Buddy: Type here If a shooter scores a goal during a shootout he is not credited with it even though he must beat the goalie to score. i.e. this goal is contested. If a shooter scores into an empty net (uncontested) he IS given credit for it. Why? This defies logic.

Jerry Micco: My guess is, and Dave Molinari would be better equipped than I to answer this, is because the empty netter is scored within the regular play of the game and everything is counted in regular play. In shootouts, teams are credited with the goal, not the individual.

Stull_The_Warrior_King: Jerry, If 6 Big East teams qualify for bowl games (the conference basically has 5 bowl slots) then is it possible that one of the teams will fill a bowl game that isn't affliated with the B.E.?

Jerry Micco: Yes, that is possible as long as they are bowl eligible and the bowl wants that team.

Homey: How does the paper decide which out of town colleges to cover? For instance, is the interest in WVU a lot more than, for instance, Ohio State? Here in the Dallas area, the paper covers OU sports quite a bit, so I just wonder.

Jerry Micco: The interest here breaks down like this: Pitt, Penn State, WVU. Penn State web site hits are on par with Pitt during football season. WVU is third. All things being equal, we tend to lean Pitt. But we realize, too, that Penn State has plenty of alums here (PSU tells me about 35,000 in the 9-county SW Pa. area) and 4 branch campuses in our coverage area. So we give the football team a good amount of coverage. But again, when there's an equal storyline, we tend to lean Pitt. At least that's been my philosophy here.

Stull_The_Warrior_King: With the acquisition of Iwamura yesterday by Pittsburgh, is it fair to say they are going to try to extend his deal? $4.25 million for a one-year rental seems like a waste of that money because the Buccos do not have a team that can compete for a playoff spot. If they aren't going to keep Iwamura for 3 years, I'd rather they get a league minimum guy to play 2B and save that money for future uses. Your thoughts?

Jerry Micco: Depends on what you want. With Iwamura, it's an immediate upgrade at 2nd base and makes the lineup better. Also, he's a placeholder for Pedro Alvarez. If the grand plan, and I have no idea what that is, is to move LaRoche to 2nd when Alvarez comes up, then you need someone better than Del Young to play second. You get that in Iwamura, even if it's for half a season. I think they like his bat in the 2-hole, too. And you never know, could be they like him so much they try to extend him at a bargain rate. It's not like the Bucs don't have some cash to spend.

theWellHungarian: Looks like we're finding out that Geno Malkin is the player on the Penguins that stirs the proverbial straw. It's nice to see that we're winning. Our depth (Lines 1-4) is incredible, but without Geno our scoring chances are down and the team is not as exciting.

Jerry Micco: Sidney Crosby is the draw and is a tremendous hockey player. One of the best players in the league. The depth on the team is terrific and they are getting scoring from a lot of different players. But Evgeni Malkin, in my opinion, is the most talented of all the Penguins and is the guy who can light it up at any time. Yes, they do miss him because he's a huge part of the offense. And his defensive skills, he backchecks with the best of them, are out of this world.

Scuba_Steve: I have no idea if it's safe for Ryan Clark to play, but I'm going to assume that he and his doctors know whether it's safe. I can't understand why so many in the media assume that they KNOW he shouldn't play. What do you think?

Jerry Micco: I don't know that I've heard anyone in media say they know he shouldn't play. I think it's a decision Clark has to make, but it sounds to me like Tomlin will have final say. And I don't think for a minute they'd take a chance with him playing even if there's a tiny doubt.

theWellHungarian: Who will go down as the stinkiest 2nd round pick this decade by the Steelers: Linus Sweed, Ricardo Colclough, or Alonzo Jackson? Does Sweed still have a chance to right the ship?

Jerry Micco: Sweed, from what I hear, continues to work hard in practice. Pretty tight battle between the 3, though. My vote goes to Jackson, who never panned out. Also, should we add Scott Shields into that mix. The big safety from Weber St. was terrible.

Scuba_Steve: Do you see Pitt having any more of their traditional "lose one they shouldn't" games this year or do you think this team has finally gotten past that and N.C. State was the last of those?

Jerry Micco: Well, the meaty part of their schedule comes up after Syracuse, which Pitt should handle rather easily. I'd imagine they'll be favored in all 3 final games, except perhaps Cincy, which if they have Tony Pike at QB might be a slight favorite. But I'd make Pitt a favorite at home against ND and a road favorite at WVU. But no mistaking it, Pitt's season is decided in the three games after the 'Cuse.

James_Taiwan: How do you see the Bengals fairing against the Steelers and Ravens the next two weeks?

Jerry Micco: The Bengals are tough, so I think they'll hang in there. The Steelers game is here, so I'd give the Steelers a 6-point edge. I believe the Ravens game is in Cincy, so maybe slight edge, 3 points, to the Bengals. If they can run the ball and play tough defense, the Bengals will give anyone fits.

Chooch79: I unfortunately can't make today's chat Jerry, but wanted to suggest that you consider having a special High School football chat session with Mike White to kickoff the WPIAL playoffs?

Jerry Micco: We'll see what we can do. We've tried HS chats, but they've not been well-attended. Doesn't mean we can't look at it again.

James_Taiwan: So the Delwyn Young experiment is over? Will Young still be with the Pirates as a bench player next year?

Jerry Micco: I believe the Pirates will hold on to Delwyn Young. He has nice pop in his bat and can be a good bench player. He can play second base, at least a little bit, and can play the outfield. You need guys who can play a couple positions and can hit. Young can do that. No need to unload him, that's for sure.

Stull_The_Warrior_King: Who do you think wins between Penn State and Ohio State on Saturday? I've got to give the edge to Penn State, but I will say that Pryor is capable (not likely, but capable) of putting the team on his back and leading them to victory. Think Vince Young against USC.

Jerry Micco: I have no doubt Pryor can do that, but I'd give the edge this weekend to Penn State, maybe by a touchdown. The PSU defense is very good and getting better as Sean Lee and Navorro Bowman get healthier. Their front line is excellent. The secondary is getting better. Offensively, the Lions still have an OK offensive line, but Darryl Clark is terrific and they have a couple of good RBs. Rochester's Derek Moye is the real deal. A true outside threat. It'll be a good game and a close one. But I'd give the edge to PSU at home.

Homey: Do you think the Broncos have begun a nosedive like they did last year? I think I'd still give the Chargers a chance to win that division, based on what history tells us.

Jerry Micco: We'll see. The Chargers do not impress me defensively and they strike me as a team that is pass happy. All their best players are there, I think. LT is not as strong as he once was and Sproules is a great change up player, but he can't grind out any yards. I think Denver is good enough to win the division and will do that.

theWellHungarian: Can't believe the amount of airtime the Ryan Clark thing is getting ... The doctors cleared him, the same doctors who've spent years upon years to become the best doctors in the world, who know what they're doing. What type of training does Joe Bendel, Mark Madden, or any of those guys have in regards to the sickle-cell trait? My take -- Let's let the doctors be doctors.

Jerry Micco: No one is disputing the decision of doctors, but nothing is absolute. I think if Ryan Clark has doubts, he needs to express those to the Steelers and they'll come to a decision. And the story has a human side to it, which makes it interesting.

theWellHungarian: Who would you say was the best pitcher of this era, Pedro Martinez or Greg Maddux? I'm leaving out Roger Clemens, Randy Johnson, and Curt Schilling based on their steroid use.

Jerry Micco: I'd say Maddux, but if Roy Halladay played with a better team, he'd be awfully close.

theWellHungarian: Akinori Iwamura? No Way!!! Should I purchase my playoff tickets now or save the money for World Series tickets in the all-you-can-eat section?

Jerry Micco: I think I'd just save my money. Period. Have you seen the latest economic news?

theWellHungarian: Why does the NHL insist on trying to make hockey work in non-traditional markets? I saw the attendance figures for Phoenix from last Saturday night against Anaheim (6,495) and last night against LA Kings (5,855). That's pathetic, especially considering the one game was a Saturday night and against one of the NHL's more exciting teams. Wouldn't it make more sense for NHL to go back to their roots and fill arenas in Quebec City, Winnipeg, or even Thunder Bay, rather than half sparsely populated arenas?

Jerry Micco: I don't disagree with your premise, but the league, which thrives on attendance because the TV contract is poor, needs to follow population and hope the game catches on. Or hopes that folks who live in the Sun Belt and grew up in hockey country will be the fans they get. But remember, a few years back, the Pens were drawing 10,000 on a good night. Sometimes it's the team, sometimes it's the area. I think Quebec City could support hockey, but does it have the corporate partners the league needs to make the franchise viable?

theWellHungarian: Any chance the Pitt-ND game attracts Musburger to call the play-by-play?

Jerry Micco: I think it very well could. Should be a terrific game.

JackSplat: Type hereAfter being provoked, LaGarrette Blount gets a well deserved suspension that is currently 7 games and counting for a sucker punch to the jaw of a taunting Boise State player. Last Saturday Florida's Brandon Spikes attempts to gouge the eyes out of a Georgia running back and as a result is required to sit out the first half of the Vanderbilt game. Am I the only one that thinks something is severely wrong with this picture? Does Urban Myer and the SEC need the NCAA to awaken them? Personally, I find Spikes actions to be as, if not more, reprehensible than Blounts. Your thoughts?

Jerry Micco: Well, Spikes did not gouge that player's eyes. Blount sucker punched a guy after a game. I thought Blout's penalty too severe. I thought Spikes' too lenient.

theWellHungarian: Why is it every year in College Football & College Basketball certain teams are always ranked solely based on tradition (ie Michigan & Notre Dame in Football and Syracuse in Basketball)?

Jerry Micco: Because year over year, they have proven to be very good. But they also are tossed out of the rankings rather quickly, too. Michigan fell sharply after the PSU loss.

Homey: Last week during this chat, the Hungarian said that during the Steelers bye week, fans should watch Robin van Persie and Arsenal. And sure enough, he scored 2 goals in a 3-0 Arsenal romp. I know you missed it, but just wanted to say that the Hungarian is my chat room soul mate.

Jerry Micco: There you go. I feel like this is e-chat Harmony.

Jacque_Strap: I haven't heard much about how Willie Parker is dealing with the RB situation. I am guessing that he is saying all the right things, but he can't be too happy. I don't think he'll get a big free agent deal, but there will definitely be some interest in him.

Jerry Micco: I've not heard much from Parker, but most guys want to play and aren't happy when they can't. I'm sure he's no different. He might get a decent FA offer, but I wonder if there's much left in him.

Jacque_Strap: Do you like the trade for Iwamura (spelling?)? I am guessing the fact that he plays second base was a big factor.

Jerry Micco: I like it because he's a good second baseman. But I like it better because he's a left-handed bat and can hit second. Has a bit of pop, but hits for a nice average. Gives the Bucs a good guy behind McCutchen.

praveen: Conventional logic would dictate someone like Therrien would have a system more appropriate for role players. But under Blysma, role players have thrived.

Jerry Micco: I think Bylsma's system is designed so that every player, every line, just has to move the puck and keep it going. Eventually, everyone's going to get chances in that set up because everyone's doing the same thing. Some guys are more talented so they'll thrive even more, but the Pens are better with depth. Any team is.

JackSplat: Lots of talk lately about Bill Cowher ending up in Cleveland next year. Let me be the first to suggest another destination for "The Jaw". With Tom O'Brien struggling mightily at NC State and his seat getting hotter with each loss in his third year at the helm, don't be surprised if Cowher is at the top of the list to replace O'Brien at seasons end. NC State has made a major financial commitment to their football program (facilities) in the last 8 years under Chuck Amato and O'Brien and desperately want a winning program. It's Cowher's alma mater and he wouldn't have to move since he lives in Raleigh. Your thoughts?

Jerry Micco: I'm not sure Cowher wants to coach as badly as some folks think he does. I mean, he gets a nice check from CBS to work one day a week during football season and he gets no grief from fans. I also think he's an NFL coach or GM in waiting should he want to get back in the ring. I don't think college has that appeal to him.

Chunkles: Jerry, not that Steeler Nation already didnt know this but Troy is as important on Defense as Ben is on Offense. Can you see Troy walking into his next contract negotions and asking for Ben-like money? Look at how much better the whole defense plays when Troy is in the game.

Jerry Micco: Quarterbacks in the NFL are the game-changers, plain and simple. And they are paid as such. Polamalu is a terrific player. Can be a defensive game-changer, but he doesn't deserve Big Ben money.

KS_Steeler: As funny as it is to watch the Browns continue to play the part of the bungling idiot rivals; it just makes me realize how people outside of Pittsburgh view the Pirtaes - very sad situation with the Bucs

Jerry Micco: The management team for the Pirates has a lot of work in front of them. A mountain to climb. That said, they took step 1 last year, gutting the team. Now, with this trade, they begin to rebuild. Alvarez is probably the next big piece coming their way, though they might make some offseason deals to fill gaps, which the Iwamura deal did.

Jacque_Strap: Are you enjoying the World Series? Two of my least favorite teams, but the games have been pretty good.

Jerry Micco: I'm watching it most of the time, but watch the Pens if they are on opposite. I switch back and forth. I find it pretty compelling, though, that these teams seem so even. It's tough for me to pull for the Yankees, so I'm sticking with the Phillies in 7.

JackSplat: Does Terrelle Pryor's future remain in Columbus, OH? Or is he a square peg being forced into a round hole who should think of transferring to a program where his talent fits the system?

Jerry Micco: I think he'll stay at Columbus and eventually they'll tailor more offense to his liking.

Jacque_Strap: If Cowher was interested in returning next year, what team do you think he would be most interested in (Carolina, Washington, Cleveland...)?

Jerry Micco: Carolina if he wants to live in that state. Cleveland if he wants people there to welcome him as a saviour and people here to decry him as the devil incarnate.

Commish: Which happens first: Pirates win the world series or Pirates get a new owner?

Jerry Micco: New owner.

praveen: Josh McDaniels is deservedly getting credit for the turnaround in Denver. But I feel Caldwell and Payton so far have done amazing jobs with their teams. Indy is not blowing out too many people, but they just keep winning and seem even more aggressive in the post Dungy era. Arians could take a few notes on misdirection on running plays. NO just finishes those plays in the red zone and are not just looking for the one big play.

Jerry Micco: I think the Colts have done a terrific job of rebuilding to the point that they are unbeaten. I thought they'd slide a bit this year, but when you have Manning, you have a great one. And QBs are the keys to success in the NFL. Gotta have a great one.

praveen: Instant Replay is not a bad thing. What I don't understand is why the NFL seems to make it unnecessarily time consuming which just gives the replay an undeserved bad rep. It should not take that long to review plays in the final two minutes when even the coaches do not seem that concerned. Someone should check a few angles and if they can't find anything obvious, they should just move on . If they hold that time limit for most replays , then it should not be a problem.

Jerry Micco: Agreed. I've always wondered what the devil they are waiting for.

praveen: Why is Stall on the powerplay? He has never looked good on it and it may be better just to use the other forwards in Malkin's absence on that first line.

Jerry Micco: I think he's on the second unit, which works for me. The first unit is Crosby's line, then LeTang and Goligoski.

JackSplat: How do you know Maddux and Martinez haven't used steroids? Give it a break!

Jerry Micco: Neither has ever been link to, or connected in any way to steroids. I'd say so far, that does not taint them in any way.

KS_Steeler: Hi Jerry; huge game for the Steelers on Monday; any guesses if the plan will be to get after Orton early and often?

Jerry Micco: I'm sure that's the plan, but I look for Denver to use short passes to get down the field. That's their offense and it's Orton's strength. Getting to him may be tough. May have to get some cover sacks or blitz a lot to get a chance at him. I think they'd rather have Denver try to drive the field on them than give them short fields with turnovers or hit them with something big on offense.

Homey: I've been reading a lot about Pitt and Penn State not playing in football, but possibly in a bowl game. I can somewhat understand PSU not wanting to play us in football, in an attempt to get more home games. But what is hard to excuse is why the teams don't play in basketball. Is there any reasonable answer to that question?

Jerry Micco: They should play in both, in my opinion. I'm not sure why the basketball series was stopped, and many theories abound as to why football was dropped, but bottom line for me is they should compete. It doesn't have to be every year, but even in bursts of 4 or 6 games would be fine. They are in different conferences, so there's no need to play every year, but not playing just doesn't make sense to me.

Jacque_Strap: I read a story that Keith Bulluck and LenDale White actually signed a Terrible Towel in an effort to reverse the curse, and they went out and won. Not a coincidence.

Jerry Micco: Maybe not. Maybe the thing does have special powers.

JackSplat: Then maybe my eyes need checked! Sure looked like Spikes tried to gouge the eyes of the Georgia RB. What did you see? And would you rather take a shot to the jaw or have your eyes gouged?

Jerry Micco: The point is, he apparently failed in his attempt. No argument that he tried to do something like that, but he didn't. As I said, I thought a half-game suspension was too light. As for the Oregon player, he did strike a player with a punch after a game was over.

Fred_Norris: Why no PG reporter at the World Series?

Jerry Micco: Because we cover the local area and our teams for the most part. The Series is covered by a lot of folks, including wire services. And when you look at times the games end, many would only make later editions of the print product. In a time of shrinking budgets and news space, you have to make decisions based on your core dynamics. For us in sports, that's the pro teams in our market, Pitt, Duquesne, PSU, WVU and high schools. We do other things, like the Super Bowl, because of the football interest here, but I just don't see justification for doing the Series any more. Unless the Pirates make it.

Commish: Jerry, when will we get a test designed to detect HGH use? Also, when will the major sports use this test? I'm going to say the NFL never will because P.E.D. make the league appealing to fans

Jerry Micco: I know HGH is tough to test for, but you are right, HGH is just as damaging as any steroid.

theWellHungarian: My buddies and I are discussing a weekend trip to Canada for a Pens road game. What city would you recommend, Toronto or Montreal?

Jerry Micco: Never really been to either. People tell me Toronto is more a metropolitan city with a lot to do. Kind of like New York North. Montreal is more a European feel with a lot of history to it. Toronto's closer by 5 hours, but either city would be a fun outing.

Commish: Do you think Slow Willie Parker will retire after this season? I doubt there are any teams that will have interest in a slow veteran back that cannot catch the ball or block on passing downs.

Jerry Micco: Wow, that's harsh. I think someone will take a chance on him. Maybe not as a feature guy, but as a backup. He won't make big money and who knows, if he wants to stay here in that role, the Steelers might look at it.

JackSplat: Of the remaining undefeated teams in the NFL, who has the best chance of running the table? I like the Saints chances the best.

Jerry Micco: You'd be right because the rest of their schedule is pretty easy. I believe they have 2 against Tampa and 2 against St. Louis left. They play New England in the Superdome, so they'll be favored. Their toughest test will be in Atlanta.

JackSplat: Which NFL franchise is the most dysfunctional, Cleveland, Washington of Oakland? My vote goes to the Browns.

Jerry Micco: I've watch Oakland's dysfunction in person in my old job in California, and that's a pretty top-down dysfunctional outfit. The coach even clobbers his assistants. Washington has an owner that's way too hands on. The Browns hired a coach who no one seems to like, from players to fans. It starts at the top with all 3. Makes you appreciate the Steelers even more.

bubs: Jerry -- If you haven't done so already, handicap Ohio St.-Penn St. for me and pick a winner. Personally, I think Penn State has gotten better each week and that Buckeye team is a schizophrenic bunch, esp. Mr. Pryor. I like the Lions by 10-13 points.

Jerry Micco: Earlier I said PSU by 7. I'll stick by that. I agree PSU has gotten better each week. I also do not think the Big Ten is very strong this year. Their best team, Iowa, struggles week in, week out to win games. I'm not going to quibble with 9-0, but some wins they've had this year should have been routs and weren't. I think PSU is better than Ohio State, but not by the margin you say.

Jacque_Strap: I say Oakland is the worst, because at least the Browns and Redskins acknowledge there is a problem.

Jerry Micco: I just think Oakland is on another planet sometimes. The way they draft, the way they develop players, etc. The Raiders were in a Super Bowl earlier this decade. But it's been downhill ever since.

Jerry Micco: Well folks, it's time to head back to my desk job. Thanks so much for taking the time to be here and for all the good questions. I can't do this without you, so I appreciate it. Have a great weekend and we'll see you next Wednesday at noon.

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