Sports Finale*#

# Whaddi tell ya about Tyler Van Dyke. On 3rd and 16 with ~2:45 to play he hit a 21 yard pass for a first down which may seal the game. He has 4 TD's, 25/33, 365 yards and 4 TD's. And that's it. The Miami "Hurricanes" do not blow this one. Thanks to their super-frosh they prevail 31-30. Now, this is good in the short run for Pitt. They will rise and NC State will fall. Thehave not been ranked higher than 21st at any point in Pat Narduzzi's years in town. They will rise higher than 21st, how high depends on how other teams immediately above them (currently 23rd) are judged.

But. However. In the mid-term, Pitt plays Miami next Saturday at high noon. They have precious little game film of TVD to use for preparation but use it they must or they will really, most sincerely lose it. The defense was superb this week and last, but against offensively-challenged Clemson in one of those wins. Van Dyke is a pro-style QB with ice water in his veins and the confidence of a veteran. He will sorely test Pitt's secondary. How good is Pitt's secondary? I don't know. I said a few weeks ago, "Win your next three Pitt, and you'll get respect." They have won two but there is No. Doubt. now that Miami with Tyler Van Dyke presents the greatest challenge. Lose and see that record high ranking and the previous two wins go poof!

*Alabama blew it open in the 4Q outscoring the “Vols” 28-7 to roll to a 52-24 win.

Notre Dame is handling USC 31-16, which will be the final score.

#18 NC State has closed on Miami. 31-30, 5:39 left.

In basketball .530 lost in Indiana in OT 102-91. Really got ripped in overtime. The “Kyle Lowry Effect” was not felt tomight. He was held out with a left ankle sprain. P.J. Tucker, who we got from Beer in the offseason had one of the most abysmal stat lines you’ll ever see. 36’, 0 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 turnover.

Man, Tennessee is hanging with #4 Alabama in Tuscaloosa. 24-17 "Tide" at the end of three. Alabama is not right this year, like so many other teams, Clemson, Oklahoma (they keep winning but they live so dangerously). Texas A&M earlier, PSU the last two weeks. Such a strange season.

#5 Ohio State is obliterating Indiana in Bloomington 44-7, 8:12 3Q.

#13 Notre Dame 17-3 over USC. "Irish" have the ball on the USC 4 yard line...TD ND. 23, soon to be 24-3 "Irish."

#17 A&M has righted itself. They are plastering woeful South Carolina 41-0, 2:53 3Q.

Miami leads #18 NC State 21-17, 12:27 3Q.

Nothin' wrong with 312 Ole Miss! Killed LSU 31-17 today.

Syracuse won a game! At Virginia Tech, too. And by something different than three points. 41-36 on the last play of the game in Blacksburg. Head Technician Justin Fuente is squirming.

I'll keep an eye on the Miami-NC State game and update if still vertical. If not, good night folks!