With all the ups and downs, injuries and off the field news, i don't remember the last time I was this excited for a Cowboys game this year? Don't get me wrong, I watched every game I could, (couldn't see 2 or 3 games that weren't on tv) but I havent been this excited since the preseason... when the offense was clicking, and we were being considered super bowl favorites...

but this weekend, playing against top notch competition, in prime football conditions... i can truly say i am on the edge of my seat on WEDNESDAY reading up everything i can about the game on SUNDAY! so, without further ado, here is what I am looking forward to this weekend...

1) This is the week we can prove we are worthy of making the playoffs, and a push for the ship... we must harness every oz of momentum we have earned with the last few cupcakes, and deliver on Sunday in front of a National Audience and infront of one of the loudest, craziest stadiums in the league.

2) Can big Gurode and BIGG Davis take care of and move aside big casey Hampden(sp)... if they can get a big push against the staple of the Steelers line, chances are mb3 (hopefully) or Choice will pull off big games, because they can cut and make nice hard runs...

3) How will the weather affect Romo? our receivers? This worries me a bit, seeing as how we haven't played intoo many bad weather games... but what is nice, is even in the bad weather, i have witnessed Romo make game saving drives... so while this worries me, i know that if we are down 3 with a little over a minute to go, I have faith that Romo and all his weapons will make plays and at the very least, put us in a position to tie the game... (and in a game like this, i can see it coming down to the last drive)

4) Normally I don't like these play calls, but the quick wr screen to Owens out wide might play a critical role... in weather like what is expected, if Romo can get the ball to Owens in a hurry, i bet that he can put a move on the db's (one quick little juke, down goes the db, and owens is off to the races... well at least a first down)

5) oh yes, our defense... only one thing worries me about this steeler offense... and believe it or not, its nate washington... hes' got speed and kind of reminds of santana moss... if he gets matched in the slot with scandrick, or outside with pac, it will be interesting to see how they play against him... although ward is a great route runner, he doesn't scare me so much outside of the ten yard line...

5b) i'd love to see our front 7match its intensity from last week... there is nothing more im hoping for than to walk out of the first quarter up 17, with 4 sacks, a fumble recovery and an interception... ok ok, i'lll be more realistic... as long as our defense keeps us within a 1 score difference if we do get behind, im confident in Romo finding one of Witten, Bennet (glad to say that, and glad to say great pick mr Jerry Jones), OWENS WILLIAMS CRAYTON BARBER CHOICE... have i mentioned im excited about this weekend?

6) and here is my prediction...

Very tough, gritty first half... a lot of character from both teams, just straight up going back and forth... a few big pass plays for each, with a few big defense plays for each... great adjustments at half time by the coaching staff, and a surprise punt return for td by PAC (sorry i had to include him, bc i realistically see him breaking one with the team full of momentum)... and the final score is...

DAL - 24
PIT   - 14