It's the most wonderful time of the year: Iron Bowl Week

For many who didn't grow up in Alabama or in the South, they'll probably never be able to fully grasp the importance of this game played by 19 and 20 year old young men. It divides families, marriages, and friendships, sometimes just for that day..other times permanently. For those of you who aren't in the know, let the following videos introduce you to the rivalry. For those of us who live it, enjoy it!
Roll Tide!!





And...lest we forget..

Quote & Thought of the Day (11/20/09)

Quote of the Day


"I look at you, and you know what I see? I see a man without a country. Not hard enough for this here. And maybe, maybe, just maybe...not smart enough for them out there."

-Avon Barksdale to Stringer Bell (long live The Wire)



Thought of the Day



Seems like just yesterday that I saw people clammoring over each other to get food, water, and supplies for the Y2K phenomenom, and here we are now with a little more than 40 days until the turn of the new decade. Time flies.

5 Years ago Today

Today marks the 5 year anniversary of probably one of the most entertaining, yet troubling events in Sports History. Enjoy!!





http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J82P2Q2y_F0

Thought & Quote of the Day (11/19/09)

This is something that I'd do daily as recent as last year to try and reach and maybe help someone. Gonna try to get it started back up to see where it goes.

Quote of the Day

"To argue with a person who has renounced the use of reason is like administering medicine to the dead." - Thomas Paine

Thought of the Day

Cherry Coke Zero > Original Coke Zero

Pre-Season All-Mack team after 5 weeks

I'd hate to think that by naming players to the pre-season All-Mack team that it would have some sort of Madden-esque curse on them, but that's pretty much the size of it at this point. Fans from many of these players' school might request that I discontinue after this season. Let's take a look at the All-Mack team members who have been effected this season.

QB - Tim Tebow: suffered a nasty concussion vs. Kentucky. There are conflicting reports about his condition. As of right now (3:18 pm CST on 10/6/09) ESPN's Joe Schad reports via Twitter that Tebow is in full pads headed to the practice field. While other reports say that he still can't focus enough to read yet. I pray that this doesn't end tragically.

RB - Jahvid Best: Putting up monster numbers, but his team has layed two eggs and it's pretty much curtains on a Heisman campaign.

WR - Arrellious Benn: Team sucks. His QB Juice Williams who's been starting for what seems like forever has been given the hook.

WR - Julio Jones: Has missed virtually two games due to a banged up knee and because of that banged up knee, he's unable to get separation from the double & triple coverages that he's seeing. His team and teammates are doing great, but thus far, Julio's production is way down.

TE - Jermaine Grisham: He was the first one. Banged up his knee in pre-season practice and never played a snap this season. His collegiate career is all but over as he's already said that he's foregoing his senior year to enter the NFL Draft.

CB - Trevard Lindley: Banged up his knee vs. Alabama and is pretty much week-to-week at this point.

I'm crossing my fingers and holding my breath that everything will work out from this point.

Mack's NCAA Football Week 5 Picks (Quick Version)

Had an off week last week. Here we go.

Arkansas 35-Texax A&M 31
Georgia 21-LSU 20
Florida St. 28-Boston College 17
Michigan 21-Michigan St. 17
Tennessee 38-Auburn 35
USC 41-Cal 35
Oklahoma 56-Miami 35
Penn St. 28-Illinois 27
Wake Forest 10-NC State 3
GaTech 28-Mississippi St. 13


Bonus Game:Alabama 42-Kentucky 10

Mack's NCAA Football Week 4 Picks (Quick Version)

South Carolina 30 - Ole Miss 27
Wake Forest 21 - Boston College 20
TCU 24 - Clemson 20
Michigan St. 27 - Wisconsin 17
Pitt 17 - NC State 9
Alabama 38 - Arkansas 17
Texas Tech 45 - Houston 38
Miami 24 - Virginia Tech 21
GaTech 24 - N. Carolina 20
Notre Dame 21 - Purdue 10

Mack's NCAA Football Week 3 Picks Quick Version)

Week 3 Picks:

Bama 48 - NTex 10
Florida 77 - Ten 3
USC 34 - Wash 21
VaTech 34 - Nebraska 21
Utah 38 - Oregon 35
FSU 31 - BYU 24
Vandy 31 - MissSt. 21
UGA 38 - Ark 20
WVa 30 - Auburn 21
Texas 56 - Texas Tech 35

Mack's NCAA Football Week 2 Picks

After a fairly successful run on picking winners last week (8-2), I venture out and pick ten more games for Week 2 of the NCAA football season. Here we go:

Wisconsin vs. Fresno St.
Spread: Wisconsin (-9)
O/U: 53

Comments: I like Coach Pat Hill and all that he has going on in Fresno. I think this will be a tough hard fought game, but at the end, Wisconsin's offensive line and running game will be too much and they'll put away. Wisconsin 27-17.

Florida vs. Troy
Spread: Florida (-36)
OU: 59

Comments: Much was made of Troy this season. Even with NFL stars in recent years in DeMarcus Ware, Osi Umenyora, and Leodis McKelvin, many called this the best team that current head coach Larry Blakeny has had at Troy. And then they go out and lose the first game of the season last week. It would help if they could upset the Gators. But neither I, nor does anyone else outside of the Troy program, believe that will happen. Florida wins but Troy keeps it "relatively" respectable. Florida 42-7.

TCU vs. Virginia
Spread: TCU (-11)
OU: 41

Comments: TCU is a really really good football team. They play good smashmouth football on offense and hard nosed defense. And their defense is pretty fast. I think this is Virginia Head Coach Al Groh's last season as the head of the Cavaliers, especially after taking it on the chin from William & Mary last week at home to open the season. TCU wins 34-10.

Notre Dame vs. Michigan
Spread: Notre Dame (-3)
OU: 49

Comments: Both rebuilding but storied programs looked good last week to open the season. I liked what I saw from Jimmy Clausen and Michael Floyd against Nevada. But I also liked what I saw from the two Michigan QBs. Even though the most important number in the Notre Dame game was ZERO (the number of points their defense allowed), I don't think much defense will be played in this one. I think Clausen picks apart Michigan's defensive backs and Forcet and Robinson run circles around Notre Dame's defense. Home field is the deciding factor in this one. Look for a Miami/FSU type atmosphere and finish in this one. Michigan 28-27.

Tennessee vs. UCLA
Spread: Tennesssee (-9)
OU: 45

Comments: Two very good offensive minds in Lane Kiffen and Rich Neuheisel. I think we'll see a ton of points scored and I think the young Tennesse team will outlast the young Bruins based purely on the talent differential. Tennesee 31-21

Alabama vs. Florida International
Spread: Bama (-34)
OU: 48

Comments: After opening the season with a very good Virginia Tech team, Bama hosts what looks to be a cupcake. This won't be a situation where all of Bama's starters get pulled by halftime, though. QB Greg McElroy has exactly one career start (and even that is in question, because their first play from scrimmage was in the wildcat formation). So he needs as much game experience as possible, blowout or not. Same goes for the offensive line. Maybe there will be more starters on defense taken out to get some younger guys some looks, and they may surrender one late TD. Bama 45-10.

LSU vs. Vanderbilt
Spread: LSU (-14)
O/U: 45

Comments: LSU looked very suspect last week on defense and while QB Jordan Jefferson's final numbers looked good, he looked shaky at times. I think LSU wins, but Vandy its own.
LSU 38-24.

Georgia vs. South Carolina
Spread: UGA (-7)
O/U: 38

Comments: These teams combined to score 17 points last week. So nothing jumps out at me that says this will be a shootout. Georgia because of tentative and conservative play calling. And South Carolina because Steve Spurrier is playing power football (?!?!). Add on top of that, that there are conflicting reports about whether or not Joe Cox will start @ QB. Many reports came out today that said backup QB Logan Gray will start, citing tendonitis in Cox's shoulder. Then ANOTHER report surfaced that said Cox is fine. Bottom line, if you're betting STAY AWAY from this game. Even with all the uncertainty, UGA wins 16-10.

Auburn vs. Mississippi St.
Spread: Auburn (-14)
O/U: 42

Comments: Last year Auburn won 3-2...yes...a football game. But both teams have been infused with the spread offense. Auburn by Gus Malzhan (who's responsible for Arkansas's Wildcat success) and Dan Mullens (Offensive Coordinator at Florida under Urban Meyer). So I think we'll see many more points scored this year. The only difference is that MSU still has a long way to go in upgrading talent. Auburn 17-13.

Ohio St. vs. USC
Spread: USC (-7)
O/U: 45

Comments: I'm baffled that the line's only giving USC 7. They're going to DESTROY Ohio State. True enough, USC is starting a fresham QB, but they've got two studs at running back (which showed to be OSU's weakness last week) and they're defense is still lightning fast (which has shown to be their weakness for the past 5 years!) Won't be close. USC 56-21.

So my picks this week are as follows:

Wisconsin
Troy
TCU
Michigan
Tennessee
Alabama
LSU
Georgia
Auburn
USC

We'll review next week.

REVIEW of Mack's NCAA Football Week 1 Picks

One amazing weekend of college football in the books. I was right on some, wrong on others. Let's review..

South Carolina vs. North Carolina St.

What I said
South Carolina 23
NC State 17

What actually happened
South Carolina 7
NC State 3

Comments: Very beautifully played defensive game. I think South Carolina has a ways to go in terms of offensive production, but their defense is game ready. I think it's safe to say that the Steve Spurrier that we all grew to know & love is gone. Power running, ball control, and solid defense is his meal ticket right now. Who said an old dog (or even an Ol' Ball Coach) couldn't learn new tricks?

Boise St. vs. Oregon

What I said
Boise St. 48
Oregon 38

What actually happened
Boise St. 19
Oregon 8

Comments: The thing that will be remembered most from this game is what happened AFTER the game. But the game itself was a defensive struggle. Anyone who has followed these two programs for the past 5 years would've thought that the final score would've been eclipsed within the first 10 minutes of the game. Good defensive game, though.

Auburn vs. Louisiana Tech

What I said
Auburn 17
LaTech 7

What actually happened
Auburn 37
LaTech 13

Comments: From what I saw from this game, Auburn has fixed most of its offensive woes. They ran the ball decisively despite all the razzle dazzle mumbo jumbo that seems to be in the offense. They move more on offense pre-snap than the Joe Gibbs Redskins of the late 80s. We'll know more about Auburn's offense in the next couple of weeks as they face an improved Mississippi St. team and West Virginia repsectively.

Notre Dame vs. Nevada

What I said
Notre Dame 27
Nevada 10

What actually happened
Notre Dame 35
Nevada 0

Comments: I was VERY impressed with Clausen and especially with WR Michael Floyd. Their offense seemed to be clicking on all cylinders. I don't want to knee-jerk and say that Notre Dame is legit again, but we'll know more after they play Michigan this week and USC later in the season.

Georgia vs. Oklahoma St.

What I said:
Georgia 42
OK. St. 35

What actually happened
Georgia 10
OK. St. 24

Comments: I was terribly disappointed in UGA in this game. They came out of the gate strong and drove the ball right down the field and scored. After that, the offense became VERY conservative and complacent. They held a 7-0 lead for most of the first half and then Ok. St. blew the doors open almost. A team that is that explosive on offense is not to be toyed with. But it seems like that's what UGA did. And Oklahoma St made them pay.


Oklahoma vs. BYU

What I said
Oklahoma 72
BYU 28

What actually happened
Oklahoma 13
BYU 14

Comments: The biggest story of the weekend is that last year's Heisman Trophy winner, Sam Bradford, went down early in the game with a separated shoulder. Add that to the fact that the best Tight End in all of college football Jermaine Gresham was out as well, and it was bad for OU. Not to mention BYU is no pushover. If Bradford had stayed healthy, we may be talking about the biggest blowout of the weekend. But if if was a fifth....you know the rest.

LSU vs. Washington

What I said
LSU 38
Washington 10

What really happened
LSU 31
Washington 23

Comments: Chalk it up to first game jitters and the longest road trip in school history, but what really made this game tough for LSU was Washington's QB, Jake Locker. Really good player and I think Washington will make some noise in the PAC-10 this season.

Miami vs. Florida St.

What I Said
Miami 9
FSU. 6

What Actually Happened
Miami 38
FSU 34

Comments: Never in a million years would I have expected this game to be the shootout that it turned into. It was very much worth staying up watching. Jacory Harris is going to be a great ballplayer for the U. Christian Ponder is going to be a solid QB for the Noles. As I said last night, I don't have a dog in this fight so I don't care one way or the other about who wins, but for the sake of college football, it's great to see these two proud programs have national relevance again.


Ole Miss vs. Memphis

What I said
Ole Miss 42
Memphis 13

What actually happened
Ole Miss 45
Memphis 14

Comments: The score is not indicative of the game. Memphis played a WHALE of a game, and Ole Miss piled on points at the end. And just so poeple won't say I didn't tell them so, Ole Miss's offensive line is gonna get DESTROYED in SEC play. They're breaking in 4 new offensive linemen and Memphis exposed them. Snead is still very mistake-prone. The new polls just came out and they're up to #6. Someone will expose them for who they really are VERY soon.

Alabama vs. Virginia Tech

What I said
Alabama 17
Virginia Tech 10

What actually happened
Alabama 34
VaTech 24

Comments: ROLL TIDE!!! *ahem*...as I remove my crimson colored shades....This was a tough, hard fought game between two very proud programs. I would've never thought that many points would be scored between the two as both have top notch defenses. Great game,and if you didn't see it, get to ESPN360.com or the SECdigitalnetwork.com and check it out ASAP.

So I was off on the scores on a couple, but I hit 8 out of 10 winners. Not a bad start.

As if I need anything else to get me hyped

You Just Can't Do This, Man

Mack's NCAA Football Week 1 Pick

What I'll do each week is choose 10 games and let you know my take on them. Of course I'll review the picks early the following week and I'll keep tally of how I do all season long. Here we go:

South Carolina vs. North Carolina St.
Spread: NC State -5
O/U: 46.5

For full disclosure, I'm an SEC Homer, but I'm as objective as they come. Although I think that if they stay healthy, they'll be a force in the ACC later this season, I think NC State has too many question marks starting out. I like Stephen Garcia finally having the South Carolina QB job to himself, and despite the minor injury to pre-season All-SEC linebacker Eric Norwood and the suspension of a couple of their linemen, South Carolina pulls out the victory 23-17.

Boise St. vs. Oregon
Spread: Boise St. -3.5
O/U: 64

If you're a fan that likes to see offense, this is your game. That 64 point over/under will be eclipsed by halftime. I like Boise St. in this game for a few reasons. They're playing at home on the blue turf. Oregon St. is breaking in a new corner and Boise St.'s starting QB absolutely shredded them last season. Add to that that they're breaking in a new head coach, and I think it's too much for Oregon to overcome. Boise St. wins 48-38.

Auburn vs. Louisiana Tech
Spread: Auburn -13
O/U: 44

This one is a little tougher to call simply because Auburn has a new coaching staff, a new starting QB, a new attitude, etc. I like LaTech head coach Derrick Dooley and what he's doing with that program, but I don't think they have enough to stay on the field with Auburn for longer than one half. I don't think talent was missing at Auburn last year for that dismal season. I think at some point the turmoil on the coaching staff started to trickle down to the players and what talent they DID have couldn't overcome it. Auburn's offense sputters a bit in the first game under a new QB and a new system, but finds a way to win 17-7.

Notre Dame vs. Nevada
Spread: Notre Dame -14
O/U: 61

This is a defining season for Charlie Weis and his Fighting Irish. They've had year after year of Top 5 recruiting classes only to come in and get molly-hopped all over the field by traditionally inferior opponents. This will be a good year for the Irish. I like their passing attack with Clausen and Tate. Nevada's defense is tough, but I don't think they'll be able to muster enough points on offense to keep up with the Irish's onslaught. Notre Dame wins 27-10.

Georgia vs. Oklahoma State
Spread: OSU -5
O/U: 61.5

With Zac Robinson & Dez Bryant, OSU has one of the most potent offensive attacks in the country. Throw in the fact that UGA has a first time starter in Sr. QB Joe Cox and apparent heir to Knowshawn Moreno's throne, Caleb King, won't even be making the trip to Stillwater and one would think that Georgia's going to Big 12 country to get their lunches handed to them. I disagree. UGA under Mark Richt ALWAYS does well as an "underdog" and "under the radar" team. They go into Stillwater where they're opening up a beautiful new stadium and ruin the festivities behind Joe Cox & AJ Green and a stout Georia defense. UGA wins 42-35.

Oklahoma vs. BYU
Spread: Oklahoma -22
O/U: 68

Sam Bradford's back, and even though All-Mack team Tight End Jermaine Grisham will be out due to an injury, this one gets ugly fast. Oklahoma wins big 72-28.

LSU vs. Washington
Spread: LSU -17.5
O/U: 53.5

Don't know what to expect from LSU's offense with Jordan Jefferson being the new starting QB, but I know their defense with all of its talent and the mastermind of new Defensive Coordinator (long-time Tennessee DC) John Chavis will keep Washington's offense at bay for most of the game. LSU wins 38-10.

Ole Miss vs. Memphis
Spread: Ole Miss - 16
O/U: 54.5

From 1-22, Ole Miss is as good as anyone in the country. Beyond that, it's a guess as to who can do what. Luckily for them, 23rd and on down won't have to play until they're already up 3 TDs. I like Memphis, but this one will get ugly. Ole Miss 42-13.

Florida St. vs. Miami
Spread: FSU -6
O/U: 48

As we've come to expect, this will probably be the ugliest game of the weekend. Both defenses will be stout while the offenses have trouble getting things going. I think Miami has a little more talent than FSU right now though. Miami wins 9-6.

Alabama vs. Virginia Tech
Spread: Bama -6.5
O/U: 38

Game of the week. Bama's replacing an Outland award trophy winner at left tackle, an All-SEC Center, a Stout right guard, two tight ends, and a 3 year starter at QB on offense. On defense they only replace an undersized defensive end and an All-American free safety, but those 2 bodies were 2 coaches on the field. That's a huge loss. Add to that all of the off-field distractions the Tide has had this off-season (the kicker getting mugged, probation for a 2007 text book scandal, [bogus] domestic abuse charges for a 2nd year linebacker, swine flu infecting a 3rd of the team, alleged NCAA violations by star WR Julio Jones & star RB Mark Ingram, and starting DE Brandon Deaderick being lost for at least this game after being shot by an attempted car jacker just Monday night) and it seems like Bama is in no condition to play.

Like Stephen Garcia at South Carolina, VaTech's Tyrod Taylor finally gets to start at QB without looking over his shoulder. It hurts, though, that last year's leading rusher Darren Evans is lost for the season with an ACL tear. Bud Foster's defense always play tough. And there's nobody in the country that plays better special teams that Frank Beamer's Hokies.

This will be a hard fought game. I doubt it will be the one-sided drubbing that Bama administered to Clemson in Week 1 on last season. And despite the fact that Bama has dealt with so many off the field problems and lost so much, I think it's safe to say that Alabama is at a point where losing great players isn't looked at as having holes, but rather opportunities for other more than capable players to step forth and show their grit. Bama wins a slobber-knocker 17-10.


That's it...this week's winners are South Carolina, Boise St., Auburn, Notre Dame, Georgia, Oklahoma, LSU, Ole Miss, Miami, and Alabama. We'll revisit next week.

3 Days Until Kickoff!!

And we are 3....3 days until the kickoff of Alabama football. Actual D1 games begin TOMORROW NIGHT with South Carolina taking on North Carolina St. and Boise St. hosting Oregon. For the record, I've picked South Carolina to cover the spread and win outright and I've done the same for Boise St. I'll post my picks and reason for choosing them for the week here later today. In any event, here's the video today to get your hearts & minds ready for kickoff. Today's video, ironically, features Alabama vs. Notre Dame. Probably one of the most (in)famous hits in Alabama history. It's know around these parts as simply..."The Sack". ENJOY!!

4 Days Until Kickoff

Tyrone Prothro (#4), WR, Alabama

And we're 4...4 Brett Favre (kidding....Tyrone Prothro, actually) days away from the kickoff of college football. And speaking of Favre/Southern Miss and Prothro, today's video to get your hearts & minds ready for the kickoff of Alabama football is perhaps the greatest catch in the history of all football. ENJOY!

5 Days Until Kickoff

And we are 5....5 Andrew Zow days away from the kickoff of college football. And in a continued effort to get your hearts & minds ready for Alabama football, I present to you today's video of Andrew Zow's crowning achievement at Bama: The 2001 Iron Bowl. The Tide's 31-7 upset victory was it's 2nd straight at Jordan Hare. In the first quarter QB Andrew Zow took a leveling shot at the Auburn goal line while attempting a reception. Many QB's would have been ruined by this and the fact that 90,000 Auburn fans smelled blood. The blood was Crimson alright, pouring from gaping Auburn wounds opened up by a fierce Bama attack on offense as well as defense. ENJOY!!



UPDATE: For those of you who don't/can't understand the stakes in the Bama/Auburn rivalry, check the number of current NFL players who were on the roster during this game.

Alabama
Brodie Croyle, Charlie Peprah, Anthony Madison, Roman Harper, Mark Anderson, Evan Mathis, Wesley Britt , Justin Smiley, Anthony Bryant, Antwan Odom, Jarrett Johnson

Auburn
Jason Campbell, Carnell Williams, Ronnie Brown, Tim Carter, Karlos Dansby, Carlos Rogers, Roderick Hood, Kendall Simmons, Reggie Torbor, Courtney Taylor, Jay Ratliff

Coonin For Stacks

OK..So the performance (read:cooning) that you see below....well...I'm not sure if they're shooting a commercial for McDonald's or if they're trying to enter some contest for McDonald's or what. But I guarantee you this has made its way to some McDonald's exec's email inbox and MARK MY WORDS, within a year's time, these kids (or their voices) will be on a McDonald's commercial, specifically on especially for BET McDonald's commercials aimed at the "Urban" community or on "Black" radio stations across the country.

In any event, I'm not made at these kids for (purposely or by sheer chance) trying to get their hustle on. I hope they get paid out the wazoo. Check the vid below.

8 Days Until Kickoff!!

Julio Jones (#8), WR, Alabama

And we are 8.....8 Julio Jones days from the kickoff of Alabama football. And in my continued effort to get your hearts & minds ready for Alabama football, I present to you a package of Julio Jones highlights. I will say this now, there are only two other people that I've seen in my lifetime to have so much hype coming out of high school, and not only deliver on that hype, but exceed it by leaps & bounds. Those two people: LeBron James and Tim Tebow. Pretty good coming for Mr. Jones. Enjoy!!

SIDEBAR: Ummm...in case you're wondering why Bama plays so hard, look no further than the pic below......just sayin...ROLL TIDE!!!

9 Days Until Kickoff!!

Victor Ellis (#9), LB, Alabama (Miss you,Bruh...RIP)

And we are 9...9 Victor Ellis days away from the kickoff of college football season in Alabama. For those uninformed about the man that and ballplayer that Vic was, google it. If you're too lazy for that, you can click here to read a quick synopsis about his valiant battle against a rare form of cancer that took his life last year at the age of 28. We're not saddened by losing Vic. We're thanking God for the time that we had with him. As Vic himself said before transitioning to the next level, he wanted people to "smile and go on". And in our efforts to get your heart & minds ready for kickoff, I present to you today's video of Bama's 1998 win against LSU. Enjoy.

Joke of the Day

WHEN I SAY I'M BROKE---I'M BROKE

A little old lady answered a knock on the door one day, only to be confronted by a well-dressed young man carrying a vacuum cleaner. 'Good morning,' said the young man. 'If I could take a couple of minutes of your time, I would like to demonstrate the very latest in high-powered vacuum cleaners.'

'Go away!' said the old lady. 'I'm broke and haven't got any money!' and she proceeded to close the door. Quick as a flash, the young man wedged his foot in the door and pushed it wide open.
'Don't be too hasty!' he said..'Not until you have at least seen my demonstration.' And with that, he emptied a bucket of horse manure onto her hallway carpet. 'If this vacuum cleaner does not remove all traces of this horse manure from your carpet, Madam, I will personally eat the remainder.'
The old lady stepped back and said, 'Well let me get you a fork, 'cause they cut off my electricity this morning.'

10 Days Until Kickoff!!

And we are 10….10 Walter Lewis days away from the kickoff of college football. And today I present to you your fix of Alabama football, I offer a throwback article on Alabama football from the September 3, 1982 edition of Sports Illustrated. ENJOY

Now that it has been duly confirmed that 68-year-old Bear Bryant is in a category all his own—the Alabama legislature passed a special law not long ago waiving mandatory retirement at age 70 for him, which presumably will allow him to continue coaching the Crimson Tide well into the next century—Bryant can get back to the business of producing championship football teams.
And Bryant, who made his name wrestling beasts of every stripe into line, from the bear that in fact got him his moniker to Ken Stabler and Joe Namath, has a feisty bunch this year. Still, this season ought to be a breeze after the turmoil of 1981, which included the distraction of Bryant's run to outstrip Amos Alonzo Stagg as college football's winningest coach, an embarrassing loss to lowly Georgia Tech, a stunning tie with Southern Mississippi and a 14-12 defeat at the hands of Texas in the Cotton Bowl, after three 'Bama starters had been left back in Tuscaloosa for disciplinary reasons. This season will be a piece of cake—if Bryant can get his charges back on their good behavior, that is. To that end, the folks across the state at Auburn are suggesting that the legions in Legion Field change their cry from "Roll Tide!" to "Parole Tide!"
Bryant acted like a tough probation officer during spring practice, constantly making examples of last year's offenders. Running Back Linnie Patrick, Offensive Tackle Bob Cayavec and Guard Gary Bramblett. "We have a chance to be a good team if we use our intelligence," says Bryant. "Last year some of the boys forgot how to be smart. Anybody with a bad attitude won't be around here long."
And Bryant isn't just talking through his checked hat. He has the people—17 of 22 starters back from last year's 9-2-1 outfit, plus Malcolm Simmons, the nation's 10th-best punter in 1981, and Placekicker Peter Kim, who last year tied the Alabama record for field goals in a season (15) and set the career mark (27). The only loss on offense is at tight end—something of a liability for a wishbone team that had the nation's seventh-best rushing offense in '81. Freshman Larry Roberts, who's 6'5" and 230 pounds, may end up with the job. The middle guard, a linebacker and two backs are the only absentees from a defense that allowed just 12.6 points per game. The heart of that unit is two-time All-America Safety Tommy Wilcox, and Bryant has ample replacements.
Moreover, for the first time in several years Alabama will begin a season knowing who its quarterback will be. Senior Walter Lewis, who has started off and on since his freshman year, is it. "I've matured a lot since I was a freshman," says Lewis, an electrical engineering major who worked last summer calculating energy-consumption patterns for the Gulf Power Company in Pensacola, Fla. "There were a lot of situations I had trouble with, but now I'm able to recognize them. It takes time to learn how to run the Alabama offense. I'm still learning. Experience is what's important."
Says Bryant, "He still waits too long sometimes before passing off on the option and often decides too early to keep the ball. And he still throws it up for grabs too much...but then some of the pros do too, I guess."
Despite such quibbles, Bryant has such confidence in Lewis and his backup, Paul Fields, that he spent much of the spring teaching the Tide the I-formation, the better to utilize the passing skills of Lewis and Fields and the outside speed of wide receivers Jesse Bendross and Joey Jones. But 'Bama's bread and butter will still be running out of the Wishbone, and much of its success will depend upon Patrick, an extraordinarily gifted junior who is the best of the 10 returning running backs. Alas, Patrick was AWOL the first day of practice last summer, was suspended from the team before the Vanderbilt game last September for missing a prepractice training-room treatment and made matters worse by going home—a no-no in Bryant's eyes—during his suspension. Then, before the Cotton Bowl, he was in a car that was stopped in which marijuana was being used, although Patrick was not smoking it himself and was not charged. This spring his trouble was his grades; his eligibility teetered in the balance until he passed the semester's courses. "I'm glad Coach Bryant gave me second, third and fourth chances to get myself together," says Patrick. "I can't accuse anybody but myself of causing problems."
With Patrick apparently straightened out, the problems won't be Alabama's. Instead, it will be poor Georgia Tech, which will have to play a revenge-motivated 'Bama in the season opener, and Penn State, which comes to Birmingham on Oct. 9, that will have to do the worrying. After that Alabama will spell trouble for the rest of the SEC, except for defending co-champion Georgia. Another problem 'Bama won't have is playing the Bulldogs; owing to the rotation of the conference schedule, the Tide will go through the third of four straight years without having to play Georgia—and Herschel Walker.

11 Days Until Kickoff!!

Steve Spurrier (#11), QB, Florida

And we are 11.....11 Steve Spurrier days away from the kickoff of college football. Before he was the Ol' Ball Coach, he was the Ol' Ball Player...Heisman winner, actually. But in any event, to get your hearts & minds ready for the kickoff of Alabama football, I present to you today, highlights from last year's Alabama vs. Ole Miss game, since I'm stuck in Rebel country working for the week. Their fans seem pretty excited about the upcoming season, and rightfully so. But I want to share this with you (and them) to give them a reminder of the pecking order. ENJOY!!

12 Days Until Kickoff!!

And we're 12...12 Alabama National Titles away from kickoff! And to get your hearts & minds right, I present to you Alabama's 2008 12-0 regular season. Enjoy!

2009 Pre-Season ALL MACK Team (NCAA)

It is with great pride that I present to you the first annual Pre-Season ALL MACK Team for the collegiate ranks. There are no monetary awards that go to any of the players on the list, but if Playboy's Pre-Season All-American team can be taken seriously, why can't mine, right?

The obvious query that I know most will have is "What is the criteria for the selections?" And the answer is actually quite simple. If I were a coach and I had one game to coach and my life depended on it, these are the 26 (11 offense, 11 defense, 4 Special teams) college football players I would want on my team. So without further ado, I present to you the 2009 ALL MACK Team (NCAA edition).

Click to view larger Image

• QB - Tim Tebow, Florida
• HB - Jahvid Best, Cal
• HB - Noel Devine, West Virginia
• WR - Julio Jones, Alabama
• WR - Arrelious Benn, Illinois
• TE - Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma
  
• OT - Ciron Black, LSU
• OG - Mike Johnson, Alabama
• C - Kristofer O'Dowd, USC
• OG - Brandon Carter, Texas Tech
• OT - John Jerry, Ole Miss

Click to view larger Image

• DE - Greg Hardy, Ole Miss
• NT - Terrence Cody, Alabama
• DE - Antonio Coleman, Auburn
• OLB - Travis Lewis, Oklahoma
  
• ILB - Brandon Spikes, Florida
• ILB - Rolando McClain, Alabama
• OLB - Bruce Carter, North Carolina
• CB - Trevard Lindley, Kentucky
  
• S - Taylor Mays, USC
• S - Eric Berry, Tennessee
• CB - Joe Haden, Florida

Click to view larger Image

• Punt Returner - Javier Arenas, Alabama
• Kick Returner - Brandon James, Florida
• Kicker - Thomas Weber, Arizona St.
• Punter - Zoltan Mesko, Michigan

And that's it. Any arguments, comments, or discussion is more than welcome.

This is Why I'm a Fan of this Guy

15 Days Until Kickoff!!

Tim Tebow (#15), QB, Florida

Aaaaand we are 15...15 Tim Tebow days away from the kickoff of college football. In today's effort to get your hearts and minds ready for the kickoff of Alabama football, I present the 1991 Iron Bowl. 1991 provided a a controversial atmosphere for the Auburn Tigers in the form of Eric Ramsey. With future NCAA sanctions inevitable Pat Dye's Tigers arrived at Legion Field with a 5-5 mark vs. Gene Stallings' 2nd year crew at 9-1. The match-up was classic SEC football. The defense on both sides of the ball dominated the contest. Alabama's offense lead by freshman David Palmer provided the difference in the Tide's 13-6 victory. ENJOY!!

16 Days Until Kickoff!!

Peyton Manning (#16), QB, Tennessee

And we are 16....16 Peyton Manning days away from the kickoff of college football. In my effort to get your mind and spirit right for the kickoff of college football, today's video is from Manning's freshman year at Tennessee (1994) against Alabama. The Crimson Tide continued their streak of victories over Tennessee (5 straight at Neyland Stadium and 8-0-1 in the previous 9 games). Bama improved to 7-0 after defeating the VOLS 17-13 in 1994. ENJOY!!

17 Days Until Kickoff!!

Philip Doyle (#17), K, Alabama

AAAaaaaand we are 17....17 Philip Doyle days from the kickoff of college football. And in my continued effort to get your hearts & minds ready for the kickoff of college football, I present to you today's video, which is ironically the game that inspired the picture in this post. In 1990, Gene Stallings' first year as the Tide's head coach, Vol fans were looking forward to ending their four-year losing streak to Alabama. Late in the game, Stacy Harrison (#1) blocked a 50-yard field-goal attempt by Tennessee, sending the ball bounding back to the Vols' 37-yard line. With four seconds left, senior place-kicker Philip Doyle nailed a 47-yarder, giving Alabama a 9-6 win. Listen to Eli Gold, Doug Layton, and Jerry Duncan describe the action. ENJOY!!

18 Days Until Kickoff!!

Archie Manning (#18), QB, Ole Miss

And we are 18...18 (Archie Manning) days away from the kickoff of college football. I can almost smell it!! In any event, here is today's video. It is of The #2 ranked Crimson Tide facing the #10 ranked Tennessee Volunteers at Legion Field for the third Saturday in October. The Tide rolled early behind QB Gary Rutledge who threw an 80 yard TD to Wayne Wheeler on Bama's first play from scrimmage. In the 2nd quarter with the Tide leading 21-7 Tennessee's multi-talented QB Condredge Holloway (who was in consideration by Coach Bryant in the recruiting battles but politics prevailed ) closed the gap to 21-14 with a 6 yard sneak, just before halftime. The 3rd period then began underway. The day belonged to Alabama's first African-American to receive a scholarship, Mr. Wilbur Jackson. ENJOY!!

19 Days Until Kickoff!!

Eric Dickerson (#19), RB, SMU

And we are 19....19 Eric Dickerson days away from the kickoff of college football season. And as the season gets closer, I continue my efforts to get your hearts & minds ready for college football by presenting videos of Bama football. Today's video is Gene Stallings coaching in his final game for the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 1997 Outback Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines. In a contest that Stallings always preffered, the defense prevailed, on both sides of the ball. Michigan lead 6-3 with just under 13 minutes to go in the game when heavy Bama D-line pressure forced a weak pass into the arms of Bama Linebacker Dwayne Rudd who raced 88 yards for Bama's first TD of the game. With neither team able to establish a ground attack Rudd's interception was the difference in the game. Alabama defeated Michigan 17-14, giving Coach Stallings his 70'th win in 7 seasons as his Tidesmen finished the 1996 campaign 10-3.

22 Days Away from Kickoff!!

Deuce McAllister (#22), RB, Ole Miss

And we are 22....22 Deuce McAllister days away from the kickoff of college football. In an effort to continue to get your minds ready for the season, I offer today's video of highlights from last year's Alabama-Ole Miss game. ENJOY!

23 Days Until Kickoff!!

Lance Alworth (#23), RB, Arkansas

And we are 23.....23 Lance Alworth days from the kickoff of college football. And in the ongoing effort to get your hearts & minds in the right posture for college football, I present today's video of highlights from Alabama's 2009 Spring game. Enjoy!

Police Allow Protesting Man To Wait For President Obama With Unconcealed Gun

Seriously?!? WTF?!?!? This is incredibly alarming. Not to say that most Americans are uninformed, but most Americans ARE uninformed. Maybe misinformed is a better word. This heated split between so called "liberals" and "conservatives" (which I think is the dumbest thing I've ever heard), in my mind, is a direct result of what the over-saturation of news media has done to our country. You know it's bad when people choose news stations like they choose political parties. It's ridiculous. The news should be just that...the news...Simply the facts...Not over-sensationalized opinions. But that's just what we have...and it helps some undecided people form opinions and sometimes TOO strong of opinions. For example, Bill O'Reilly's constant bashing Dr. George Tiller (Tiller the Baby killer as O'Reilly called him), and some nut who was heavily influenced by O'Reilly going into a church of all places and killing Dr. Tiller in cold blood.

That's what I think about when I see things like this. We've got to start thinking for ourselves. I mean really. Why in the world are you protesting the ability to offer someone proper healhcare? I don't understand.....It is my humble opinion that it's those people who have a microphone and a camera in their face to force their personal (uninformed or otherwise) opinions on others who are destroying the very foundation of our country.

24 Days Until Kickoff!!

Carnell "Cadillac" Williams, RB, Auburn

And we are 24....24 Cadillac Williams days away from the kickoff of college football. And in our on-going efforts to get your mind right for college football, I offer today's video. No descrption needed. Just watch and ENJOY!!

25 Days Until Kickoff!!

Rolando McClain (#25), LB, Alabama

And we are 25.....25 Rolando McClain days from the kickoff of college football. Today's video is a recap of the Alabama vs. Tennessee game from last season. Methodical, patient, disciplined; these were the attributes that propelled the Tennessee Volunteers to an undefeated 13-0 season and a National Championship in 1998 (oh, and a bone-headed play by an Arkansas QB). Now, 10 years later, these same attributes have switched sides. The Crimson Tide man-handled the Volunteers 29-9 at Neyland to go 8-0. ENJOY!!

26 Days Until Kickoff!!

Bobby Humphrey (#26), RB, Alabama

And that crushing sound you hear from the practice fields is a clear indicator that we are 26....26 Bobby Humphrey days away from the kickoff of college football. I'm pretty excited as Alabama's Fan Day was yesterday and the USA Today Coach's Poll came out last Friday. So if that isn't enough to get you pumped for the season, I'll continue with my effort to get your mind right for the season. Today's video is a highlight reel of Alabama football featuring (among others) Bobby Humphrey, David Palmer, Tyrone Prothro, Ray Hudson, Shaud Williams, Brody Croyle, and Rudy Griffin. ENJOY!!!

29 Days Until Kickoff

Dennis Riddle (#29), RB, Alabama

And we are 29...29 Dennis Riddle days away from the kickoff of college football. And in my ongoing effort to get you absolutely stoked about kickoff, I offer today's video featuring Dennis in perhaps one of the most dramatic finishes to an Iron Bowl in recent memory. The 1996 Iron Bowl where Riddle was on the receiving end of a go ahead TD with less than 20 seconds remaining to seal the win for the Tide. ENJOY

30 Days Until Kickoff!!

Mike Rozier (#30), RB, Nebraska

And we are 30.....30 (Mike Rozier) days away from the kickoff of college football season. And in my continued effort to get your mind right for the season I'm presenting a video. Today's video is a recap of the 1992 SEC Championship game against Florida. Legion Field in Birmingham saw the first SEC Championship game in 1992. 11-0 Alabama took on 8-3 Florida. Spurrier vs. Stallings. A classic confrontation with a classic ending... ENJOY!!

31 Days Until Kickoff!!

Sam Shade (#31), S, Alabama

And we're 31...31 Sam Shade days away from the kickoff of college football. And in today's effort to get your mind right for the upcoming season, I've found a highlight reel of a young man who's among Alabama's incoming freshman class, who reminds me a lot of Sam Shade. I saw Shade play in high school. I was in the 2nd or 3rd grade at the time, but my high school (Livingston, AL) played against Shade's high school (Wenonah, AL) in a 1990 playoff game. This guy was a monster. And the same is true with incoming freshman Rod Woodson, who I believe, if healthy, will go down as one of the best DBs in the storied history of the Alabama Crimson Tide. ENJOY!

32 Days Until Kickoff!!

Orenthal James Simpson (#32), RB, USC

And we are 32....32 (OJ Simpson) days away from the kickoff of college football. I thought about not doing OJ Simpson today because I sort of leaked it yesterday, and there was a small amount of backlash, especially with the Nevada Supreme Court hearing OJ's appeal soon and possibly granting him a release from a prison sentence. This countdown isn't about the legal system. It's not about Mr. Simpson's personal life. It's about football...college football, specifically. And one would be hard pressed to find many, if any, that did it better than The Juice. So we salute your accomplishments on the amateur gridiron today, OJ.

And in our ongoing effort to get your mind right for the upcoming season, today's video is a complete recap of Alabama's 1992 National Championship season. Bama finished 13-0 in 1992 with a 34-13 thrashing of #1 ranked Miami in the Sugar Bowl to win it's 12th national chamionship. ENJOY!

33 Days Until Kickoff!!

Pic 1 - Tony Dorsett (#33), RB, Pitt / Pic 2 - Marcus Allen (#33), RB, USC

And we're 33...33 (Tony Dorsett and Marcus Allen) days away from the kickoff of college football. I'm so excited about it that I have to post 2 great players (Dorsett & Allen) and I'm going to post two videos. The first video is of Eli Gold, the voice of Crimson Tide football, calling his first Iron Bowl in 1990.

The second video is from the Bama/LSU game in 1991. With 2:49 left in the game and a 4th and 2 at the Bama 11 staring LSU in the face coach Curly Hallman elected to attempt a game tie-ing FG. But Antonio London stepped up to deny the Bengal Tigers and the Crimson Tide went on to victory in Death Valley 20-17.

Let Your Pride Go, Mike

Since NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell re-instated ex-Falcons QB Mike Vick earlier this week, NFL teams have been stumbling over themselves to say that they want no parts of him. Personally, I think it's a huge mistake on the part of any team that has any question marks at the QB position. Because despite what's going on right now off the field, once the game starts, it's all about the game and this off the field stuff is quickly forgotten. As one commenter said in this space the other day, if he performs well, the fans will drown out the protesters. But to my point, once the lights come on, everything else is secondary:

1. Ray Lewis was accused of killing a man. He got off. And proceeded to go and win a SuperBowl.
2. Brett Favre's father passed away and he went about shredding the Oakland Raiders on national television the same night.

Just a couple of examples, because I want to get to the point of this entry. News has leaked that the UFL is willing to pay Mike Vick 7 figures. I know his pride will make the UFL his absolute last resort, but look at it this way. MV7 is currently in bankruptcy. Even if some NFL team does decide to sign him, NOBODY is going to give him a cent over the league's veteran minimum, which is somewhere in the mid 6 figures range. And on top of that, he'll have to play (or sit) for 17 games. The UFL, being an upstart league, has only 6 games. The rumored dollar amount is $1.5 million, which comes out to $250,000 per game. I've never claimed to be the smartest guy on earth, but that math works out for me. If by some stretch, MV7, if you're reading this...take that $1.5 million and RUN with it!!! If he goes there and is successful, he's far too talented NOT to entice some NFL GM whose franchise QB just went down with a season ending injury. I say, take the $1.5 million and capitalize on it later this NFL season or next season.

36 Days Until Kickoff!!

Chris Spielman (#36), LB, Ohio State

And we're 36...36 Chris Spielman days away from the kickoff of college football. And in our efforts to get your mind right for the season, we present to you today's video. This clip is from the 1998 Iron Bowl. The Magic City (Birmingham/Legion Field) saw its final Iron Bowl in 1998. Auburn exploded for an early 17-0 lead but the Tide, lead by Shaun Alexander, cut the lead to 17-14 at halftime. Bama dominated the second half on offense, defense, and special teams and rolled to a 31-17 victory. Enjoy!!

37 Days Until Kickoff!!

Shaun Alexander (#37), RB, Alabama

And we're 37....37 Shaun Alexander days away from the kickoff of college football. And in our effort to get your mind right for the season, today's video is (fittingly) a highlight reel of Shaun Alexander's time at Alabama. Hopefully a RB on Bama's roster this year (Upchurch, Ingram, Richardson, or Lacy) can give us as much as Shaun did.

38 Days Until Kickoff!!

Chucky Mullins (#38), DB, Ole Miss






Aaaaaaand we are 38....38 Chucky Mullins days away from the kickoff of college football for most of the country (seeing as how there's a Thursday night game, it's actually 36 days). But anyway, sticking to the script, I'm posting a video to help get your mind right for the season. Today's video is a highlight reel of last year's freshman extraordinaire Julio Jones. Enjoy.

39 Days Until Kickoff!!

Sam Cunningham (#39), FB, USC

And we are 39....39 Sam Cunningham days away from the kickoff of college football. Today's video to get your mind right is from the 1985 Iron Bowl where Alabama makes a last minute drive for the game winning kick against Auburn.

Vick OFFICIALLY Reinstated to the NFL (Conditionally)

Okay. So the home Mike Vick has officially and conditionally been reinstated to the NFL. (Now is your chance 49ers!!). According to Profootballtalk.com, the conditions are as follows:

Vick will

• participate "without delay" in training camp
• play in the final two preseason games played by the team with which he signs
• participate in all team activities other than games to start the season up until Week 6
• be eligible for FULL reinstatement in Week 6

So basically, it's a 5 game suspension depending on when the team he signs with has its Bye Week. I'm looking forward to seeing the man on the field again. Hopefully, it'll be with the 49ers. And for all the fans who are reading this that plan on heckling Vick, I'm going to hire a group to come and heckle you outside your job for cheating on your wife, for beating your wife, for abusing your children, for neglecting your children for work, for experimenting with marijuana, for that speeding ticket you got back in 89, for not tithing, for not tipping your waitress, etc. Get a life already. Let this man LIVE!!

40 Days Until Kickoff!!

Eric Norwood (#40), LB, South Carolina

And we are 40....40 Eric Norwood days away from the kickoff of college football season. And today's video is from last season's Alabama vs. Georgia game. The Tide avenged it's overtime loss to Georgia in 2007 with a convincing victory in Athens, GA. Georgia built up the game in the previous weeks as a "blackout", and the Bulldogs wore black jerseys for the game in a futile attempt at intimidation. Bama completely dominated the first half on both sides of the ball and lead 31-0 at halftime. Nick Saban's offensive line made mince meat of the dawg D-line as Bama halfbacks Roy Upchurch, Glen Coffee, and freshman Mark Ingram chewed up yardage and clock. Georgia played valiantly in the 2nd half but it was not enough as Nick Saban's 2nd year crew defeated the #3 ranked Dawgs 41-30. ENJOY!!

43 Days Until Kickoff!!

Antonio Langham (#43), CB, Alabama


And we are 43...43 Antonio Langham days away from the kickoff of college football. And today's video to help to get your mind right for kick off is (what else?), Antonio Langham's game winning interception TD return against Auburn in 1992. After that is his blocked punt TD return against Miss. St. in 1992. Enjoy..

44 Days Until Kickoff!!

The Great Jim Brown (#44), RB, Syracuse

And we are 44....44 Jim Brown days away from the kickoff of college football. Today's video to help to get your mind right is the top 50 (51 actually) plays in Alabama football in the last 30 years as voted by the Crimson Country Club. Enjoy!!

45 Days Away from Kickoff!!

The Great Archie Griffin (#45), RB, Ohio St.

Aaaaaaand, we are 45......45 Archie Griffiin days away from the kickoff of college football. Sticking with the theme, below is a video to help get your minds and hearts ready for the season. Today's video is of the 1989 Alabama vs. Tennessee game where Siran Stacy delivered one of the most memorable performances in the series's history. Enjoy.

What is Sprite thinking?!? (Viewer Discretion Advised)

Okay, so this ad was banned from German TV, but I wonder what was on the mind of Sprite execs when they even thought this one up. My guess is that they were drinking something a little stronger than Sprite. WOW!! Again, viewer discretion is advised!!!!




Video didn't work? Try this link.

46 Days Until Kickoff!!

Craig Stevens (#46), LB, Auburn Univ.

And we are 46...46 Craig Stevens days away from the kickoff of college football in America. And in my ongoing effort to get your hearts and minds ready for the season, here's a video. Today's video is a packaged highlight from the 1995 Citrus Bowl. Bama vs. Ohio St. Enjoy

OH HAPPY DAY!!!

THE HOMIE MIKE VICK IS (officially) IN THEM STREETS!!!!!!!!!

I think it's pretty obvioius how I feel about this. But just in case you're wondering, click here to see.

HAMPTON, Va. (AP)—Suspended NFL star Michael
Vick’s(notes)
federal dogfighting sentence ended Monday, freeing him to lobby for a return to
the field.
Vick’s attorney Lawrence Woodward told The Associated Press
outside Vick’s suburban Virginia home that the former Atlanta
Falcons quarterback had been released from federal custody as scheduled.
That means Vick no longer has to wear the electronic monitor he’s had on while
under home confinement for the last two months of his 23-month
sentence.
Shortly before Woodward came out of the house, two men in a
government car with a federal Bureau of Prisons folder on the dashboard paid a
brief visit to the home. They carried a large case similar to the one that
Vick’s ankle monitor was delivered in when he started home confinement. The men
declined to identify themselves or speak to waiting reporters.
Freedom will
allow Vick to step up his efforts to resume his pro football career. Vick hopes
to soon meet with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who has said he would review
Vick’s status after Vick completed his sentence.
Goodell has said he wants to
sit down with Vick, but it’s unclear when that face-to-face meeting will take
place.

“The review of his status is ongoing,” league spokesman Greg Aiello said Monday.
“There are no further details and no timetable.”
If Vick is able to return to the NFL, it won’t be with Atlanta. The Falcons released Vick in June.
“Michael did an egregious thing,” Goodell told The Associated Press in
April. “He has paid a very significant price for that.”
He said people are forgiving when someone who has done wrong shows remorse and is prepared to live a different life.
“That’s something he has to prove to myself and the general
public,” Goodell said.
Vick, 29, did not initially show enough remorse to
satisfy U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson. Vick apologized in court in 2007, but
Hudson denied him an “acceptance of responsibility” credit that could have
reduced his sentence. He sentenced Vick to 23 months in prison—more than any of
Vick’s three co-defendants.
Under the federal truth-in-sentencing law, Vick
had to serve at least 85 percent of his sentence. He served the first 18 months
in the federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kan., before being transferred to
home confinement in May.
While on home confinement, Vick—once the NFL’s
highest-paid player— worked a $10-an-hour construction job for a few weeks. He
switched jobs last month, assisting in children’s health and fitness programs at
the Boys and Girls Clubs.
Vick will remain on probation for three years. He
also is under a three-year suspended sentence for a state dogfighting
conviction.

And as if it hasn't already been said enough, the man has paid his debt (despite how unfair it was) to society. LET HIM LIVE.

47 Days Until Kickoff!!

David Pollack (#47), DE, Univ. of Georgia

And we are 47...47 David Pollack days away from the kickoff of college football. And as we've done in this space for the past week, here's a video to help get your mind ready for it. Today's video is of Alabama's regular season win over Florida in The Swamp in 1999. I can't watch this video enough.