Aerie Report, November 12, 2009

We had a successful day at Cabela's. Picked up the ThermaCELL (package of two linked to yesterday) with two sets of replacements and Christmas presents (clothes) for several people on our list. Terry found a nice blouse she liked and that fit her. She usually has trouble at Cabela's finding clothes to fit her, but this was a Woolrich product. I got myself a new set of heavy duty insulated long johns for those cold days on stand, a new rifle sling (since I only have one and have to switch when I change the rifle I carry), a three-legged stool for sitting in a ground blind, and a few other odds and ends. I looked at some of the bows and a couple of firearms but decided to pass on those right now. We dropped some change to help boost the economy, but between a rebate card for Cabela's, a rebate card from Cooper Tires, accumulated points from use of a Cabela's Club VISA card, and a $20 off coupon...well, it didn't take a lot of green out of the wallet.

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I keep forgetting just how far it is from the Aerie (on the northern edge of PA) to Cabela's (in Hamburg on I-78 on the very southern edge of the state). From door to door it was 150 miles. It took us 3-1/2 hours going down (Rt. 15 to Rt. 61) and just 3 hours to return. Two hours shopping and it was a long day.

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Sitting here now watching Rutgers dismantle South Florida. The game just ended and RU won 31-0 over the #24 Bulls. And the Scarlet Knights should have lead by more having settled for FG attempts instead of TDs on several long drives in the first half. The offense may have struggled in the opening half, but the defense! My goodness did the defense dominate in this game.

The win makes RU bowl eligible with a record of 7-2, 2-2. Three games remain on the schedule for Terry and my alma mater: @ Syracuse, @ Louisville, and West Virginia at home.

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Speaking of the Big East.... There are three teams in the hunt for the Big East title: Cincinnati at 9-0, 5-0 in conference, are on top being chased by Pittsburgh (8-1, and also 5-0 in conference) and West Virginia (7-2, 3-1). Each of these teams have yet to play the other two. Each has a one home and one away game against the other two.

Tomorrow night, West Virginia plays at Cincinnati. The Bearcats have to figure out which of their excellent quaterbacks should start. The Mountaineers have a more troubling problem. RB Noel Devine may have to sit the game out due to an ankle injury. That will put the WVa squad at a disadvantage.

Meanwhile, Pitt squares off against Notre Dame on Saturday.