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Steelers and Browns face
similar problems on offense
by John Musser
Sports Editor
Get your pencil and paper ready kids because this week's
column starts with a quiz. Doug Drabek is on the verge of a 20-
win season in Pittsburgh and a front runner for the National
League's Cy Young award. The question: Who was the last
Pirate to win 20 games and the Cy Young? The answer after
these commercial messages.
• Speaking of Drabek and the Buccos, one of the reasons they
might lose the NL East race could be their pathetic play against
Montreal. With the Expos' sweep of Pittsburgh last weekend,
they finished the season series with an unimpressive 13-5 record.
• Another reason the Pirates may falter is their pitching staff.
Manager Jim Leyland has worked miracles with the starting
rotation and the bullpen, and as a result has 19 pitchers with at
least one win. This isn't necessarily something to be proud of,
it's just a fact.
Can Leyland keep working his magic? Probably, but it would
help if the offense, which has been dormant lately, would wake
up.
• Understanding their new offensive system is not the biggest
problem the Steelers face. The running game has been nearly
non-existent, and quarterback Bubby Blister has rarely dropped
back to pass without a defensive lineman in his face. Once they
get their offensive line clicking, the "O" will improve.
■ The Steeler's defense can probably sympathize with their
offensive unit. Last year the defense had to learn a new system,
and early on they were burned often. However, by the end of the
regular season, the defense looked like it was on the verge of
being dominating. So far this year, it looks like they have picked
up where they left off.
• If the Steeler's defense is good, they will have to prove it
against the best quarterbacks in the NFL. After this Sunday, they
face Dan Marino, John Elway, and Joe Montana in three of the
next four weeks.
• The Cleveland Browns have the same problems as the
Steelers: a new offensive system that hasn't caught on yet They
also have two rookies starting on the offensive line, and the
result has been painful fra QB Bemie Kosar.
Fortunately for Coach Bud Carson, his defense and special
teams are good enough to give his team a chance to win the
game. Once Bemie and the boys learn the new system, Cleveland
should be tough to beat
• It looks as though the Buffalo Bills haven't changed much
from last season. After knocking out the Indianapolis Colts in
week one, the Bills came back last Sunday with an inferior effort
against the Miami Dolphins. If the Bills continue this roller
coaster ride and have another poor showing in the playoffs (if
they make it), then Coach Marv Levy will surely be perusing the
want ads come January.
• Speaking of job searches, Pirates General Manager Larry
Doughty should probably get his resume updated. I'm not going
to list all of Doughty's mistakes, but losing two of his top
minor league prospects because he didn't know the waiver rules
is ridiculous. Doughty has made some good moves (acquiring
Zane Smith for the pennant drive was pretty slick), but he has
seriously mortgaged the Pirates' future.
• The future looks bright for Notre Dame signal caller Rick
Mirer. Mirer lead the Fighting Irish to a comeback victory over
Michigan last Saturday night that brought back memories of Joe
Montana's glory days at ND. Not only does Mirer do a fair
imitation of Montana snatching a victory from the jaws of
defeat, he also has Joe's jersey number (3).
• Penn State is hoping to bring back some memories this
weekend with their game against Rutgers. You know, good
things, like winning. The Nittany Lions have to learn
consistency and play a full 60 minutes before bringing back any
fond remembrances like that
• I challenge you to find a better announcing team than CBS'
Pat Summerall and John Madden. Summerali is so quiet
sometimes that you forget he's there, yet he says enough to keep
the viewer informed of what is happening. Madden is, well,
Madden. Not only is he brilliant in describing and diagraming
plays and has his own assortment of audio special effects, he also
gives you that "regular guy” feeling.
Plus, I fully expect I could go to a game that he would be
broadcasting and see Madden barbecuing steaks with a cold one in
his hand before the game.
• Quiz answer In 1960 Vernon Law won the NL Cy Young
award with a 20-9 record while leading Pittsburgh to a World
Series victory over the New York Yankees.
The Collegian
Tennis team looks to improve in coming weeks
(continued from page 10)
"We’re not letting the losses get
us down.”
"The losses aren't a reflection
of our playing ability," said
Karen Major. "AH of us arc
giving 100 percent. The future
looks bright."
Another reason for enthusiasm
is the newest member of the
team.
Freshman Nicole Anderson
has taken over the number one
seed. Anderson, a McDowell
High School graduate, has only
been on Behrend's team since
September 11th. Anderson's first
match was a loss against
Gannon.
Anderson plans to stay at
Behrend for four years and is
expected to have a good impact
on the team.
NOTES: The next match for
the Lady Lions is tomorrow at
Buffalo State.... Five of the
remaining six matches are on the
road. The lone home game is
against Allegheny College on
Sept. 29.... Three of the team's
last five wins (going back to last
season) for the lady netters have
come against SUNY-Fredonia.
I** *'*•*•
✓
WITH TOM DEAN & JOE COYOTE
SUNDAYS 9PM TO 11PM
wpse
M- am 1450
Thursday, September 20,1990
IN THE BLEACHERS
by Steve Moore
-SISKS
“Well, let this be a lesson to the rest of you
about the importance of being mentally
prepared for this game.”
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Eryptloon'
& GUEST DJ