COLUMN: Exciting first round of NFL playoffs

     Round one is in the books for the NFL playoffs and there were some pretty exciting games but maybe none more exciting than the first quarter action of the Browns-Steelers game.

     In the blink of an eye, the Steelers found themselves behind 28-0 and most of that was all self-induced by the horrible play displayed by Pittsburgh in that first quarter. The first play from scrimmage, which saw Maurkice Pouncey snap the ball clear over his quarterback’s head, set the tone for a game that mirrored the late season collapse of what was once an undefeated (11-0) team. The Browns winning were my upset pick of the week.

     Four interceptions later by Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers just couldn’t get themselves back into the game. Pittsburgh gave it a good fight but the Browns just seemed to be clicking on all cylinders.

     I didn’t catch the second half of the Bills-Colts game or the first half of the Rams-Seahawks game. I went 1-1 in those two game selecting the Seahawks, a loss, and the Bills, a win. I also correctly guessed the Ravens, the Bucs and the Saints winning to finish 5-1.

     Now on to next week’s games: I’m picking Green Bay over Los Angeles, Buffalo over Baltimore, Kansas City over Cleveland and New Orleans over Tampa Bay. All four teams I’ve picked are the higher seeded team. There is going to be an upset or two in there I’m guessing, I just don’t know which team it might be. Hopefully it’s not Green Bay!

     Hawkeye basketball. I haven’t talked much about the Hawkeye men’s basketball team this season. Part of me is thinking they are not nearly as good as the experts think they are. Part of me is guessing they may be for real. I do know that the Big Ten is going to be tough to win for the Hawkeyes but they are right there fighting each game.

     This team is fun to watch and like many Iowa teams in the past can be frustrating to watch at times. One thing about a Fran McCaffery coached team, they seem to get better as the season wears on. I’m really looking forward to their game against Michigan, who I think is the team to beat to win the Big Ten title. Go Hawks!