Hail to the Steelers: The NFL throws the Steelers into the center of the political universe the night before one of the most anticipated presidential elections in years for a game against the Washington Redskins.

Did you know: This marks only the third time the Steelers have traveled to Washington in 40 years. The previous two were also presidential election years -- 1968 and 1988. FYI: The Republican won both times.

To watch: 8:30 p.m., ESPN.

Election Day: It is run only once every four years, and when you get right down to it, it is the only race that really matters. John McCain or Barack Obama: You decide at a polling place near you.

Did you know: Left-handers make up about 10 percent of the population, yet since 1974, as the New York Sun points out, presidents Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton (66.6 percent) all favored their left hands. Why bring this up? McCain and Obama are both left-handed.

The AP & The MAC: The Mid-American Conference's lone representative in the AP Top 25 -- No. 18 Ball State --- gets the chance to show its worth to the nation against Northern Illinois.

Did you know: Ball State running back MiQuale Lewis is fifth in NCAA Div. I-A with 989 yards rushing. Teammate Nate Davis is 10th on the MAC's all-time passing charts with 7,700 yards.

To watch: 8 p.m., ESPN2.

Penguins: The local ice hockey club finally comes in off the road for a game against the Edmonton Oilers, who themselves are in the middle of a seven-game trip.

Did you know: Through their 4-1 loss Oct. 30 in Phoenix, the Penguins had played 11 games. Forward Eric Godard has been involved in a fight in five of those games.

To watch: 7 p.m., FSN Pittsburgh.

WPIAL football: The stakes and competition increase for the 32 teams advancing to the quarterfinals.

Did you know: Jeannette tries to become the first to win three consecutive titles in Class AA since Braddock won six in a row from 1954-59. Thomas Jefferson also is trying for a third AAA title in a row. The last WPIAL team to win three consecutive titles in any class was Rochester (2000-02, Class A).

To watch: Check PG print editions or visit www.post-gazette.com for matchups, times and locations.

Pitt: The Panthers begin a season-ending four-game stretch vs. all the teams in the upper half of the Big East standings when Louisville comes to Heinz Field. Win out and the Panthers earn a BCS bowl bid. Sounds simple, huh?

Did you know: Going into the game vs. Notre Dame, Derek Kinder needed 15 receptions over Pitt's final five games to break into the top five on the Panthers' all-time list. He had 118.

To watch: Noon, WTAE.

Steelers: Peyton Manning gets to experience Steelers crowd noise for a change as the suddenly desperate Indianapolis Colts (3-4 and with a game vs. New England before traveling here) come to Heinz Field for a nationally televised game.

Did you know: Perhaps most telling in the Colts' struggles: No receiver ranks in the NFL's top 10 in receptions or receiving yards. Reggie Wayne is their best in both -- 38 receptions (13th) for 521 yards (12th).

To watch: 4:15 p.m., Heinz Field, KDKA.