2-5 isn’t quite 2-10-1.

That being said, 2-5 might not be a totally fair representation.

Baltimore Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh has learned a tough lesson this week following his team’s heartbreaking 13-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday.

In Baltimore-much like in Columbus, Ohio-fans simply won’t accept rivalry losses.

John Cooper was a tremendous college football coach. During a head coaching career at Tulsa, Arizona State, and Ohio State that spanned from 1977-2000; Cooper posted a 192-84-6 record and tallied nine conference championships.

Cooper was the head coach of the Buckeyes from 1988-2000. He went 111-43-4 during that span, claiming three Big Ten titles. Cooper guided the Buckeyes to bowl appearances in 11 of his 13 seasons and finished with a losing record only once-his first season in Columbus. Cooper counted wins in both the Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl during his time as the Buckeyes’ head man, and played in bowl games on New Year’s Day or later an impressive nine times.

Cooper had incredible success as the Head Coach at Ohio State. The type of success that might have earned him the right to determine his own fate. “Might have” if not for one glaring problem.

2-10-1.

As head man in Columbus, Cooper’s Buckeyes posted just a 2-10-1 record against the Michigan Wolverines, Ohio State’s biggest rival.

It wasn’t just that Cooper’s teams struggled in their regular season finale against the opponent alumni and fans despised the most. The bigger problem was that Ohio State’s battles with Michigan regularly determined the final outcome for the Buckeyes’ season.

In 1993, Ohio State entered the Michigan game with a 9-0-1 record, but a 28-0 loss in Ann Arbor cost them an outright conference title. In 1995, Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George lead the Buckeyes back to Ann Arbor with an undefeated record and national title dreams. After a 31-23 defeat, the Buckeyes were sent to the Citrus Bowl instead.

1996 provided the greatest heartbreak for the Buckeyes in the John Cooper era, as they entered the Michigan game again undefeated and ranked #2 in the country. The Buckeyes had a 9-0 lead at halftime against Lloyd Carr’s Wolverines, but ultimately fell 13-9 at home.

OSU would eventually win another game against Michigan under Cooper in 1998, but they never posted back to back wins in the series under his guide. Cooper was fired following an 8-4 campaign in 2000. While academic and off-field troubles surrounding the program played a role in his firing, his record against Michigan ultimately played a major role.

In fact, when new coach Jim Tressel took over in Columbus he made a point to put special emphasis on the Michigan rivalry. After the former Youngstown State head coach was hired by the Buckeyes, he made a memorable halftime speech at a Ohio State-Michigan basketball game, according to ESPN.com…

“I can assure you that you will be proud of our young people, in the classroom, in the community, and most especially in 310 days in Ann Arbor, Michigan on the football field.”

Following Sunday’s loss, Harbaugh now holds a 2-5 record against the Ravens’ heated AFC North rivals, including the 2009 AFC Championship Game.

(Every Ravens fan knows that both of Harbaugh’s wins in the rivalry came in games where Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger was not on the field. That’s why the 2-5 record may not be such a fair representation.)

In 2008, Harbaugh’s second loss to the Steelers cost the Ravens a shot at the division title and forced them to hit the road in the playoffs. After a hard fought divisional round win over the Tennessee Titans in Nashville, the Ravens appeared flat when they hit the field for the conference title game at Heinz Field. Harbaugh’s third loss to the Steelers cost the Ravens a trip to Tampa Bay to face the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII.

(Harbaugh’s first loss to the Steelers-a Week 4 Monday Night Football defeat early in 2008-was also a loss that could have earned the Ravens home field advantage had they won the game. Week 4 losses just don’t tend to be quite as agonizing as losses in Week 15.)

Harbaugh’s fourth loss to the Steelers wasn’t quite as crushing. Despite losing in the Steel City in late 2009, the Ravens held on to earn a Wild Card playoff berth via a tiebreaker after the teams finished with matching 9-7 records.

Harbaugh’s fifth loss in the series shapes up to be as crushing if not more than any of the others. Had the Ravens held on for a Week 13 win over the Steelers, they would have controlled their own destiny (and actually held a one game margin of error) to win the division, receive a first round bye and host a playoff game in the divisional round.

The Ravens were a home win over the Steelers away from having a significantly clearer path to Dallas and a chance to again play for the Vince Lombardi Trophy this season.

We know now that the path isn’t so clear.

Had Sunday’s loss been to the Cincinnati Bengals or Cleveland Browns, it would have been difficult for fans to stomach. Sunday’s loss was particularly costly, and it would have left a dark cloud hanging over Charm City no matter who the opponent had been.

Yet because it was a rivalry loss, because it was the Steelers, there is simply no doubt that the black cloud left by the defeat remains darker than anything that came from fires on The Block or in Mt. Vernon.

(As an aside, does anyone see symbolism in the fact that the city has dealt with multiple REAL black clouds after a Steelers loss?)

The fact is, this fanbase CANNOT stomach losses to the Steelers, especially not losses of such magnitude. Losses hurt, but losses to the Steelers are absolute gut punches.

As Drew Forrester and I opined last week on “The Morning Reaction” on AM1570 WNST, this city doesn’t look at a Ravens loss to the Steelers as a NFL loss. The city tends to look at such losses as a loss to the city of Pittsburgh in general. There’s a natural feeling that it wasn’t a football team that won on Sunday night, but instead the entire Western Pennsylvania area.

It leads to frustration, pain and anger. As I wrote immediately following Sunday night’s game, the ability for fans to be rational goes completely out the window after a loss to the Steelers.

Harbaugh found that out Tuesday night during his radio show on WBAL.

A caller to the show questioned Harbaugh on the job status of DL Coach Clarence Brooks, one of the more respected assistants on the Ravens’ staff.

Harbaugh didn’t handle the question well, chiming back “Clarence Brooks does a great job. We will fight our tails off. If that’s not enough, then find another team to root for” according to the National Football Post.

It wasn’t the only time Harbaugh lost his cool during the show. Again according to NFP, Harbaugh also explained at one point: “if you’re not proud of this football team, then you don’t know football.”

Harbaugh probably didn’t handle the questions the best way he could have. There’s no doubt that his frustration reflected poorly with the fans who were listening, even if his answers were fair.

But the problem wasn’t the response. The problem was the result.

Ravens fans are NEVER going to be accepting of losses to the Steelers.

When the Ravens lose to the Steelers, the fanbase is going to respond poorly. This won’t be the last time a John Harbaugh-coached Ravens team plays the Steelers with major AFC North or overall playoff ramifications. In fact, the majority of the games the two teams will play against each other will be played with a lot on the line.

While college football and the NFL aren’t similar in many ways, this is an area where the rivalry is much like Ohio State-Michigan.

It isn’t just a rivalry because the two teams (or fanbases) don’t like each other. Ole Miss and Mississippi State don’t like each other, but their games rarely mean much of anything in the SEC. Ravens-Steelers games regularly mean a lot in the AFC.

The comparison is something John Harbaugh should really understand. John went to Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor. His father (Jack Harbaugh) was an assistant under Bo Schembechler at Michigan. His brother (Jim Harbaugh) was a quarterback for the Maize and Blue. (Jim’s teams were 3-1 against Ohio State.) Ohio State-Michigan is in John Harbaugh’s blood.

In that way, Harbaugh probably understands well what happened to Cooper at Ohio State. Hopefully that understanding can be transcendent.

If John Harbaugh is going to succeed as the Head Coach of the Baltimore Ravens, he is going to HAVE to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers.

There’s just no getting around that.

Harbaugh is not in jeopardy of being run out of town like Cooper was at Ohio State.

I repeat, Harbaugh’s job is NOT in jeopardy. Certainly not at this point anyway.

But if he’s going to succeed here long-term, he’s going to HAVE to beat the Steelers. If not, a few annoying calls to a radio show will turn into general discontent, and eventually a much more vitriolic fanbase.

That’s what happened to Cooper in Columbus.

Harbaugh doesn’t have to win EVERY game against the Steelers. Since taking over at Ohio State, Tressel has gone 9-1 against the rival Wolverines, which isn’t a realistic expectation for Harbaugh against the Steelers.

But he has to start winning SOME meaningful games against the Steelers, or the Ravens won’t accomplish the things they need to for Harbaugh to be successful as a Head Coach.

And if 2-5 is a pace that continues for Harbaugh against the Steelers, Harbaugh’s story will likely have a similar ending as Cooper’s.

-G

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens (8-4) returned to 1 Winning Drive Monday, following a 13-10 defeat at the hands of the Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3) Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens began the process of shifting focus to a Week 14 Monday Night Football showdown with the Houston Texans (5-7) at Reliant Stadium.

Head Coach John Harbaugh offered good news Monday regarding injured FB Le’Ron McClain (ankle), who missed the loss to Pittsburgh.

Harbaugh said McClain was “close” to being ready to play in the Sunday Night Football contest, adding “maybe he could have got through it healthy.”

The head coach offered little doubt about McClain’s availability for the team’s upcoming contest against the Texans, saying “he’ll be back for sure this week.”

Reserve FB Jason McKie was also not active for Sunday night’s loss. His roster spot could be in jeopardy.

The news wasn’t nearly as good regarding TE Todd Heap, who was forced to leave the loss to the Steelers in the first quarter with a hamstring injury.

“I think Todd’s probably the one that we really are concerned about” said Harbaugh. “I don’t want to rule him out yet, but it doesn’t look good for next week. It’s one of those hamstring pulls that’s going to be tough.”

Harbaugh did not appear concerned that Heap’s injury would end his season.

“I don’t think so. That’s not something (Head Trainer) Bill (Tessendorf) told me today. We’ll just have to see. I think we’ll know probably (in) 3-4 days, just see how it responds over the next couple days.”

While Heap is out, the TE responsibilities will fall on rookies Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta, who both played in the Ravens’ loss to the Steelers.

“The young guys are gonna have to step up” said Harbaugh. “They both played well last night. I’m glad we got them.”

JAMEEL MCCLAIN, NGATA FINED: LB Jameel McClain was fined $40,000 by the NFL Monday for a crushing hit on Steelers TE Heath Miller in the Ravens’ loss.

NFL spokesperson Greg Aiello had said earlier Monday via Twitter that a fine was coming.

Harbaugh said Monday he didn’t believe McClain deserved to be fined and was “absolutely not” concerned that McClain could be suspended for the hit. McClain was not penalized for the hit, although Aiello had previously confirmed NFL VP of Officiating Carl Johnson believed the hit should have drawn a flag

DT Haloti Ngata was also fined $15,000 for the early hit on Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger that broke Big Ben’s nose.

NOTES: Hear from Harbaugh now in the BuyAToyota.com Audio Vault here at WNST.net……Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden, Ron Jaworski, Michelle Tafoya and Suzy Kolber will be the broadcast team for Monday night’s tilt with Houston……The Ravens have not finalized a practice schedule for this week, but players will be off Tuesday……CB Fabian Washington is scheduled to join “The Morning Reaction” with Drew Forrester Tuesday at 9:40am on AM1570 WNST

-G

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens (8-3) held their final open practice of the week at 1 Winning Drive Friday before their AFC North showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3) on Sunday Night Football at M&T Bank Stadium.

FB Le’Ron McClain (ankle) returned to the practice field Friday for the first time since injuring his ankle in the Ravens’ Week 12 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. McClain’s had been considered a longshot to see the field Sunday night, but was listed as questionable Friday after returning to the practice field.

“I’m in for Sunday” said the two time Pro Bowl selection. “I’m gonna be ready Sunday-it just depends on the coaches, if they want to use me Sunday or not.”

If McClain is not active Sunday night, reserve FB Jason McKie would be expected to take his place. Head Coach John Harbaugh offered no more information about McClain, saying simply “I have no idea.”

OT Michael Oher (knee) did not participate in practice Friday and was also listed as questionable for Sunday night. If for some reason Oher isn’t able to go, OT Oniel Cousins would be expected to start for him. S Dawan Landry (head) practiced all week but was also listed as questionable for Sunday night.

WR Derrick Mason (illness) was not on the field during the open session Friday, but was also a late arrival. Mason said the illness that kept him out of Thursday’s practice was “just a cold.” Mason was listed as probable for Sunday night along with G Chris Chester (infection) and TE Ed Dickson (thigh).

All other Ravens were on the practice field Friday and are believed to be available for Sunday’s game.

PITTSBURGH INJURIES: Eight Steelers were listed on the team’s final injury report Friday.

QB Ben Roethlisberger (foot) was listed as questionable, but the news wasn’t quite as good for two other players.

DE Aaron Smith (triceps) and TE Matt Spaeth (concussion) were both listed as doubtful for Sunday night.

OT Flozell Adams (back), DE Nick Eason (knee), DE Brett Keisel (calf), CB Bryant McFadden (hamstring) and S Troy Polamalu (ankle) were all listed as probable for Sunday night’s game.

NOTES: Hear from Harbaugh, L. McClain, Mason and WR TJ Houshmandzadeh now in the BuyAToyota.com Audio Vault here at WNST.net……Westwood One Play by Play Voice Dave Sims and Pittsburgh Steelers Play by Play Voice Bill Hillgrove joined “The Morning Reaction” with Drew Forrester Friday on AM1570 WNST, both conversations are available in the Audio Vault as well……DT Arthur Jones is scheduled to join Rex Snider & Nestor Aparicio at 4:45pm on “The Friday Football Frenzy” on AM1570 WNST……Weather.com/The Weather Channel predicts temperatures in the mid-30′s around gametime Sunday night in Charm City. The predict clouds and winds upwards of 20mph as well……NBC’s Cris Collinsworth and Andrea Kramer attended practice at 1 Winning Drive Friday in advance of Sunday night’s broadcast……The Ravens will hold a walkthrough Saturday before Sunday’s game, Saturday’s walkthrough will not be open to the media

-G

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens (8-3) returned to practice Thursday at 1 Winning Drive, continuing preparations for Sunday’s AFC North showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3) at M&T Bank Stadium.

CB Fabian Washington has been a fixture during Special Teams practice this week. Special Teams Coordinator Jerry Rosburg said Washington has been playing full safety in kick coverage and holdup corner on punt return.

After being deactivated for the team’s Week 12 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington hopes Special Teams could be his ticket back to the active roster.

“I just want to get on the field by any means necessary” said the cornerback. “If I’ve gotta play Special Teams, I’ll play Special Teams.”

Washington said he hadn’t played Special Teams since his rookie year (2005 with the Oakland Raiders). He said it hasn’t been hard to get readjusted to playing Special Teams.

“Special Teams-to me-is just ‘want to.’ There’s guys out there that just fly around. That’s what Special Teams is.”

Washington has maintained a positive attitude towards playing Special Teams after beginning the season as a starting corner.

“I’m having a blast. The season didn’t quite go how I wanted it to go for myself but as a team we’re 8-3 and we’re winning. You can’t be too down about winning. This is my first time (being) 8-3. I’m trying to win a Super Bowl, whatever it takes to get to Dallas.”

PRACTICE REPORT: FB Le’Ron McClain (ankle) missed practice for a second consecutive day, further fueling speculation he will miss Sunday’s contest. McClain injured his ankle early in the second half of the Ravens’ win over the Bucs.

If McClain is unavailable Sunday, newly signed FB Jason McKie will be expected to play in his place. Offensive Coordinator Cam Cameron thinks McKie will be ready to go.

“(General Manager Ozzie Newsome) went out there and found a veteran guy who picks things up quickly. (McKie) has the basic concepts down of what we do in our regular package.”

Cameron said he has no concerns about McKie’s ability to function in the Ravens’ offense.

“The minute you start worrying about it, you might as well not play the guy.”

McKie said the Ravens use “different terminology”, but he has been able to pick up the offense with the help of RB Coach Wilbert Montgomery.

All other injured Ravens were on the practice field Thursday. S Dawan Landry (limited participant-head), OL Chris Chester (full participant-infection), TE Ed Dickson (full-thigh) and OT Michael Oher (full-knee) took part in drills. WR Derrick Mason (illness) missed practice however.

Three Steelers missed practice Thursday. CB Keenan Lewis (illness), DE Aaron Smith (triceps) and TE Matt Spaeth (concussion) did not participate.  QB Ben Roethlisberger (foot) was a limited participant. OT Flozell Adams (back), DE Nick Eason (knee), DE Brett Keisel (calf), CB Bryant McFadden (hamstring) and S Troy Polamalu (ankle) were full participants.

NOTES: Hear from Cameron, Rosburg, Defensive Coordinator Greg Mattison, Washington and McKie in the BuyAToyota.com Audio Vault here at WNST.net……DT Arthur Jones is scheduled to join Drew Forrester Friday morning at 7:15 on “The Morning Reaction” on AM1570 WNST……The Ravens have kept a left footed punter in the building this week as they prepare to face the Steelers’ Daniel Sepulveda……The Ravens will hold their final open practice of the week Friday, Head Coach John Harbaugh is scheduled to meet with the media following Friday’s practice

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens (8-3) returned to practice Wednesday at 1 Winning Drive with their sights set fully on Sunday’s AFC North showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3) at M&T Bank Stadium.

Wednesday’s media availability session had the feel of a true “rivalry week”, with much of the discussion around the building surrounding the nature of the rivalry.

“The hairs on your back grow when you get a Baltimore-Steelers type game” said LB Terrell Suggs. “This is definitely hands down the most physical game in the National Football League. That’s why everybody is so crazy about it.”

LB Ray Lewis said he expected the atmosphere Sunday night to be “crazy.” Lewis added, “it’s one of those games that you have to be a part of. When your legacy is done, you look back at these games right here.”

Pro Bowl RB Ray Rice said the rivalry is based in respect.

“That’s first and foremost about the Pittsburgh Steelers. We respect them. That’s what the rivalry is all about. I’ve learned that this rivalry has less talk involved in it. It’s more with your pads.”

Rice couldn’t hide from his excitement about the rivalry though, adding “these are moments that you live for.”

Since 2008 (the first season in Charm City for Head Coach John Harbaugh and QB Joe Flacco), the Steelers have won four of their six matchups with the Ravens, including one in the 2009 AFC Championship Game (both Pittsburgh losses have come without QB Ben Roethlisberger). Harbaugh said he expected “a tight game”, noting that the series was “about as close as it can get.”

(Harbaugh said he believed the Ravens had been outscored 77-76 over the six games, but the Ravens have actually been outscored 113-100 during the stretch.)

LB Jarret Johnson probably summed up the nature of the rivalry best.

“It’s just really intense. We know each other, we’ve been playing against each other for years. You’re familiar with the guy across from you. It’s just a super competitive, physical game. It’s a lot of fun.”

PRACTICE REPORT: Given the cold and rainy weather, the Ravens split practice time between their indoor facility and outdoor field. S Tom Zbikowski (foot) was again a participant in practice despite missing the Ravens’ Week 12 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Harbaugh said the Ravens were “confident (Zbikowksi) can go” Sunday, Zbikowski was not listed on the Wednesday injury report.

OT Michael Oher (knee) was also on the practice field after being forced to leave the Bucs game early. Oher told reporters Wednesday “I’m good” and “I definitely want to play.” Oher was listed as a full participant Wednesday.

OL Chris Chester (illness) returned to practice for the first time since being hospitalized November 18 with an infection stemming from cellulitis. Chester is expected to be available Sunday and was a full participant Wednesday.

FB Le’Ron McClain (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday and is not expected to be available Sunday. S Dawan Landry (head) was a limited participant Wednesday.

TE Ed Dickson (thigh) was a full participant in practice Wednesday after missing the Ravens’ win over the Buccaneers.

For the Steelers, S Troy Polamalu (ankle) and DE Aaron Smith (triceps) did not participate in practice Wednesday. OT Flozell Adams (back), DE Nick Eason (knee), CB Bryant McFadden (hamstring) and Roethlisberger (foot) were limited participants.

NOTES: Hear from Harbaugh, Lewis, Rice, Suggs, Oher, Johnson, Flacco and DT Haloti Ngata NOW in the BuyAToyota.com Audio Vault here at WNST.net……DT Arthur Jones will join Drew Forrester on “The Morning Reaction” Thursday at 7:15am on AM1570 WNST……Terry McAulay’s crew will officiate Sunday’s game……The Ravens began the process of putting playoff tickets on sale Wednesday……The Ravens will return to practice Thursday; coordinators Greg Mattison, Cam Cameron and Jerry Rosburg are scheduled to meet with the media

-G

Happy Wednesday!

It’s a Happy Wednesday for me because it’s time to name two new “Greatest Song(s) of All Time This Week.”

I’ll start with the Retro Version. The retro version is in honor of tonight’s start of Hanukkah. My personal favorite (half) Jew is the great Lenny Kravitz, so here’s “Are You Gonna Go My Way?” If you’ve seen Lenny recently, please tell him to come back. He was freaking AMAZING.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLhpHjmxNw8[/youtube]

The NEW version of TGSOATTW is a song heard prominently on “The Morning Reaction” on AM1570 WNST. I hope that tonight’s Grammy Awards nomination announcement features the band Ra Ra Riot. “Shadow Casting” is quite good…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvcxieyeg4k[/youtube]

Let’s see what everyone has to say…

1. WNST.net’s Ryan Chell says Ravens waived S Ken Hamlin, signed FB Jason McKie

As I reported yesterday, the Ravens also tried out former Cleveland Browns and Tennessee Titans TE/FB Joel Gamble before going with McKie. I was told they made the decision because they felt McKie was more of a natural fullback while Gamble was more of a hybrid. Gamble is a Baltimore native (and Carver grad).

As far as McKie is concerned, I can’t imagine him being asked to do much more than block-but they’ll definitely need him to block. The likelihood is that Le’Ron McClain’s ankle will probably keep him out Sunday night, and the Ravens’ current roster options just aren’t particularly good. Dennis Pitta can help and Jalen Parmele could see the field; but in a game where running the ball will be important-the Ravens will need a true blocking back.

Don’t rule out Hamlin returning to Charm City at some point this season. He was cut once (to make room for Prince Miller humorously enough) but returned in favor of Trevor Pryce. The Ravens like the veteran presence that Hamlin gives them-but he hasn’t even been active much in recent weeks.

2. WNST.net’s Drew Forrester says Ravens not concerned about outcry regarding towel giveaway

During our “Cheap Shots From the Bleachers” segment before last year’s Ravens-Steelers game at M&T Bank Stadium, I really used up all of the venom I have on this subject.

OF COURSE it’s shameful that the Ravens are giving away towels the night of a Ravens-Steelers game.

OF COURSE it’s embarrassing to hardcore Baltimore football fans to see their own team use a “copycat” version of a rival tradition.

OF COURSE fans should chose NOT to waive the towels but instead to use their hands to clap, bang thundersticks, or otherwise make noise.

OF COURSE the Ravens should really know better in this entire situation.

Unfortunately, they’re still going to give the stupid towel away Sunday night even though there is no one excited about it.

Hey-it makes a nice dish rag. If they were giving them away on the way out-I’d be okay with it. And even ol’ Forrester thinks it makes a nice wall flag…

3. The AP’s Alan Robinson says Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger wearing protective boot, expected to play Sunday vs. Ravens

OF COURSE Ben Roethlisberger is going to play Sunday.

(I’ve said “OF COURSE” a lot today. Annoying anyone?)

Of course, if Sabrina Maree lived in the Steel City (or here in Baltimore); I’m not so sure Big Ben wouldn’t be too distracted to make it to the game Sunday night. (Thanks The Beer Goggler via Busted Coverage!)

4. ESPN.com drops Ravens to 4th in power rankings

Calm down. The only three teams ahead of the Ravens are the Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots and New York Jets; who are all 9-2. The Ravens are first amongst the 8-3 teams.

Before we move on from the Ravens, a few things…

-I’m all for the idea of a “No Means No” chant Sunday night. I think it has to start during TV timeouts right before the Steelers take the ball. If this happens, I will seriously OWE the city of Baltimore for being so freaking awesome.

-The Ravens return to the practice field at 1 Winning Drive in Owings Mills today. We’ll of course be out there to cover everything happening on and off the practice field. Make sure you remain tuned in to AM1570 WNST, checking out WNST.net and following us on Twitter (@WNST).

5. The Sun’s Dan Connolly says chances of Cesar Izturis returning to Orioles continue to improve

With no offense to Cesar Izturis, umm……..I’d rather not.

Connolly says Jason Bartlett will be dealt by the Tampa Bay Rays, but not to Baltimore. Miguel Tejada is headed to the San Francisco Giants, who lost Juan Uribe to the Los Angeles Dodgers. It could still be an option for the Minnesota Twins to deal JJ Hardy, but they’re not guaranteed to sign Tsuyoshi Nishioka or not move him to second base.

If all else fails, why not Maggi Caruthers?!?!? (Thanks Guyism!)

6. D1scourse’s Patrick Stevens says Ralph Friedgen named ACC Coach of the Year, QB Danny O’Brien named Rookie of the Year

Both of these were sort of “no brainer” types of decisions.

The only other real options for Coach of the Year were Florida State’s Jimbo Fisher and Virginia Tech’s Frank Beamer. As the Seminoles did basically what everyone expected them to do and the Hokies only started playing well after losing to Boise State and James Madison; it would have been hard to justify either being honored ahead of Friedgen.

And I’m not sure I have many more words to scribe regarding O’Brien. Maybe it’s best the Terrapins DIDN’T make it to Charlotte to play in the ACC Championship Game. I’m not sure what else I could have said about him.

He’s like Matt Wieters. You know, expect…he’s actually done something.

7. UMTerps.com previews tonight’s tilt with Penn State in ACC/Big Ten Challenge

I’ll say Terrapins 77, Nittany Lions 69.

I think it will be close for a while though, and I don’t doubt that Talor Battle will get his.

But there would be no excuse for Maryland to not roll up to State College and dominate inside with Jordan Williams. That should absolutely be the difference maker.

SHOULD be I say.

8. The AP says Justin Fry’s 16 points not enough as UMBC fell at Penn

Randy Monroe’s Retrievers MIGHT be better than last year; but it hasn’t resulted in a win yet.

And with a trip to UConn coming Friday night-I’m not sure a win is coming soon either.

Towson is in action tonight, the Tigers host Western Michigan at the Towson Center at 7pm.

9. The AP says Michael Harper scored 19 points to lead Coppin State past Lincoln (Pennsylvania) at CSPEC

Now they gear up for not only an early season MEAC showdown; but the ultimate rivalry game-as they visit Hill Field House for a date with the Morgan State Bears Saturday at 4pm.

But to celebrate the Eagles’ win, I offer a picture of Dani Thompson. (Thanks The Smoking Jacket!)

10. The Sun’s Hanah Cho says Maryland officials maintain they will work to protect Preakness as future of horse racing in jeopardy

Did you miss Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association President Richard Hoffberger Wednesday morning with Drew Forrester on “The Morning Reaction” on AM1570 WNST? Make sure you head over to the BuyAToyota.com Audio Vault here at WNST.net today to check it out! Other things you’ll find in the Audio Vault include…

• Mike Bires (Beaver County Times)-who talked Steelers with Drew Wednesday
• Rich Dubroff (Carroll County Times)-who talked Ravens with Drew Wednesday
• Paul Cantabene (Mustangs Lacrosse Coach)-who joined Drew Wednesday for “The Stevenson Coaches’ Report”
• A Birds starting pitchers game (courtesy of Sporcle.com) Drew and Glenn Clark (I know him) played Wednesday morning, as well as a call from “Steve M from Kingsville.”
• Keith Booth (Maryland assistant coach)-who joined Thyrl Nelson Tuesday for “The Terrapins Coaches’ Report”
• Scott Smith (Strikeforce Fighter)-who joined Thyrl and John Rallo Tuesday during “The MMA Report”
• Gregg Doyel (CBSSports.com)-who went around the sports world with Thyrl Tuesday on “The Mobtown Sports Beat”
• Allen McCallum (WNST MLB Analyst)-who joined Rex Snider Tuesday for “The MLB Report”
• Gabrielle Dow (Ravens VP of Marketing)-who joined Nestor Aparicio Tuesday on “The Afternoon Drive” to discuss the towel fiasco
• John Czarnecki (FoxSports.com)-who went around the NFL Tuesday with Nestor

And finally, I leave you with this.

So apparently the North Carolina A&T band plays a version of the Antoine Dodson “Bed Intruder” song. Awesome. Thanks WNST intern Barry Kamen courtesy of Ryan Chell’s Facebook page…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3UsvLyu3N0[/youtube]

Flexing my mic muscles since 1983…

-G

BALTIMORE — Wasn’t this exactly how the script read?

After their 17-14 Week 4 win over a Ben Roethlisberger-less Pittsburgh Steelers team at Heinz Field, weren’t the Baltimore Ravens (8-3) destined for a rematch in Week 13 with the AFC North title likely on the line?

There was little drama in setting up the showdown Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium, as the Ravens dispatched the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-4) with relative ease. The 17-10 final score says the game was not of the “blowout” variety, but the Bucs were hardly in it at all over the course of sixty minutes.

There was significantly more drama for the Steelers, as they needed a touchdown drop from Bills WR Stevie Johnson and a tremendous OT performance from RB Rashard Mendenhall to lock up a 19-16 overtime win in Buffalo and stay on pace with the Ravens atop the division.

But everything fell into place, and the Ravens and Steelers (also 8-3) now get to meet up on Sunday Night Football in Charm City with the division title still well in the balance.

Minutes after the Ravens had polished off the Bucs, the anticipation for the Week 13 showdown was already building.

“We’re looking forward to it” said Head Coach John Harbaugh. “We respect them. (It’s) going to be a rough, tough, physical game.”

Harbaugh claimed he wasn’t aware of what the Steelers had done Sunday until after their own game was over, but it became apparent that he (and other members of the team) had seen the result on the big screen at M&T Bank Stadium and knew what was ahead of them.

“Once we saw (Shaun Suisham’s game winner for Pittsburgh), we knew we had to take care of our business” said LB Ray Lewis.

Lewis was amongst a number of players who wouldn’t shy away from the significance of next Sunday’s showdown.

“It’s a beautiful thing to sit here right and be playing for the division next week at home. The season just (doesn’t get any) better than that.”

Ravens-Steelers matchups usually tend to carry a little more significance than average NFL contests, but this one certainly shapes up to mean a little bit more.

“We know what’s in front of us” said TE Todd Heap. “When the Ravens play the Steelers in December, it usually has a lot of meeting and this game coming up definitely does. It will be a statement game for us.”

That couldn’t be a more accurate statement.

Ravens fans and analysts who cover the Ravens have been uniform in how puzzled they’ve been by the 2010 team. It’s easy to tell that the Ravens are a GOOD team, but not so easy to justify just how good they are.

A Ravens staffer approached me after Sunday’s win and said “what do you think?”

My only response was “I’m not sure.”

It’s been a common theme throughout Charm City, as callers to talk shows, message board participants and those who only talk around water coolers seem to agree only that the Ravens are good, but appear to be uncertain of just how good they are.

One week the response will be “I don’t think (QB Joe) Flacco is good enough.” Another week it will be “the defense isn’t good enough.”

As Sunday’s win was winding down, participants in WNST.net’s “Purple Haze” live chat were split on their emotions. There were statements about “not enough killer instinct” and “they were lucky at the end.”

Yet the same folks who fault the team’s performance are still quick to point out that they know the team is good.

They ARE good. In fact, they’re VERY good.

Good enough to be atop the division as the calendar turns to December. Good enough to be just a game behind the teams with the best record in the NFL.

And in one week, we’ll know everything we need to know about just how good the Ravens are.

With a win over the Steelers, the Ravens will unquestionably be the best team in the AFC North. A loss to the Steelers would leave the Ravens vying to simply fit into the AFC playoff puzzle.

It’s a big game.

It won’t be the final determining factor in the division. If the Ravens win, they’ll still have to protect a one game advantage over the last four weeks of the season-but they’ll be able to keep the division tiebreaker in their pocket. If the Steelers win, they’ll have to protect a one game advantage over the last four weeks of the season with tiebreaking scenarios very much in the balance.

The most likely scenario is that the team that wins Sunday will go on to win the division-with a home playoff game and a first round bye in the playoffs very likely to come with it.

The question will undoubtedly come up this week.

“Just how good are the Ravens, really?”

And for now, we have an answer.

“We’ll see next week.”

-G

Hear from Harbaugh, Flacco, Heap, Lewis, LB Terrell Suggs, WR Derrick Mason and S Dawan Landry following the Ravens’ win NOW in the BuyAToyota.com Audio Vault here at WNST.net!

ATLANTA, Ga. — If you think I wasn’t tempted to write a column that came off as “I told you so”, you’re wrong.

In fairness, I DID pick the Falcons to win 24-20 and said it would be the type of game that would come right down to the final seconds before it was decided.

I’d have every right to say “you should have seen this coming.”

But if I’m being fair, I didn’t REALLY see this coming at all.

I mean, who could have ever seen the Baltimore Ravens (6-3) barely touching the ball for the majority of the first half of their 26-21 loss to the Atlanta Falcons (7-2) Thursday night at the Georgia Dome?

Who could have ever seen the Ravens being forced to respond from two different 13 point deficits in the second half only to forge ahead on a TD strike from QB Joe Flacco to TE Todd Heap with 1:05 to play?

And certainly, who could have ever seen the comeback foiled by a methodical drive from Falcons QB Matt Ryan that culminated in a 33 yard TD toss to WR Roddy White?

I mean, I guess the script could have been written in a SIMILAR way, but not that exact way.

It’s funny, because the first “parting thought” that came to my mind as the game was ending was one that I shared via Twitter (you can follow @WNST to see my thoughts on Twitter). I said “Everyone wants someone to blame for a loss. I think I’ll blame Matt Ryan and Roddy White.”

And while it wasn’t the FINAL thought that came to me, I still stand by that. Sometimes good teams just lose to other good teams on the road. The Ravens are a good team (they don’t need me to apologize for them, they’ve proven how good they are throughout the season); but the Falcons are a good team too. And they played at home.

As Ravens RB Ray Rice said postgame “that’s the NFL.”

But even that wasn’t really the most important takeaway I had after the game.

The most important takeaway hit me as I was getting ready to scribe this column.

BALTIMORE — Besides the extra tick that will go in the team’s W column, there won’t be much about the Baltimore Ravens’ 37-34 overtime win over the Buffalo Bills Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium.

That’s not necessarily fair, either. The Ravens (5-2) did a number of good things, but those good things will ultimately be shadowed in the eyes of many by the fact that they had to overcome a large deficit and then use overtime heroics to get past a Bills (0-6) team that has won as many games in the NFL this year as the Baltimore Orioles.

QB Joe Flacco’s performance might not ultimately go down as one of the greatest games of his career. He was by no means bad whatsoever, finishing his day 16/31 for 250 yards, 3 touchdowns and no interceptions. He looked a bit shaky early on, and was nearly intercepted by Bills CB Reggie Corner on a crucial drive before halftime, but he recovered and put together what was a solid if not spectacular overall game.

Of course, there’s no doubt there will be at least a handful of “Monday Morning Quarterbacks” who will spend the next two weeks obsessing over his faults.

What stood out for me about Flacco’s work Sunday wasn’t necessarily his statistical performance or the way he lead the team to an important 17 points in the span of 1:04 late in the 2nd quarter and early in the 3rd. It was instead something that didn’t happen on the field at all.

Head Coach John Harbaugh was asked post-game about the atmosphere in the Ravens’ locker room at halftime; where they were undoubtedly surprised to find themselves trailing 24-20 even after scoring ten points late in the half to make things close. Harbaugh had said the the locker room was more “determined” than “emotional”, but added “there were some things said, and that’s the way it is in football.”

There’s nothing surprising about football players and coaches saying something at halftime

Happy Thursday!

(And Happy Birthday to the boss-Nestor Aparicio-who Drew Forrester so eloquently described this morning as “looking good for 47.”)

It’s a Happy Thursday for me because tomorrow night is Homecoming at Perry Hall High School; and I can’t wait to see the Gators stomp some Franklin ass!

Ahh Homecoming…a chance to dress up and have your parents snap awkward pictures of you after your girlfriend stabs you in the chest with a boutineer. Speaking of boutineers…umm…why the hell did we ever wear boutineers anyway?

I remember my 12th grade Homecoming…

I couldn’t decide what to do with my hair that day-so I just shaved it off. When the girl I was dating at the time (she was a very nice girl named Kristen who-as you can tell-was MUCH too pretty to be dating a clown like me) saw what I had done, I think it would be fair to say she wasn’t exactly thrilled.

How awesome was I though? STX lanyard sticking out of my pocket to show some love for my lacrosse friends…NICE.

I don’t care what you say. 10 years later-that was a sharp look. I hope the PHHS class of 2011 will say the same thing when I’m working for them in ten years.

Let’s see what everyone has to say…

1. WNST.net’s Glenn Clark says Ravens not concerned with “Tom Brady Rule” against New England Patriots Sunday

While I have a funny feeling that at some point Sunday in Foxborough there’s going to be a close call that goes Brady’s way-this is OF COURSE the most appropriate response for Ravens defenders to have.

They obviously cannot head up to Gillette Stadium worrying about whether or not officials will be protecting Tom Brady too much. It might happen-but they cannot alter the way they play based on that. As Jarret Johnson said yesterday, players must simply be aware of where they are on the field; and what the appropriate way is for them to make a hit.

But…for snitzengiggles…here’s the “Tom Brady in a dress” picture from my friends at B-More Birds’ Nest that everyone enjoys so bad…

2. National Football Post’s Aaron Wilson says John Harbaugh ‘still hopeful’ Ed Reed will return next week

Which makes two of us. Probably more than two of us in fact.

While I still wouldn’t be stunned if Reed (and Brendon Ayanbadejo) are held off until after the Bye Week just to get them some more time to prepare; especially considering that the Ravens are playing the Buffalo Bills at M&T Bank Stadium next Sunday-maybe not the most imposing of opponents.

This would buy the Ravens some more time to make some tough roster decisions-including Jared Gaither of course.

As far as Matt Lawrence is concerned, I have a bad feeling-which was SEMI-confirmed by Harbaugh yesterday-that Matt’s time in Charm City might be coming to a close in the next few weeks.

If so, he’ll always be my second favorite Matt Lawrence, right behind my man “Jack Hunter”…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xv9VJWh4FOg[/youtube]

3. BaltimoreRavens.com’s Mike Duffy says Haloti Ngata (knee), Ray Rice (knee), Le’Ron McClain (shoulder) missed practice Wednesday

Please everyone calm down. As of this moment, there’s no reason for us to think that any of these guys won’t be on the field Sunday. This is the 6th week of the season. Clearly guys are beat up. Sometimes they need a day off.

But if for some reason one of these guys were to miss the game, I’d consider picking up Jessica Jane-Clement if I were Ozzie Newsome. (Thanks Guyism!)

4. CSNBaltimore.com’s John Eisenberg says Pats not out for ‘revenge’ Sunday

And as Eisenberg rightly points out, some Ravens players are skeptical-including Ray Rice and Chris Carr.

Of COURSE the Patriots will want revenge Sunday. They would want to win against ANY team they’d be playing, but there will something a little more special about playing the team that embarrassed them so badly in the Wild Card round of the AFC playoffs last year.

This is where the Ravens want to be. They want to be the team that others are measuring themselves against, and are just a bit more excited to face. Speaking of which…

5. ESPNBoston.com’s Mike Reiss says Ravens ‘measuring stick’ for Patriots

And before we move on from the Ravens, a few things…

-We’ll be out at 1 Winning Drive in Owings Mills again today as the Ravens get back on the practice field; coordinators Cam Cameron, Greg Mattison and Jerry Rosburg are scheduled to meet with the media before practice. Make sure you’re following us on Twitter (@WNST), tuned in to AM1570 WNST and checking in at WNST.net for updates.

-Did you miss Ravens OL Scott Kooistra on “The Morning Reaction” with Drew Forrester Thursday on AM1570 WNST? Make sure you head over to the BuyAToyota.com Audio Vault here at WNST.net to check it out! Other things you can find in the Audio Vault include…

• Plenty of audio from Owings Mills Wednesday-including Harbaugh, Joe Flacco, Rice, Ray Lewis, Fabian Washington, Derrick Mason and Johnson
• Sean Salisbury (“Sean Unfiltered”-Voice America Sports Radio)-who went around the NFL with Drew Thursday
• Andrew Brandt (National Football Post/Former Green Bay Packers Executive)-who talked Brett Favre, Ben Roethlisberger, etc. with Drew Thursday
• Pete Caringi (UMBC Soccer Coach)-who previewed the Retrievers’ big Friday night game (which will be seen on Fox Soccer Channel) with Drew Thursday
• Paul Cantabene (Mustangs Lacrosse Coach)-who joined Drew Thursday for the Stevenson Coaches’ Report
• Our Thursday Morning “Cheap Shots from the Bleachers”-as Drew sent high school athletics a low blow, and Glenn Clark sent a low blow to the end of “Midnight Madness”
• Joseph Gannascoli (“Vito” from The Sopranos)-who joined Rex Snider Wednesday on “The Afternoon Drive” to talk New York Yankees and MLB playoffs
• Steve Martin (ACC Network)-who previewed Maryland-Clemson with Rex Thursday
• Al Seamonson (Maryland LB Coach)-who joined Thyrl Nelson Wednesday for “The Terrapins Coaches’ Report”
• Howard Stevens (Former Baltimore Colts RB)-who joined Thyrl on “The Mobtown Sports Beat” Wednesday

It’s all in the Audio Vault, so make sure you check it out today…then of course thank me later. (Like Drake said!)

6. The Sun’s Dan Connolly says ‘don’t expect’ Orioles to sign Cliff Lee

Sadly, Cliff Lee costs money.

If he didn’t, maybe he could have a future with the O’s.

That’s not a low blow. It’s just a fact. Thanks Ian Eagle.

7. WNST.net’s Jay Trucker says Cesar Izturis has ‘good chance’ of returning to Birds

Hear that? That’s the sound of me POUNDING MY HEAD AGAINST A TABLE!

Instead of getting a Japanese SS, Andy MacPhail should consider Anna Semenovich. I know I would. (Thanks The Smoking Jacket!)

8. D1scourse’s Patrick Stevens says Ralph Friedgen told media on ACC Conference call that Terps haven’t decided between Danny O’Brien, Jamarr Robinson as starter Saturday at Clemson

At this point I feel like I might end up in the QB rotation Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Ralph is sticking to this “we’re playing both guys” thing, and that’s fine. But someone has to be “THE” quarterback. It’s much less about who is starting to me-much more about who is going to play if the game is hanging in the balance in the 4th quarter.

It’s too easy to say “whoever has the hot hand.”

I’ll say it probably needs to be Danny O’Brien if the Terps are going to win.

9. Washington Post’s Eric Prisbell says Travis Baltz will kick for Terrapins again Saturday against Tigers

And before I move on from Maryland, a reminder that we will be at Comcast Center in College Park this afternoon for Maryland basketball Media Day. We’ll have audio from Gary Williams, Sean Mosley, Jordan Williams and more, so again-make sure you’re following us on Twitter, checking WNST.net and staying tuned to AM1570 WNST!

10. Annapolis Capital’s Bill Wagner says Dick Vermeil to present Frank Gansz Trophy to Navy-SMU winner Saturday

And if I played for the Midshipmen or the Stangs, I’d think that was cool.

Of course, I’d probably think it was cooler if it was Taylor Momsen. (Thanks Drunken Stepfather!)

And finally, I leave you with this.

Dave Matthews Band did a cover of Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer”? How did I possibly never know?!?!?

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9i4YyiUHuoM[/youtube]

Flexing my mic muscles since 1983…

-G