reason the Steelers sit at .500 and have now for the past two years.

Kevin Colbert was named the first Steelers GM in 2010 after
spending 10 years as Director of Football Operations

To me, that starts at the top of the football operations food chain. Kevin Colbert, who has helped assembled two Super Bowl championship teams and another one team to make it to the Super Bowl, has dropped the ball. Kind of like Limas Sweed. One of many failed draft picks.

Colbert longed served the Steelers as the director of football operations since 2000. In 2010, the Steelers gave him the keys to the car, naming him the first GM in Steelers history. With that came the responsibility of player transactions and acquisitions. Since he was given that title, the Steelers have yet to return to the Super Bowl, as well back-to-back years without a playoff appearance.

Now, I'm not expecting every draft to be like 1974. But, I'd like a few players to stick around for awhile. No one from the 2008 and 2009 teams are a Pittsburgh Steeler anymore. In 2008, the Steelers went skill player heavy. Rashard Mendenhall (retired to write) Limas Sweed (couldn't catch a cold) Tony Hills, Dennis Dixon, Ryan Mundy. Marginal at best. Sure, Mendenahll was a decent running back. But was that really first round draft pick impact- of course not.

2009 produced better players. However, the mistakes in the first two rounds are notable. Ziggy Hood and Kraig Urbik. A defensive end and an offensive lineman. The Steelers did draft Mike Wallace and Keenan Lewis in the following rounds. Above average wide receiver and corner back. However, those two both dawn different jerseys.

Despite being contributors, from 2008-2014, none of the first round draft picks have become stand out players save for Maurkice Pouncey. Cam Heyward has played better of late, but Jones lacked "splash plays" in his first year. Ryan Shazier was injured early in his first season. DeCastro, has been alright up front. His most notable deed was taking out Pouncey for all of 2013 after tearing his own ACL in 2012.

The Steelers are left scratching their head and wondering what has happened to the semi Steelers dynasty of the 2000s. In essence, it all starts at the top. And I mean the top- the people who watch the games from above the grass. Kevin Colbert, despite all he has given this organization, has to go. He has failed to turn around a team that should only have one down year. But, a myriad of poor contracts, poor draft picks, and poor play puts the Steelers in a position to ponder what his future should be.

"But, this is Mike Tomlin's fault. This is Todd Haley's fault, those are the guys who should be fired." Show me an instance where a poor football team fired its head coach and it led to productive rest of the season. It doesn't happen. Was it really Butch Davis, Romeo Crennel, Eric Mangini, Pat Shurmur, Rob Chudzinski's fault. Of course not. It was the fact that Derek Anderson the franchise quarterback for a few years.

Was it Bill Cowher's fault he didn't reach those Super Bowls in the early 2000s. No- his quarterback was Kordell Stewart. Personnel win championships. General Managers draft personnel. Sorry, Kevin Colbert. We appreciate what you did, but it's time to go.

Steelers at Browns Preview

Cleveland is the favorite heading into Sunday's Browns vs. Steelers game for the first time since home phones with cords still populated most American households. It's been a while, and for Pittsburgh, that's not a good thing.

Browns QB Brian Hoyer has fans believing
in the 2-2 Cleveland Browns

Cleveland is starved for an opportunity to beat up on their rival after being on the wrong side of the rivalry for the past decade and a half. The Steelers meanwhile, are 3-2, yet seem to have more concerns than positives. Questions have arisen about the playcalling abilities of Ben Roethlisberger as well as the leadership of head coach Mike Tomlin. A win in Cleveland would be a signature win for this Steelers squad (Imagine that, a Cleveland win being a Steeler signature win).

Brian Hoyer has played above and beyond expectations and the2-2  Browns look to take down the Steelers in what would be the biggest win for the Browns since 2002. It's a dangerous game for the Steelers, and the Browns have nothing to lose.

Cleveland, Ohio
Paul Brown Stadium
Kickoff: 1:00
TV: CBS

Thursday Night Football Has One Too Many Problems

When Thursday Night Football was conceived, fans were elated by the idea of watching the NFL on another weekday night. However, as the game has now been in place for quite some time, the games lack the quality NFL type quality. Through the 2014 season the final scores of the game have been:

Through five weeks, the losing teams have lost
by a combined 145 points on Thursday Night Football

Week 1: Seahawks 36 Packers 16

Week 2: Ravens 26 Steelers 6

Week 3: Falcons 56 Buccaneers 14

Week 4: Giants 45 Redskins 14

Week 5: Packers 42 Vikings 10

For you boys and girls keeping track at home, that's a 145 point difference. And in the 2014 season, the NFL decided to make these match-ups a "must watch." These teams are playing meaningful divisional games, yet they continue to massacres that make American Horror Story seem like a lighthearted romantic comedy. 

Thursday Night Football has never struck a cord with me anyways. It was created during the 2006 season and it was placed on the NFL Network. At the time, the NFL Network was quite a rarity in most US households- it was a part of a premiere cable package. Heck, at the time, ESPN was still considered a luxury, considering the "Bart Starr" era fans had yet to buy into the idea that TVs work without bunny ears. 

Then, for a reason I will never understand, network executives thought the voice of Thursday Night Football should be former Today Show host Bryant Gumbel. Sure, his brother Greg is a top notch play-by-play man. But, Bryant never resonated with the average football fan and it felt more like he was going to all of a sudden break out into a Today Show segment on healthy fall foods. 

He was replaced by Bob Papa (who?- exactly) and then eventually veteran Brad Nessler and Mike Mayock were paired together and at least some part of TNF seemed like it worked. But the matchups were never "must watch" TV. 

Then earlier this year, the NFL paired up with CBS to bring TNF to an even larger audience. CBS placed big time broadcasters Jim Nantz and Phil Simms on the games and the matchups had bigger implications than ever. Divisional rivals taking on each other in prime time. But, the curse of TNF continued on. Why? I have one opinion, one that has been echoed by players and media alike. NFL player aren't fully prepared on three days rest. It's that simple. 

These players can't be expected to be at 100 percent after playing 60 minutes only three days beforehand. No human body could recover from the physical impact in such a short time. It's too hard. 

TNF is another one of the NFL's ideas to try to make more money. Don't get me wrong, that has been a screaming success as the CBS deal went for $275 million. People are making money, but sometimes, not everything should be about the almighty dollar. 

Slippery Rock vs. Gannon

It's a battle of two 4-0 football teams in the PSAC West. Slippery Rock comes into the game with Shamar Greene averaging 186 yards per GAME! He's been the foundation of this Rock offense that prides itself on speed. Redshirt Sophomore QB Zack Newsock has been more than a game manager to this point, yet hasn't established himself as the dominant force quarterback that Nigel Barksdale was last year. However, he is the leader of a terrifically potent offense. In fact, it's the number one offense in the PSAC.

Slippery Rock's Shamar Greene leads all Division II
running backs in rushing yards with 747 through four weeks.

Which makes this match up this Saturday even more interesting as Gannon brings in the number one defense in the PSAC. They are also a rather experienced squad. They return nine starters on a nationally ranked defense and eight starters on offense. Combined with a third year starter in Liam Nadler and there are plenty of numbers to back up the 4-0 starts from the Golden Knights.

Tonight's game comes down to a matter of size vs speed. A flashy, high paced offense from Slippery Rock and a rough and physical defense from Gannon makes this a must watch game. Add in the fact that The Rock's last regular season loss came against Gannon, the fans in upper Butler County are going to be in for a classic gridiron match up.

Saturday October 4
Mihalik-Thompson Stadium, Slippery Rock
Kick-off: 6:00 PM
Streaming online at rockathletics.com
Radio: 97.7 WLER FM

Wild Card Eve

The chants of "Kway-toe" still echo on the North Shore. The 2013 Wild Card Playoff game at PNC Park may have been a top five sporting event in the history of Pittsburgh. After starving for just a winning season, the Pirates, not only got into the postseason, but got to host a one game playoff. The crowd was deafening and the play was electric. A 6-2 win sent the Pirates into the next round and the playoff buzz continued.

Wednesday night, the Pirates have a chance to perhaps replicate the atmosphere that sent this town into a frenzy. It's another one game playoff and the stakes are equally as high as they were last year. One win, and the Pirates advance. A loss, and Pirates hit the golf course. 

This team has reconnected the city with baseball yet again. There has always been a belief that "baseball is romantic" and it shows with this team and the city. We can only hope to rekindle that same feeling this year.

First Pitch: 8:07 PM

TV: ESPN

Introduction

The blue collar city of Pittsburgh loves its sports team, almost as much as they love their Primanti sandwiches. This blog's intention will be to keep you updated, informed, and hopefully entertained as Pittsburgh sports fans try to maneuver their way through what is a sports season that occurs 365 days a year. Whether it be the playoff bound Pirates, the new coaching regime for the Penguins, or the heart and soul of this town, the Steelers, the possible subjects will be endless. 

My writing experience dates back to and ends from my years as a high school journalist. My notable works include my scathing editorial on hallway etiquette to the "Woodward and Bernstein-esque" breaking of the district wide turkey shortage. My ability to write about the inconsequential happenings of everyday life brought me mild praise from my journalism teacher.

With that, it is time to embark on a journey of Pittsburgh sports that will include the raising of the jolly roger to the lowering of the steel curtain. Here's to hoping for many wins and many more happy days.