Ben Roethlisberger upset with Mike Tomlin for trashing the MAC
Never complain about the MACNation to Ben Roethlisberger.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will hope to keep their undefeated season alive in Week 11 when they travel down to Duval County and face the Jaguars. Despite being 1-8, Jacksonville took the Green Bay Packers down to the wire at Lambeau Field.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin recently stated that while the Jaguars record isn’t helping them, it doesn’t make them a team from the “MAC” conference. And sure, while a professional team isn’t the same as a college program, never compare a team to MACNation alum Ben Roethlisberger.
The Steelers quarterback spoke Wednesday, stating that he didn’t appreciate his coach talking bad about the Miami (Ohio) Redhawks’ conference. Then again, all is fair when making of alma mater’s in his mind.
“I haven’t had a chance to get him yet,” Roethlisberger said. “He mentioned it again in the team meeting, too. I wasn’t too happy about that. I’ll get him back, don’t worry. I have to figure out what conference William & Mary is in, and we’ll say something about that.”
Ben Roethlisberger says he took exception to Mike Tomlin taking a shot at the MAC yesterday. Said he'll clap back at Tomlin once he figures out "what conference William & Mary is in."#shotsfired
— Will Graves (@WillGravesAP) November 18, 2020
The MAC produced a star under center with Roethlisberger
Roethlisberger, 38, might be regressing as his age continues to grow, but he’s been a factor in the team’s offensive presence. After being placed on the COVID-19/reserve list, he returned to action against the Cincinnati Bengals, throwing for 333 yards and four touchdowns. For the season, Roethlisberger has thrown for 2,267 yards and 22 touchdowns against four interceptions.
Tomlin might want to cool it with the hate on the MAC conference moving forward. Multiple players on the Steelers’ roster have ties to teams there, including wide receiver Diontae Johnson (Toledo) and linebacker Robert Spillane (Western Michigan).
Overall, the message wasn’t to make fun of the midwest schools, but rather speak highly of the Jaguars’ drive. With trap games left and right, Tomlin knows that Sunday will be one the team can’t afford to drop.
“We understand what we’re going into in Jacksonville,” Tomlin said. “That’s a group that’s trying to kick our butt. A professional group. A capable group. And we’re preparing with that understanding.”
But really, what conference is William and Mary in?
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