5:30, 4th: We're heading down to set up for post-game interviews.  This game is nail-biting, so hope you enjoy it in the end.  Check back to BR.com all night for updated coverage from Pittsburgh.

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9:32, 4th: Big pass interference call against Ike Taylor of the Steelers.  That gives the Ravens the ball on the 1, which sets up a scenario where the Ravens can pound it in with Haloti Ngata and Adam Terry on the line.  Huge play.

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15:00, 4th: It seems that the Ravens are going to need a defensive play to get back in this game, because the offense isn't getting it done. 

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3:38, 3rd: As Jeff Reed's third field goal splits the uprights, the Ravens have to play with a sense of urgency, even though there's still a lot of football left.  Now down two scores, every drive is critical for the Ravens to score. 

Also, cornerback Corey Ivy is back on the field after he was erased by Limas Sweed earlier in the game.

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9:07, 3rd: Did you see who just made that special teams tackle?  That's right, Daren Stone.  He shook off a concussion on the game's first play and is back on the field.  It seems that the Ravens just don't want to quit in this game, as multiple players have gone down with injuries.

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12:52, 3rd: The Ravens can't convert on their initial drive of the second half, as Flacco misfires on a few throws and is tackled for a loss on a designed run. 

Still, Baltimore is only six points behind, so if the defense can stop the Steelers, the'y'll have another crack at taking the lead. 

Also, good news in Frank Walker's return to the game.  He had a left shoulder injury, but now has it wrapped. 

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Halftime: In a huge turn of events, the clock runs out before the Steelers can get off a field goal just before the half.  That could be a big turn of events. 

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0:23, 2nd: The Ravens lose another cornerback when Corey Ivy is obliterated with a crushing open-field block from receiver Limas Sweed.  Ivy was running to tackle tight end Matt Spaeth, who was in the middle of a 15-yard gain.   Sweed lowered his shoulder and helmet into Ivy's head. 

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2:40, 2nd:  The Ravens finally get into the end zone when Willis runs it in from 3-yards out.  The ball was placed there because off a pass interference call on cornerback Bryant McFadden near the goal line.  McFadden had his hands on Derrick Mason when Joe Flacco uncorked his pass over the middle. 

Credit McGahee for a tremendous blitz pickup, because the Steelers had a free rusher coming off the edge, and McGahee was just able to nip his feet before he got to Flacco.

With the ball on the 3, the Ravens insert Adam Terry and Haloti Ngata on the offensive line to overload the left side, and McGahee waltzes in. 

The Ravens have a challenge for the next defensive stand, however.  Frank Walker, starting in place of Samari Rolle, is shown being escorted to the locker room with the Ravens' trainers.  So looks like Corey Ivy will move up the ladder, and Evan Oglesby will come in during nickel situations.

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3:37, 2nd:  Big time punt return by Jimmy Leonhard, who takes a short punt from Mitch Berger and raced 45 yards to the 17-yard line. 

Berger almost saved the day, however, when he tackled Leonhard near the sideline and punched the ball out.  It fell out of bounds, so the Ravens maintained possession.   Phew!

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5:09, 2nd: Injury Update: Receiver Hines Ward was just downgraded to doubtful with his kneee injury.  That could affect how the Steelers' offense operates the rest of the game.

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7:06, 2nd:  At this point in the game, the Steelers are backed to the 11-yard line.  With the Ravens' offense running stagnant, this would be an opportune time for Baltimore's defense to make a play.  Someone is going to have to step up, and I'm hoping that happens soon.  I was just thinking what I wanted to assign as the sidebars for this game, and nothing is really standing out.  Who is that person going to be?

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10:12, 2nd: I'm not sure what's up with Le'Ron McClain, but the Ravens' leading rusher does not have one carry today.  Willis McGahee has toted the rock nine times.  Now, Le'Ron did hurt his ankle last week, but he's playing at fullback.  Typically, the ravnes have seen success wearing down defenses with the 260-pound McClain early, and then unleashing the slashing McGahee later in games.  This is puzzling to me as to why McClain isn't getting more chances. 

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13:58, 2nd: Roethlisberger is back.  He hits Holmes for a 65-yard touchdown pass when he hauls in the football on the Ravens' 49-yard line and races through the entire Baltimore defense for the score. Not good for Baltimore.  This was after the Ravens turned it over on downs and only took three plays.  The Ravens need to score to take these fans out of it, because it's crazy loud. 

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0:50, 1st: Ben Roethlisberger seemingly has a back injury, and Byron Leftwich is warming ip on the sideline.  Don't know what that means, but check out if Ben comes back in the game when the Steelers offense comes back out.

Injury Update: Pittsburgh reciever Hines Ward has a knee injury and went to the locker room.  His return is questionable.

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2:15, 1st: The first Ravens turnover of the game occurs when Ray Lewis tackles Willie Parker from behind.  Parker drops the football, and Jimmy Leonhard jumps on it.  Leonhard now has two fumble recoveries, one interception and one forced fumble in the postseason. 

Balltimore ball at midfield.

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5:18, 1st:  No dice for the Ravens, who go for another three-and-out.  Joe Flacco is doing a great job of buying time with his feet in the face of a Pittsburgh pass rush.  Also, the Ravens line is doing a good job keeping Flacco clean.  But, the Baltimore receivers are just not getting open.  I think that's because the Steelers are only rushing four or five players and dropping more guys into coverage. 

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6:16, 1st: That was a great overturn for Baltimore, because the Steelers only net a 42-yard field goal.  Now, the Ravens must answer, and since they are only six points behind, there is still a chance to take the lead with a touchdown.  In a game that is as physical as this one, the Ravens must get seven instead of three every time they are in the red zone.

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6:48, 1st: Ravens coach John Harbaugh challenges if a pass to Santonio Holmes on to get to the 1-yard line is actually a catch.  Holmes loses possession when he hits the turf.  The press box is buzzing with arguments for and against overturning the call. 

Harbaugh proves to be right.  That was a huge play for the Steelers and a big tackle from Fabian Washington.  The Heinz Field crowd is lustily booing, but good for the Ravens. 

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8:16, 1st: The Ravens get their first sack of the game when Haloti Ngata runs a stunt up the middle with a full head of steam to fell Ben Roethlisberger.  They say Big Ben is tough to bring down, but he's easy work for the 345-pound Ngata.  Pass rush is going to be critical, because the Ravens don't have Samari Rolle out there.  They need to get into Roethlisberger's head a little bit. 

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10:24, 1st: It's three-and-out for the Ravens' first series.  And, Joe Flacco throws three consecutive passes.  The Ravens got here because of a strong rushing attack, so let's hope they eventually get that going tonight. 

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11:22, 1st: The Steelers manage to march downfield largely on a 45-yard pass to Hines Ward, and boot a 34-yard field goal to start the scoring. 

The Ward catch actually seemed like it could get broken up.  Ed Reed jumped the route and went for the interception instead of just batting the ball out of Ward's hands.  Ward maintained possession and took off running in the open secondary.

Injury Update: Daren Stone sustained a concussion on the game's opening kickoff and his return is doubtful.

14:14, First Quarter: On the opening kickoff, Ravens special teams ace Daren Stone was absolutely leveled while busting the wedge and had to be helped off the field.  He is seeing stars right now.  That's what type of game this is going to be. 

Also, it should be noted that Terrell Suggs seems to be holding up well with a shoulder injury.  I saw him working it out during warmups to keep it loose, but he couldn't - or wouldn't - raise his right arm when catching passes.  Still, he's getting pressure off the edge even though he's playing with one arm.

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Intros: Hank Williams Jr. sang some sort of song at midfield before the national anthem, and he waas wearing some sort of furry vest.  I think it was beaver. 

The national anthem got the regular treatment from Baltimore fans, as they shoulted out a loud "Oooo!" on cue.  Fans erupted when fireworks were set off, as well.

It was odd waiting for both teams to come out of the tunnel.  It seemed that the Ravens delayed their entrance a bit.  Normally, the home team is the last to be introduced, but the Ravens waited until Pittsburgh ran out on the field before heading to their sideline. 

Captians Trevor Pryce, Mark Clayton, Jimmy Leonhard and Derrick Mason won the coin toss with a tails call, and the Ravens elected to defer possession until the second half. 

As Steve Hauschka prepares to kick off, there is a palpable sense of anticipation over the press box.

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Pre-game: The Ravens are all set to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in what will definitely be a knockdown, drag out fight at Heinz Field.

I’m sitting in the press box next to Ravens travel diva Joan Sieracki and the PR staff watching the Cardinals - Eagles tilt. Wow, everybody counted out the Cards, and look what they’ve done in this game. Although, it seems the Eagles are storming back, so we’ll keep an eye on that outcome.

As expected of an AFC Championship game, the press box is jammed with national media. I saw Clark Judge of CBSSportsLine.com, Yahoo!Sports’ Jason Cole, and ESPN.com’s James Walker and Tim Graham among others.

Right now, there is a light snow falling here in Pittsburgh as the fans start to file in. I’ve seen a good share of Ravens faithful milling around, so thanks to those that showed up. We’ll need them.

Wind does not seem to be a factor at this point, but in a game where kicking will be crucial, Matt Stover, Steve Hauschka and Sam Koch are going to have to judge the elements early.

Stover just bounced one off the cross bar from 49 yards, but Hauschka was good with 2 yards to spare from 52 yards.

The Steelers’ grounds crew just rolled the tarp off to expose the turf, and it looks kind of nasty. Visibly worn out. Players always complain about the field in Pittsburgh, and I can tell why.

Anyway, here’s a list of today’s inactives. Almost time to roll.

Baltimore Ravens

WR Terrance Copper

CB Samari Rolle

RB JAlen Parmele

LB Antwan Barnes
LB Robert McCune

OT Oniel Cousins

G/T David Hale

3^rd QB Todd Bouman

Pittsburgh Steelers
S Anthony Smith

CB Fernando Bryant

LB Bruce Davis

OL Tony Hill

OT Jason Capizzi

DT Scott PAxson

DE Orpheus Roye

3^rd QB Dennis Dixon

Keep it locked right here on BR.com for more from the in-game blog and all your post-game coverage.