BCS Championship

Hey y'all it's your favorite sports fan SportsGal89 here with another great addition to this thing we call a blog ;). Tonight I had the pleasure of watching the highly contested BCS Championship Game featuring the Auburn Tigers and the Oregon Ducks. Now, no matter where you stand in the whole BCS match up, those who are arguing that the points system sucks and the various divisions (SEC, PAC-10, Big Ten...) are annoying and that there should be playoffs in order to determine "true" champions and those who like the current way this system is (which is not many of you) would still say that tonight was a pretty interesting game!
From all of the media coverage surrounding the game you knew who the favored team was (WAR EAGLES- Auburn for those of you who don't know). I mean Cam Newton has had his name in the media for a hot minute amidst controversy surrounding his father, his Heisman win, his unbelievable skill and his good looks(oh wait, that was just me. And then you have the freshman #5 Michael Dyer doing work on the field and really setting himself up for a fabulous 2-3 years depending on his NFL aspirations with Auburn. Not to mention the top Defensive Player Fairley (#90) these boys just had an incredible story and for a novice(because I do not follow it half as much as I follow the pros. I mean there are 1) too many teams to count, too many divisions to follow and the point system even confuses me- so while I am a fan of THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY, I only really pay attention to the rest of the teams once we get to the final games leading up to the Bowl games) college football fan such as myself, you get wrapped up in the story behind it all. Now let's not take away from the #2 Ducks, I mean HELLO it's OREGON! A resident of the Bay Area for 8 years, I understand the power of the Ducks in the sports world and what this championship game means for Duck fans and Pac-10 fans in general.
But going in I had my pick (Auburn) but I wasn't stupid, by no means was this game going to be one sided, I knew that Cam's usual "showboatin" wouldn't be possible against the Oregon D and the Ducks D definitely came to play (sacking him a few times and stopping his run game whenever possible). Auburn and Newton need to slow down. I mean given you haven't played for 35 days everyone is all hyped about this game so of course it's going to be a little crazy and intense. The first few drives from Auburn Newton overthrew or was short in his passes. It was clear that they just needed to settle down. When I have kids and they play sports the one thing I am going to continue to tell them even when it's a championship game. It is just another game, one you've played countless times before. Be above the hype, stay focused, play hard and play to the whistle.
The Ducks looked ready, they were prepared. Those little shuffle passes were annoying (only because of the speed- remember I am an NFL baby; so the quickness of a ball being released in a shuffle pass is something I am not very used to). But the Ducks gave you everything you expected, stopping Cam when they could and making it nearly impossible for redzone entrance.
But Auburn held their own. Oregon was the first to get into the redzone, but it means nothing if you can't capitalize on it. Oregon definitely delivered with a field goal leading the scoreboard 3-nil.
But top performer for the Tigers, Freshman Michael Dyer with an amazing story on why he wears the number 5 (btw), delivered. Picking at the Oregon D with 22 carries, for 143 yds. A touchdown by the Tigers early in the 2nd quarter made this an interesting game to watch.
While I can't recap every thing that happened I will give you a few little morsels that I thought were just beautiful. And if I can find some video footage it might make it an even better story ;)
The first one: a safety against Oregon played well defensively by Auburn, turned the ball over late in the 2nd quarter to set Auburn up for another beautiful drive and a 30 yard pass from Newton to Blake for a touchdown and lead of 16-11. Going into the half I knew Auburn still had to settle down, but that this game was not going to be an easy one on either side of the ball.
Opening up the second half: Auburn's ball, no big plays. Defense did their job Auburn scores a FG bringing the lead 19-11. No big plays when the ball returns to the Ducks, except for the Defense on both teams continuing to shut down the other team's "usual" plays.
When the game really changed: A forced fumble by Cam Newton with 5:05 on the clock and the ball recovered at the Auburn 40- I said it before and I will say it again, forced fumbles and interceptions don't mean much if you can't deliver! And Oregon delivered, holding the ball for 2minutes+ and getting into the endzone and finally completing with a touchdown! score now 19-17, Ducks go for a 2-point conversion and tie the game 19-19. By this time it is 11:55pm EST. I'm thinking, yo I could stand to watch this game go into OT- Battle to the death right? Lmao! Auburn had a different story and it all fell into the hands and feet of Michael Dyer!
Dyer ran for 37 yards to the Oregon 23 yard line giving the Tigers a fresh breath to keep moving. Dyer got the ball again came up short-- On the Oregon 1. Now there are 10 seconds left, do you run the ball in or go for the FG early. Twitter and FB blowing up, people saying go for it, go for it, go for it. I agreed with all of them Go for the TD if you don't get it you go for the FG. Well Coach Chizik also agreed and let Cam attempt a QB sneak for the TD. Obviously it didn't work so Auburn went for the FG with 2 seconds remaining and won the game. Closing out a wonderful undefeated season, a Heisman win and taking home the BCS Championship Trophy for the SEC.
If you missed it, you must have the best excuse ever to have missed it, because it was simply AMAZING. Go to Espn.com for footage from last nights game.
And Congratulations to the Auburn Tigers on the win and the Oregon Ducks for putting up a GREAT fight!

NFL Playoffs 2010-2011 Season Part 2

Hey Ya'll it's your favorite sports fan SportsGal89 in the Building and what a wonderful day in sports it is! In a few hours the BCS Championship game will be played in AZ featuring The Auburn Tigers and the Oregon Ducks. I am rooting for my boy Cam Newton and Auburn --but I will admit I didn't follow them as much as the true Tiger fans have. What I will say is I hope it will be a good game and I will be excited to see Cam have a run at the pros if he so chooses. But I will save the BCS talks for the next blog. Tonight I am talking to you about the NFL Playoffs. The first round is over, as you remember the Seahawks romped the Saints and the Colts were taken out by the Jets.
So Saturday's games featured the Ravens against the Chiefs and the Eagles against the Pack(ers). Now the avid antagonist to the Ravens that I am, really wanted a Chiefs win. I mean I can continue to go in on my absolute detest of the Ravens but that aside I would have loved to see them booted early. But alas, my dreams did not come true. The Chiefs got beat, I mean SPANKED a nasty 30-7. And the message from Terrell Suggs " Pitt we coming for ya." Boy Bring It! We'll be waiting and gladly ready to put the hurt on ya. So there you have it folks the third and final match up of this 2010-2011 Season between the Ravens and the Steelers and you know who this girl is going for.... The "BLACK and YELLOW" of course ;).
Now, no matter the outcome of this Pack vs. Eagles game I was just glad to see my boy Vick play. I have been a fan of Michael Vick while he was in ATL. Injuries aside he is a phenomenal athlete and I believe that this was his season to show that despite all of the shortcomings of his past, he is back and ready for business. Hopefully the rest of the world will catch up, because every analysis keeps going back to him needing to "prove" himself. If he was white (yes I am going there) it wouldn't be necessarily this constant story. I mean the same thing happened to Ricky Williams and let's not forget that Vince Young has had his own go round in the circuit as well. It won't end with Vick, when Plax returns from his jail term, his will be the next story of the "troubled" Black athlete's redemption.
But anyways, I just hope that Vick's skills far out weigh people's judgements. I wanted a win for Vick and the Eagles to further solidify that he is the right guy for Philly and that there is a redemption story for him. But even without a win he made his mark on the 2010-2011 season, that is for sure.
Sadly however, the Pack was just too good, to ready, too alive for the Eagles. With Desean Jackson injured the Eagles were a little weak. Packers led the scoreboard for the first half and the Eagles caught a little fire during the second half but it wasn't enough to keep the Pack from taking the win. I think the Pack wanted it more, hungered for it more.
So Saturday features the Ravens vs the Steelers at 4:30pm followed by the Packers vs the Falcons at 8pm. Sunday features the Seahawks vs the Bears at 1pm and then the Jets vs New England.
Here are my picks:
STEELERS of course.. And to Terrell Suggs, keep talking that mess stating, "This is World War III to us. This is definitely Armageddon." Yeah an Armageddon that you will be going down in. See this is my thing I don't like to talk mess before a game, I like to stay focused on the task at hand. I mean yes, I am not playing the game, but I often feel like it is me getting ready to play. I don't want to be distracted by what commentators say or the other players. I prepare for each game as if it is just one more game, living above the hype. But this dude, Terrell Suggs, keep running your mouth because the Steelers are only going to be fueled even more by your mouth.
The Pack, Da Bears and I am going for J-E-T-S and Rexy who was talking a big game today dishing it out to Belichick in the media rounds (but I won't hold my breathe or rather be surprised by a Pats win) all I am saying is that the J-E-T-S better play to win, that 45-3 game was SORRY!

NFL Playoffs 2010-2011 Season

Hey y'all it's your favorite sports fan- SportsGal89 In the Building! And we officially have a WONDERFUL playoff season upon us. The 2010-2011 NFL Playoff run has officially kicked-off tonight! Very exciting and very interesting turn of events.
The first set of playoff games brought us some familiar champion faces as we watched the Saints (2009 Superbowl Champs) and the Colts (2 Time Superbowl Champions, 4 time NFL Champions and last year's Saints opponents) faced the Seahawks and the Jets respectively.
So let's start with the Saints and Seahawks:
Saints were of coursed favored going into this game, given that they were the returning Superbowl Champs and with Matt Hasselbeck off and on with a hip injury and playing his first game (today's) everyone thought that new NFL coach Pete Carroll would have an uphill battle that he would eventually lose. But Pete Carroll a "G" in his own right is not bashful when it comes to championship caliber match ups. While I don't respect how he, with perfect timing, took a job in the pros, I do like his the legacy he left at USC and I am not at all surprised that the underdogs took this game, giving the West Coast a little something to be excited about.
It was a tough game and there were many times that I thought the Saints were playing sloppy, but by the second half the Saints picked up a little rythym it wasn't as annoying to watch. Needless to say the Carroll's Seahawks took the win with a battle to battle game. But Hasselbeck (the one everyone thought was going to be the weak link) ended up coming back and just throwing some beautiful passes and really driving to keep this team together. But with the Saints inconsistency all season it wasn't that much of a stretch to see where they were losing key plays. But the big name besides Hasselbeck for the Seahawks was the one, the only Marshawn Lynch who really was the nail in the coffin for the Saints D. Interestingly enough the last time the Seahawks made it to the Superbowl was against the Steelers in 2006 when we played them and won in Detroit (SIXBURGH- yes I had to do it)

And for the game of the evening the Colts (again played the Saints in the Superbowl last year) versus Ryan's Hardknocks. Let me say this first, I have no real interest in either game aside from the fact that I want to watch some good ball. But going into this game, while I love the J-E-T-S story, I want the Jets to suffer a little bit still, for the Steelers Loss they handed us AT HOME! This game initially started off low scoring, well I mean it ended low scoring too. But the first two quarters was just a defensive game, neither team really making the most of those 3rd conversions.
Then the Colts scored (I will own it that I thought the Colts were going to take it) in the 2nd quarter keeping the Jets scoreless into the half. But come halftime I have no clue what Rexy said to his boys (I can imagine) but the JETS came back alive. Anotonio Cromartie with a 41 yard punt return at the beginning of the 3rd leading to a Jets touchdown and extra point good by Folk. Colts and Manning still looked pretty nice- Again I'll give it to Manning, definitely favored in this match up considering his legacy etc and his skill, but where I felt the Colts should have had the win, they definitely gave it up, A crucial play coming by Taj Smith in my opinion sort of turned the game, roughing the kicker and giving the Jets another opportunity to go for a touchdown. While they didn't get it, it definitely took away from the Colts time and opportunity to take the lead. I thought the game was over after Manning led his team to field goal range giving Vinateri and his leg the golden moment. But with 53 seconds left on the clock Sanchez and the boys in green and white got enough field room to allow Folk to be the game winner with a sweet field goal kicked in the final seconds of the game.
And the closing remarks from this sports fan, while my team wasn't playing I have to say that was the most knot creating set of games I have had the pleasure to watch. It is really funny that I get so caught up when I have no real investment (but again, that is my love of sports and not just the teams). 2 years ago when the Steelers went to the Superbowl I had a theory about us winning and going to the big game. My theory was dependent on the who scored first in each playoff match up. In the last set of playoff games before the superbowl the team that scored first was the team that one. So far in this playoff run well at least in these two games, the team that scored first lost. So if my theory is right, whoever scores first in the next two games tomorrow should lose (hopefully) so I hope the Ravens score first ;)

The Return of the Steel Curtain/ the birth of something different

Hey Y'all it's your FAVORITE sports blogger SportsGal89 in the building! I'm coming at you with a special Christmas Edition of the blog. I know I am a little late on this post considering the game was 2 days ago and I am just now commenting on the recap post from the Steelers vs Carolina game. As I was preparing for this blog I also decided that I would comment a little bit on some changes in the Steelers organization and why I am very happy to be a fan of this generation of Steelers athletes.

So first let's recap the Carolina game. Coming off of a loss to the Jets at home on Sunday we definitely needed a win on Thursday against the then 2-12 Carolina Panthers. While I was confident that we were going to win, the Steelers never fail to be their own worst enemy so I thought that we definitely couldn't cocky thinking that the Panthers standing was enough to ensure a win. And with the big #43 out for the game-- we needed to be sure that our offense could step up and produce on the off chance that our D was slacking.
Well step up they did and big. We shut down Steve Smith, Jimmy Clausen and the Panthers pretty early in the game. Within the first half the Steelers had a 256 yards passed for the game to the low double digit pass yardage for the Panthers.
There were times that I was a little worried about how the Offense was going to do, especially after Ben was knocked in the face again that caused his nose to bleed. But the Steelers really came together. I have said for years that the O-line needs to step up, because Ben needs less time on his back and more time on his feet. We found our rock in Rookie Center Maurkice Pouncey. He has definitely stepped into his own and as a rookie commands so much veteran swagg for our O-Line. Watching him create blocks that give Ben more time is a sight to watch and it seems that while it hasn't been consistent the Steelers O is really coming together nicely.
Ben connected amazingly with number 17 Mike Wallace who has made me want to be cocky and say Santonio who?! Don't get me wrong I love Santonio Holmes, he hails from THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY and he was responsible for the catch heard round the world in our road to the win our 6th Superbowl in 2008. But he failed to produce as a role model off the field and we ended up letting him go in the off season. I will still be a fan I am even getting his old Ohio State Jersey to show my allegiance but it is refreshing to see Wallace inhabit the void!
The Steelers dominated in the third and fourth quarter, forcing a fumble and getting great field coverage. But we still lack in our third down convergence. But nonetheless a win is the win. We are still trying to secure our 2nd round bye in the playoffs, which means we need a Ravens loss to the Browns tomorrow to make it official.

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Now on to the juicy part. The Steelers as a franchise, is in my opinion the BEST in the league. We all around have a great system, an amazing legacy that even in our downtime we are still producing those amazing stats and just making the Steel City very proud! But let's be real this current team is much different than the legacy of the 70's in particular 75 and on. While we have the strength of a Dick LeBeau as our Defensive Coordinator- the defense might be the same but our O is a little different. At times we are inconsistent, but for the most part we are just playing the game how we want to play the game. Roethlisberger is a QB who likes to take more time in the pocket, he has a gift to sort of slow down the game and make time when and where it needs to be made. While some people, myself included get annoyed with how much time he takes holding on to the ball rather than releasing it, I have to appreciate the fact that with Big Ben our record is not as spotty as it can be without him (minus that horrible season after his motorcycle accident!). But this fan would just like to speak more on the fact that while we have a great legacy to live by, I am somewhat annoyed with the almost constant comparison to the Terry Bradshaw, Joe Green, Franco Harris era when clearly our team leaders are not those amazing, brilliant legends.
I think we need to appreciate the team for what it is now, respect the history but know that while the Steel Curtain breezes through every once in a while in the torrent of the terrible towels; this current Steel Team is much different than those of it's past.

2010 Recap from a Stillas Fan

Why Hello There! It's your favorite sports fan SportsGal89 in the building! First let me apologize to my base, because I know that I have been MIA this season. So before I begin with my blog I will explain. I just started my first year as a Grad Student and this semester KILLED me. So 1) I didn't get to watch much football or other sports like I normally do and 2) it meant I didn't have much if ANY time to write on my blog.
But with that the semester is over and while I didn't do the BEST that I have been able to, I did finish strong with an A- and 2 Bs so for the stress I was under I am satisfied with that. So the semester is over and I am on a break which means I can catch up on my sports, my blogging and life. So with that if you'll have me, I am back and so glad to be here!

So what brings on this blog. I am currently watching the Steelers vs. Carolina Panthers tonight with the Steelers really needing this win in order to further secure a playoff spot, but also to further secure that the Steelers are one of the best teams in the league today. We have had a crazy season, the defense has definitely picked up the slack for a lacking Offense due to Big Ben being out for the first few games of the season and well our offense always in my opinion takes a little bit to find their rhythm and the true leaders of the team come out of our defense. But now our defense in particular (James Harrison) has come under fire with changes in how the NFL views hits etc.
But all of these "obstacles" are also areas in which the Steelers should have a better advantage. We started this season 4-0 being 1 of 4 teams to go undefeated and in one week all of the undefeated teams lost their leverage. With the return of Ben we began to find our grounding, but losing dumb games that shouldn't have happened. In my opinion the offense, the defense and the whole team has pretty much been mediocre. Not great, not horrible but nothing to go home calling to mom about either. So as the playoffs are upon us, I need to see fire! I think the Steelers have what it takes to get to another Superbowl and win it! I mean I think like every football fan it is our dream to see our team win the big game. But the truth is my team can do it! I have seen it happen- blessed enough to be there and would like to be blessed again to see it one more time, or multiple times.
So with that and with the next 3 quarters of this game ahead-- I want to see my team kick some Carolina butt and take home a championship for 2011.
So I am going to turn my attention back to the game and return after the game to tell you that my team won (hopefully) and how I feel about my team's chances in the playoffs.

LONG OVERDUE

Slackin' on my mackin!... It's your girl Sportsgal89 in the Building! What up?!
So I know that I should probably talk about Week 1 and the first Season game between the Vikings and the Saints, but it was actually uneventful. I wasn't at all impressed with the first game. I mean the Saints won! Duh. It seemed like the Vikings didn't even put up a fight and the game just ended up being one-sided aka BOR-ING!! [yawn]...
Week 2 what even happened in week 2.. Geez it must not have been that good. Ha!
Oh yeah, the only thing that was eventful was Manning Bowl and Older Manning took that one. I am not even sure what happened to the Giants, it was just brutal. Oh but I guess I can give some props to the Monday Night Showdown of between the Saints and Niners. I am not a Niner fan, I will never root for the Niners, but I have to say that they are improving each game and each year. Although they have still yet to win, they are on their way to be a force on both sides of the ball. But at the end of the day it's really not about how you play, it's whether you win.

Now on to Week 3.. Most of my picks for Week 3 did me DIRTY.. Not even kidding, Denver was the big disappointment against the Colts, I needed that win and they just blew it!
For me not a surprise: Michael Vick showing Philly, his head coach and the league not to sleep on him. He was amazing 291 yards, 3 TD, one his own. I mean it was a good game! Playing Jacksonville, in Jacksonville and went to work final score 28-3..

Finally I have my honorable mention: These seasons "Hardknocks" the J-E-T-S JETS, JETS, JETS.. After losing the first Monday Night game against the Ravens, people were wondering if the Jets let the fame of an HBO special go to their heads. But the boys in Green and White Managed to pull a win off against the New England Patriots and Brady's 248 yards to bring their stat to 1-1. Week 3 in what I think was a frustrating game by the 4th Quarter, the Jets managed to pull yet another one off against Miami.
But the team I want to talk about is of course my favorite team of the league: THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS. With a juggling of the QB position with Ben's 6 game suspension many people were speculating on our ability to actually win some games. Byron Leftwich was cut from the team before the start of regular season. And Dennis Dixon was named starting QB in Roethlisberger's absence. However, Dixon was injured with a knee injury during the game against the Tenessee Titans during Week 3. Where to go now? Leftwich although signed was injured himself, Dixon is now out.. THANK THE LORD for CHARLIE BATCH!!! Week 3 starts and still people (ESPN Commentators) wondering what is going to happen to the team from the Steel City! Well my boys to not fail to disappoint! Charlie Batch as starter and the Steelers stuffed the Tampa Bay Bucs to hold on to an undefeated title of 3-0.

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1-11-11:
So I am just seeing that this blog wasn't posted. I don't know if I was done with it either but I figure I can still post it.

It's that time again...

Hey ya'll SportsGal89 in the Building!! It's that time again, yes FOOTBALL season is upon us and I am thrilled to see the magic of the Gridiron again. With that being said, I just wanted to put together the regular season schedule for the Pittsburgh Steelers(well because that's my team) and every week I will bring you my predictions for the weeks games etc.


Week
1 Sep 12 ATL @ PIT Heinz Field 1:00 PM FOX
2 Sep 19 PIT @ TEN LP Field 1:00 PM CBS
3 Sep 26 PIT @ TB Raymond James Stadium 1:00 PM CBS
4 Oct 03 BAL @ PIT Heinz Field 1:00 PM CBS
5 Bye
6 Oct 17 CLE @ PIT Heinz Field 1:00 PM CBS
7 Oct 24 PIT @ MIA Sun Life Stadium 1:00 PM CBS
8 Oct 31 PIT @ NO Superdome 8:20 PM NBC
9 Nov 08 PIT @ CIN Paul Brown Stadium 8:30 PM ESPN
10 Nov 14 NE @ PIT Heinz Field 8:20 PM NBC
11 Nov 21 OAK @ PIT Heinz Field 1:00 PM CBS
12 Nov 28 PIT @ BUF Ralph Wilson Stadium 1:00 PM CBS
13 Dec 05 PIT @ BAL M&T Bank Stadium 8:20 PM NBC
14 Dec 12 CIN @ PIT Heinz Field 1:00 PM CBS
15 Dec 19 NYJ @ PIT Heinz Field 4:15 PM CBS
16 Dec 23 CAR @ PIT Heinz Field 8:20 PM NFLN
17 Jan 02 PIT @ CLE Cleveland Browns Stadium 1:00 PM CBS


So moving forward, yes I know Big Ben is out for 6 games. But by the time he returns we have a fairly easy schedule not including out matchups against TEN, BAL and NO. However, with Leftwhich back and Dixon as well, I think we will be alright with the Absence of Ben. I'd like to see our Defense step it up GREATLY and I hope that our O-Line has worked out the kinks to keep Ben and whatever other guy that graces the field with the Green Dot off of their backs. Needless to say I am a ride or die Steelers fan and I want to see them in Dallas for my second Super Bowl visit!! SWEET!!