Signing Day came and went this week. The Hoosiers signed 18 players for the 2009 season. They are expected to fill holes left on the squad, but were not highly rated.
In fact the class was rated 11th in the Big Ten by ESPN.com. The team signed 10 offensive players, five defensive players, one special teams player and two "athletes." None of the commitments were in the ESPN list of top 150 players. Northwestern and Purdue also managed to sign no top 150 players, but Ohio State and Michigan signed seven each.
These ratings are not a definitive indication of greatness in college, but why is it you hear more about good players who flew under the radar than those who were high recruited?
The Big Ten had the third most commitments, 22, in the top 150 of all the major conferences and independents. The SEC had the most, by far, with 52. The ACC had 23.
The Chicago Tribune also rated the Hoosier class last in the conference.
The best player in the Hoosier class is the kicker, according to one rating I saw. That should seem worrisome for the future. But the recruits also include a couple quarterback/wide-receiver prospects that could provide some offensive firepower. I maintain the secret to winning is on defense. Is it a concern that some of the new recruits could compete for starting spots?
Friday, February 6, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
The longest day
I continue celebrating the Steelers' Super Bowl victory, but I am also reminded that today is the longest period before the NFL returns.
Now talk turns to expectations and the future as the latest crop of college players is graded and soon drafted.
Amid all that is IU football, coming off a dismal season and equally dismal prospects. Another sign that the past season was sub-par -- the number of IU players invited to the NFL Scouting Combine later this month in Indianapolis.
The Big Ten had 46 players invited to the combine. Indiana is sending one. Just one. Wide-receiver Andrew Means was the only player considered NFL material.
Michigan had one of its worst seasons ever and still is sending four players. Ohio State and Penn State are sending eight each. Wisconsin is sending seven players.
Surprising, the Hoosiers' poor showing in the upcoming combine is not the lowest in the conference. Minnesota isn't sending anyone.
Now talk turns to expectations and the future as the latest crop of college players is graded and soon drafted.
Amid all that is IU football, coming off a dismal season and equally dismal prospects. Another sign that the past season was sub-par -- the number of IU players invited to the NFL Scouting Combine later this month in Indianapolis.
The Big Ten had 46 players invited to the combine. Indiana is sending one. Just one. Wide-receiver Andrew Means was the only player considered NFL material.
Michigan had one of its worst seasons ever and still is sending four players. Ohio State and Penn State are sending eight each. Wisconsin is sending seven players.
Surprising, the Hoosiers' poor showing in the upcoming combine is not the lowest in the conference. Minnesota isn't sending anyone.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
The Greatest Super Bowl Ever Played
The Steelers won their sixth Super Bowl, 27-23, in what arguably was the greatest Super Bowl ever played.
Ben Roethlisberger cemented his place as the best big-game quarterback in the NFL, leading the team on the game winning drive with about 2 minutes to go. It came after the Cardinals went on their own touchdown drive to take the lead.
The Cardinals offense came alive in the fourth quarter, scoring two touchdowns and a safety to go ahead 23-20. But Big Ben hit Santonio Holmes four times on the final drive, including a spectacular catch in the corner of the end zone for the gaming-winning touchdown. After forcing a Kurt Warner fumble, the game was secured.
I was ready to drop over when the Cardinals took the lead. I couldn't believe a game the Steelers dominated for three and a half quarters was slipping away. Even when the winning drive began I wasn't optimistic. I was getting consoling text messages. But Big Ben gave me hope once again.
The Steelers have six championships now, the most of any NFL franchise. Congrats the Holmes, the MVP, Coach Mike Tomlin, Big Ben and the rest of the team. They deserve it.
I'm still flying high. I don't know how I'm going to be able to watch an hour-long episode of The Office.
Note: The Coke commercial with Troy Polamalu was pretty good. Surprisingly, the Cash4Gold ad also was kind of funny, which included an appearance by Hammer. I still liked the Doritos snow globe commercial the best.
Ben Roethlisberger cemented his place as the best big-game quarterback in the NFL, leading the team on the game winning drive with about 2 minutes to go. It came after the Cardinals went on their own touchdown drive to take the lead.
The Cardinals offense came alive in the fourth quarter, scoring two touchdowns and a safety to go ahead 23-20. But Big Ben hit Santonio Holmes four times on the final drive, including a spectacular catch in the corner of the end zone for the gaming-winning touchdown. After forcing a Kurt Warner fumble, the game was secured.
I was ready to drop over when the Cardinals took the lead. I couldn't believe a game the Steelers dominated for three and a half quarters was slipping away. Even when the winning drive began I wasn't optimistic. I was getting consoling text messages. But Big Ben gave me hope once again.
The Steelers have six championships now, the most of any NFL franchise. Congrats the Holmes, the MVP, Coach Mike Tomlin, Big Ben and the rest of the team. They deserve it.
I'm still flying high. I don't know how I'm going to be able to watch an hour-long episode of The Office.
Note: The Coke commercial with Troy Polamalu was pretty good. Surprisingly, the Cash4Gold ad also was kind of funny, which included an appearance by Hammer. I still liked the Doritos snow globe commercial the best.
Steelers increase lead after third quarter to 20-7
Not much going on in the third quarter, but the Steelers managed a field goal to increase their lead to 20-7.
Three huge personal foul penalties helped keep the key drive alive, which lasted 16 plays and went 79 yards. The only downer was that it stalled inside the five yard line after three shots at a touchdown. The Cardinals offense was not able to get much done again, despite finding some holes running the ball and hitting short passes.
Stats are here. Fourth quarter coming up.
Three huge personal foul penalties helped keep the key drive alive, which lasted 16 plays and went 79 yards. The only downer was that it stalled inside the five yard line after three shots at a touchdown. The Cardinals offense was not able to get much done again, despite finding some holes running the ball and hitting short passes.
Stats are here. Fourth quarter coming up.
Steelers lead at halftime 17-7
Just when I thought the Steelers were going to be trailing at halftime, defensive player of the year James Harrison made the play of the game. A 100-yard interception return for a touchdown not only stopped what was the Cardinals go-ahead score, it put the Steelers up 10 points at halftime.
An unbelievable turn-around to retake control of the game.
The Steelers defense has to figure out how to stop the passes into the flat to Edgerrin James. That seemed to be the only play that was working for the Cardinals. When the defenders began covering James, the field opened for Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin.
Halftime stats are here.
So far my favorite commercial still is the Doritos snow globe ad. The 3-D ad at the end of the first half was very cool, but I don't think it used the 3-D technology enough. I liked the image of the characters flying out of the screen and that only happened a few times during the couple-minute ad.
I'm going to step away from the computer now and listen to The Boss.
An unbelievable turn-around to retake control of the game.
The Steelers defense has to figure out how to stop the passes into the flat to Edgerrin James. That seemed to be the only play that was working for the Cardinals. When the defenders began covering James, the field opened for Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin.
Halftime stats are here.
So far my favorite commercial still is the Doritos snow globe ad. The 3-D ad at the end of the first half was very cool, but I don't think it used the 3-D technology enough. I liked the image of the characters flying out of the screen and that only happened a few times during the couple-minute ad.
I'm going to step away from the computer now and listen to The Boss.
Steelers lead 3-0 after first
Good first quarter for the Steelers. It was hard to tell how well the Cardinals offense was playing, because they only ran a few plays.
Big Ben and the Steelers offense are clicking.
My favorite ad so far is the Doritos ad with the snow globe.
Big Ben and the Steelers offense are clicking.
My favorite ad so far is the Doritos ad with the snow globe.
That extra phone call
Every Sunday I get a call from my father. He was born and raised in Pittsburgh and for a long-time was a Steelers season ticket-holder.
Usually we talk about sports and during football season, we talk about the Steelers and occasionally, the Bears. On special Sundays, I get two calls. Those are reserved for football championship games.
After Super Bowl XL, I made the call. The Steelers had just beaten the Seahawks 21-10.
"Hey, Derrick?" my father said.
"We did it!" I said excitedly into the cell phone.
That is the attitude in my family, and I suspect others, when it comes to the Steelers. They're our team. It's we win, not they win. That is why the Super Bowl is so special. We all take a piece of a victory ... and a loss.
Tonight I will be stuck to my coach for maybe five minutes before I start pacing. I will yell at the TV, because they're my players as much as they are Mike Tomlin's. I will hope for great plays just as hard as the players work for them.
I think the Steelers should win this game. My prediction is 27-17. Let's hope the late night phone call I will get tonight is a good one.
Usually we talk about sports and during football season, we talk about the Steelers and occasionally, the Bears. On special Sundays, I get two calls. Those are reserved for football championship games.
After Super Bowl XL, I made the call. The Steelers had just beaten the Seahawks 21-10.
"Hey, Derrick?" my father said.
"We did it!" I said excitedly into the cell phone.
That is the attitude in my family, and I suspect others, when it comes to the Steelers. They're our team. It's we win, not they win. That is why the Super Bowl is so special. We all take a piece of a victory ... and a loss.
Tonight I will be stuck to my coach for maybe five minutes before I start pacing. I will yell at the TV, because they're my players as much as they are Mike Tomlin's. I will hope for great plays just as hard as the players work for them.
I think the Steelers should win this game. My prediction is 27-17. Let's hope the late night phone call I will get tonight is a good one.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Effort is not enough
Once again, playing hard won't do it. The Hoosiers fall to Ohio State 93-81 in a game that was as frustrating as the entire season.
An 9-11 three-point performance by Matt Roth goes wasted because the Hoosiers could not sustain any momentum. Whether that is a testament to the Buckeyes' greatness is debatable.
It wasn't that the Hoosiers made mistakes. It was they made mistakes in bunches and at the worst times. Late in the second half with a chance to win, the Hoosiers turned the ball over several times, leading to Ohio State points. Two four-point plays allowed as well as a three-point shooter fouled -- he made all three free throws -- did not help either.
What is probably most frustrating is Ohio State played error-free for most of the game. They shot lights out in the second half, 63 percent for the game, when IU was trying to make a run and made almost all their free-throws. And the officials seemed to give them every major call in the game as well.
How much longer must IU wait for a break?
An 9-11 three-point performance by Matt Roth goes wasted because the Hoosiers could not sustain any momentum. Whether that is a testament to the Buckeyes' greatness is debatable.
It wasn't that the Hoosiers made mistakes. It was they made mistakes in bunches and at the worst times. Late in the second half with a chance to win, the Hoosiers turned the ball over several times, leading to Ohio State points. Two four-point plays allowed as well as a three-point shooter fouled -- he made all three free throws -- did not help either.
What is probably most frustrating is Ohio State played error-free for most of the game. They shot lights out in the second half, 63 percent for the game, when IU was trying to make a run and made almost all their free-throws. And the officials seemed to give them every major call in the game as well.
How much longer must IU wait for a break?
Another Steeler in the Hall of Fame
Fort Wayne native Rod Woodson, one of the best cornerbacks and safeties of all time, was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the NFL announced today.
While Woodson ended his career with the primarily the Ravens and Raiders, he spent his first 10 seasons in the league with the Steelers. He played in Super Bowl XXX while with the Steelers and won Super Bowl XXXV with the Ravens.
Woodson was one of the few players that distinguished himself at two defensive positions, corner and safety. He also was a quality return man. He was named an All-Pro at all three spots.
A highlight video is here. Congrats to Mr. Woodson. Your Fort Wayne fans are proud of you.
While Woodson ended his career with the primarily the Ravens and Raiders, he spent his first 10 seasons in the league with the Steelers. He played in Super Bowl XXX while with the Steelers and won Super Bowl XXXV with the Ravens.
Woodson was one of the few players that distinguished himself at two defensive positions, corner and safety. He also was a quality return man. He was named an All-Pro at all three spots.
A highlight video is here. Congrats to Mr. Woodson. Your Fort Wayne fans are proud of you.
Friday, January 30, 2009
A milestone
I am proud to announce that this is post No. 300 since the creation of The Illinois Hoosier in July 22, 2007.
I also have surpassed 1,000 unique visitors since being registered with SiteMeter. The blog existed for several months before I began tracking visitors.
The stats are not impressive, but I'm slowing building a fan base. Thank you to the elite few who read my stuff. I appreciate it.
I also have surpassed 1,000 unique visitors since being registered with SiteMeter. The blog existed for several months before I began tracking visitors.
The stats are not impressive, but I'm slowing building a fan base. Thank you to the elite few who read my stuff. I appreciate it.
Super Bowl things to think about
The Super Bowl is a little more than two days away and the players are making their final adjustments.
It seems everyone has broken down every angle in this game over the last two weeks, but I'm going to offer something else to think about. My thought was about the regular season schedule, because it can predict how the team will respond to big, high-pressure games.
The Steelers were written-off at the beginning of the season because they had such a tough schedule. The team played six teams in this year's playoffs, winning 3 (Ravens twice and Chargers). The losses came against the Eagles, Titans and Giants.
There also were highly hyped games against the Cowboys (a Steelers win) and Patriots (win). That's eight games out of 16 regular season games that were covered like a playoff game.
The Cardinals played five of this year's playoff teams and won only one, against Miami in week two. The four losses came against the Eagles, Giants, Vikings and Panthers. Other "big" games came against the Cowboys (a win) and Patriots (a loss).
There is no game bigger than the Super Bowl, but experience playing in high-pressure situations is a big deal. The Cardinals did not perform well under those conditions in the regular season, 2-5, while the Steelers played much better, 5-3.
Something else to consider when thinking about the Cardinals. This year's playoff performance has been impressive, but Larry Fitzgerald has not always played well in big games.
During the 2003 Continental Tire Bowl, his last college game at the University of Pittsburgh, Fitzgerald had five catches for 77 yards and no touchdowns. It broke his 18-game streak scoring a touchdown. Virginia beat Pitt by rushing the passer and limiting the number of throws at Fitzgerald. The game also was the first since he was runner-up in the Heisman Trophy voting.
By the way, the same year was Ben Roethlisberger's last year at Miami (Ohio). He torched Louisville in his final game, the GMAC Bowl, for 376 yards and four touchdowns.
More recently, Fitzgerald scored all three of his touchdowns in the first half of the NFC Championship game. He had three catches in the second half, all on one drive in the fourth quarter. That happened to be the drive that led to the game-winning score. My point is receivers can disappear during a game. The Eagles figured it out in the second half of that game.
The Steelers also have stopped offenses headed into the game on a roll. Remember the San Diego Chargers? There were several pundits who picked the Chargers because their offense was on fire coming into the game. The Steelers gave up 308 yards and three TD passes to Philip Rivers, but two of those came in the fourth quarter when the game was over. And many of those passing yards came because the Chargers only could rush for 15 yards.
Be careful listening to all this talk about the Cardinals offense and how it will beat the Steelers. Remember, defense still wins championships.
It seems everyone has broken down every angle in this game over the last two weeks, but I'm going to offer something else to think about. My thought was about the regular season schedule, because it can predict how the team will respond to big, high-pressure games.
The Steelers were written-off at the beginning of the season because they had such a tough schedule. The team played six teams in this year's playoffs, winning 3 (Ravens twice and Chargers). The losses came against the Eagles, Titans and Giants.
There also were highly hyped games against the Cowboys (a Steelers win) and Patriots (win). That's eight games out of 16 regular season games that were covered like a playoff game.
The Cardinals played five of this year's playoff teams and won only one, against Miami in week two. The four losses came against the Eagles, Giants, Vikings and Panthers. Other "big" games came against the Cowboys (a win) and Patriots (a loss).
There is no game bigger than the Super Bowl, but experience playing in high-pressure situations is a big deal. The Cardinals did not perform well under those conditions in the regular season, 2-5, while the Steelers played much better, 5-3.
Something else to consider when thinking about the Cardinals. This year's playoff performance has been impressive, but Larry Fitzgerald has not always played well in big games.
During the 2003 Continental Tire Bowl, his last college game at the University of Pittsburgh, Fitzgerald had five catches for 77 yards and no touchdowns. It broke his 18-game streak scoring a touchdown. Virginia beat Pitt by rushing the passer and limiting the number of throws at Fitzgerald. The game also was the first since he was runner-up in the Heisman Trophy voting.
By the way, the same year was Ben Roethlisberger's last year at Miami (Ohio). He torched Louisville in his final game, the GMAC Bowl, for 376 yards and four touchdowns.
More recently, Fitzgerald scored all three of his touchdowns in the first half of the NFC Championship game. He had three catches in the second half, all on one drive in the fourth quarter. That happened to be the drive that led to the game-winning score. My point is receivers can disappear during a game. The Eagles figured it out in the second half of that game.
The Steelers also have stopped offenses headed into the game on a roll. Remember the San Diego Chargers? There were several pundits who picked the Chargers because their offense was on fire coming into the game. The Steelers gave up 308 yards and three TD passes to Philip Rivers, but two of those came in the fourth quarter when the game was over. And many of those passing yards came because the Chargers only could rush for 15 yards.
Be careful listening to all this talk about the Cardinals offense and how it will beat the Steelers. Remember, defense still wins championships.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Understand me a little better
If you read this blog, you know I'm a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. I became a fan in part because I was born into it and watched my father root for the team. But even though I also embraced the Chicago Bears during my years living in the Chicago suburbs, I remained a citizen of Steeler Nation.
With Super Bowl XLIII on the horizon, more focus is on the Steeler Nation. ESPN.com has stories on the "Steeler bars" around the world as well as the origin of the Terrible Towel. The video interview with towel creator Myron Cope is classic, by the way.
Full disclosure: Fort Wayne has four Steeler bars, including Wrigley Field Bar & Grill. And I do have a Terrible Towel, pictured here. It was a gift from my grandfather, who was as loyal a fan as they come.
Three more days ...
With Super Bowl XLIII on the horizon, more focus is on the Steeler Nation. ESPN.com has stories on the "Steeler bars" around the world as well as the origin of the Terrible Towel. The video interview with towel creator Myron Cope is classic, by the way.
Full disclosure: Fort Wayne has four Steeler bars, including Wrigley Field Bar & Grill. And I do have a Terrible Towel, pictured here. It was a gift from my grandfather, who was as loyal a fan as they come.
Three more days ...
In need of a break
I don't know what's worse, the fact that IU men's basketball team lost a game to Northwestern that it easily could have won or that the team lost despite its maximum effort.
At first I was angry when the losses began piling up. Now that I see the team improving and staying competitive, I feel for the players because all the work has not paid off. The last two games, Wednesday's game and a Jan. 25 loss to Minnesota, were miles ahead of where the team was in December, when it last won a game.
Alas, there was plenty of blame to go around for this loss. Devan Dumes committing a foul with 6 second left that allowed Northwestern to take the lead, Verdell Jones committing seven turnovers and the 25 points given up off the team's 22 turnovers. And of course the blown in-bounds play with 5 seconds left.
That game was probably the most complete game I have seen the team play in a long time. They refused to give up, even when down 11 points in the second half, even when Wildcats star Kevin Colbe made unbelievable shots. I just wish the Hoosiers could get a break.
Looking forward, a win could come as early as next week. Saturday's game against Ohio State is probably a loss. But the streak could end Feb. 4 when Iowa comes to Assembly Hall. The Hawkeyes are 2-5 in the conference and IU only lost by 5 in Iowa City. After that game, there may be only one more chance, Feb. 25 against Northwestern.
I just hope they can get a break. If they continue to play hard, they should be able to make a few breaks. I feel like this team has earned a couple wins already. I hope they get what they deserve.
At first I was angry when the losses began piling up. Now that I see the team improving and staying competitive, I feel for the players because all the work has not paid off. The last two games, Wednesday's game and a Jan. 25 loss to Minnesota, were miles ahead of where the team was in December, when it last won a game.
Alas, there was plenty of blame to go around for this loss. Devan Dumes committing a foul with 6 second left that allowed Northwestern to take the lead, Verdell Jones committing seven turnovers and the 25 points given up off the team's 22 turnovers. And of course the blown in-bounds play with 5 seconds left.
That game was probably the most complete game I have seen the team play in a long time. They refused to give up, even when down 11 points in the second half, even when Wildcats star Kevin Colbe made unbelievable shots. I just wish the Hoosiers could get a break.
Looking forward, a win could come as early as next week. Saturday's game against Ohio State is probably a loss. But the streak could end Feb. 4 when Iowa comes to Assembly Hall. The Hawkeyes are 2-5 in the conference and IU only lost by 5 in Iowa City. After that game, there may be only one more chance, Feb. 25 against Northwestern.
I just hope they can get a break. If they continue to play hard, they should be able to make a few breaks. I feel like this team has earned a couple wins already. I hope they get what they deserve.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Would'a, should'a
Once again, the IU men's basketball team could not get it done down the stretch. With under a minute to go and down three, all they could muster was a bad three-point shot. It wasn't even close and losing streak continued.
This was the second Big Ten game the Hoosiers should have won. The other was the blown blow-out of Michigan that ended in an overtime loss.
The Hoosiers were able to play well in stretches, but every time they had a chance to take the lead or tie, it ended in a turnover or missed shot. IU also missed 10 free throws, which probably was the biggest obstacle to victory today. Minnesota did not play like the 20th-ranked team in the country.
More and more, these Hoosiers remind me a lot of Northwestern. The Wildcats have landed some talent over the last 10 to 15 years, but have not managed to beat too many Big Ten opponents. I watched, and attended, several IU-Northwestern games where the Hoosiers played downright awful. They would be down 10 points in the second half and I would be thinking it was over. But somehow, IU would pull the game out.
Is that superior talent winning in the end or is it an opponent not knowing how to close? IU would play 30 bad minutes, but manage 10 good minutes and pull out a victory.
This year's IU team appears similar to those Wildcats. It is going to take a super-human effort for an entire game to get a win. We've seen even a few bad minutes are enough to lose a game.
The Hoosiers travel to Northwestern on Jan. 28 looking for that first conference win. The effort may be there again, but will that be enough?
This was the second Big Ten game the Hoosiers should have won. The other was the blown blow-out of Michigan that ended in an overtime loss.
The Hoosiers were able to play well in stretches, but every time they had a chance to take the lead or tie, it ended in a turnover or missed shot. IU also missed 10 free throws, which probably was the biggest obstacle to victory today. Minnesota did not play like the 20th-ranked team in the country.
More and more, these Hoosiers remind me a lot of Northwestern. The Wildcats have landed some talent over the last 10 to 15 years, but have not managed to beat too many Big Ten opponents. I watched, and attended, several IU-Northwestern games where the Hoosiers played downright awful. They would be down 10 points in the second half and I would be thinking it was over. But somehow, IU would pull the game out.
Is that superior talent winning in the end or is it an opponent not knowing how to close? IU would play 30 bad minutes, but manage 10 good minutes and pull out a victory.
This year's IU team appears similar to those Wildcats. It is going to take a super-human effort for an entire game to get a win. We've seen even a few bad minutes are enough to lose a game.
The Hoosiers travel to Northwestern on Jan. 28 looking for that first conference win. The effort may be there again, but will that be enough?
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Memories of Super Bowls past
There was an interesting piece on former Steelers coach Chuck Noll on ESPN.com this week.
Since the Steelers are appearing in their seventh Super Bowl in a little more than seven days, it is fitting someone tries to talk with the one coach that has four rings.
Noll was not available, as it indicates in the story. He seemingly has moved on from football and is concentrating on his other interests during his retirement.
I agree Noll is one of the most underrated football coaches of all time. I believe he is overlooked because he had nine Hall of Famers on his teams in the late 1970s, when he won four titles in six years. Noll had to take all that talent and point it in the right direction. It's easy to have a lot of talent and still lose.
But I wonder whether the Steelers of that era could have been better. My father, a long-time Steelers season ticket holder and witness to the Immaculate Reception, second-guesses Noll all the time. He argues the Steelers could have won the Super Bowl in 1976, the year most experts believe the Steel Curtain defense was at its best.
Running backs Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier got injured in the divisional playoffs when the game was over. In the AFC Championship, the Steelers couldn't handle the Raiders with no running game. My dad argues, the team should not have been in a position to loose two starting running backs.
I wonder why Noll could not put together another great team after that six-year stretch. Of course, no one could expect him to draft another nine Hall of Famers. But the Steelers never competed on that high a level again during his tenure, appearing in only one AFC Championship after 1980 -- a loss to the Miami Dolphins in 1984.
I'm really nit-picking what is a great legacy. I could make similar arguments about the legacy of Bill Cowher, Noll's successor. He made only two Super Bowl appearances despite six AFC Championship appearances. And five of those games were at home.
Noll was a great coach, no question. One of the best ever. He was not the offensive genius like Bill Walsh. He also wasn't flamboyant like Bill Parcells or Mike Ditka. Noll was a great judge of talent. And maybe most important, he was exactly what that team needed. He determined how the Steelers could play their best and then got out of the way. He wanted the focus on the players.
Since the Steelers are appearing in their seventh Super Bowl in a little more than seven days, it is fitting someone tries to talk with the one coach that has four rings.
Noll was not available, as it indicates in the story. He seemingly has moved on from football and is concentrating on his other interests during his retirement.
I agree Noll is one of the most underrated football coaches of all time. I believe he is overlooked because he had nine Hall of Famers on his teams in the late 1970s, when he won four titles in six years. Noll had to take all that talent and point it in the right direction. It's easy to have a lot of talent and still lose.
But I wonder whether the Steelers of that era could have been better. My father, a long-time Steelers season ticket holder and witness to the Immaculate Reception, second-guesses Noll all the time. He argues the Steelers could have won the Super Bowl in 1976, the year most experts believe the Steel Curtain defense was at its best.
Running backs Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier got injured in the divisional playoffs when the game was over. In the AFC Championship, the Steelers couldn't handle the Raiders with no running game. My dad argues, the team should not have been in a position to loose two starting running backs.
I wonder why Noll could not put together another great team after that six-year stretch. Of course, no one could expect him to draft another nine Hall of Famers. But the Steelers never competed on that high a level again during his tenure, appearing in only one AFC Championship after 1980 -- a loss to the Miami Dolphins in 1984.
I'm really nit-picking what is a great legacy. I could make similar arguments about the legacy of Bill Cowher, Noll's successor. He made only two Super Bowl appearances despite six AFC Championship appearances. And five of those games were at home.
Noll was a great coach, no question. One of the best ever. He was not the offensive genius like Bill Walsh. He also wasn't flamboyant like Bill Parcells or Mike Ditka. Noll was a great judge of talent. And maybe most important, he was exactly what that team needed. He determined how the Steelers could play their best and then got out of the way. He wanted the focus on the players.
Friday, January 23, 2009
The other game in town
When I was an IU student, men's basketball was the only full-time thought for most people once football season ended. Actually it probably was the only thought for most people during football season, too. Even national championship-calibre teams like the men's soccer team took a back seat to men's basketball.
There also is a women's basketball team on campus. While this team doesn't have the history or tradition as Hoosier men's basketball, four NCAA tournament appearances and no national championships, it happens to be playing better than the men's team this season.
The women's team is in first place in the Big Ten and has a 14-3 overall record. Its 7-1 conference mark is the team's best start ever. Yet this team is playing in front of almost nobody. On Jan. 19, when IU knocked off Purdue in Assembly Hall to take over first place, there were 4,112 fans at the game. It was the largest crowd of the season.
The Lady Hoosiers clearly are a Bloomington gem waiting to be discovered. 4,112 people fill 23.5 percent of the Assembly Hall seating capacity, which is more than 17,400. You could probably hear the ball bouncing on the floor the entire game. This is a first-place team.
A loss to Xavier on Nov. 16 brought 506 fans. The smallest crowd for a men's basketball game this season, which includes the current 8-game losing streak, is 10,701 for the Dec. 22 loss to Northeastern.
Am I calling for 17,000 fans to show up for every game? No. But isn't it time someone jumped on this bandwagon? And as the IU athletic department works to fight revenue issues, women's basketball may be another opportunity.
A boisterous home crowd also likely will lead to more wins. More wins lead to better coaches and recruits, which leads to more post-season appearances. Purdue built its women's basketball program into a power and managed to win a national championship.
I don't think IU women's basketball can become the next Tennessee or UConn, but I think the program can become a consistent winner and NCAA tournament participant.
There also is a women's basketball team on campus. While this team doesn't have the history or tradition as Hoosier men's basketball, four NCAA tournament appearances and no national championships, it happens to be playing better than the men's team this season.
The women's team is in first place in the Big Ten and has a 14-3 overall record. Its 7-1 conference mark is the team's best start ever. Yet this team is playing in front of almost nobody. On Jan. 19, when IU knocked off Purdue in Assembly Hall to take over first place, there were 4,112 fans at the game. It was the largest crowd of the season.
The Lady Hoosiers clearly are a Bloomington gem waiting to be discovered. 4,112 people fill 23.5 percent of the Assembly Hall seating capacity, which is more than 17,400. You could probably hear the ball bouncing on the floor the entire game. This is a first-place team.
A loss to Xavier on Nov. 16 brought 506 fans. The smallest crowd for a men's basketball game this season, which includes the current 8-game losing streak, is 10,701 for the Dec. 22 loss to Northeastern.
Am I calling for 17,000 fans to show up for every game? No. But isn't it time someone jumped on this bandwagon? And as the IU athletic department works to fight revenue issues, women's basketball may be another opportunity.
A boisterous home crowd also likely will lead to more wins. More wins lead to better coaches and recruits, which leads to more post-season appearances. Purdue built its women's basketball program into a power and managed to win a national championship.
I don't think IU women's basketball can become the next Tennessee or UConn, but I think the program can become a consistent winner and NCAA tournament participant.
Monday, January 19, 2009
39 little words
Unless you've been living under a rock, you should know that Barack Obama will be inaugurated President of the United States tomorrow.
While there will be lots of ceremony, a speech and a parade, the most important item will last a handful of seconds. Obama will say 39 words:
My wife and spent nearly an hour reading and signing papers to complete the purchase of our house once we spent days negotiating the price. I have spent several hours filling out and reading paperwork for a job once I managed to convince the company to hire me.
I suppose it's fitting the person taking over probably the toughest job ever conceived takes less than a minute to be installed.
But these words Obama and his 43 colleagues have spoken say volumes about what Americans expect from their leader. Obama will be expected no just to do his job, but do it to the best of his ability. As a media member, I can attest Americans spend a lot of time arguing over whether the president is in top form.
He also is expected to uphold the Constitution and its principals, the framework of the U.S. government. Obama will not be allowed to act as he chooses, he must obey the rules we have given him. That's not easy as we have seen with his immediate predecessor and others.
The president is an instrument of our government, not the master of it, and the oath is a testament to it. He is filling a job Americans open every four years. Tomorrow, we'll be reminded of exactly what we expect of our new employee with 39 words.
While there will be lots of ceremony, a speech and a parade, the most important item will last a handful of seconds. Obama will say 39 words:
"I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. So help me God."Once the election is decided, that's all it takes to become the most powerful man in the world, commander-in-chief of the most well-equipped and trained military in the world and hold the keys to enough nuclear weapons to destroy the planet.
My wife and spent nearly an hour reading and signing papers to complete the purchase of our house once we spent days negotiating the price. I have spent several hours filling out and reading paperwork for a job once I managed to convince the company to hire me.
I suppose it's fitting the person taking over probably the toughest job ever conceived takes less than a minute to be installed.
But these words Obama and his 43 colleagues have spoken say volumes about what Americans expect from their leader. Obama will be expected no just to do his job, but do it to the best of his ability. As a media member, I can attest Americans spend a lot of time arguing over whether the president is in top form.
He also is expected to uphold the Constitution and its principals, the framework of the U.S. government. Obama will not be allowed to act as he chooses, he must obey the rules we have given him. That's not easy as we have seen with his immediate predecessor and others.
The president is an instrument of our government, not the master of it, and the oath is a testament to it. He is filling a job Americans open every four years. Tomorrow, we'll be reminded of exactly what we expect of our new employee with 39 words.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Championship Sunday
There will be a lot of these waving in Pittsburgh tonight. It's game day. Finally.
After listening to previews, analysis and predictions, we finally get to see a game between the Steelers and Ravens. This game has all the makings of a classic. In fact it reminds me of the mid-1970s, when the Steelers and Raiders played some classic AFC Championships.
This was one of the best, from the 1975 game at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh. This clip is a touchdown by Franco Harris.
Another clip from the game, this one a touchdown catch by John Stallworth.
The best part about both rivalries has been the quality of the play. Both teams hit hard and were successful. This year, the Steelers won both regular season games, but each was close. It is fitting both are back for a third match-up.
Expect few points to be scored in the cold Pittsburgh weather. I may be biased, but I think the Steelers can get it done. The game will be close again, but I think the Steelers can make the plays when the game is on the line.
Hopefully they'll be lots of celebrating tonight in Heinz Field.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
When will it pay off?
As I watch the IU-Penn State game, I keep hearing a lot about effort.
"Nobody will work as hard as (Coach Tom Crean's) Hoosier team," the analyst says.
At some point, shouldn't we expect something from all that effort? When will the Hoosiers finally get a break? When will the other team not make a 3-pointer on every possession in the first half? When will the Hoosiers get a win as some tangible evidence for all this effort I hear so much about?
The Hoosiers have lost seven straight games. Most of those losses have been ugly and painful. IU is last in the Big Ten in field goal percentage and three-point shooting percentage and scoring average. The team is ninth in free throws made and last in three pointers made, a full 15 shots by 10th place Michigan State.
The team does play hard and I appreciate it. Maybe I'm a little frustrated with the Hoosier mistakes, with how opponents always seem to play like national champions.
I just hope they can put it all together sometime this season. I'm already sick of the analyst talk as the Hoosiers fall farther behind:
"You better get your shots in now," they say. "This team will be back."
Update: The Hoosiers hung tough and had a chance to win, but ultimately lost to Penn State 65-55.
"Nobody will work as hard as (Coach Tom Crean's) Hoosier team," the analyst says.
At some point, shouldn't we expect something from all that effort? When will the Hoosiers finally get a break? When will the other team not make a 3-pointer on every possession in the first half? When will the Hoosiers get a win as some tangible evidence for all this effort I hear so much about?
The Hoosiers have lost seven straight games. Most of those losses have been ugly and painful. IU is last in the Big Ten in field goal percentage and three-point shooting percentage and scoring average. The team is ninth in free throws made and last in three pointers made, a full 15 shots by 10th place Michigan State.
The team does play hard and I appreciate it. Maybe I'm a little frustrated with the Hoosier mistakes, with how opponents always seem to play like national champions.
I just hope they can put it all together sometime this season. I'm already sick of the analyst talk as the Hoosiers fall farther behind:
"You better get your shots in now," they say. "This team will be back."
Update: The Hoosiers hung tough and had a chance to win, but ultimately lost to Penn State 65-55.
Friday, January 2, 2009
The NFL playoffs are upon us...
Yet our friends in Minneapolis don't seem to have got the message. The Vikings are desperately trying to move the remaining tickets so the game will not be blacked-out in Minneapolis.
Did I miss something? Are Vikings fans spoiled from too many playoff appearances? This year, the team secured its first playoff berth since 2004 and first division title since 2000. If the team can sell out eight regular-season games, it surely can sell out one post-season game. These are the games fans wait all year to attend.
I was at the 2001 Bears game when the team clinched its first playoff appearance in what seemed like forever with a win over the Buccaneers. The announcement came over the loud speaker and the place went nuts. There was no question the playoff tickets would be gone in a heart beat, even though the team lost to the Eagles.
The Vikings face a good team in the Eagles, but they still have a good chance to win. Running back Adrian Peterson can beat teams by himself.
The Arizona Cardinals also risked black-out until Friday, when they finally sold all their playoff tickets. That team has been a perennial doormat for most of the decade, last appearing in the post-season since 1998. This year, the Cardinals won their first division title since 1975.
Fans in Phoenix don't seem to have an excuse, since the only post-season action that has happened there in recent memory is last year's Super Bowl, which was a neutral field. It has been mentioned Cardinals faithful may not be interested in seeing the team lose to the Atlanta Falcons this weekend. What kind of rationale is that? If that were the case, no one would buy playoff tickets to watch the Cubs play anyone in the MLB divisional playoffs.
Let's show a little faith, or, dare say it, a little heart. Somebody out there has to remind Minnesota and Arizona that "You gotta believe."
Did I miss something? Are Vikings fans spoiled from too many playoff appearances? This year, the team secured its first playoff berth since 2004 and first division title since 2000. If the team can sell out eight regular-season games, it surely can sell out one post-season game. These are the games fans wait all year to attend.
I was at the 2001 Bears game when the team clinched its first playoff appearance in what seemed like forever with a win over the Buccaneers. The announcement came over the loud speaker and the place went nuts. There was no question the playoff tickets would be gone in a heart beat, even though the team lost to the Eagles.
The Vikings face a good team in the Eagles, but they still have a good chance to win. Running back Adrian Peterson can beat teams by himself.
The Arizona Cardinals also risked black-out until Friday, when they finally sold all their playoff tickets. That team has been a perennial doormat for most of the decade, last appearing in the post-season since 1998. This year, the Cardinals won their first division title since 1975.
Fans in Phoenix don't seem to have an excuse, since the only post-season action that has happened there in recent memory is last year's Super Bowl, which was a neutral field. It has been mentioned Cardinals faithful may not be interested in seeing the team lose to the Atlanta Falcons this weekend. What kind of rationale is that? If that were the case, no one would buy playoff tickets to watch the Cubs play anyone in the MLB divisional playoffs.
Let's show a little faith, or, dare say it, a little heart. Somebody out there has to remind Minnesota and Arizona that "You gotta believe."
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