GodsendJen

I've been watching so much football I haven't taken the time to write about it. Rather than share more of my own blather (you know, Go Hokies, Go Falcons) here is some stuff I found interesting:

Technology at work in the VA Tech football program.  Its not just the body pod, its magic pills that transmit your core temperature back to a pda, shock detecting helmets and shirts that get hooked up to portable cooling systems.

A tear-jerker about Aaron Rouse and his decision to return for his last season at Tech.  Nothing like a sense of loyalty and a promise to his mamma.  If we do well this season his story will find its way into ESPN the Magazine or SI where it will become even more moving I'm sure.

My prediction for the most over-reported story of this season's Hokie football team.  One of seemingly 2 million stories on Brandon Ore's tenure at the 7-11 warehouse last spring. Yes it built character, whoopty-doo.

And let's not forget that Beamer Ball is back.  2 games and 3 blocks so far this year.  There was in interesting story about when and why Beamer Ball became so important.  Apparently we have to thank Deion Sanders and the whooping Florida State gave us way back in 1988 when he was their return guy.

On the pro front I do feel better after seeing the Falcons in action against the Panthers.  It's hard to tell how much we have improved given that Smith was out, but Abraham looked incredible.  I was disappointed in the performances of Roddy White and Ashlie Lelie.  Those two only combined for 10 yards receiving on a day when the offense was having its way with Carolina.  I love that we beat Carolina and Tampa Bay gets shut out by Baltimore.  Simms didn't look very good and with a bit of luck that will keep his confidence off balance when they play us next week.  If Abraham's late game injury wasn't serious then I'm confident he can rock Simms world--and wouldn't that be sweet.

The NBC NFL crew doesn't impress me.  They have 2 sideline reporters.  By my count that is 2 too many.  Add them to the mindless drivel that Maddens spouts forth and its enough to make you want to hit the mute button.  Of course all this pales compared to the new theme song that Pink belts out for them.  Its not that the song is bad, but it lacks energy and is an obvious knock-off of I Hate Myself for Loving You, a song that is apparently destined to be stuck in my head every Sunday night between now and the playoffs. I'm also sick of the endless commercials featuring Peyton Manning and his family.  I wish I had started counting them at kick-off today.  Somewhere there are college students taking shots each time one airs--and somewhere those college students are being admitted to the emergency room for alcohol poisoning.