Still_Waiting: Hey Jerry ! Will the PG ever assign a beat writer to cover the Duquesne men's basketball team now that the Axe has retired ?

Jerry Micco: As our company goes through these tough economic times, I'm not going to mention individual employee cases. But rest assured, we will have someone assigned to do stories on the Duquesne basketball team. I think all things in their proper measure, however. The readership for college basketball in the PG leans very heavily Pitt. With good reason, it's a top 5 team. But that does not mean we will not cover Duquesne.

Division2Football: Your thoughts on Division 2 football? I think I have read in the PG that Cal U is leading the region for D2. While I don't want to discount what they have done, national semis in the past 2 years, let's be honest. Cal is 57-24 since 2002, with 25 wins in the past 2 years. IUP is 58-18 since the same time. Cal is 4-2 in the playoffs since 2002 while IUP is 2-2. Let's not confuse a 2 year streak with sustained excellence.

Jerry Micco: I think both programs are excellent D-II programs. Cal has certainly ruled the roost the past couple seasons. It just goes to show how good college football is in western Pennsylvania, at all levels.

JimNBigD: Good afternoon Jerry. I could not be happier that Pitt is going to a bowl. The Sun is a fine bowl and Panther fans should be proud. However, the fact that an unranked Nebraska team is in the Gator bowl shows what a sham the bowl system really is. When will the university presidents from schools other than Notre Dame, Nebraska, Ohio State, etc, realize they are getting it in the shorts and come up with a system that rewards performance on the field and not the fact there is nothing to do in Lincoln or Columbus in January?

Jerry Micco: I think the reason is because when you get down to it, bowls are exhibition games. And when the game really doesn't count for a conference or national championship, then it's an exhibition game. The bowls want people who travel and they want programs with some history. Or a program on the rise. Or a program that was great, is now mediocre (see: Nebraska and ND) and hope to put a big "name" in their bowl. Pitt's going bowling and its fans should be happy. Sun Bowl has a history too, and Oregon State isn't all that bad. Should be a good game.

capone_s_steelers: Hey Jerry if the steelers are having that hard of time in the redzone being denied over and over. Do you think they will ever think of using Limas Sweed in the back of the end zone and letting him go up and get it considering his hieght. Or moving Dennis Dixon to number 2 and let him run some slash around the goal line. Why do we keep trying to run it in change it up and suprise them would be great.

Jerry Micco: I don't think those are in the plans. Ed Bouchette, who knows more about the Steelers than anyone I know, may know differently, but I don't think that's how they'll operate. I think you might see them use a fullback more for Willie Parker around the goal line, but truth is, the offensive line has to win some of those battles. And they aren't winning enough of them.

capone_s_steelers: Where did the screen passes go that was so helpful against New England. Willie is hurting do you think they will go back to using a full back or maybe some of that pony backfield would be a surprise considering all we have done with it is heard about it. Do you think they will ever use it? What are we waiting on at this point?

Jerry Micco: I don't think, for whatever reason, this is a good screening team. You have to have the linemen and backs to do that and I don't think they do. I think their screens, whether they worked or not vs. New England, looked clumsy and awkward. Now the fullback might be something they start to look at again. I think Parker likes running behind a fullback. We'll see against the Ravens who are just as hard to run against as the Steelers.

capone_s_steelers: Why want ben roll out anymore is he told to stay in the pocket. The Defense all it has to do is pin there ears back and go straight back behind the center and sack him they know he will be there everytime . How about some roll out Play Action . Why can't we do something different?

Jerry Micco: They do some things differently, but it's hard to get on the edge when the edge pass rushers are flying up field. This weekend, they are going to have to protect him in the pocket as best they can because Baltimore will want to keep Ben in there. And you may see a lot of short, quick passes because those slow-developing pass plays will have a hard time working, at least early, against the Ravens.

DB: Hi Jerry, does the Post-Gazette have any plans to create a mobile version of its website?

Jerry Micco: I will run that past our Web folks, but we're always looking at new or existing technologies that we think will enhance the Web experience for our readers.

SDWC: Hi Jerry, Any idea why the ACC championship was played in Raymond James Stadium in Tampa? I found it odd since that's the home of a Big East team (South Florida) in a rival conference.

Jerry Micco: I think because what were supposed to be two of the ACC's marquee teams -- Florida St. and Miami -- are in Florida and because the ACC loves to recruit out of that area. I don't know if they were unhappy in Jacksonville (2007 game), but being in Florida helps with weather as well as recruiting.

Chunkles: Jerry, I guess its because I despise the Ravens but I see why people are comparing our Steelers to their 2000 team, very good defense and an average offense. Although, I think this Steeler defense is better than the Ravens of 2000. Anyway, who are your two choices for most under appreciated talent on offense and defense? I got to go with Travis Kirschke and Mewelde Moore.

Jerry Micco: On defense, either Aaron Smith or James Farrior, who quietly are having terrific seasons. Even Ike Taylor is doing some great work on the corner. On offense, Nate Washington is having a very good year, despite still having too many drops. But Ben has looked for him in big spots and he's responded more often than not this season.

Kibab1979: Hi Jerry, long time reader first time questioner. Is there more to Fleury's injury than the Pens are letting on. For what was described orginally as a "day to day" injury, this has definitely dragged on. And, it looks like Sabourin is starting to feel the effects of playing every game. Any word on when MAF can be exepcted back?

Jerry Micco: Shelly Anderson mentioned today that Fleury may be back a week from tomorrow from his undisclosed injury, though Shelly mentions today it is an "apparent groin injury." I think Sabourin does a good job as a backup, but he's a back up for a reason. I think you are seeing some of the wear and tear on him, as well as the league getting a book on him as far as where you can go to score on him, etc. And the defense, crushed by injuries, just isn't playing very well.

PhillyMarty: Do you have any confidence that your QB can make enough plays for his team to win at Balt this week? Biggest difference between the Steelers and both Balt and Tenn is that those teams can run it as well as play tough defense. Have great trouble seeing us avoiding another breakdown a la Philly this year or @ Balt in 2006?

Jerry Micco: The Ravens game will be a tough one to win and all the reasons you cite are legit, Marty. The offense has not played well all season and it will need a tremendous effort to knock off the Ravens in Baltimore. If the Steelers are to win this one, special teams and defense will have to get a score. Maybe one each, or give the offense some short fields to work in. If they can get 21 points, that should be enough.

jimmy_g: What a remarkable comeback win by the Steelers against the Cowboys. However, the offense was still anemic for most of the game. How do you see the upcoming game against Baltimore?

Jerry Micco: A brutal battle of defenses. If the offenses can scratch out some points, that's a bonus. The Ravens have a big back and a two-headed running game, which right now looks better than the Steelers. As I said in my answer to Marty, I think defense and special teams are going to either have to score or set up several short fields for this offense.

Homey: I see the way the Steelers use Moore in the passing game as a receiver, and I wonder why Parker isn't used that way when he's healthy. Is it a matter of Parker can't play that role, or the team doesn't want to use him like that, or what? Seems like he'd be good if he was given more open space somehow.

Jerry Micco: Moore was brought here as a third-down back because he can catch and run in some space. I think he's proven that. Parker can do that, too, but I don't think as well as Moore can do it. I think Parker runs better with a fullback, while I think Moore's comfortable in a 1-back set. They are different guys, but both will have to be on their games vs. Baltimore.

Homey: You mentioned the tough economic times, especially in the newspaper business. With that in mind, will there come a time when the columnists won't make road trips?

Jerry Micco: That's hard to say because the columnists have such a high readership. I think the opinions they express are something readers can't get anywhere else in Pittsburgh. Columnists are the big-ticket writers at most newspapers and we have a good set of them here. Love them or hate them, a lot of people read them. Which is what we want.

PirateApologist: Well, Jerry, C.C. Sabathia has finally moved into your tax bracket. Let me be the first to predict the Yankees will be regretting that one in about three years.

Jerry Micco: Maybe, but if CC can keep cranking out the innings and the wins, and he's done that for some time, then it won't matter if they get 3 or 4 years out of him. It may get them a championship. I think they still need a bit of pitching, though, before they can knock off the Red Sox and Rays. And Sabathia is almost in my tax bracket, but not quite yet. Funny thing is when I was in California at the paper, he was an excellent high school pitcher in the Bay Area. We could see greatness back then, too.

jimmy_g: In the past the Pirates have locked up young building blocks such as Jack Wilson and Jason Bay (going and gone). Now they are talking about the same for McLouth, Doumit, and Maholm. I guess that means that they will be traded for prospects in a few years. What are your thoughts?

Jerry Micco: That is usually what happens to teams that don't have deep pockets. You try to lock them up young, hope you catch lightning in a bottle and then maybe you win. It's what the Rays did. Three years from now, who will be in Tampa? Those guys will be used to trade for prospects. Only the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Cubs, Angels and maybe the Dodgers can afford to shell out big money for free agents. But of that list, which one won the championship last year?

PirateApologist: When does Shady have to truly decide if he is staying at Pitt for another year or declare for the draft?

Jerry Micco: I think, but I'm not sure about this, he has until late January or early February. Don't hold me to that, but I thought I read that in our paper. I'm sure we'll do more on that when it gets closer to the date, though.

YeOldeBuccoFan: I've been out of the country and I just read all the fan comments/questions on Ed's Steeler chat. How bad did the Steelers lose to the Cowboys on Sunday?

Jerry Micco: A lot of folks felt that way, it seemed. It was not a pretty game for the Steelers until the final quarter. Dallas pretty much dictated what they wanted to do, at least defensively. Now watch, the Steelers offense, torched all week and pretty much all season, will ring up 30 on Baltimore. This is a weird league with all the upsets, etc. You couldn't make a living betting this sport, though I know folks who try.

PhillyMarty: Yesteday, Ed disagreed with this thought. I suggested that Steelers can not win in January without a significant contribution from Slow Willie Parker (he clearly is not longer FWP). So why not sit him until January, hope he gets healthier. For now use Davis/Russell to spell Moore as if he plays every down he will also break down.

Jerry Micco: If he is their best back, and I think he is, you have to play him. If he's really hurt and can't go, it's a different story. But if he can play, he has to play. And if they can go 2-1 down the stretch you are pretty much locked into a bye, which would help a banged up team. Even 1-2 you might be able to get a bye at 11-5. But you need your best players to win. Parker, even part time, is one of those guys.

PirateApologist: Because of the economy, do you suspect the Pirates will forgo some of their bobblehead type promotions and replace them with discounted ticket nights or discounted food nights, etc.?

Jerry Micco: I've not seen what they have planned, but like all businesses, they'll look for ways to fight through the bad economic times. The NFL, the king of all sports leagues, just laid off 150 people. Amazing. The NBA and MLB have had layoffs, too. Baseball season tickets are being sold now. I'm guessing there will be a drop off for almost every club. And when the NFL season tickets begin selling in the spring, you may even see a drop there. Folks just don't have the disposable income they once had.

YeOldeBuccoFan: I know that College Basketball rankings this time of year don't mean squat, but I wonder how many fans around the country (or even around here) realize that only 5 schools have teams in the Top 25 right now in football and basketball: Oklahoma, Texas, Michigan State, Ohio State.....and Pitt?

Jerry Micco: Not many, though I'm sure Pitt fans realize that. It has been a very good year for Pitt athletics. The football team, despite a couple of games it shouldn't have lost, had a very good season and is being rewarded. The basketball team looks solid. It's early, and the Big East is a tough league, but the Panthers should make hay in conference games, too. I'm looking forward to Big East play. Should be tremendous basketball.

jimmy_g: OK Jerry, it's prediction time. Will Jamie or Agnes be first to take a Pitt basketball team to the Final Four?

Jerry Micco: Jamie, because it's so tough for new teams to break into the old guard in the women's game. but Agnus has done wonders with that program. And they made the Sweet 16 last year. Great win over Maryland Sunday, too. It has great things ahead for the women, but the Tennessees, UConns, Stanfords and such are loaded every year, too.

theWellHungarian: Hi Jerry-- Am I the only one who likes the BCS as it is? I think there are obvious flaws but, while March Madness is the most exciting 2 weeks in sports, the College Football season is the most exciting 3 months in sports. A college football playoff would make the regular season less meaningful ... Case in point, I asked my buddy, who is a huge college football fan & supporter of a playoff, if he watched Nova-Texas, his response was to him college hoops doesn't start till March. Thoughts?

Jerry Micco: I'm in favor of a playoff, but only a 4-team playoff. I think by and large, you get the best 2 teams for a college national title game under the BCS-plus-1 system. But when you see Ohio St. lay a couple of eggs and you watch Texas beat Oklahoma and not get a shot because of Oklahoma, and you see Florida, who is impressive, lose to Ole Miss, why not decide it on the field? Put in a 4-team playoff between Florida, Oklahoma, Texas and Alabama or USC and let them play it out. The regular season still means something because you are using the BCS voting to get to a final 4. You're only talking 2 more games.

PhillyMarty: The STEELERS are going to score 21 this week. Can I get some of what you are drinking/inhaling? They will be fortunate to score 10.

Jerry Micco: I didn't say they'd score 21. I said they need to score 21.

jimmy_g: Speaking of the ACC, their raid on the Big East is not looking quite as good as it was first thought to be. The ACC is most likely behind the Big East in football and they are definitely behind in basketball OVERALL notwithstanding North Carolina and Duke.

Jerry Micco: I might disagree on football. Even though FSU is down, they can probably beat most every Big East football team. And Virginia Tech or BC could probably do the same. It's not a great football conference, but potentially it could be. The Big East in football is always going to be a weak sister, even if they are good. Because people nationally can't get excited about Cincinnati, Louisville, Rutgers, etc. In basketball, the ACC will always be at the top. But the Big East is there with them, and this year is better overall.

theWellHungarian: Any prediction for tonight game versus the Devil? Do you think the Penguin can win these tough game after losing 2 straight game?

Jerry Micco: Is that a Therrien imitation or are you having trouble typing, Hungarian? I think they should be happy picking up a point in Jersey. So I'll say a shootout loss.

YeOldeBuccoFan: Isn't it true that if the Steelers beat Baltimore this week, they will not only clinch the division, but also wrap up a bye, since no one else will be able to match their excellent conference record?

Jerry Micco: I believe that's correct. It's a huge game for them if they can win it. It makes the Tennessee game much less important. And everyone's assuming a Cleveland win, so that would make 12 wins. Good enough for a bye, certainly.

Homey: Watching the Pitt/UConn game, in addition to most of the other Pitt games, I was wondering why McCoy has so many runs up the middle. There must be 3 of those for every pass in the flat, toss wide, etc. I know he broke one up the middle, but there were 20 more where he was stuffed. If he's best asset is quickness and moves in space, is he getting the right chances by the play calling?

Jerry Micco: I'd imaging UConn was trying to take the outside away on those plays, so the middle might have been open. I think most great backs, and McCoy is a great back, will make their yards between the tackles because as you wear down a defense, that's where you can spring a guy with one block. You have to run in and out to keep the defense honest, but you can get more guys blocking for you up the middle.

jimmy_g: Speaking of the PG sports columnists, it must be fun working with those three. They all have a lot of experience. They are all quite different. AND they are all very good.

Jerry Micco: I appreciate the compliment and will pass that on, jimmy. They are a good group to work with. I'm relatively new to the PG (5 years in March), but those guys have been around a long time. I learn from them and I hope they get something from me. I've worked other places and seen different things, which I try out. I have a very good relationship with those guys because they work hard for our readers. Anyone who does that, it's easy to work with them.

PhillyMarty: Seems like the injury bug took two months, but it finally is pulling the Pens down. This team needs Fleury back soon and it needs its forwards to help the defense keep the puck out of their own end. And if that does not change, it won't matter who gets healthy on defense.

Jerry Micco: You are absolutely right, Marty. The forwards are going to have to help a lot more and they are going to have to clamp down a bit on offense until they can get some guys back. Losing Gill hurts big time because he's a big presence out there and is a stay-at-home guy. Fleury, as you point out, is the key. With him in goal, you can take a few more chances. They are going to have to battle through this, though and pick up some points where they can. They are still in pretty good shape at 34 points, but picking up at least 1 tonight is important.

Pac_Rat_Jones: Why is there so much fan interest in Jack Wilson? Because he dives for ground balls out of his reach?

Jerry Micco: And because he's a pretty good shortstop. He also has been here a long time and has done a lot for the community. He was never considered a big guy with the stick, but I don't know that I'd agree he's a poor shortstop. I think he's a very good one.

PhillyMarty: You can't convince me Parker did not look tentative hitting the hole or making cuts. Moore was the better back vs. Dallas and it was no contest. If my amateur eyes see it, hard to believe Tomilin's don't. The reasons are obvious. Let's try to get Willie healthy.

Jerry Micco: I think part of that is Parker running with out a fullback. I think he needs that lead blocker to be effective. He's not big (205) so making his own holes isn't something he's good at doing. I think because of that, and because he's not healthy, he's only a part-time player.

capone_s_steelers: Has there been any more about cowher going to the browns, if this is true what a slap in the face for the steelers leave and come back in the same division.

Jerry Micco: I've not heard much about that, but the way I look at it, Cowher's a free agent and can go where he wants. He owes the Steelers nothing. He was an excellent coach here and paid very well for it.

jimmy_g: There has been a lot of discussion in Paul Zeise's Q&A about the Pitt QB situation. He believes that the numbers game will have them standing pat next year. My opinion is that the QB position is what is keeping Pitt from moving from a good team to a great team. What are your thoughts?

Jerry Micco: I think now that Stull has a year under his belt, he'll be a better QB next year. And you really don't know what you have behind him. Bostick? I don't see him as much better and frankly I don't think he's as good. Cross? Be nice to see some packages for him next year, or in the bowl game. Sunseri? Good to redshirt QBs a year if you can. He'll have three years left after 2009.

Homey: If you could pick a coach for your college hoops team, would you rather have Dixon or Howland?

Jerry Micco: Howland because he's gone deeper into the tournament and has more experience as a head coach. But Jamie Dixon is a very good coach, make no mistake.

Pac_Rat_Jones: I can't believe the Yankees outbid the Pirates for C.C. Sabathia. I guess we will have to go hard after A.J. Burnett or Derek Lowe, right?

Jerry Micco: I think giving more money to Paul Maholm is a good idea.

Pac_Rat_Jones: I found it amusing that Hines Ward had 1 catch on Sunday and Ed Bouchette said yesterday Ward was the first guy out of the locker room after the game. When this guy has a big receiving day it seems like he can't stop talking.

Jerry Micco: I mentioned this in my live blog from the game. Ward is usually holding court after every game and I found it odd to see him leaving just as I and many other media were just entering the locker room. Guys don't have to hang around to talk with us. No crime if they don't. But it was very unusual.

PhillyMarty: The BCS/playoff issue is supposedly the Presidents feel indebted to the bowls. And you have unfairly left out the winner of the Rose Bowl in your playoff. Don't see why you can't stage a Doubleheader at a neutral site 2 weeks after the NY Day bowls and then the final the week before the Super Bowl. And the best part is it makes the NY Day bowls relevant again. If PSU was not playing, doubt I would bother to watch any of those games this year.

Jerry Micco: I'll go last first: I watch the bowl games every year because I love football. And certainly we have interest in the Rose this year because PSU is there. Just like we never pay much attention to the Sun, but now we care because Pitt is there. And that's not a bad plan either, Marty. It does extend the season, but if you give those guys most of December off, they can still do studies, visit family, etc. I think the presidents hide behind a lot of stuff to effectively kill a playoff, but I think you are correct in saying they feel indebted to the bowls.

YeOldeBuccoFan: Expand that thing to 8 teams: Oklahoma, Florida, Texas, Alabama, USC, Penn State, Texas Tech, and Utah. Wouldn't that tournament be college football heaven on earth? And how can people say that the season wouldn't matter? One more loss and any one of those teams would be out of the mix.

Jerry Micco: I still think 8 is too many. I prefer 4, but I think if you're a fan of college football, there are some great matchups there. Imagine if you used the current BCS to pair them: Oklahoma-PSU; Florida-Texas Tech; Texas-Utah; Alabama-USC. Wow, what a lineup.

jimmy_g: Speaking of LeSean McCoy, his cousin Colt McCoy (just kidding) said he was coming back for his senior year so there's hope that Shady will be back for his junior year.

Jerry Micco: McCoy has said he'll return, so I'm assuming he'll return. Paul Zeise and those around the program say he likely won't. Be interesting to see what Dave Wannstedt advises him to do and what the pro scouts say about him. I think he's a late first-rounder.

Pac_Rat_Jones: When your coach gets a Gatorade shower after cliching a Sun Bowl berth I guess that tells you how much he buried the program and how much farther it has to go. I would think most people would look at this season as a disappointment, considering Pitt has the best RB in the nation and a schedule that had to be one of the weakest in the nation.

Jerry Micco: You have to walk before you run. Yes, there were some disappointments, but you play the teams on your schedule. A Sun Bowl berth is a start, but at some point, you want to get that BCS bid. And Pitt needed this season to set up a possible BCS run next year.

theWellHungarian: If Shady comes back, where do you think Pitt would be ranked pre-season ... If he goes pro, where do you think?

Jerry Micco: If he comes back, they'll be in the top 15. If not, top 25, maybe.

Jerry Micco: Folks, I need to run. See you next Wednesday at noon for more sports talk. Should be a lot to discuss following Sunday's game. Thanks for taking the time to join me and all the questions. It's makes it the most fun hour of the work week for me.