WATERCOOLER CHAT: NFL UPDATES, FLORIDA VS OKLAHOMA IN BCS
NFL
The Dallas Cowboys headed to blistery temperatures in Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers. And the ‘Boys’ were without their star running back, Marion Barber. This was a tough game for Tony Romo, who just couldn’t get into a groove. He threw three interceptions in the game, and only one TD. Pittsburgh’s defense was practically impenetrable, and they could be a serious underdog Super Bowl candidate. That is… if they ever get their offense going. Pittsburgh 20, Dallas 13.
Over in New Orleans, it was an NFC South showdown between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints. The NFC South is interesting, because everyone in the division has a winning record. This game was a back and forth battle, and with 7:51 left in the 4th Quarter, Falcons rookie phenom QB, Matt Ryan, ran in a 12-yard touchdown to put the Falcons up 25-22. But, on the ensuing kickoff, Saints running back Pierre Thomas ran back a kick-off 88 yards to put the Saints in prime scoring range. Then, Thomas ran in a 5-yard touchdown to put the Saints on top… where they would stay. With the win, the Saints playoff hopes are still alive. New Orleans 29, Atlanta 25.
And the Detroit Lions were looking for their first win of the season against the first place Minnesota Vikings. Heading into the 4th quarter, they led 13-10, and thought they might actually take this one. But their defense simply collapsed under the pressure, and Vikings QB Gus Ferrotte hit Tight End Visanthe Shiancoe for an 11-yard touchdown, putting them up 17-13. The Lions just couldn’t match the TD, and fell to a pathetic 0-13. Will Detroit get a win before season’s end? It’s anybody’s guess. Minnesota 20, Detroit 13.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Finally, the BCS Bowls were announced yesterday, and playing in the BIG GAME — it’s Florida v. Oklahoma. This should be an incredible game, as both teams are very well rounded. Plus, they both have explosive high-powered offenses. In the other games, USC will take on Penn State in the Rose Bowl. Undefeated Utah will battle the former #1 Alabama Crimson Tide in the Sugar Bowl. ACC Champion Virginia Tech will square off against Big East Champ Cincinnati in the Orange Bowl. And in the Fiesta Bowl, it’ll be Texas and Ohio State. All of these are evenly matched, and will make for some great New Years fun.
