Sunday Six

Hayes has room, Hayes makes the catch. Yankees win. Theeeeee Yankees win!!!
That was the call on October 26, 1996 by Yankee broadcaster, John Sterling. I will never forget the final play of the 1996 World Series when the hefty Hayes hauled a pop fly into this glove at third base. Then, Joe Girardi’s #25 jersey, crouching legs and all were thrust into the arms of John Wetteland. I’ve not failed to remember these images, as many Yankee fans can also attest.

Ohio State scored six points in a home loss to Penn State. The fresh-faced freshman disappointed in this Buckeye loss. His late fourth quarter fumble set up the winning score for the Lions. Royster was in the center of it all with his third down rush on the final 38 Pat Devlin drive. Although Terrelle Pryor issued the fumble, he did throw for 226 yards and is still the preeminent quarterback on the OSU staff. He’s also a great student of the game and learning more each week.

I listened to most of the matinee Devils-Flyers game on the radio. My hunches about Zach Parise are confirmed. He is a classy player with unlimited potential. New Jersey lost the game, but Parise is the cog of that Devils team. Marty Brodeur is the Devil engine but Parise is the propeller of the plane.

How can a World Series Game three begin after 10:00pm and conclude at quarter until 2:00am? Anyway, I was pleased with the outcome and liked the fact the game was a close contest again. Ryan Howard and Chase Utley brought their bats and Jamie Moyer mastered the mound.

Yesterday was an uneventful day in college football if you like the upsets. I was surprised the Arizona Wildcats held their own against USC. The Trojan defense is a force to be reckoned with, but can Pete Carroll please call some running plays? USC had ample opportunities to run out the clock during the game’s second half. The Pittsburgh loss to Rutgers also took me by surprise. The 17th ranked Panthers let Mike Teel throw for a record six touchdowns. Teel doubled his touchdowns for the season in one game. He had only three coming into the Pittsburgh pounding. Army football’s tenacious tally over LaTech was a local triumph to log.

The Jets have no excuses this afternoon at the Meadowlands. If they lose to Herm Edward’s wretched Chiefs, all hopes of being playoff bound are out the window. And finally, the big game of the week takes place at Heinz Field where Eli and the Giants greet Ben and the Steelers. Pittsburgh will be without wideout Santonio Holmes and pummeling Parker in the backfield. I expect an earnest evening from Hines Ward. Big Ben will have his hands full with this Giants defense so keeping Ward in the open field is important. I’ve got my Giants hat on and my terrible towel ready.

Parting points: Song to pump you up: “Make Damn Sure” by Taking Back Sunday