THE NEW A.D by ST

Was please but not surprised that Mike Bellotti came out publicly and said he's not making a decision on Ernie Kent until after the season. Smart is as smart does and this is the proper path from my chair. The team has looked flat out awful since beating Washington. If anyone thinks canning the most successful coach in program history mid-season is the answer, they're entitled to that opinion, but it makes zero sense. Bellotti has always been a big picture guy and he's incorporating all the great things coach Kent has accomplished which includes the tremendous graduation rate. We've all acknowledged hoops at this level is big business but the "student" aspect of scholar athlete can not be overlooked. No question, if the misery continues and the crowds at Mac court continue to dwindle, a change will be made. I hate that fact, but to deny it is pretty naive. Here's hoping for that monster turnaround.
Say what you want about Brett Farve, but the guy provides compelling drama. The TV rating for Vikings/Saints in the key 18 to 49 year old adult demographic was the 2nd highest NFC title game rating ever. Jets/Colts also did CBS proud. Highest rated AFC championship game in 16 years. Considering it involved Peyton Manning and the New York market, not that big a surprise.
Tough loss for the Blazers last night at home against the Hornets. Had things pretty well in hand up 8 with just under 3 1/2 to go but went into a minor coma the rest of the way home. I know they're playing shorthanded and certainly this team is displaying heart and grit beyond the call of duty. That said, this was a tough defeat. Over that final 3 1/2 minute stretch they managed one foul shot, committed a 24 second violation and lost Chris Paul on defense prior to his game winning bucket with just over 3 seconds left. They have tonight off before Utah visits Wednesday.
Earlier I mentioned Minnesota & New Orleans pulling the 2nd highest rated NFC title game ever. For a $50 gift certificate to a really cool new downtown eatery featuring African food, Cafe Maroc, e-mail me the teams who played in the most watched NFC championship game. stevetannen@live.com
Good luck!