I'M NOT SORE.....I KEEPS STRETCHIN

Never has the Floss called someone out like he's about to. However, I want to call someone out. It's YOU Mike Tomlin. Now the Floss ain't no ordinary Yinzer. The Floss idolizes Coach T. He was my favorite coach in Pittsburgh. Sorry T, but Disco Dan beat you. He watched the Pens struggle and bounced them back quick with 5 of 6. He knows how to manage crisis. You don't. Is the Floss done with you? ABSOLUTELY NOT. Are you the right coach for the Steelers? ABSOLUTELY. The Floss LOVES what you bring this team normally. However, you let them get complacent. It happens. If I'm in your position, I let the vets manage themselves too. You took a baseball approach. Plus you have Bruce Arians. I know he's the favorite scapegoat even when the defense loses games, but honestly can you blame us? The man has never called an efficient gameplan. Literally NEVER. The Floss has no Skoal right now. Everything is more emotional than normal. TCP(The Climax Pool), aka Pitt traitor, brought up to me that Tomlin should bring in HIS Tampa 2 next year. I completely agree. Let Tomlin coach. The Rooney's have LOOSELY, I emphasize LOOSELY, micro managed my man Coach T so far. Coach T had our squad ready to WIN a title last year. You know why? It was cause he knew the expectations. They are HIGH. He should take us places. Coach Tomlin is Ma Dude. Bench Ben the rest of this year. The Steelers are an organization with ZERO moral victories. We want a draft pick. We want to trade up for NKadkadoajomamajamajma Suh. Look for that. Why Tomlin can't get complacent? How many ELITE level QB's happen every decade? About 3, this decade...5 for some unGodly reason....Eli, Brady, Manning, Ben, Brees(no win yet). Rivers, get to a conference title game, you can join. This decade is different. But back to the issue at hand...Tomlin CAN'T LOSE...He CAN'T. The Steelers have a peak Ben for 5 more years IMO. 27 to 32. 5 YEARS. If Tomlin can't win next year, unload the bank. We need a Coach that can get Ben another title. If you don't believe this, you are naive. I hope it is Coach T, dat's ma dude, but if he leads us to a first round exit next year, unload the bank. Honestly, unload the bank. Bring back Dungy or Cowher for a year. It's so ridiculous, make it work. We aren't building something here...IT IS FUCKING HERE. With Ben it is WIN FUCKING NOW.

Editor's Note: I just re-read this. The Floss' first re-read of a post EVER. It made more sense than anything ever.

Please, Please, Please leave comments. I would love to hear any comments on this entry or the Curtain.

THE STRETCH

Well Saturday was 100% the worst loss I've ever experienced. I don't want to say you could feel it coming, but deep down the Floss didn't see the Panthers making moves when Cinci made the 2 and tied it at 38. However, Pitt drove the field and scored a TD. The failed PAT hurt big time, but in reality the defense needs to make a stop there. I really thought we would get a sack and kill the drive. The Floss knew special teams was an issue going in and boy was it ever. But "The Stretch" which will now be how I refer to the past 5 days, with potential to continue.

THE STRETCH

Friday: The Floss paid 5 dollars to attend Pitt hoops versus New Hampshire. Pitt set a record for fewest points in a half in the shot clock era. We also only scored 47 points vs. New Hampshire. Geeze.

Saturday: Cinci. Plus watched the Pens tie the game in Peter's Pub only to rip my heart out in OT.

Sunday: The Steelers lose to the Raiders by giving up 21 points to Bruce Fucking Gradkowski (Seton LaSalle QB's ruined my life 2 days in a row, think about the odds of that) in 8 and a HALF MINUTES. The final drive had a dropped INT that put the white from Joe Burnett's numbers on the football, a jump ball pass caught by Lew Murphy around 11 Steeler defenders, an unexplicably bad penalty by Ryan Mundy for hitting a defenseless receiver, and another touchdown throw up pass to Mr. Lew Murphy. Lew Murphy, a guy who probably can't crack many teams top 4.

Monday: The Pens throw away a game to a terrible Carolina team at Mellon Arena. Just piling on at this point.

Tuesday: When the Floss really needed the Panthers to step up, they burrowed back underneath the ground. Their offense is absolutely pathetic right now. No point guard, only 2 guys who can create their own shot. We also lost to a team that won 1 game in the B10 last year and that lost to Boston U at home this year.

I swear if the Steelers lose to the Browns Thursday, "The Stretch" might continue. If they lose to the Browns this Thursday, the Floss may never recover.

Meineke Car Care Bowl

Fortunately for the Floss, the Car Care Bowl, while a shitty game, is one that they Floss can and is attending. Very happy to make the drive to Charlotte the night of Christmas. I think this bowl game will be a really fun matchup. I love playing UNC there because they will bring fans and make the stadium very full. We are staying in downtown Charlotte which is a city the Floss has never been to. While it is no Bourbon Street, the Floss is taking a glass half full approach to Charlotte. Any LFOF who have been to Charlotte, suggestions for fun are welcomed. The Floss will be there Saturday and Sunday night.

STEEL COMEBACK

While the Steelers certainly haven't began to unleash hell in December like Coach T wanted, they still have a punchers chance. Their final 4 are certainly all winnable(at Cleveland, Ravens, Packers, at Miami) with their two toughest being at home. Miami should be out of the race in week 17, so I will not expect their best team to show up. The Steelers need either Denver or Jacksonville to lose 2 of their final 4. Denver looks most probable IMHO. They play at Indy this week, where Indy is still looking for the top spot in the AFC, so no backups yet, plus they are still unbeaten. Week 16 they play at Philly, who always comes on strong at the end of the year and will be playing for a playoff spot. Jacksonville is still not that good of a team IMHO. They have a -48 point differential and are 7-5. They actually could lose out and it wouldn't surprise the Floss. They have Miami at home this week, who will be fighting for their playoff lives. Next week Indy comes to town, they hopefully will still be playing for 16-0. Week 16 at NE, definitely a loseable game. Week 17 at Cleveland. Never trust Jack Del Rio or David Garrard in a big spot, unless Ben is tossing 4 picks. The only wild card is the Jets winning out and out tiebreaking us. Their schedule is winnable, @Tampa(minus Sanchise), Atlanta, @Indy(might be over for them), Cincinnati(playing for nothing I'm sure). If the Steelers can win out, they will carry momentum into the post season similar to the '06 season. Even if we don't head back to the Super Bowl, the Floss would love a first round matchup at Cinci. Could you imagine ruining their season again? Well that's what I'm living for now.

BIG EAST CHAMPIONSHIP

The Big East Champion will be decided around 3:30 PM EST this Saturday Dec. 5th. The last time Pitt won the Big East it was in 2004 with a backdoor tiebreaker. Then Pitt got rolled in the Fiesta Bowl, and axed Walt Harr(ithhhs). This time around it is completely different. We have built a team destined for success in the short term and long term. Pitt can turn their biggest corner with a Championship Saturday. They will be facing a very very good opponent. A beatable opponent, but a legit top 5 team nonetheless. Some questions you may be wondering:

Floss, what happened to your beloved Panthers in the Brawl?

Well, it was a rivalry game. Rivalry games are close a lot of the time especially when they are played at the "team with nothing really relevant to play for's" house. WVU is a very good team, don't let their few close losses fool you. Pitt is better and wins that game at WVU 7 out of the next 10, bank it, but not that day. Fucking Tyler Bittancourt going 4 for 4 and booting them in from every hash was a sight to see. No sour grapes, cause our season still has Championship potential. Adam Gunn said it best when he said, not direct quote, "Coach gives us 24 hours to mourn a loss or 24 hours to celebrate a win".

What about 2nd place?

If we finish in 2nd or 3rd, really I don't care. We are too good of a team to care about a moral victory 2nd or 3rd.

What area are you most concerned about going into the Cinci game?

Special teams. The Floss has 100% confidence in his man Danny "Clutch"ins booting field goals. I am nervous about our lack of punt returning, since Wanny just loves watching Aaron Smith catch the ball rather than take a risk with Killa Cam, but Wanny loves the safe play. I'm more concerned about Mardy Gilyard returning kicks and punts. Our kickoff coverage has been good all year. Wanny loves his directional kicks, but I hate that style. Honestly, doesn't every fan? Who hates watching your team either squib or short kick just to watch the other team start at the 40? I see directional kicking being a part of this game. I don't want Mardy to beat us with a long return, but I also don't want Pike to have a 60 yard field every time our offense scores. Our punt coverage has been suspect, but directional punts are fine. I hope Hutch, who has punted pretty solid all year, can do a few nice 45 yard net out of bounds guys.

What about the scary Cinci passing offense?

I'm not scared if we tackle. We cannot let guys run all over the field on us. We let up a shit ton of yards to ND's WR's, but only 14 points. That is the key. Points. Hold to field goals. It's more about getting to Pike in timely downs. Forcing long 3rd downs and getting off the field on them.

What about Bill Stull's struggles in the Backyard Brawl?

I will not comment on Bill Stull struggling much since he is a big a reason as anyone why the Panthers are 9-2. I will say that the lack of creative playcalling was shocking. Coach Cignetti didn't run screens or draws even with WVU bringing the heat. It will be interesting to see how he adapts to going against a 3-4 alignment.

How many points will the Panthers need?

30+. I truly don't see Cinci scoring less than 28. Their offense is really that good. I know their defense is allowing a measly 19 points a game, but the Panthers offense is averaging over 30. We aren't slouchy Panthers on offense.

Flossin' Prediction?

Well the Panthers will win the TO battle 2-1 with a pick by Aaron Berry and a strip sack by Mick Williams. Dion will have a big 20 carry 140 yard performance. Billy will lead the offense to 37 minutes of possession. Cinci will attempt a late rally capped by a failed onside kick attempt. The Panther crowd will then start the "BCS" chant as Floss drinks Andre under the Victory Lights all night long.

PITT 34
CINCI 29

Look forward to another blog this week hopefully, but never trust promises from a blogger.

GET MONNNNAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYY

For the LFOF that aren't huge Pitt fans like the Floss is, that would be Ced Money. Ced Money was created for Pitt WR Cedric McGee. He is a 5th year senior, a program guy, who scored his first EVER touchdown this past week on a 29 yard WR reverse. He also had a HUGE 2 Point Conversion catch against Uconn to tie the game at 21 in the 4th quarter. Ced Money has been showing up all year and FOF and PnR decided to honor him by creating Ced Money. He is a nephew of Michael Irvin. Career Numbers: 49 catches, 428 yards. 3 carries for 51 yards rushing. 1 TD. Now he has a Floss post in his NAME!!

HIPPIES TERRIBLE MOVES OF THE WEEK

Hippies are constantly being bashed on the Floss and for good reason. Lately they have been protesting to free Islam. They also love to stand outside the front door of classrooms and other establishments smoking cigarettes right as you walk past them. It's so damn annoying. It makes me want to spit chew in their eyes. They also play ultimate frisbee and hack-e-sack. They might as well tongue eachothers balls instead. I hate hippies.

DRINKING GAMES

The Floss loves lists. So here comes a list of his favorite drinking games. Most will be of the outdoor variety because it's still tailgate season plus outside drinking is way better than inside drinking (cave men knew this). So here goes it:

5. Frisbee--For the non hippies out there, frisbee is a fun game with beer drinking involved. It should be played without running or much movement. I don't know if many of you have seen the game Kan Jam. I saw it in Buffalo when tailgating there. It involves trying to hit a small garbage can like thing. It also has a slot to get extra points. I hope that this game takes off. Frisbee or any drinking game for that matter should never be played while running. Kan Jam

4. Flip Cup--While girly, it can be a fun game if girls are involved. It can be played outside. It can also sneakily get you pretty messed up. Don't hate on flip cup like I know many of you will.

3. Beer Pong--Anyone who calls it Beirut isn't American. Possibly the lamest name for a game ever you hippie. Beer Pong would be higher, but outside it's nearly impossible with the wind factored in. Pong also brings out the competition amongst all men. Being good at beer pong earns so much street cred.

2. Ladder Golf/Horse Balls--I'm sure all of you have seen this game. The only problem with this game is that not everyone has it. It's actually rare to see. The rules can vary from player to player, but it's still a very exciting game. Playing this game is really a treat for the Floss. This may be a little too high, but well it sits at #2 for a reason.

1. Corn Hole--The ultimate tailgating/grilling game. It is only played outdoors mainly which makes it pretty boss. The whole set up rules. It involves some awesome creativity with the decorating of the bags and the boards. Pitt or Steeler boards are fantastic looking. It also involves a ton of standing which is great for beer drinking.

NOTRE LAME AT PITT

As Paul Zeise pointed out in the PG today, the biggest game for Pitt this weekend is Friday's showdown at Nippert Stadium between WVU and Cinci. The one game BE championship on Dec. 5th is all that really matters in the grand scheme of things. If Pitt beats ND and fails to land in a BCS game, it really won't make the sting of not playing a BCS game any better. A win over ND would however provide a strong case for the BE as a conference (although with half of your conference in the top 25) you don't need much else. Where Uncle Dave has the Pitt program right now versus where Fat Charlie has his program is much different. Uncle Dave built his program from the beginning for the long term. He rebuilt the lines, changed Pitt's identity, and learned how to compete in the conference. He is 18-5 since the '07 Backyard Brawl. Fat Charlie went to two BCS games early in his tenure, but he has lost all grasps of coaching. He has lost to Navy twice in 3 years and the worst Syracuse team in their entire history ALL at Notre Dame Stadium. Weis said when he got to ND that he would no longer lose to the Pitt's and Purdue's of the College Football World. I hope his players quit on him and Pitt drops a half a hundred on them Saturday. The Flossin' prediction for this game is:

PITT 45
ND 27

PITT/PSU SERIES

I hate to comment much on this series cause it's probably not happening for a long long time. This season could be a small wake up call for the Nitters. A 10-2 season with their best win currently over #58(Sagarin Ranking) Minnesota. Although they do play #51 Michigan St. in their rivalry game to end the year! The scary thing is that they still may get a BCS game. If they finish in the top 14 of the BCS they have a great chance to go. It is because they have a VERY large and passionate fan base and will draw revenue for the game, bowl city, tv, etc. So really, if Penn St. wants a BCS bowl game every year (they do) then WHY would they schedule Pitt? This just gets into the problem with college football seeing as they can still get a BCS game when they clearly aren't deserving. I'm pretty sure any team in the country could lose to their top 2 opponents at HOME if they wanted to. They won't beat anyone this year, but they still will be rewarded. It's not Penn State's fault the schools don't play as much as it's college footballs. There are other great rivalries that aren't made by the conference (Georgia-GT, ND-USC, Florida-Florida St., Clemson-South Carolina, etc.). It would be a dogfight every year, one that would dominate the local and national market. Everyone considers PA a top 5 state as far as high school football, so ESPN would eat up the "these kids played each other in high school now in college" angle. It would help keep top WPIAL and state talent in state. Maybe not in the interim, but if the game played for a long series, kids would be forced to pick sides. They would then have more of an affiliation with whichever school they picked (PSU or Pitt). Another issue is PSU needing 7 home games. They can easily fill 7 home games every year even with playing at Pitt every other year. If this was such a huge issue then maybe arrange a series where it is 4-4 over 10 or 11 years with off years to fill the extra home games. The reason the series must be more than a 1-1 is due strictly to what would happen after a 1-1. Hypothetically, if PSU goes 2-0 against Pitt in those 2 games, they would never play us again because they got what they wanted. All they want from it is some bragging rights. If it goes 1-1, the fans will clamor for more leading to the need for a series extension. If Pitt went 2-0 in the series, Penn St. would never play us again because they wouldn't be able to handle the smack talk coming from Pitt fans. They would want it to be forgotten and stick to playing the cupcakes they currently are playing. But in a year when Penn St. will have no solid win to latch onto, wouldn't they love to have a win over Pitt to at least take something from the 2009 season?

WINNERS AND HOPEFULLY FEW LOSERS

After the 3-7 miserable week last week, the Floss is preparing for a near perfect weekend. This week I'll give explanations for my picks since I want to keep the readers happy and I'm having writer's block.

College

USF (+3) OVER WVU

This could be my favorite pick of the week. USF is not nearly as bad as they played versus Pitt. They were hanging with Cinci through halftime. One big play killed the game for them. West Virginia really hasn't been tested outside of last week's weird (considering the circumstances) win over a less prepared UConn. South Florida isn't losing 3 in a row.

Rutgers (+7) OVER UConn

RU is actually a pretty good football team. They have a defense that is pretty stout plus a legit playmaker in Mohamed Sanu. Both teams attempt to control the ball. I never like betting on a team I don't think will win with a low spread like 7, but I just feel a 17-14 game here. Take the points.

Indiana (+17.5) OVER Iowa

Iowa hasn't blown a team out all year except Iowa St. They just lost Adam Robinson for the year. While Brandon Wegher is a beast, I don't know if he can carry the offense for Iowa. Iowa's last two road B10 games were 3 and 1 point losses. Research.

USC (-3) OVER Oregon

Probably my least confident game. Or at least 2nd to the next game. Pete Carroll has turned around the Trojan Horse. Plus all I keep hearing is about Autzen stadium being the hardest in the country to play in. Everyone and their mother loves the Ducks this weekend. The Floss isn't everyone or your mother.

Georgia (+14.5) OVER Florida

Just too many points in a rivalry game. Georgia is pretty bad though. This was just a pick to get to 5 college games. Clearly a winner if I'm not this confident.

Pro

Packers (-3) OVER The Favres

If you believe in a higher being or at least the sports gods, you know what I'm saying here. The people of Green Bay treated Favre like a God for years, now this. The sports gods will win out.

Panthers (+10) OVER Cardinals

The Cards are riding high after last week. Jake Delhomme can do it baby. Never back Jake Delhomme should be a slogan. Hopefully last years playoff thrashing will keep the Panthers focused.

Falcons (+10.5) OVER Saints

The Saints won't beat the Falcons by this many. The Saints are due for a let down game. This is a winner. A winner.

Bills (+3.5) OVER Texans

The Floss still doesn't buy into the Texans. The Bills actually are putting together a decent season. Call it a gut feeling. I like home dogs when they aren't one of the 8 worst teams in the league (Titans, Browns, Lions, Raiders, Skins, Tampa, Chiefs, Rams).

Dolphins (+3.5) OVER Jets

The Floss absolutely loves the Wildcat. I also love Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams. I don't buy into Franchez or whatever his new name is. Mark Sanchez screams Tony Romo to me. He will be an average QB for his entire career, get way too much hype, and never win a big game.

THEY'RE COMING, THE ALIENS...THEY'RE COMING

In case you haven't heard, they are coming. Do you know where the aliens are coming from? Not Dr. Of's backyard. They are coming from the NBA. The NBA? Yep. The new power couple in America: KhLodom. Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom will produce a child at some point. The only question is, will it be an alien? The Floss doesn't believe in paranormal life at all, but really if it exists it will come from these two. The alien spawn will be conceived and birthed at Staples Center, which ironically looks like a UFO. The best part about this baby is that Ron Artest and Kim Kardashian could be the god parents. Like this script was written by a Hollywood director right?

Apology on the 3-7

The Floss picks didn't hit this weekend. However, the Floss did end up switching the Cardinals and Eagles and won some money. Sorry to anyone who legitimately backed the Floss picks. They will be back on Friday of this week. There are some ones that I like a good bit.

Baseball

Phillies in 7. Call it a hunch. I'm strongly backing the Yankees, but I just see a choke job for some reason.

Underrated Lunch of the Day

2 Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches, pack of cheese crackers, and a glass of ginger ale. If I had oreo's this day would rule.

Halloween

Since this weekend is Halloween, the Floss needs a costume. I would love suggestions from any of the LFOF. Little list to close it out. Top 5 Candies to collect door to door (obviously sizes can't be taken into question, cause full size anything was the bomb):

5. Tootsie Rolls--Probably the only time I would eat them all year.
4. Ring Pops--They were awesome. Everyone loves ring pops.
3. Kit Kat Bars--Just Cause.
2. Caramello--Such an underrated candy bar. A Floss fav.
1. Reese's Cups--The best chocolate bar in the entire world.

HOMECOMING

First off, thanks for the patience. The Floss just finished a 6 page paper on Japanese economy in the late 19th century. Adjusting my writing style for school work was difficult, but when you've ate 2 Little Joe's, anything is POSSSSSSSSIBBBBLLLLLEEEEE(KG reference). Now onto some chatter....

HOMECOMING THOUGHTS

The Floss is 1-2 in Homecoming games in his student career here. SIDENOTE: This is also the ugliest crop of Queen candidates ever. Seriously, there are colleges with less than 1000 students who could string 8 prettier girls together. 2006 and 2008 were crap the bed vs. Rutgers games. 2007 was the upset against Cincinnati. This years game is bigger than the Floss can even make it. It's finally getting to the point in the Wanny era where every game is a HUGE game. We aren't playing for moral victories any more. Pitt is about to join the big boys. Some of the B11 readers out there might laugh at the fact that Pitt considered road wins at Louisville and Rutgers quality wins. However, the road is always tough in college football. See Seattle and West Lafayette. Not too mention, Pitt lost to an embarassingly bad NC St. team in Raleigh this year. It is hard to win on the road. Pitt is back in the top 20, ranked 19th and 20th. If they can win against USF(a quality, but very beatable opponent), the Floss calculates Pitt has a Greg Romeus (91%) chance at remaining in the top 20 until Nov. 14th when the Irish come to town. Pitt could even be in the top 15 by then. ND should win out until that date, which could lead to GAMEDAY in Pittsburgh. Being in the top 25 keeps your team on the bottom line all week, sways recruits, yada yada. This WIN is a MUST. This WIN WILL HAPPEN.

STEEL CITY DRINKING TEAM

Jeff Reed's latest incident is an embarassment, blah blah blah. Only in Pittsburgh is this really a big deal. So what, he got in a cops face. He deserves to be bigger than the law in Pittsburgh, it's rules. I'm more worried about the loss he brought us in Chicago. Matt Spaeth, peeing in public in the North Shore, I'm on board. If Heath wasn't having a career year, you'd be my favorite Steeler. You are at least ahead of David Johnson. On the real though, expect a big statement this week by the Steel Curtain. Minnesota is begging to lose football games at this point. Bret Favre is making way way too many plays. AD is banged up. Parker and Mendenhall are both running well. Ben looks real nice right now. Steelers in a rout this week: 34-14.

GAMBLING

After the Floss hit his CFB GOY last week with Cincinnati, he missed a big play on the Bolts Monday. So play what you want, fade what you want. I'll throw 5 CFB games (mostly top 25 and TV games) and 5 NFL games (always SNF and MNF) per week. Never the Steelers or Panthers. Confidence Levels next to them, scale of 1 to 10.

COLLEGE

Fla St. (+2.5) OVER at North Carolina 5
Wash (+10) OVER Oregon 8
Iowa (Pick) OVER at Mich St. 7
Notre Dame (-7.5) OVER BC 8
Kansas (+7.5) OVER Oklahoma 6

NFL

Giants (-7) OVER Cardinals 7
Redskins (+7) OVER Eagles 3
Colts (-13.5) OVER at Rams 5
Raiders (+6.5) OVER Jets 5
Dolphins (+6.5) OVER Saints 9