Mike Keith: Ugly

If you are a football fan who likes to say things like, 'We won the game, but we just didn't play very well and I'm mad about it,' then this weekend's Tennessee Titans game may not be for you. This one could be rated 'PU' or 'Pretty Ugly.' At least, that's what past history tells us.

Yes, it's Tennessee-Baltimore Part IV and it should be another classic in black and blue. And purple. Let's take you back through Parts I-III, just to jog your memory.

Part I, October 1998: Tennessee wins at Baltimore, 12-8. With a score like that, need we say more?

Part II, December 1998: Tennessee wins over Baltimore in Nashville, 16-14. Tennessee jumps out to a 13-0 lead, the Ravens come back, Tennessee holds on and there were a bunch of fights, pushes, shoves, nasty words and hard hits in-between. Aesthetically more pleasing than Part I, but not beautiful.

Part III, October 1999: Tennessee wins over Baltimore in Nashville, 14-11. More flags on display than at the United Nations. A couple of nice Titan touchdown drives. Some fights, pushes, shoves, nasty words and hard hits in-between.

Part IV, December 1999 at Baltimore: expect more of the same.

Let's throw out a few items about the Sunday's game from PSiNet Stadium in Baltimore...

1. These two clubs really, really don't like each other. Mom always said 'don't say the word 'hate,' ' but she changed her mind after Part III back in October. Many grudges on both sides from earlier games.

2. Matchup-wise, the two defenses seem to have some advantages over the other's offense, especially in the speed area. Thus, points are at a premium.

3. Because of #2 above, neither team gets very tricky.

4. When the game is over, everyone involved is totally drained: physically and emotionally. Plus, you're always kind of hungry for soft shell crab.

Before Part III in October, Larry Stone and I tried to explain Tennessee-Baltimore to our broadcast partner and Tennessee-Baltimore rookie, Pat Ryan. We used analogies, but most were juvenile and not very applicable. Actually, it was a big waste of time. So then, we pretty much told Pat that he'd have to see for himself. And he did on Oct. 10.

After viewing Part III, Pat was exhausted. That game had just worn him out. Back and forth. Fighting. Tackling. Pushing. Shoving. General nastiness for three hours. Constant pressure. Constant pounding. Constant back and forth. Ugly football. Old-time, down-in-the-trenches, I-don't-enjoy-Mocha-Cappuccino-but-like-regular-coffee football. George Halas would have loved it. Vince Lombardi was always up for a grudge match of game. Maybe even George Allen would have liked it.

It would bother Bill Walsh a lot, however. If you want black shoes, harsh words and fierce battling, Tennessee-Baltimore is a game for you. If you want clean white pants,showy dances and pretty plays, you might check out Ice Capades instead.

This will be a nasty fight again.

If it turns into a big rout, be surprised. If the two teams combine for 700 yards of total offense, be surprised.

If the game is played totally without incident, be surprised.

If it turns out 14-11 again, don't be surprised.

If the Titans can go to Baltimore and win 14-11 again, I would take it. After all, the Titans would leave Baltimore at 10-2, an amazingly good record.

Tough as Part I-III were on the stomach, it would have been much tougher to lose any of them. The Titans were glad to win Parts I-III and aren't apologizing for how the games have gone. Nor should they. Tennessee did what it needed to do to win and that's what counts in the NFL.

Tennessee will be geared up for Sunday in Baltimore. Titan fans will, also. Here's hoping they know that only wins, not style points, count toward the playoffs.