If it weren’t for that whole crooked mayor thing, sports would have been all the talk — with a big Ravens win, Tiger’s “transgressions” and Maryland going back to the Fridge.

[1] The Ravens went toe-to-toe with the Steelers on Sunday night, limping out of M&T Bank Stadium with their biggest victory of the season. The banged-up Steelers, who were missing their two best players in Ben Roethlisberger and Troy Polamalu, had the Ravens on the ropes late. But thanks to a sweet catch-and-run by Ray Rice, a big pick by Paul Kruger and a clutch kick by Billy Cundiff, Baltimore was able to pull it out in overtime. This was the kind of close game the Ravens had been fumbling away all season. Now that they’ve remembered how to win again, might they be turning the corner in the nick of time? We’ll find out Monday night in Green Bay.

[2] Tiger Woods went from peerless sports icon to celebrity tabloid fodder this week with reports of an affair and his vague admissions of “transgressions” and “personal failings.” OK, so Tiger cheated on his wife with this not-so-hot chick — and there’s no excuse for that — but I kind of feel bad for him. No one should have to endure the media storm he got caught up in, and he deserves an opportunity to salvage his marriage behind closed doors.

[3] Maryland announced that football coach Ralph Friedgen will return in 2010, but there are no guarantees after that. To stick around, Friedgen obviously needs to improve on this season’s 2-10 record. But a big-time recruiting class is what the school is really looking for. Not landing the top in-state talent has been his fatal flaw.

[4] There is speculation that O’s president Andy MacPhail could replace MLB commish Bud Selig when Selig steps down after the 2012 season. MacPhail said he hasn’t been thinking about taking the post. I guess he’s been too busy not signing free agents. Orioles magic!

[5] Rookie CB Lardarius Webb made his first NFL start against the Steelers. He made three tackles, broke up a pass and dropped a sure pick-six on another play. Overall, it was an impressive performance. It looks as though the Ravens can pencil Webb into the starting lineup for the next few years. Now if they only had an eraser for Domonique Foxworth and his contract.

[6] Ravens QB Joe Flacco said Thursday that his injured ankle “feels really good right now” after the pounding he took Sunday night. Flacco has been sacked 23 times this season, tied for 10th most in the NFL. Big ups to Flacco for being a trooper, but I think it’s time the Ravens got back to being a running team to make sure Flacco’s still standing if they make the playoffs.

[7] Capitals star Alex Ovechkin was suspended for two games for his cheap knee-to-knee hit Monday. That type of hit is about as dirty a play you can make without slashing an opponent (or your own goalie) in the head. I can’t say Ovechkin is a goon, but he’s starting to get a bad rep around the NHL. Stick to scoring pretty goals, kid.

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