It's only fitting the first NFL game of the regular season would go into overtime. And while both the Steelers and Titans offense struggled to dust off that off-season rust (Tennessee had two turnovers, Pittsburgh three) both teams' defenses played like they never missed a beat. On top of it all was our man, Troy Polamalu. Polamalu was third on the team with 6 tackles, one for a loss with two passes deflected. And with just over a minute left in the first quarter, Polamalu elevated over Titans WR Kenny Brit for a beastly one handed pick ala Vidal Hazelton. Oh, did I mention that was all before the first half ended.
That's because Polamalu was out for the entire second half, injured. It seems the Man of Steel found his kryptonite. And it's not tackling by his hair, although it's been tried. No, it's having his knee rolled on by 257-pound tight ends named Alge Crumpler. Polamalu went down trying to recover a blocked field goal just before halftime. Prognosis is a sprained MCL and he could be out 3-6 weeks. The final score was 13-10, won on a 33 yard field goal by Steelers' Jeff Reed.
Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller If Florida whips Oklahoma tonight, as most expect, how many of you will be annoyed that the best team in college football will be watching the game in Hollywood?  More on the unique -- and uncomfortable -- staff changes going on at Oregon. Still not clear if Montana coach Bobby Hauck is a candidate to become UCLA's defensive... more »
Reactions from USC players and coaches after junior receiver Vidal Hazelton filed the paperwork to transfer from the school: Receiver Brandon Carswell: (on whether Hazelton ever talked about leaving) “Not about leaving. Sometimes he would be like, ‘Man, I just need to work harder. Something’s going on to where I’m not playing.’ It’s just really surprising, though.” (on whether... more »
Vidal Hazelton on his decision to transfer: ``I'm leaving on good terms with Coach Carroll. You've got to go through adversity and struggles. I went up there and gave all of them a hug and thanked them for everything.''... more »
When tailback Broderick Green announced he was transferring, the first question that popped into most USC followers’ heads was: Who’s next? Receiver Vidal Hazelton seemed like a logical candidate. Not only has his playing time dropped precipitously after he ranked second on the team in catches last season, but the coaches declined his request to seek a medical redshirt.... more »
Tailback Joe McKnight said he expects to play Saturday but the coaches are less certain and will wait until tomorrow's practice to make a decision. ``If he can do stuff tomorrow and Friday, it will be a bonus for us if he can play,'' offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian said. ``We're hoping,'' running backs coach Todd McNair said. Stanley Havili... more »
Joe McKnight participated in some of Tuesday's practice but was held out of some parts by trainers as a precautionary measure. He said he still feels some soreness on the side of his foot but will play against Arizona. Vidal Hazelton practiced and took a hit even though the coaches did not want him to face any contact. He... more »
Pete Carroll was eager to point out that the Trojans were looking replenished on Monday. "A bunch of guys returned to the practice field," he said. "I don't know if you could tell, but it was like a busload of guys came in today! It was kinda' fun and it feels different -- the energy about it. Those guys... more »
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