James_Taipei: Is there anyway of actually gauging Penn State's football team before the game on September 27 against Illinois?

Jerry Micco: Well, you can take early returns and say the team is very good, but in reality, like most teams, it takes several games before you get a clear idea. Certainly, it's better to win games big like they have, even if they were favored to do so, than to struggle. So the early returns look terrific, but the Big Ten season has not always been kind to the Nittany Lions.

YeOldeBuccoFan: Have you ever seen a more putrid site in sports than the current Pirates?

Jerry Micco: The Nationals? How about Seattle. Yes, there are actually four teams worse than our Pirates. It's amazing how far they've slipped since the trade. Not that keeping Bay and Nady would have made a difference in the short run, but at least they were fun to watch. Now, they get down 2, 3 runs, time to flip the channel.

YeOldeBuccoFan: Right now there are 16 teams and their fans that think they can win the Super Bowl after 1 week. Are we Steeler fans falling for that too, or do we have legitimate hopes?

Jerry Micco: Again, the season is way too young to start thinking Super Bowl. But, given what happened to New England (Brady) and San Diego (Merriman) on Sunday, the Steelers got a nice leg up on maybe another shot at the big prize. But it's a long season and those two teams, despite the injuries, will still be very good. The Steelers would be wise to go game by game this season. It's a tough schedule and you need to win the games you should win. This week's game is a maybe game for them, but if they can win it, it's a huge bonus.

YeOldeBuccoFan: What is it with Steelers and linebackers? How do they consistently find great ones? I can't remember them ever having a poor linebacking corp since the Pitt Stadium days.

Jerry Micco: The team has always played excellent defense and so they tend to try to find guys who can do that. And when you run a 3-4 defense, the LBs are the stars. If you don't have good ones, and a couple years ago they seemed a bit slower and not as good, you can be terribly exposed. This year's crop, and you aren't even playing Timmons full time, so far has been terrific.

jimmy_g: Even though the Steelers looked awesome on Sunday, I agree with Bob Smizik's column today that it was only one game and it's a long season. What are your thoughts?

Jerry Micco: I agree. You have to approach it game by game. The league still has a lot of parity and you may look great one week and terrible the next. Road games are more difficult than home games, so you know when you have to travel to Cleveland, it's going to be a tough place to play. So if you can win that game, you get a huge leg up on the team that is clearly the other contender in the division. So if I were the Steelers, and I'm sure Mike Tomlin is preaching this, Houston was nice, but Cleveland is the job at hand.

jimmy_g: I watched most of the Pitt-Buffalo via the Internet. The Panthers still didn't look all that good especially against supposedly inferior competition. What gives here?

Jerry Micco: Early in the college season, some teams just don't click. Remember, Stull is a new QB for all intents and purposes. And the offensive line is very young. They've had to replace some guys on defense, too. The bye week will really help them to get ready for Iowa, a mid-level Big Ten team. We'll see how they look at home in that one.

James_Taipei: With the Pirates poor play at least we are lucky enough to have two decent teams to root for in Pittsburgh. Both have a chance at playing for the championship and winning their division.

Jerry Micco: That's certainly the case, James. The Penguins start prospects camp today and training camp in a week. There will be a lot of excitement heading into the season. But again, you don't know what injuries or some of the key offseason losses will do to the team. I think folks should get excited early when the team does well, but they have to be prepared for the slides, too. It's part of every team's season.

James_Taipei: Do you see this week as possibly a make or break week for Cleveland? A loss to the Steelers would put them two back already.

Jerry Micco: They both have tough schedules, but the Steelers is a bit tougher. No, Cleveland's not out of anything even two games back. But with the division as weak as it is, if the Steelers can win Sunday night, they very well could go 6-0 in the division. And like last year, Cleveland would lose the tiebreaker. Nothing's impossible because the Steelers could stumble with their schedule, but you know they are thinking a win Sunday could give them a division sweep.

YeOldeBuccoFan: Several young QB's looked surprisingly good in their first starts: Flacco, Ryan, and Rogers. Are we maybe seeing the start of the changing of the guard for league quarterbacks?

Jerry Micco: In some cases, the changes were because of things out of the team's control. Michael Vick's in prison. Brett Favre was gone the moment the Packers heard "retire," and Flacco is the only hope on a team that never seems to have found a QB. The debuts were fine, nothing spectacular. Flacco and Ryan get more points from me because those are rookie debuts. But Rodgers is going to be a good player. I saw him play at Cal and thought he had what it would take to be an NFL QB. I think we'll see that this year.

PirateApologist: Jerry, why am I still watching Pirate games?

Jerry Micco: Because there are no other sports, besides poker, which is not a sport, on television.

jimmy_g: Now that the Pirates have tied the Phillies for futility, I really don't see any end in sight. The Alvarez fiasco sure doesn't help.

Jerry Micco: If they stopped this streak next season by winning 81 games or better, everyone would be stunned. The Pirates front office probably would be, too.

YeOldeBuccoFan: Minnesota crushed a Bowling Green team that looked pretty good against Pitt. What kind of team are they supposed to have in the Big 10?

Jerry Micco: Actually, a mid- to low-level team. But the Big Ten is not great this year. Ohio State, Wisconsin and Penn State seem to be the top of that league. Purdue, Illinois and Michigan might be next, then it drops off some. But aside from OSU, there is no great team in the Big Ten. But as the season progresses we might see one emerge.

theWellHungarian: What's up Jerry? Where do you see Pitt being ranked this year in Hoops? I see #7.

Jerry Micco: Hi Hungarian. I see top ten, but I might go you two better -- #5. And I think they'll stay in the top 10 most of the season. Talk about anticipation. There's a team that will create a lot of buzz this year if they don't stumble once they get into Big East play.

theWellHungarian: Didn't take long for Roger Federer to get back to his tourney winning ways, eh? Just when everyone was writing him off & thought he was on the decline of his career. The guy is simply amazing!

Jerry Micco: One of the best athletes of our time who no one ever mentions in that way. To have won five consecutive Wimbledons is a huge accomplishment, but then to have won five US Opens is probably even more incredible. He certainly will pass Pete Sampras' 14 majors next year and there's no real end in sight. It's time we all start to recognize him for being among the best, if not the best ever, men's tennis player.

PirateApologist: The more I read, the more I think Pedro Alvarez will not be a Pirate. What do you think will happen?

Jerry Micco: I'm not sure, but I think if Pedro Alvarez has anything to say about it, he'll be a Pirate. He's not going to be drafted nearly as high if he goes back in the draft and what if he gets hurt his final season at Vandy? Or if he plays in an independent league? The draft is deep and good next year. The Pirates would pick up a No. 3 pick as well as their own, which will be a top seven probably. That said, it'd be better to take Alvarez. And I think eventually, he winds up a Pirate.

James_Taipei: Do you think that Stanley Druckenmiller has any real chance of buying the Steelers?

Jerry Micco: I do, but it may not be as good as when this process started. He's still involved in the hunt, from what I'm hearing.

Mad_Dog: Ever seen a worse call than the unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against the Washington QB? Why can't a ref use common sense before throwing a flag?

Jerry Micco: Terrible call and worse, it cost the Huskies a game. So the kid goes from hero to goat in one bad call. I think referees should show discretion in that type of call. Especially because of the circumstances -- a last-minute catch -- that might merit that type of reaction.

bigjohn: Hi Jerry -- your prediction on the Steeler game sunday night? I say 31-17 Steelers.

Jerry Micco: Ah, I don't predict games, but the point total is about right. I think Cleveland comes to play pretty hard in this one so it may be a bit closer. The Steelers are favored and there's no reason to dispute that.

jimmy_g: Speaking of Ohio State, how do you see them against Southern Cal?

Jerry Micco: Probably not winning, but keeping it pretty close. I think it'll depend on how well Wells is feeling and can they run him 25 times to keep USC's offense off the field.

James_Taipei: How can Penn State compete in the Big Ten with some many defensive players hurt and suspended? The offense may need to but up 30 to 40 points a game to compete in the Big Ten.

Jerry Micco: Well, they have Syracuse and Temple left before the Big Ten, so they get a bit of a breather. And the case against Hayes and Koroma may be settled before long. However, our Ron Musselman has just reported on our Web site that Hayes and Koroma are out again this week.

jimmy_g: Is Pitt's Top 50 basketball recruit coming this year or next?

Jerry Micco: I believe it's next year, but I'll have to check that with Ray Fittipaldo. They have some nice freshmen coming in, but I have no idea where there were ranked by national recruiters.

PirateApologist: Should this town expect anything less than another appearance at the cup final for the Pens?

Jerry Micco: Well, as I said the expectations are very high, but it's never easy to make it to the finals. I think, however, the bar is raised. No more is making the playoffs the goal. That should be a given. The goal now is what you stated -- making the final and winning a Cup.

Chunkles: Jerry, a lot of great things will be said about Sundays victory over Houston. Here was my thought. How in the heck is Dick LeBeau not in the NFL Hall of Fame? Aside from his playing career, 50 years of coaching! Look at the job he has done. It looks like he has molded Woodley and Timmons into two star linebackers. Thats my point, every year, including this year, he has a decent, if not great, defense on the field. He is a legend who deserves his dues.

Jerry Micco: I think you'd not find a lot of disagreement in Pittsburgh, Chunkles, but he doesn't seem to have the broad support you need to make it into the Hall. Ed Bouchette, who votes on such matters, is probably a better source on this than I'll ever be.

theWellHungarian: Maybe it's just me but I'm pumped about this Fall/Winter ... Steelers look good. Penguins should build on what was an exciting Cup run. Panthers Hoops should be ready to dominate! After the gloomy day yesterday, we have at least a few things to look forward to this Fall/Winter, no?

Jerry Micco: The sports scene should be very good. And I'd not count out Pitt football winning and getting a bowl bid. If you're a PSU fan, that could be a BCS bowl team if they win a couple big road games. So yes, plenty to love in the fall, which is my favorite season anyway.

jimmy_g: i'm intrigued with Dennis Dixon's athletic ability, but how in the world is he ever going to get into a game this year?

Jerry Micco: He's not. Unless there are some really bad injuries. He's there to learn and figure out what the NFL is all about. Come his time, not this year, he'll get his chances to contribute.

PirateApologist: Any truth the rumor that Gene Collier and Rob Zellers are writing a one man show based upon the life of Bob Nutting? I'm kidding, of course. I've seen "The Chief" twice and it is great.

Jerry Micco: I had the pleasure of seeing the play once and it was excellent. Very moving if you're a Pittsburgh person and fan of the Steelers.

Mad_Dog: Let's say the Alverez is not a Pirate. That means the Pirates will have two top 5 picks next year. If they couldn't sign one of them this year (and their 2nd round pick by the way) then what makes anyone think they'll sign 2 high first rounders next year? All of this could have been avoided if they would have made a fair offer to Alverez from the start and avoided trying to get him to agree to their number right before the deadline. I am surprised that everyone puts the blame on Boras and Alverez and not on the Pirates' front office. He is the key to the rebuilding process and the Pirates should have done whatever it took to get him signed and into their system ASAP.

Jerry Micco: Well, if they caved quickly then they very well could have overpaid Alvarez. I mean, $6 million is nothing to sneeze at. It's a very high number even for a No. 2 pick. And they've never offered as much for a player. No, I think the offer was fair. But Boras and Alvarez have the right to turn it down. Which apparently they did not do, but now they seem to want to do. We'll see what the arbitrator has to say.

theWellHungarian: Any prediction for this week's showdown, USC vs. OSU?

Jerry Micco: I think USC wins, but it'll be pretty close 10 or less.

Mad_Dog: How are the Big East and ACC still part of the BCS? Why can't their champions play a bowl game on Dec 28th and get out of the way of the good teams in January. A 3 loss SEC team who would have been undefeated in the BE or ACC will be locked out of the BCS because 4 loss Pitt and Wake Forest will be collecting $10 mm checks so they can lose by 4 TDs to the Big 12 champ.

Jerry Micco: Remember who is in the ACC, Mad Dog -- Miami and Florida State -- two one-time marquis programs from a very large state with a lot of TV viewers. The NCAA wants that market and the ACC delivers two of the Big 3 teams. The Big East is a bit more puzzling. I think the NCAA/BCS was hoping Pitt would step up and be better, Syracuse, too. But they've both been substandard and I think that has hurt the league. And for sure, it's a very down Big East this year.

YeOldeBuccoFan: I liked how the Pitt receivers stepped it up on Saturday, but why, oh why, can't we see more of Jonathan Baldwin? If Dave Wannstedt was Pitt's coach a few years back, he probably would have sat Larry Fitzgerald in his freshman season, too.

Jerry Micco: I don't cover the team, but maybe he's just not ready for prime time. Maybe he can athletically do what's needed but for a whole game, maybe he isn't familiar enough with the offense to play. He'll get more chances as the season goes on, I'm sure.

jimmy_g: Well, it's been several weeks since the big trades and the Pirates have gone south big time. Do you see anything positive (optimistic) that has come out of losing Nady and Bay?

Jerry Micco: Nope. Just have more guys competing for positions, which was a Huntington goal. The only way that trade helps is if guys like Brandon Moss, Ross Ohlendorf and Andy LaRoche do something. And that Jose Tabata is the real deal. If not, then it will go down as a terrible trade.

YeOldeBuccoFan: Oh yeah, PSU can play Temple and Syracuse every year, but not Pitt ...

Jerry Micco: Syracuse is a 2-year deal and Temple, I think, comes off after this year. And I'd love to see Pitt and PSU play again. But I don't think that'll happen for a while.

Mad_Dog: How much of this Alverez fiasco is a result of the poor relationship between Coonelly and Boras?

Jerry Micco: It certainly has something to do with it. But I do give the Bucs credit for drafting a Boras client despite what might be a cold relationship between the two. My understanding is they never talked during the negotiations, so it wasn't something that the other said that caused this issue.

bigjohn: Jerry, you do a great job on the call-in show after the Steeler games. Your thoughts on the Penguins? They open camp soon.

Jerry Micco: Thanks for the kind words. Bob Pompeani makes that show easy to do. I'm not a TV guy, but I do enjoy doing it. I think the Pens can win their division and go deep into the playoffs. But I want to see more before I say Cup final.

Mad_Dog: Did you see Cowher on Sunday? He looked as relaxed as ever and might never return to coaching.

Jerry Micco: I saw him for a bit, but couldn't hear what he was saying. I agree, he looks very relaxed. I still believe he wants to coach somewhere, but he does seem to be enjoying himself. And it really is nice money for about 1 percent of the stress of coaching in the NFL or college.

jimmy_g: One bad thing about Penn State starting 4-0 and possibly ending 9-3 or 8-4 is that it will make it very difficult for the administration to say goodbye to the contract-less JoePa.

Jerry Micco: Not if they truly think they need a change in the program. People are hung up on the record, but if the trustees and Graham Spanier want Joe out, they now can do it because of the contract. I think 9-3 or 8-4 is not a ringing endorsement, but it may be enough. We'll see.

Goletaman: the Pirates are 321 games below .500 since 1993. Why do people support this team?

Jerry Micco: Because it is major league baseball in your city. It's a relatively cheap night out, considering you can't get a Pens or Steelers ticket. And it's a rather leisurely time. What, you wanted to see a winning team? Oh.

James_Taipei: What do you think Dennis Dixon's role will be next year and if he becomes the number two QB can the Steelers afford to risk using him on running plays or other gadget plays?

Jerry Micco: If he gets to No. 2, I think he may occasionally do that, but I don't ever see the pro game going the way of college where 2 QB systems seem all the rage.

bigjohn: Penguins lost a lot of team chemistry with Malone, Roberts, Ruutu, etc. leaving. Gonna take awhile for the new guys on the team to fit in. I think its a major overhaul when you lose one fourth of your team. Your thoughts?

Jerry Micco: I do, but I think with they guys they have left -- Sid, Malkin, Orpik, Talbott, Fleury, Whitney (when he gets healthy), Staal and Sykora -- they have a very nice core. Yes, it'll take some time to welcome in new teammates, but in the new NHL, you're going to do that every year.

Goletaman: Everyone talks about how great Faneca was. Last season he was great as run blocker, but a sieve at passblocking. I think Chris K. is an upgrade from Faneca ... based on Faneca's performance in 2007. Whatdaya think?

Jerry Micco: I'm not ready to say that. I think Kemo had a nice start, but I'm not confusing him with 2007 Alan Faneca. I think Faneca spent a lot of last season trying to help Sean Mahan because Mahan was so overmatched in games. Hartwig seems to be a nice upgrade at center.

James_Taipei: What do you see happening with Joe Pa if he can lead Penn State to a first or second place finish this year?

Jerry Micco: A BCS bid may make it tough for PSU to do much. I do not see a transition plan coming from Joe. He will not be boxed into an end game like that. I think it will take some soul searching on both sides to get to the final decision. I'm hoping it ends well, but it may be ugly if there is a parting of the ways.

bigjohn: I still can`t get used to Cowher's new teeth, lol, after all those years of coaching here.

Jerry Micco: Hey, you do have to look good on TV. Which is why it's amazing they still want me on occasionally.

PhillyMarty: Jerry: PSU has a big year in spite of being the college version of the Bungles. What does this mean regarding JoePa's status? I say their discipline problems reflect on a coach who is not as involved in the recruiting process as he should be. They are settling for lesser quality characters. I almost feel like I have to root against my own team just so Joe does go!

Jerry Micco: Ron Cook said as much in a column a couple weeks back. It's hard to say, Marty. We really don't know how many times over the years there was trouble on that or any other college team. It simply wasn't covered by the media. Now, it's magnified. I agree, Joe takes a hit for the discipline stuff, but I've always thought on-field weighed more on decisions than off-field. But if the university feels it has to pull the plug on Joe, then the off-field stuff is the likely tipping point.

James_Taipei: Well I was more interested in whether Dixon might get a chance to perform a Kordell Stewart rule in the future? Or get a chance to run the ball some times?

Jerry Micco: In the future, yes. But maybe not this season. But you never know late in the season if they want to give teams something to think about, you may see something.

theWellHungarian: Couldn't agree more ... When you got Malkin & Sid centering your top two lines, that makes chemistry a helluva lot easier than when you have Kelly Buchberger & Rico Fata.

Jerry Micco: Well said, WellHungarian.

Jerry Micco: Folks I need to get back to some other stuff, but as usual, terrific chat. That hour flew by. Big game Sunday. We should have plenty to talk about next week. Thanks for taking the time to join me. See you next Wednesday at noon.