Here are a few observations, opinions and self-corrections to peruse while you wait for the non-Ravens game to start:

The Terps: I owe Maryland an apology. I said in Saturday's "News Item" column that the oddsmakers were giving them too much credit by making Georgia Tech only a 14-point favorite. They showed a lot of grit during their second-half comeback attempt and lost by only five. Small consolation, maybe, but a struggling team showed some character yesterday.

The Mids: Went to the Navy game as a fan yesterday and it was tough to watch. The Mids offense took forever to click without benched fullback and captain Alexander Teich. The Mids have to start winning some games to keep their bowl streak alive.

The Ravens: The bye week left me with an empty feeling that nothing on today's schedule can fill. Maybe I could have distracted myself by rooting against the Redskins and Cowboys, but they both had byes, too.

The Yankees: As much as everyone wanted the Yankees to lose to the Tigers, now we're left without an ALCS that includes a team you really want to root for or against. Should have thought about that before I pulled for Detroit.

The AFC: If nothing else, you can watch the Jets/Patriots game and see who the Ravens gain ground on in the quest for the best conference record.

The NLCS: Want the Brewers to win. Thing the Cardinals have all the mojo right now.

Andy MacPhail: The only surprise was that it took so long for Andy to say goodbye to Peter Angelos. I wish Andy and his family the best. He's a class act. The results weren't there at the end, but I still believe the team is better off than when he got here. I'm sure a lot of you would disagree, which is your right.

Buck Showalter: Buck isn't going to be the GM this year, but that doesn't mean he isn't going to be the GM. Check out my column in today's print edition or click right here.