The Sports Monitor

Some of the Steelers' worst losses

2012-01-24T16:48:00.000-05:00

The Steelers' loss to the Broncos in the playoffs still is fresh in my head, even though in was way back in wild-card weekend.

Also notable from that loss was a comment made by Hines Ward after the Steelers' surprising loss 29-23 loss:

"This will stick with (us) a lot as one of the worst games we ever lost."

Yeah, that was a tough loss to take, but I'm not sure it cracks this list:

Steelers lose 24-7 to the Raiders in the 1976 AFC Championship Game. The Raiders beat a Steelers team without Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier. This was probably the best Steelers team of all time and the injuries prevented the Steelers from winning three straight Super Bowls.
Steelers lose to Cowboys 27-17 in Super Bowl XXX. Neil O'Donnell makes Larry Brown the Super Bowl MVP.
Steelers lose to Patriots 24-21 in AFC Championship Game in January 2002. Troy Brown returns a punt for a TD.
Steelers lose to Chargers 17-13 in AFC Championship Game in 1995. Ugly loss to a team the Steelers should have beaten. Game-winning drive stopped 3 yards short.
Steelers lose to Patriots 41-27 in AFC Championship Game in January 2005. That's the year the Steelers went 15-1.
Steelers lose to Packers 31-25 in Super Bowl XLV. Remember Rashard Mendenhall's fumble?
Steelers lose to Broncos 24-21 in AFC Championship Game in January 1998. Kordell Stewart comes up with some key turnovers.
Steelers lose to Titans 34-31 in playoffs. The infamous roughing the kicker call gave the Titans another shot to win the game.
Steelers lose to Jags 31-29 in playoffs. The Steelers rallied, only to lose at the end.
Steelers lose 23-20 to the Baltimore Ravens on Nov. 7. The loss essentially put the Steelers in wild-card weekend and that matchup against the Broncos.
Steelers lose to Raiders 27-24 in 2009. That was the game with the Raiders' big fourth-quarter comeback.
Steelers lose to Texans 24-6. This was the game the Steelers piled up a thousand yards of offense (it was actually around 400) to the Texans total of under 100. Somehow, the Steelers lost.

What losses stick out in your mind?

Who's the bigger goat: Cundiff or Williams?

2012-01-23T15:50:00.000-05:00

After watching the two championship games Sunday night, one thing became clear.

An argument can be made that the Ravens and 49ers both lost the games instead of the Patriots and Giants winning.

That being said, which goat from the two games would you rather be

Billy Cundiff, the Ravens kicker who missed a 32-yard field goal that would have sent the AFC Championship Game into overtime
Kyle Williams, the 49ers punt returner who had to bad miscues, the last set up the Giants' game-winning kick in overtime

I think I'd rather be Cundiff. And I made that decision before reports surfaced that Williams was receiving death threats.

What's your take?

Ravens should meet 49ers in the Super Bowl

2012-01-22T02:29:00.001-05:00

This entire postseason, we've heard all about the offenses in the NFL.

Then they played the games.

The defenses have stood out the past couple weeks, and I'd expect that to be the case for today's conference championship games.

The consensus is a Patriots-Giants Super Bowl, and there's nothing wrong with thinking that.

I'm not sold on it happening, however.

AFC Championship Game: Ravens at Patriots

It's all about Tom Brady in New England.

He's gotten all of the hype, and after a six-touchdown pass game, he deserves it. However, it's the defense that people will talk about after the game.

The Ravens know how to beat the Pats. They have the running game to keep the ball away from Brady and the Patriots' offense.

The big question is whether the Ravens will get the play needed from their quarterback to win.

Many people have their doubts, including members of the Ravens.

Somehow, with Ray Rice running the ball, and the Ravens smacking the Patriots around a couple times, I think Baltimore sneaks out of Foxborough with a win.

Here's my I-can't-believe-Joe-Flacco-is-going-to-Indy prediction: Ravens 33, Patriots 27

NFC Championship Game: Giants at 49ers

I can believe that the 49ers won last week. I still can't believe the throw by Alex Smith and catch by Vernon Davis.

It's was quite a grab to win a playoff game. It was enough to invoke memories of Joe Montana and Steve Young.

I'm not quite there yet, but I do believe the Niners have something good going on.

They'll face a surging defense with the Giants. And let's not forget about Eli Manning and his receivers.

I think the Niners can shut them down. Maybe there's another miracle in Candlestick Park.

Maybe Smith can make a play, Frank Gore can find his running game and Davis one more big catch.

More importantly, here's to the better defense: 49ers 19, Giants 17

Overrated Arians might not be back with Steelers

2012-01-19T02:44:00.000-05:00

Is Bruce Arians on his way out of Pittsburgh?

I fell for that two years ago when it was reported Arians wasn't going to return.

I'll refrain from cheering until I hear it's official. I'll also refrain until I hear who replaces him.

Instead, I'll repeat my position on Arians.

If he is such a good coordinator, as some might say -- or, at the very least, his supporters say Arians doesn't deserve the criticism -- why is Arians never mentioned as a possible head coaching candidate?

Seriously. Why is Arians never on the short list of any vacancy in the NFL? I simply do not recall him getting any mentions as a head coach.

Why?

The Steelers have been to two Super Bowls recently, winning one of them. Usually coordinators on successful teams have teams beating down their doors for interviews.

With Arians? There's no such clamor.

The clamoring is from people asking for him to leave.

They might get their wish.

I'm in that camp, but I'm hesitant.

Can the Steelers improve on Arians? Absolutely.

But they also can strike out.

That's why I'll wait and see what happens.

Let's not crown the 49ers' Alex Smith just yet

2012-01-15T02:03:00.001-05:00

Alex Smith to Vernon Davis.

Seriously? Smith to Davis?

The next Montana to Clark in 49ers' lore?

That's what they're saying in San Francisco after Saturday's thrilling 36-32 win over the New Orleans Saints in the NFC divisional playoffs.

It's a great win for San Francisco fans. And Davis' grab at the end of the game was one heck of a play. He took quite a hit in the end zone.

But let's not make them legends just yet. So excuse me while a rain on their parade.

Once Smith continues to perform at a level warranted of legends like Joe Montana, then throw him in that class.

San Francisco's defense deserves some credit, too, for picking off Saints quarterback Drew Brees twice and recovering two fumbles. The Niners offense, however, continued to look like it was allergic to the end zone until the end of the game.

So, San Fran fans, enjoy the win. It likely won't happen next week.

The 49ers still are flawed and I would pick against them in the NFC Championship Game against either the Giants or Packers. And, yes, Smith is still the quarterback.

I'd like to see him do it at least one more week before we anoint him as the third coming in SF.

Until that happens, it looks like he could be next week's Tim Tebow.

NFL championship weekend will be Pats-Ravens, Packers-Saints

2012-01-14T14:33:00.001-05:00

I had a rough weekend picking the wild-card round.

I had too many outside influences on my choices.

Fantasy football leagues, home teams, allegiances all came into play.

I've eliminated all the outside factors this week.

It's time to bounce back.

Saints at 49ers:

Classic matchup between great offense and great defense. The Niners are at home and on grass, which should slow down the Saints, but I don't see how Alex Smith can lead San Fran past Drew Brees and the Saints.

If the Niners are to win, the defense will need some turnovers and probably score at least one touchdown.

The Saints are just too much.

Saints 27, 49ers 16

Giants at Packers:

Don't look now, but the Giants defense on a roll. They will face a serious test against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, but they are peaking at the right time.

Will it be enough? I don't think so.

All season, Rodgers and Co. have come through, putting up the points when needed.

The Giants might shut down the Packers for a quarter or two, but the Pack could put up 21 points in one quarter for it to be enough.

Packers 31, Giants 23.

Broncos at Patriots:

Yes, we've all heard enough about Tim Tebow.

On paper, the Patriots should roll to a win. But in my gut, it says go with Tebowmania.

I should. But I can't.

The Patriots have a terrible defense, but the Tom Brady-led offense should be enough to stop the hype machine of Tebow.

But, if it's close, and Denver has a chance to win at the end ... don't be surprised if Tebow does it again.

I won't.

Patriots 33, Broncos 24

Texans at Ravens:

The other playoff games feature great offenses. This one will feature just great defenses.

The Texans' defense is better, but the Ravens are at home and have a playoff-tested quarterback in Joe Flacco.

I don't have to like it, but I'll take the Ravens.

Ravens 20, Texans 16

'Bama rules, but not in my book

2012-01-10T16:43:00.000-05:00

I know I'm on the wrong side of the majority here, but I don't see Alabama as the deserving No. 1 team in the country after Monday's win over LSU in the BCS championship game.

Part of that is my belief that Alabama didn't deserve to be in the game in the first place.

The Crimson Tide didn't win their division in the SEC and didn't play in the SEC championship game. That enough should have kept them out.

But the way the BCS is rigged, deserving teams like Oklahoma State didn't have a chance.

And, yes, I did want to see Oklahoma State in the title game.

I think the Cowboys would have beaten LSU, especially the conservative one that showed up Monday night at the Superdome.

I don't think the Tigers would have been able to slow down Justin Blackmon, which would have given the Cowboys the edge.

And I think the LSU offense was overrated, too. They couldn't score a single touchdown in two games and an overtime against Alabama. Rave about the 'Bama defense all you want, but Kent State, Penn State and Georgia Southern all scored against the Tide.

Enjoy the championship, Alabama fans and BCS fans.

I'll hope some sort of playoff comes our way eventually.

What happened to that Steelers' defense?

2012-01-09T14:54:00.000-05:00

I'm still scratching my head wondering how the Pittsburgh Steelers let the Denver Broncos win Sunday's AFC wild-card game.

The defense was supposed to be No. 1-ranked defense and No. 1 in passing yards allowed. Yet Tim Tebow threw for 316 yards.

Ike Taylor will get a brunt of the criticism because he couldn't cover himself with a blanket during the game.

But it's not all his fault.

The defense did not sack Tebow. In fact, it looked like they were afraid to deliver a hit to Tebow, who looks more like a tight end than a frail quarterback.

It appeared the Steelers sold out to stop the run, daring Tebow to beat them with the pass. In fact, it looked like they didn't think Tebow could complete a pass.

I have to admit, I, too, don't think he's much of a passer, but he completed enough to win. And, man, those completions were long.

Maybe the Steelers just had a bad game plan.

Maybe the team was too old on defense.

Maybe Ben Roethlisberger hurt them more than helped.

Maybe they overlooked the Broncos, believing they could beat Denver by showing up.

Or maybe, Denver was just better on this day.

Whatever the case, I won't be the only one scratching my head over this one.

Steelers leave Denver stunned and beaten

2012-01-09T02:21:00.000-05:00

The Steelers got Tebowed?

Nah.

For a team to get Tebowed, it must have the game in control and have Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow pull out a stunning victory.

Outside a 6-0 lead in the first quarter, the Steelers never were in control of their AFC wild-card game against the Broncos on Sunday.

Tebow made the Steelers defense look silly, making big play after big play. He passed for 316 yards, a career high.

The last 80 yards came in overtime on a catch-and-run on the first play.

Game over.

Season over.

But it shouldn't come as a big surprise.

Even though the Steelers won 12 games, they hardly looked like a dominant team. They never really had the look of a team ready to compete for a Super Bowl championship.

They especially struggled on the road, barely getting b weaklings in Indy and K.C.

And now comes the Tebow game.

The defense should be embarrassed for allowing the number of big plays.

I warned of a perfect storm brewing for an upset. It all came to pass.

You can blame Ben Roethlisberger's injury, Maurkice Pouncey's injury, Ryan Clark missing the game or Rashard Mendenhall's injury.

The way the team played, I'm not sure much would have changed with all of them at 100 percent.

There's no way around it: The Broncos beat the Steelers.

Now the Steelers will have a whole offseason to ponder what went wrong.

Perfect storm forming for Broncos' upset

2012-01-08T02:23:00.003-05:00

Everyone is saying this should be a playoff game the Pittsburgh Steelers win.

The Denver Broncos backed into the playoffs, quarterback Tim Tebow is struggling and the team doesn't deserve to be in the postseason.

I don't see it that way.

I see a dangerous team playing with house money in front of a home crowd.

I also see a beat-up Steelers team.

The game certainly can be a lot closer than people expect, and the Broncos can pull off the upset.

Fans point to Tebow's struggles the last three weeks, especially last week's 7-3 loss to the Chiefs.

They don't say much about a healthier Steelers' team that only scored 13 points against those same Chiefs.

And if you want to talk about struggles, how about Ben Roethlisberger's hard time playing on a bad ankle? He hasn't looked right in his two starts since suffering the injury. Will he be OK?

And I'll leave you with this final thought:

If the Broncos are trailing by six points or less with under three minutes to go, will you be afraid if Tebow has the ball?

Under that scenario, the magic can happen again.

Pitt goes in wrong direction at Compass Bowl

2012-01-08T02:04:00.001-05:00

The Pitt football team scored six points in its spring practice game Saturday in Birmingham, Ala.

The defense, however, gave up 28 points at Legion Field.

OK. It wasn't Pitt's spring practice. It easily could have been.

It was Pitt's BBVA Compass Bowl loss to SMU on Saturday, and it certainly wasn't any more entertaining than a spring practice.

The Panthers gave up 21 straight points before you knew it and had to go through the motions for three more quarters to secure a 6-7 record.

The highlights of the game included a blocked punt, a field-attempt hitting the post, a lost fumble by quarterback Tino Sunseri and a pass bounce off the helmet of one player and into an SMU player's hands.

Yep. It was that kind of a day for Pitt.

Actually, it was a fitting ending for a season that spiraled out of control, highlighted by former coach Todd Graham bolting before the bowl game.

Now the Panthers can look forward to the future with new coach Paul Chryst.

The actual spring game can't come soon enough.

Wild-card round in NFL playoffs should be wild

2012-01-07T02:59:00.001-05:00

The NFL playoffs finally are here, and, if you're like me, you can't get enough of the stuff.

It looks like we should be headed for some high-scoring games, defensive struggles and some close calls this weekend.

Here's how I see the weekend unfolding:

Bengals at Texans:

The Bengals are lucky to be in the postseason, while the Texans are lucky to have a quarterback after going through about 16 during the regular season.

Arian Foster should get plenty of carries for the Texans, along with Ben Tate. The big question is whether quarterback T.J. Yates will be able to find Andre Johnson. If he can, it would go a long way for the Texans to win.

However, something tells me rookie QB Andy Dalton finds some way to win against a tough Texans defense. Maybe he hooks up with A.J. Green on a big play. Maybe the Bengals defense pressures Yates into a big mistake.

Bengals 20, Texans 17.

Lions at Saints:

This game should be fun to watch.

The Saints, powered by record-setting QB Drew Brees, should prevail in a high-scoring game.

Saints 42, Lions 27.

Falcons at Giants:

I'll be curious to see how Falcons QB Matt Ryan performs outside, on the road. If he can adjust to the elements, and it shouldn't be a very cold day in New York, I could see Ryan having a very solid day.

I like the Falcons offense just a bit better than the Giants, with RB Michael Turner and wideouts Julio Jones and Roddy White edging Admad Bradshaw, Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks.

The Giants could prevail, especially with Eli Manning at QB, but I like the Falcons.

Falcons 26, Giants 23.

Steelers at Broncos:

Can the Steelers beat Tim Tebow?

Of course, but I could see the Broncos winning, too.

The Steelers' defense should be able to confuse Tebow enough to win the game.

Steelers 19, Broncos 13.

Big Ben's bum ankle acts up again

2012-01-04T15:13:00.000-05:00

I was leery of the Pittsburgh Steelers playing Ben Roethlisberger against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

It wasn't worth the risk, sending a hobbled quarterback into a meaningless game, unnecessarily risking further injury to someone vital to the team in getting back to the Super Bowl.

Maybe there is something to worry about.

Roethlisberger had a setback with his injured ankle, making a road game against a struggling Broncos team that much more interesting.

For those thinking the game is a gimme, think again.

The Steelers have struggled on the road all season, getting crushed at Baltimore, struggling to beat the Colts, losing against the Texans, barely getting by the Chiefs and edging the Browns.

The wild-card game was going to be tougher before news of Roethlisberger's injury.

Now, it just got a little tougher.

No Mendenhall? No problem

2012-01-02T16:39:00.000-05:00

I wasn't impressed with Rashard Mendenhall this season.

The Pittsburgh Steelers running back finished the season with 928 yards rushing on 228 carries, good for a 4.1 average. He also had nine touchdowns.

He tore his ACL in Sunday's win against the Cleveland Browns, and now the Steelers will enter the playoffs without their leading rusher.

No problem, I say.

Mendenhall didn't have it this season. He had just two 100-yard games, 146 against the Jags and 116 against the Rams. Other than that, his best total was 70 yards against the Patriots.

I don't think the Steelers will miss Mendenhall.

Isaac Redman, despite his two fumbles against the Browns, is a capable fill-in. He totaled 479 yards on 110 carries, a 4.4 average.

I expect the Steelers to use Redman, John Clay and Mewelde Moore against the Broncos.

The bigger worry, to me, is Ben Roethlisberger's health and how he can handle the Denver defense.

It's a shame Mendenhall was injured, but that won't be the main thing to prevent the Steelers from beating the Broncos.

Steelers get shot to tame Tebow

2012-01-01T20:43:00.001-05:00

It was looking like Steelers-Broncos for a couple weeks.

Now it's official.

Pittsburgh will travel to Denver for the first round of the playoffs and get a taste of Tim Tebow mania.

It's a game the Steelers should win.

Just one quick warning: Don't get too confident.

Last year, the Seattle Seahawks won the NFC West with a 7-9 record. Their opponent that wild-card weekend was the New Orleans Saints.

Seattle jumped on New Orleans early and held on to beat the then-defending Super Bowl champs 41-36.

Keep that in the back of your mind during the week.

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T15:05:00.002-05:00

Best wishes to you for a great 2012!

Penn State's in trouble if Mangini is a candidate

2011-12-30T11:51:00.000-05:00

The Penn State football coaching search can't be going very well.

If you're considering hiring former Browns and Jets coach Eric Mangini, well, you're in trouble.

Browns fans probably would like to forget about the Mangini years. Jets fans probably have the same thoughts.

Why would Penn State want Mangini?

Maybe they're desperate. Maybe the program isn't what they thought. Maybe candidates are scared off by what might happen down the road. Maybe they just don't know.

After all, when was the last time Penn State had to look for a coach?

Mike Munchak, Tony Dungy and Chris Peterson (Boise State) all have denied any interest.

Meanwhile, many schools, including Pitt, have filled their vacancies.

Whenever Penn State names a coach, that person will be behind on the recruiting trail.

Nittany Lions fans should just hope that person isn't Eric Mangini.

Steelers should play it safe with Roethlisberger

2011-12-30T11:29:00.000-05:00

I don't believe for a minute that Ben Roethlisberger is healthy enough to play against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

Could he hobble around and throw the ball? Yep.

Is it worth the risk? Nope.

The Steelers should know around kickoff if their game against the Browns has any meaning. If the Cincinnati Bengals beat the Baltimore Ravens, then a Steelers' win gives them the AFC North title. If the Ravens win -- and I think they will -- then the Steelers' game is meaningless.

Roethlisberger should sit either way.

The Steelers shouldn't risk further injury to Big Ben.

I understand his desire to play.

But the Steelers need to understand the need to keep him healthy. Do you think the Browns would like a shot at injuring him as payback for Colt McCoy's concussion? I do.

Any playoff run needs Roethlisberger to be as close to 100 percent as possible.

I don't see how letting him play gets him closer to that goal.

Miami Heat get revenge? Hardly

2011-12-26T11:45:00.001-05:00

Sometimes, perception doesn't equal reality.

That's the case with the Miami Heat's victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Christmas Day.

My guess is you have seen or will see headlines saying "Heat get revenge," or something along those lines.

The Heat really can't get revenge for their loss to the Mavericks in last season's NBA Finals on opening day.

They can't.

They could beat the Mavs in the Finals this year.

That would be revenge.

We have a while to go to see if that can happen.

Merry Christmas, everyone

2011-12-24T13:58:00.002-05:00

Enjoy the holidays!

Steelers need to rest Roethlisberger the next two weeks

2011-12-20T22:33:00.000-05:00

I can't blame the Pittsburgh Steelers for starting a hobbled Ben Roethlisberger against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night.

A win put them in the driver's seat in the AFC, and Roethlisberger gave the Steelers the best chance to win.

It didn't work out.

It was obvious that Roethlisberger had trouble and it hurt the Steelers throughout the night. He couldn't scramble, he couldn't follow through on his throws and he couldn't heave the long ball.

I can't imagine Charlie Batch or Dennis Dixon doing much worse. After all, the Steelers scored just three points.

With little chance to win the division, coach Mike Tomlin should rest Roethlisberger the rest of the season.

He should give Big Ben a big break, let him heal as much as possible and have him ready for the playoffs.

The Baltimore Ravens aren't going to lose in the next two weeks against the Browns and Bengals, which would wrap up the AFC North.

That makes these next two games against the Rams and Browns essentially meaningless.

The best bet for a deep playoff run is with a healthy Big Ben.

Hopefully Tomlin recognizes that.

Steelers' run to division title gets short-circuited

2011-12-20T02:57:00.000-05:00

It was all there for the Pittsburgh Steelers to take.

The inside track for the top seed in the AFC playoffs, a game up on the Ravens for the division title, a chance for a bye week.

Instead, the Steelers short-circuited Monday night against the San Francisco 49ers.

Ben Roethlisberger didn't have the magic this time, throwing three interceptions and losing a fumble. It was a heroic effort by Roethlisberger to take the field, but the performance wasn't there.

The usually strong defense gave up 20 points to a team that's struggled scoring touchdowns.

One night earlier, the Ravens lost on their trip cross country to face the San Diego Chargers. You would think the Steelers would have taken notice.

Instead, the Steelers flopped on Monday Night, a game that was delayed 35 minutes by two power outages at Candlestick Park.

The power certainly was missing from the offense.

Now the Steelers will need a Christmas miracle to gain the division title.

It looks like any path to the Super Bowl will be on the road.

Ravens stumble, giving Steelers quite a gift

2011-12-19T01:20:00.000-05:00

So much for the Baltimore Ravens being in control of the AFC North.

Facing a closing schedule of the Chargers, Browns and Bengals, it looked like the Ravens had the edge in winning the AFC North and sending the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road in the NFL playoffs.

Like I said, so much for that.

The Chargers ran all over the Ravens, beating the Dirty Birds on Sunday night, 34-14.

Now, the Steelers control their own destiny.

But first, it starts with needing a win against the 49ers Monday night.

A loss Monday, and the Ravens will be back in control.

The good news is Ben Roethlisberger should start against the Niners.

I'd expect the Steelers to show up and take advantage of this opportunity.

Mario Cristobal to Pitt? I'd like it

2011-12-16T15:38:00.002-05:00

There are a lot of names out there being tossed around as possible candidates as the next Pitt football coach.

There's one name that I like, Mario Cristobal.

Who?

He's the coach at Florida International.

He's turned around a program that was dreadful and has a team with two winning seasons and two bowl berths. Actually, I don't thin dreadful is a strong enough of a term.

He runs a spread offense, something I think is needed in college football, despite what Todd Graham unveiled this season at Pitt.

Some are quick to disqualify Cristobal because he'll leave after a couple seasons for a bigger and better job.

I understand that argument, but I don't think you'll find a coach to stay that long at many places.

I especially don't think you'll find one to stay that long at Pitt.

The key would be finding one that would be the anti-Graham, leaving the program better than you found it, and leaving with class.

That shouldn't be too hard.

Graham abandons Pitt for Arizona State

2011-12-15T02:29:00.001-05:00

I liked the Todd Graham hire by the Pitt football team in January.

I was looking forward to seeing his high-powered offense in action. I liked the idea of his commitment to Pitt he said after his hire. He talked a great game.

Less than a year later, I have lost all respect for the man.

Graham up-and-left for Arizona State, leaving Pitt, his players and the program on a whim.

Well, maybe it wasn't a whim. Maybe he knew his up-tempo style just wasn't going to work in Year 2 at Pitt. Maybe he couldn't get the right quarterback to run his offense. Maybe he wanted to leave before everyone else figured out that he wasn't as good of a coach as he made himself out to be. Maybe he didn't like the weather.

He's a Sun Devil now.

Ask a Pitt player, and I'd guess they'd say he's something like the devil instead.

Graham notified his players by text or email -- how nice. Nothing being committed to your job.

Athletic director Steve Pederson agreed:

"First and foremost, I want to express the complete support of the University of Pittsburgh for the young men in our football program. Their commitment over this past year has been unwavering and they deserve better than this as they look forward to completing their season with a bowl."

I guess commitment for Graham was like a high-powered offense. It never really developed after a lot of talk.

This move by Graham certainly caught many people by surprise. Pederson got a phone call Tuesday night from Graham and told him he didn't have permission to seek another job.

Of course, Graham fled.

Good luck, Arizona State, you're in for a heck of a ride with your new coach.

And, beware, it might only be for a season, based on Graham's job-jumping.

Good riddance for Pitt.