This city is on the verge of financial bankruptcky. We just laid off 100 + cops, all the school crossing guards, closed down all the public swimming pools in mid-summer and there have been major cutbacks in social programs. It's a hell of a lot worse than what I just mentioned here. The tax base has eroded because anyone with an ounce of common sense is fleeing for greener pastures. We are $60 million in the hole and city politicians are begging the State legislature for financial relief to bail us out of this jam. This city is in a financial death-spiral and no one has a solution.
But those of us who do not have enough sense to leave stay for one reason....football. The passion for that game in this city is beyond words. I say we'd rival the great state of Alabama in our hunger for pigskin. Even politicians look to our football teams for financial help and moral support. Mind you, I didn't say sport teams. The Pirates and Penguins merely provide humor for the good residents of this Steel City. But the Steelers and Panthers are a different story. They are idolized and exalted.
Anyone have any doubts about the Panthers pummeling Kent State last Saturday? How about the Steelers display of prowess against Kyle Boller and the Baltimore Ravens the following day?
We can deal with the crime, no swimming pools, highest taxes in the nation, political cronyism and we'll make sure our kids get on the busses safely. And like everyone else, we appreciate the Pirates and Penguins for the laughter they bring. But football in Pittsburgh is a sacred topic. It's the only thing in this city worthy of discussion.
I read this in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette this morning:
Hidden stat: In two of the past three seasons, Ball State has won at least one game in which it was an underdog by 23 points or more.
That won't happen today.
PITT -30' over Ball State
But those of us who do not have enough sense to leave stay for one reason....football. The passion for that game in this city is beyond words. I say we'd rival the great state of Alabama in our hunger for pigskin. Even politicians look to our football teams for financial help and moral support. Mind you, I didn't say sport teams. The Pirates and Penguins merely provide humor for the good residents of this Steel City. But the Steelers and Panthers are a different story. They are idolized and exalted.
Anyone have any doubts about the Panthers pummeling Kent State last Saturday? How about the Steelers display of prowess against Kyle Boller and the Baltimore Ravens the following day?
We can deal with the crime, no swimming pools, highest taxes in the nation, political cronyism and we'll make sure our kids get on the busses safely. And like everyone else, we appreciate the Pirates and Penguins for the laughter they bring. But football in Pittsburgh is a sacred topic. It's the only thing in this city worthy of discussion.
I read this in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette this morning:
Hidden stat: In two of the past three seasons, Ball State has won at least one game in which it was an underdog by 23 points or more.
That won't happen today.
PITT -30' over Ball State
