Week 1 - Steelers 38 Texans 17
This was a dominate game by the Steelers in all phases (including halftime shows with country legend Charlie Daniels).
The Steelers got off to a very good start and with the injury to Tom Brady, the loss by the Colts and Chargers, it looks like the Steelers have an opportunity to seize control of the AFC conference. I saw Peter King on NBC make some positive comments regarding the Steelers dominant defense. Fast Willie Parker scored 3 TDs and ran for 138 yards. He only had 2 TDs all of last season. 2nd year linebacker from Michigan, Lamar Woodley had a sack and his first INT. James "Silverback" Harrison added 3 sacks and a forced fumble and an INT from Troy Polamalu. Here's a funny photo of Troy and Hines Ward joking while Big Ben talks to the announcers:
Troy got hurt last season and spent the off season in Southern Cal working with Marv Marinovich (Todd Maronivich's dad). Here's a video of Troy talking about the conditioning program and also about "Neo and the Matrix"
New Mexico Players:
How about Philidelphia Eagles WR (and former NM Lobo) Hank Baskett with a 90 yard TD. He's the only active player with 3 80+ yard TD receptions in his career. In fact, 3 of his 4 TD's are 80+ yards. Crazy. Hank is from Clovis, NM. Clovis high school is a New Mexico high school powerhouse.
As everybody knows, the NFL Alpha-Lobo is Brian Urlacher. He had a great game on Sunday Night Football, was featured in several ads and in-game promos. Brian went to school in Lovington, New Mexico. Here's a video about Brian's time in Lovington:
College Football:
A dominant game by the Gators over the one-time powerhouse of college football. Florida had lost 6 straight to the Hurricanes until this day. Junior quarterback Tim Tebow completed 21 of 35 passes for 256 yards and two touchdowns, and added 55 yards on 13 rushes, while the defense kept in control.
The Aggies of Texas A&M beat the Lobos on their first trip to ABQ. On the bright side, Rodney Ferguson had 135 yards rushing and two TDs. But QB Donovan Porterie was 22-of-35 for 154 yards with two interceptions.
The Lobos, who have lost 11 straight games when the opponent scores first, dropped last weekend's opener to TCU. New Mexico's most recent 0-2 start under coach Rocky Long came during the 2000 season.
Albuquerque Boy's U12 Soccer:
First soccer game of the season for the Alameda Artillery. This was a classic North-South Albuquerque game against the South Valley Soaring Eagles. The North Valley-based Artillery had some new players this season, including Fernando, Andrew and Eduardo and got behind early, trailing 0-2 at the half. A burst of energy was added 7 minutes into the 2nd half with last season's MVP Hector scorring 2 goals in 2 minutes. Tied at 2, the Soaring Eagles tried to win, with their huge mid-fielder trying to avoid the tenacious defense of both Sergio and Jacob, the smallest Artillery players. His pass was intercepted and sent to Hector who scored the winning goal with 35 seconds left. A great way to start the season.
The 2008 Beijing Olympics:
I really enjoyed this year's Olympics. Like most dudes, I'm a fan of women's beach volley ball. Here's the Steelers faithful representing at the 2008 Beijing Olympics Women's Beach Volleyball medal awards ceremony.
“Come on. Wow,” said a surprised Steelers DT Casey Hampton shaking his head in amazement. “We are always representing. When we go to other stadiums we have more fans and our fans are louder. It’s crazy to see, but I definitely can believe it.”
“It’s unbelievable,” said DE Aaron Smith. “It shouldn’t surprise me because when we go on the road there are times when we have more fans than the home team. I am sure if we played in Beijing we would be the home team there too.”
New Mexico news:
Lastly, this is the time of year in New Mexico for Fiestas and the legendary Santa Fe Indian Market. Here's a video of American Indian artist Upton Ethelbah Jr. A.K.A Greyshoes and his adventures at the Indian market
Thank you all for reading NMSteelerFan. I'll have more next week.
NMSteelerFan \m/
Keywords: Florida Gators, James Harrison, Lamar Woodley, Marinovich, New Mexico Lobos, Pittsburgh Steelers, Troy Polamalu
