...randomness surrounding Guided by Voices, Robert Pollard, and other great indie rock bands; a quasi objective look at "my" sporting teams; the random horror film; plus other crap as we see fit...all with a Pittsburgh based feel.

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Who Needs Ronaldhino?; Mid-Week Footie; Penn St Losers; Steelers Winners

This goal from Barca's 2-1 win over Sevilla Saturday is just sick. Not only the finish by Messi, but the pin-point delivery from Henry is even more incredible. Tied Nil-Nil in the 70th minute, minus Eto'o, Ronaldhino, and Puyol (all injured), what a way for these two world class players to step up. And with only 5 points in 3 games, this game was huge for the Beloved.



Just kidding about Ronnie. Apparently though, talks of his move to Chelsea won't die down. I actually saw this morning that he'd already agreed to terms with Chelsea, per the ESPN bottom line ticker. And you know its official when it's from the "World Wide Leader." But Barcelona brass, including Frank Rijkaard, insists their relationship with the Brazilian stud are fine and that he is staying put (his contract runs through 2011.) Ronnie's agent (who is also his brother), also denies the move. So that's good.

I was pretty excited to see the possibilities of the fantastic 4 this year. But with injuries and benchings, I don't believe all 4 have been on the field at the same time this year. Speaking of big matches, there's some great midweek footie on today...

GOLTV - 4:00pm - Barcelona vs. Zaragoza. With a win, we can temporarily take the top spot in the table (Real Madrid plays Thursday).

Wednesday Serie A action on FSC:

2:30pm - Roma v. Fiorentina. Roma's got a 2 point lead at the top after a 2-2 draw vs. Juve Sunday. Fiorentina's only 2 points back, and it appears Roma will be without Francesco Totti, as he'll rest up for Saturday's big match against Inter, and next week's Champions League tilt vs. Man Utd. Speaking of Totti...I can't think of a better excuse to post this lovely picture of Ilary Blasi, Italian model and Francesco's wife. Que bella!




4:30 - Inter v. Sampdoria. Amazingly, with how poor they've looked so far, Inter is still sitting in 2nd place only 2 points back. With a win and a Roma loss, we could be back atop the table where we belong. That would be cool.

Carling Cup:

Lots of Carling Cup action this week. I missed Liverpool's 3-2 win over Reading yesterday. But I did see the highlights. NOTE TO RAFA: Fernando Torres NEEDS TO PLAY. Instead of being the potential difference maker in Saturday's disappointing 0-0 home draw to Birmingham in Prem play, Torres plays Tuesday in the Carling Cup and scores a hat trick.

The Carling Cup is 3rd on the priority list...behind the Premiership and Champions League. I love Benitez, but he's gotta get this straight. With a full 90 outta Torres Saturday, we probably don't drop 2 points at home to a promoted squad.


And speaking of disappointments...I'm tired of losing to Michigan and frickin Lloyd Carr. Penn State once again comes up short in the big game, and here's your 3 reasons why:

1) Anthony Morelli. Talented strong arm does not a QB make. He's not a winner, pure and simple. One look in his eyes during a big game will tell you that.

2) Game plan. Trying to play smashmouth played right into Michigan's hands. Did Joe Pa see any of the Oregon game? Or the USC or Ohio State games from last year? Instead of utilizing our talented WRs (and strong arm of Morelli), we're content in playing not to lose. So...we lose.

3) Austin Scott. Sorry, bud. You've had your chance to shine with Tony Hunt gone, and you've literally fumbled it away. Scott shouldn't get a meaningful carry the rest of the year.


Anyone checked my pre-season predictions lately? 3-0 and rolling. Seems everyone forgot we were only 1 year removed from a Superbowl, 2 years removed from a 15-1 season. Now...we've got rid of a lame duck HC in Cowher, we've got a better secondary, a better #2 WR in Holmes, and 1 more year under Ben's belt.

No reason to be surprised. We're still behind New England and Indy, but that's about it. Sure, we've played some weak opponents, but burying lesser teams is part of the equation. 12-4 is looking much more realistic.

And Bryant McFadden's the best CB on the team :)

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