Another year is almost in the books.

There is much to look back on and maybe more to look forward to, especially if you are a Steelers fan.

I thought a good way to end 2004 would be to test my readers with some football trivia questions.

I'm going to bring up several football topics, periodically asking you a question concerning those subjects. The answers appear near the end of the column.

Here goes.

-This is the third time in the last four years that the Super Bowl has a shot to be the battle of the Keystone State as the playoffs begin. That would make for a good West vs. East matchup: the Primanti Sandwich against the Philly Cheese Steak.

-Question #1:Have the Eagles and Steelers ever met in a playoff game?There aren't many AFC teams that the Steelers haven't met in the playoffs.

-Question #2:Besides the Houston Texans, who entered the league in 2002, name the three AFC teams the Steelers have never faced in postseason play.

-Question #3:Since Bill Cowher took over in 1992, what team has the Steelers played the most times in the playoffs?The Steelers have been on both ends of postseason thumpings. Their most lopsided win came by a score of 34-5, while their most embarrassing loss was a 38-10 decision.

-Question #4:What teams were the Steelers' opponents in the above games?Jerome Bettis has a chance to reach the 1,000-yard rushing plateau Sunday in Buffalo.

-Question #5:Besides Bettis, name the other four running backs in Steelers' history to reach 1,000 yards rushing in a season.The Pitt Panthers are gearing up for their fourth trip to the Fiesta Bowl, whether college football fans like it or not.I smell a shootout, with Tyler Palko putting up some great numbers that will keep Panther fans warm throughout the winter and eager for the start of next season.

-Question #6:When was the last season the Panthers played in the Fiesta Bowl? Who was their opponent and what was the result?

<b>-</b>Answer #1:Yes. The Eagles and Steelers finished with identical 8-4 records in the 1947 regular season and were tied atop the Eastern Division standings. Since the teams split their two games with each other during the year, the league had them meet one more time in a playoff that would decide which squad would go on to the NFL title game. The game was played on Dec. 21, 1947 at Forbes Field and Philadelphia won 21-0.<b>-</b>Answer #2:The Steelers have yet to play the Jets, Bengals and Jaguars in the AFC playoffs.<b>-</b>Answer #3:Pittsburgh and New England have met three times during Cowher's tenure, with the Patriots winning twice.<b>-</b>Answer #4:Pittsburgh defeated Houston (34-5) in the 1978 AFC Championship Game. The Steelers lost to the L.A. Raiders (38-10) in the 1983 AFC Divisional Playoffs.<b>-</b>Answer #5:John Henry Johnson (1962, 1964), Franco Harris (1972, 1974-79, 1983), Rocky Bleier (1976) and Barry Foster (1992).<b>-</b>Answer #6:Pitt met Ohio State and future Steelers quarterback Mike Tomczak in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 2, 1984. Despite 341 passing yards from John Congemi, the Buckeyes scored a late touchdown to win, 28-23.