Jerry Micco: Folks, we had a technical meltdown that prevented me from getting on the chat. My apologies to all of you for that. I'll stay until a bit after 1 p.m. to answer questions. Again, my apologies for inconveniencing anyone.

Van_Smack: As tough for you to see Bob Smizik go as it was for many of his readers? I'll miss his work for sure.

Jerry Micco: I agree, readers are the real folks who will miss Bob. We certainly will too, but Bob wrote for his readers -- the ones who loved him and the ones who didn't -- but he always took a stand. I had a great 41/2 years with Bob and enjoyed working with him. And he'll occasionally be back in our paper and/or on our Web site. He's thinking over what he wants to do in the freelance world and we definitely want to be a part of that. Bob is one of the greats in the Pittsburgh sports community. I wish him well in retirement, but look forward to still reading some of his work.

Scuba_Steve: Will someone replace Bob Smizik or will it just be Gene and Ron for awhile?

Jerry Micco: Gene and Ron will be the columnists here, as always. I don't know if we'll do a third full-time columnist, but a lot of things are under consideration. As we move through these tough economic times, we'll have to make some tough coverage decisions and that includes how many columnists we have. But get through it we will and we will move on. We have 215,000 subscribers and thousands more Web readers who depend on us. And our job is to bring them the best information and stories we can accurately and quickly.

MPM: Some people may not realize this, but Oklahoma, Texas, Ohio State, and Pitt are the only schools in the country that have their football, men's basketball, and women's basketball teams ranked in the respective AP Top 25 polls. A nice group for Pitt to be included with.

Jerry Micco: It's been a very good year for Pitt athletics so far. I'm sure Steve Pederson and company are proud of their accomplishments as well they should be. The football program is not going to be considered with the elite, but 9-3 is a very good season. A nice Sun Bowl win would really top that season off. And they can win that game. I think they will. The women's program is the same way. Not elite, but what a tremendous job Agnus Berenato has done with that program. The men's team, in my mind, is elite. One of the best in the country. All told, Pitt overall is one of the better athletic programs in the nation, when you look at those big 3 sports.

Van_Smack: Were you surprised that PSU brought Paterno back?

Jerry Micco: No, I thought he'd come back after going 11-1 and getting into the Rose Bowl. I was surprised at 3 years. I thought they'd go year to year with him, but I know for recruiting it's important to show stability. I was surprised by the language that says they can open up the contract to either cut or extend the deal. That's not something you see every day. I also was surprised that there was no mention of a succession plan. Now, it could be in the contract, but no one's saying that.

tbrown21061: Type here Hi, I'm a huge Steeler fan that unfortunately lives in Baltimore now, my question is this: I know Willie Parker is the starter and I'm not saying he shouldn't be but the offense moves so much better with Moore in the mix, his ability to catch passes and his ability to get the harder to earn yards seem to be the way to get the running game and the offense rolling better. So why does it seem that they don't use him enough or in the right situations?

Jerry Micco: I think they are comfortable with the way things are now and Mike Tomlin has been quick to get Moore into games when he thinks he can do some damage. That said, Parker is not playing up to snuff and it's probably from being banged up. Still, you need to have both of them now to have any kind of running game.

Van_Smack: The Steeler defense is the best in the league, but the team isn't winning the Super Bowl without Ben. Is there a QB in the league right now that is more clutch than he is?

Jerry Micco: I don't think so, though with Peyton Manning healthy again, he's still just terrific. The Colts are the one team the Steelers need to keep their eye on throughout the playoffs. I think those two will meet again for the AFC title. Indy's playing excellent football. And what little offense the Steelers have is going through Big Ben. And he's done a very good job without much of a running attack this season.

bubs: Rose Bowl prediction?

Jerry Micco: I'm not much for predicitions, but I think Penn State can win that game, a very close game. I think USC has a great defense, but I'm not as impressed with them offensively. I think the line is USC minus-10. I think it'll not only be closer, but that PSU is capable of winning that game. Paterno has usually gotten teams ready to play for bowl games. And you wonder if USC is upset at not getting any chance for the national title game.

Homey: A couple weeks ago someone asked Mike Leach how he thought they should break the tie for the Big 12 South, and he said it should be based on graduation rate, which would, of course, favor Tech in this case. After an initial laugh, I thought maybe the idea has merit. Why not use academics in there's a complete tie? Wouldn't it bring back some emphasis on academics that's been lost over the years?

Jerry Micco: College coaches and administrators should care about academics for one reason only: the athletes that come through there are promised an education for their services. And the colleges should make sure, not give lip service to, making sure that happens. Not with a gift degree, but with an agreement that a degree from XX university will mean something after your playing days are over. It should never be used as a tiebreaker for a sporting event or league standings. It should be part of the everyday life of an athlete.

Scuba_Steve: Do you have a prediction for Steelers Titans?

Jerry Micco: I think the Steelers will take that one and get the No. 1 seed in the AFC. I like them by 3.

Van_Smack: Everytime I see a Pirates' signing I just shake my head. Their attendance this year might be their all-time worst.

Jerry Micco: It might be low for several reasons. Poor team as well as economic reasons. Most folks feel this recession won't begin to recover until the second half of 2009. And the Pirates likely won't contend past June, so it could be tough. Again, they'd have to have so much happen perfectly for them to even contend in the division. It's going to be a while until we have a consistent winner.

tbrown21061: thanks for taking the time to answer

Jerry Micco: No problem. That's what I do. Feel free to ask whatever comes to mind.

MPM: It seemed like a forgone conclusion at the start of the off season that the Pirates wanted to trade Jack Wilson, but now it looks like he?ll be back for another season. Did the Pirates grossly misjudge the market for him or ask for too much in return for him? They say they?re happy to bring him back this year, but with that salary and the situation the team is in right now with trying to rebuild, I don?t think it?s a good situation for either side.

Jerry Micco: Well, I think he's the only really tradeable part they have. Sanchez wouldn't get you much more than Wilson, if even that much. McLouth and Maholm would get you something, but why gut the team when you don't have much to begin with? You know, they could do worse than Wilson. He's not going to hit .300, but he'll play very good shortstop and he'll get the occasional big hit. And he may be very good for the team in the locker room. And teams are being cautious, except the Yankees, who have new stadium money and are buying a championship.

Kibab1979: Jerry, which match up scares you more in the playoffs ... Ravens or Colts?

Jerry Micco: No question, the Colts. I think the Colts are playing as well as any team in the NFL. And they've already beaten the Steelers at Heinz Field this year.

Van_Smack: What more does Aaron Smith need to do to get noticed for the Pro Bowl? More sacks I guess but that's not his role.

Jerry Micco: And that's the problem. Defensive ends with a lot of sacks will always get the nod over him. He's more of a defensive tackle in the eyes of voters, but he's not listed there. And that's too bad. He's had a tremendous season and is very deserving of a Pro Bowl bid. Maybe because half the guys who are picked don't go to the game, he can get in there. It'd be a nice reward for his excellent play this season.

tbrown21061: out of the probable playoff teams in the AFC which one or two do you think should be the biggest worry for Pittsburgh. My thoughts are we don't want to play Baltimore again? I think we match up against the others pretty well with being able to stop the run and a good pass rush, I think if we play Baltimore again they (Ravens) will try and not be as conservative again.

Jerry Micco: Well, I think the Ravens will be tough, but as you can see from my earlier answers, the Colts scare me the most. And though they skunked them earlier, if New England slips in there, I'd not be crazy about playing them a second time.

Van_Smack: Too early to get worried about the Pens? Some of these games, like Saturday afternoon, have been tough to watch.

Jerry Micco: A bit too early to get worried, I think, but I watched Saturday's game and it looked eerily similar to other games I've seen recently. The injuries have taken a toll because they all seem to be in one area, defense. Also, I think they really have missed Fleury and Zigomanis. When those guys get back, along with Whitney probably at the end of the month for him, they will be much better. I still think they can win the division.

Scuba_Steve: From what you have seen of this team, do you think there is ANY chance that they beat Tennessee in a big emotional game, then come out and lay an egg against a terrible Browns team?

Jerry Micco: I don't think so. But if they beat Tennessee, they know the have to beat Cleveland to get that No. 1 seed. I just don't see Cleveland with a journeyman QB at the helm, beating the Steelers here. It would be the biggest egg ever lain.

bubs: We know the Steelers D is Super Bowl caliber. But can the O get them there -- and win it??

Jerry Micco: The offense has to score some points and be more consistent. The defense helps that along by shortening fields. But they have to find some sort of running game and Ben has to continue to take care of the ball and be consistent. They have enough to score 21, 24 points per game. If they can get that, they should be fine.

Kibab1979: When it comes down to it, could it very well be that Daniel Sepulveda is the biggest injury the Steelers suffered this year?

Jerry Micco: I've always been a fan of that pick, and I know I'm in the minority, but you may be right. Sepulveda was a very good punter his rookie season and you know he'd not be shanking punts everywhere. Give that defense a good punter to pin offenses deep on a consistent basis, and wow, you'd be beyond formidable.

bubs: But who have the Colts beaten? On this streak they're riding, they've beat up on the Browns and Bengals to name two. Other than the Steelers giving the game away to them, I don't see them racking up wins against quality opponents.

Jerry Micco: Well, the Steelers get 4 games against the Browns and Bengals, so I can't fault the Colts too much there. The point is, you can see them just getting better. Manning is finally healthy. Dallas Clark is finally healthy. Bob Sanders, when he plays, makes the defense much better. And didn't they beat the Steelers during that stretch? At Heinz? I give credit where it's due. I think the Steelers are a better team, but he Colts scare me.

Van_Smack: I've never been a big fan of Ron Cook, but his piece on Aaron Smith and his family was just fantastic. There couldn't have been many parents out there who finished reading that one with dry eyes. Knowing he has been dealing with this has made me appreciate his level of play even more.

Jerry Micco: Columnists know that they will always have detractors and devotees. My goal, and their goal, is to be read every day. Love 'em or hate 'em, we want you to read 'em. It was a moving story that Aaron Smith told Ron and with his terrific writing talent, Ron spun a wonderful tale. Thanks for letting us know you enjoyed the piece.

Homey: I gather from Smizik's comment about a buyout the the PG is scaling back to 2 columnists after his departure? (Sorry if this has been asked - I got here late.)

Jerry Micco: I has been asked, but I'll give you the short version: Yes, we'll have 2 full-time columnists for the foreseeable future.

bubs: Addressing the BCS sham -- Florida loses one game this season, by one point at home, to a team that finishes 8-4. They play for the National Championship. Penn State loses by one point on the road to a team that also finishes 8-4. They don't. USC also lost on the road to an 8-4 team. And don't get me started about the Okla.-Texas-T.Tech debacle. I'm not sure I have a question here, but it makes my head want to explode.

Jerry Micco: Anyone who is a regular chat member here knows I'm still trying to figure out the love affair with Florida. They lost to Ole Miss by a point. And I know the SEC is considered the premier conference in the nation, but I'd say they were a bit down this year. Georgia got whacked in several games. LSU was up and down. Auburn stunk. Outside of Alabama and Florida, who makes you shake in the SEC? For that matter, outside of the Big 12, where they don't play defense, which conference seemed "dominant?" I don't think there was one.

Homey: I live in Texas and don't read the print version of the paper. Do you print excerpts from the chats in the paper?

Jerry Micco: No, not in print. We do archive them online via transcripts, which is where the vast majority of the readers actually read them. We know not everyone can participate live, so the transcripts are there for them. And that's why we allow folks to start posting questions at 6 a.m. the day of the chat. So they can participate even if they are not able to do so during the chat.

Homey: How many people in the sports department play fantasy football? Is it a big thing there, and do you play?

Jerry Micco: I used to play years ago, but I don't anymore and haven't for several years now. I don't know how many folks here play fantasy football. I know we offer some stuff on our Web site for that, though.

Jerry Micco: Well folks, I need to run. Again, apologize for the late start but like the real sports fans you are, you came through with some very good questions to keep the chat going. We will not have this chat next week, but I will return on Dec. 31 at noon for my regular Wednesday chat. Please have a safe and terrific holiday, and I'll see you on New Year's Eve.