Dirty South Football

Introducing VSPN

tarheelpirate — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 19:59:13 +0000

Last night began the launch of a brand new sports entertainment network, VSPN. The Network, formerly know as ESPN, is dedicated to bringing its viewersin-depth analysis of every single move made by Philadelphia Eagle’s quarterback, Michael Vick. Be sure to check out the entire family of VSPN Networks.

Check your local listings. If you do not receive VSPN, VSPN2, or other VSPN stations, please contact your cable or satellite provider.

The VSPN family of networks includes:

VSPN (Universal coverage of Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles)

VSPN2 (Universal coverage of Michael Vick’s family and friends)

VSPN Classic (highlights, interviews, and video of Michael Vick’s entire career)

VSPN Deportes (everything Ron Mexico, en espanol)

VSPN News (live updates about Michael Vick)

VSPN.com (online provider of Michael Vick information)

VSPN360.com (online, a live camera on Michael Vick, 24-7)

Congratulations NFL Hall of Fame, Class of 2009

tarheelpirate — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 22:44:37 +0000

Congratulations to the six men who will be inducted to the National Football League Hall of Fame this evening. It is also a time for the families and fans to celebrate the contributions of these individuals to the game of football. Unfortunately, two of these men, Bob Hayes (1942-2002) and Derrick Thomas (1967-2000), did not survive to see this proud day.

Bob Hayes, WR, Dallas Cowboys (1964 100m Olympic Gold Medalist)

Randall McDaniel, OL, Minnesota Vikings, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Bruce Smith, DE, Buffalo Bills, Washington Redskins

Derrick Thomas, LB, Kansas City Chiefs

Rod Woodson, S, Oakland Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens

Ralph Wilson Jr., Owner, Buffalo Bills

*The Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony begins at 7 p.m., tonight, on ESPN.

ESPN/USA TODAY Top 25 Coaches Poll

tarheelpirate — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 23:22:14 +0000

The ESPN/USA TODAY Top 25 Coaches Poll has been released. To be honest, these preseason polls mean nothing, but it gives the fanatic college football fans a little taste of what is to come. I am one of those college football fanatics, and I must say that I cannot wait for my Saturdays to be filled with wall-to-wall passion. Until then, everyone’s undefeated, and all fans have reason for optimism.

Team (Points)

1. Florida (1466)…The defending National Champions return 21 of 22 starters, including “Golden God,” QB Tim Tebow. They have to be the odds-on favorite to win it all.

2. Texas (1386)…QB Colt McCoy will be a Heisman Trophy candidate, again.

3. Oklahoma (1358)…The Sooners return last year’s Heisman Trophy winner, QB Sam Bradford.

4. USC (1321)…Lost its starting QB and many defensive starters to the NFL. This could be too high.

5. Alabama (1134)…Like USC, Alabama lost its starting QB. They will be tough, but #5 is too high.

6. Ohio State(1126)…Being a great team in a mediocre conference will always give OSU a chance to make it to the championship game. Terrell Pryor should be fun to watch.

7. Virginia Tech(1020)…Should be the best team in an underrated ACC. Defending ACC Champs.

8. Penn State (988)…The other good team in the Big 10 (or 11).

9. LSU (917)…Another SEC monster, always loaded with talent.

10. Mississippi (889)…Jevean Snead is really good, but this ranking is way too high. Can they catch lightning in a bottle two years in a row?

11. Oklahoma State (861)…Explosive offense, but can they play defense?

12. California(711)…Will challenge for the Pac-10 Championship, but should swap ratings with Oregon.

13. Georgia(707)…No more Matthew Stafford or Knowshon Moreno. How far can they go with Charlotte’s own Joe Cox at QB?

14. Oregon(694)…I think that Oregon will win the Pac-10. Could be up a few spots.

15. Georgia Tech(559)…Great coach in Paul Johnson, great running back in Johnathan Dwyer. Overrated a little here. They will finish 3rd or 4th in the ACC Coastal Division.

16. Boise State (542)…Get ready to hear the phrase “BCS Busters” each time the Broncos are mentioned.

17. TCU (461)…Another “BCS Buster.”

18. Utah (404)…Put a beating on ‘Bama last year, but this is a different team. “BCS Buster” #3.

19. Florida State (371)…Should be the favorite to win the weaker Atlantic Division in the ACC.

20. North Carolina (293)…Finally, some respect. Don’t be surprised if the Heels win the ACC Championship. Am I too optimistic? Maybe.

21. Iowa (257)…Not sure why the Hawkeyes are in the top 25. They lost stud RB Shon Green.

22. Nebraska (236)…Getting better and better under Bo Pellini. The best team in the Big 12 North.

23. Notre Dame (194)…This is about right for the “Golden Domers.” Thank goodness for the coaches poll; the AP Poll will probably have them in the top 10.

24. Brigham Young (178)…Know little about BYU, but they are usually pretty good.

25. Oregon State (165)…Crushed Southern Cal’s National Championship hopes last year. Likely better than this #25 ranking.

*I cannot believe that my alma mater, East Carolina, got only three (3) votes. They are a top 25 team.

Eli Gets Paid

tarheelpirate — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 17:43:40 +0000

It is being reported that New York Giants Quarterback, Eli Manning, has come to terms for a monster contract extension. The deal is said to be a six-year, $97 million dollar contract, which will give him an average of $15.3 million per year. The deal will make him one of the highest paid players in the NFL, and finally, he will make more money than big brother, Peyton, who makes a measly $14.17 per-year salary.

Eli Manning led the Giants to a Super Bowl win over the New England Patriots in 2008. While he is far from the best quarterback in the NFL, he is likely worth the $97 million. This is 2009, and that is the market value of a Pro Bowl, Super Bowl MVP quarterback.

The value of having stability at the quarterback position, in the NFL, cannot be overestimated. To win football games, a team must have consistency and leadership at the most important position. For at least the next six years, barring injury, the Giants have that, and they will be contenders each of those years.

NFL Starters Dropping like Flies (Update)

tarheelpirate — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:20:16 +0000

UPDATE: Add Atlanta Falcons wide reciever, Harry Douglas to the list. He is out for the season with a torn ACL.

Less than a week into NFL training camp, and there are several key players who are likely out for significant periods of time.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/category/injuries/

-Stewart Bradley, LB, Philadelphia Eagles (ACL, out for season)

-Ma’ake Kemoeatu, DT, Carolina Panthers (Achilles, likely out for season)

-Reggie Kelly, TE, Cincinnati Bengals (Achilles, out for season)

-Chris Myers, C, Houston Texans (Knee, indefinitely)

-Nick Griesen, LB, Denver Broncos (Knee, out for season)

-Jacque Reeves, CB, Houston Texans (Leg, out 6-8 weeks)

For me, as a Panther fan, I am most disturbed by the injury to “Kemo.” His presence in the middle of the Panthers’ defensive line is critical for the success of the whole defense. Pro Bowl linebacker, Jon Beason, needs to have the ability to run freely, and “Kemo’s” big body keeps those offensive lineman occupied to allow just that.

Defensive tackle is one of the Panthers’ weakest areas, in respect to depth. Now, somebody must step up to fill the void.