This isn't the first time the Steelers have been the better team when they play the Patriots.  Yesterday's win was one of the few times they've proven that they were better. 

Steeler generosity has killed them in this rivalry.  It looked like more of the same when the game started with a Roethlisberger gift to start the Steelers in a hole.  But, in what was one of the better performances of the offense in this season, the Steelers prevailed.  Here are a couple of reasons why, according to Tunch Ilkin on the radio broadcast yesterday.

When Teddy Bruschi was in, the Steelers couldn't run.  When he was out, they did.  And they seemed to be aware of Bruschi's run stopping ability and schemed to first get him off the field, then to take advantage of his absence. 

Secondly, Matt Cassel doesn't get rid of the ball as quickly as Tom Brady does.  Consequently, Cassel was sacked enough, hurried even more that he was not so effective yesterday.  The NE offensive line only has to hold their blocks for a couple of seconds for Brady.  For Cassel, they need to hold people back for longer periods.  They couldn't do that yesterday.

Yes, there were dropped passes for New  England.  There were also drops for the Steelers.  Humourously, no one ever wants to blame the weather, but that was pretty foul stuff yesterday.  The better team won.  Finally. 

Pitt took a big one from West Virginia on Friday.  They looked poor for the second and third quarters, but pulled it together for a strong finish.  Now, they've got Connecticut to lock in a big bowl game.  This is another of those that Pitt hasn't been able to beat.  They're just 1-3 against the Huskies. 

Score comparisons are confusing in this one.  Pitt won at South Florida, the Huskies lost close.  Pitt beat WVU, the Huskies lost big at home.  Pitt lost big to Rutgers, the Huskies lost by 2.  This is another of those too close to call contests.  Pitt's played well.  I think they've got a good chance to win Saturday.  If the Panthers win, they'll play in either the Gator or the Sun Bowl against either a PAC 10 or ACC team.  Either way, 9-3 would certainly lock the Wanstedt regime in for another year or so.  Frankly with the way they've played since their disappointing loss to Rutgers, I'm not too disappointed with Dave staying on. 

The Penguins have been very entertaining to watch.  And, now that Sidney Crosby has found his scoring touch again, you can hope that his opposition takes a moment to watch him score too.  The Pens have had injury issues from the beginning this season, but they're hanging in and will surely be tough to beat late. 

How 'bout Jeremiah Young's 352 yards against Bishop McCort on Saturday?  Steel-High will likely win the state title in single A again.  Young has the record as the all-time rusher in PA high school history.  Young hasn't picked a school yet, but according to info I've seen, he isn't one of the most recruited people around either.  Pitt's interested.  I understand Penn State was, but not sure.  Steel-High has a couple of pretty good looking big time prospects.  You have to appreciate Steel-High for hanging on to their better players.  Bishop McDevitt usually provides an option for a strong Harrisburg area player.