Double Drivel 10-12-10 issue

Mike’s Commentary:  The Ryder Cup provided many great moments, especially for the European squad. The Americans put on a late charge, but the Europeans took back the title with a 14 1/2 – 13 1/2 victory. Colin Montgomerie was one of the best golfers in the world for many years, but he is best known for his failure to win a major tournament. He did get some redemption, though, as he captained the team from across the pond to victory. Tiger Woods has been rather mediocre in his past Ryder Cup appearances. And while he was pretty “regular” during his first three matches this year, he looked like the Tiger of old in the singles matches. Birdies were plentiful for Tiger on the final day as he raised his record to 3-1 for the event. As average as Tiger has been in Ryder Cup play, Phil Mickelson has been downright bad. And he wasn’t much better this year as he sported a 1 win and 3 loss record.
—While the Steelers quarterbacks were adequate enough to get Pittsburgh off to a 3-1 start for the season, it is still the defense that wins championships. I don’t think it is a coincidence that the Steelers were 3-0 in the games the defense played well and 0-1 in the game that they didn’t play so well. But, regardless, of how the defense plays and how many wins and losses can be contributed to them, I think that the team is only going to be better with the return of Ben Roethlisberger. I understand the mixed emotions concerning Ben and the criticism that he receives regarding his behavior off the field, but, what I don’t understand is the number of people that openly say that Ben isn’t a good quarterback. Have the people watched the same Ben Roethlisberger that I have watched for the past several years? Year in and year out he is statistically near the top of the quarterback ratings. Question: How many quarterbacks have won 2 or more Super Bowls? Answer: 10. If Ben isn’t in a league of his own, he is at least in an elite league with 9 other men.
Mike Likes: Pittsburgh at Syracuse. Don’t be fooled by the records, while Pitt was losing to Utah and Miami, Syracuse was beating up on powerhouses like Akron, Maine and Colgate. While it is apparent that Pitt isn’t ready to compete with the big boys yet, they can compete with Syracuse. Give Pitt a 27-17 victory.
Cleveland at Pittsburgh: Will it be a triumphant return to the Steelers for Big Ben? I predict it will be a resounding yes. Ben will take a while to get the dust shaken off and the cobwebs blown out, but he will provide enough offense to take down the Brownies. Take the Steelers 20-13.

Dick’s Thoughts- Congratulations to the A-C Valley golf team for capturing the KSAC golf championship this year.  As someone who is around the golf course quite a bit, it is great to see athletes who play all the time get rewarded for their efforts. 
The Pirates mercifully pulled the plug on Manager John Russell.  Any manager that loses 299 games in 3 years has to go.  I am not sure any manager could win with what they have at their disposal.  Until just recently they had a horrible farm system, no money for free agents, and a penchant to unload any player that had value.  Whoever is chosen to run the Bucs next year will have one positive, year after year the Pirates seem to always pick up a backup infielder in the off season as their major move.  Remember this year we had such stars as Bubba Crosby, Aki Iwamura, and Ryan Church.
For the season the Pirates finished with 105 losses, the second worst road record in 100 years, were 29th out of 30 teams in team batting average, 30th in team ERA, and 30th in team fielding.  Good luck in selling season tickets next year.  Look for more bobbleheads and fireworks instead of good players.
As of this writing the three leading candidates for the managerial job with the Pirates are Eric Wedge who actually had a pretty good record as the Indians manager, Juan Samuel who was an interim manager with the Orioles, and Bo Porter who I never heard of.
The Penguins once again have to be considered as favorites to win the Stanley Cup.  When you have 2 of the 3 best players in the world anything less than the Finals will be a disappointment.  
I read a couple of articles criticizing Tiger Woods for his play during the Ryder Cup.  I did not watch all the matches but when the dust had settled I noticed Woods had a 3-1 record, tied for the best of any player on the US team.  Phil Mickelson was a truly disappointing 1-3 in his matches.  
Thought of the week:  If swimming is so good for your figure, how do you explain whales?
Dick’s Picks
Clarion @ AC VALLEY:  Clarion looks to extend their dominance of the small school division.  They will as I see it.  Clarion 34 AC 6
KARNS CITY @ Brookville: The KSAC power seems to have shifted East this year.  Brookville is East of KC so I like the Blue Raiders.  Brookville 20 KC 14
KEYSTONE @ UNION:  Both teams have been up and down.  This might be the best game in the KSAC.  Keystone 22 Union 20
MONITEAU @ Punxsutawney:  Another school from the East of the KSAC.  Chucks look like the real deal this year and will continue their run.  Punxsy 34 Moniteau 13
PITT @ Syracuse:  Panthers usually struggle in the Dome.  The Orange has won a few this year, but look who they beat.  It won’t be easy but I see PITT 24 Syracuse 20
Cleveland @ STEELERS:  The return of Bad Behavior Ben, who is a bad Friday night away from suspension again.  What an opponent to come back against.  Steelers will dominate the Brownies in every facet of the game.  PITTSBURGH 30 Browns 7