Random Thoughts

I always liked Jerome Bettis....he was a hard-nosed runner....but after Saturday’s broadcast of the Notre Dame-Michigan game, I like him even more....now retired, Bettis was the pre-game guest with NBC’s Jimmy Rogers.....Bettis, who is a native of Detroit, stated how he HATES Michigan.....and he did emphasize the word HATES....Bettis loves his city of Detroit, but for some reason he despises the Wolverines – and that is okay because it reminds me of how I feel about Ohio State....

I love the Youngstown, Warren, Niles area where I live.....I’m proud as heck of this area.....however, I HATE Ohio State.....

But for some reason, it really bothers people that I hate the Buckeyes.....I always have to explain why I root for Michigan and how I became a Michigan fan.....but after Saturday’s Note Dame-Michigan game, I figured that Bettis had to deal with the same crap while he was growing up in Detroit....oh well...

Before continuing on with my sports thoughts, I just want to comment on the situation in the Middle East after Pope Benedict XVI made a comment about Islam last week.....the Pope apologized if he offended any Muslims and that was not his intent.....

But why are some Muslims so touchy whenever anything is said, that is remotely controversial, about their religion?.....the Catholic religion is always the punch line of jokes and is always criticized throughout the world.....but you don’t see Catholics being offended and wanting to "shed the blood of the infidels".....

I have nothing against Islam nor Muslims....but this is getting old with them burning effigies of the Pope and make threats against him.....

Look for Ohio State to beat Penn State by at least 24 points....Tressel always avenges his defeats.....he did it to Texas, now it is Joe Paterno’s turn....

The 4 best NFL games this week are Cincinnati at Pittsburgh, Jacksonville at Indianapolis, Chicago at Minnesota, and the Giants at Seattle.....

Shaun Alexander is due for a big game.....

It could get ugly in Cleveland on Sunday if the Browns do not open up their offense.....and I’m not talking about the score.....I could see some very disgruntled fans showing their emotions.....

Watch the 49ers this week against Philadelphia.....

Can you believe that Morten Andersen is back in the NFL?.....you mean there are no other quality kickers?....

It’s nice to see Peter Gammons back on-air at ESPN....

When is Youngstown middleweight boxer Kelly Pavlik going to get a shot at the title?...."The Ghost" is 27-0 and highly ranked....

The United States will win the Ryder Cup this year.....