Free At Last
Posted October 17, 2010, 3:15 PM ET

Thanks to the National Football League, for allowing our winless Panthers to take some time off during a glorious weekend in the Carolinas.

It was great to experience a few days that were filled with tremendous sports action that didn't involve the Panthers attempting to complete a forward pass. I feel rejuvenated. I feel like I just had a sports cleansing of the soul. I feel like I can get used to finding something better to do with my time than getting frustrated watching what could very well be the worst team in the NFL.

The NFL trading deadline is this week, and sources indicate that the Panthers have zero interest in making a move to acquire future picks for the services of WR Steve Smith or either one of their talented running backs.

That makes sense, because why would you want to improve this offense? Jeff Davidson's genius as a play-caller and game-planner is so precise and calculating that only John Fox and Jerry Richardson can appreciate it.

Anybody interested in the San Francisco 49ers coming to Charlotte this week, to face our 0-5 Panthers?

Actually, I am. I live for games like this one. Let's face it: our boys better win this one, or else we can start the "0-16" dialogue. I would have never thought this team would be this bad....but it is.

Perhaps the guys got a chance to get out of town and do some soul searching. Either way, the Niners-Panthers game is for the true die-hards. And if you're looking for more good news....there are plenty of good seats still available.

---

What a difference a week makes, for the upstart college football teams of the Carolinas.

In the ACC, N.C. State has been high-flying, fun and loaded with confidence. Russell Wilson has been fantastic under center and the Pack's defense has been blitzing from every angle.

I didn't expect the Pack to have any trouble with their arch-rivals to the East. A trip to Greenville should have provided a chance for State to load up on their offensive stats against a porous ECU defense and another reason to enjoy the best BBQ on the planet.

Hopefully, State got a few hushpuppies for the trip back, because the Pirates shocked the Pack with a 21-0 start and a great defensive performance in the OT win. I guarantee you the party is still going strong in G-Vegas.

It was the kind of loss that sends shock waves to the system. While many State fans were circling the calendar with Florida State's visit next week, it was ECU that enjoyed the visit and upset win.

I would never have thought the Pirates' defense could pull it off....but they did. And now, the Pirates continue in their quest for another CUSA title and bragging rights over their Raleigh neighbor.

While N.C. State is scratching their heads, down in Columbia, the Gamecock fans have another reason to get drunk.

Last week it was a spectacular performance and upset win over then #1 Alabama that had everybody in the country talking. This week, it was an amazing collapse to Kentucky that has people wondering just how bad is the SEC East?

Steve Spurrier was 17-0 all-time against Kentucky. Now, he's 17-1 after watching his Gamecocks get outscored 21-0 in the second half in a complete meltdown. There's no way to explain these things.....Kentucky treated USC like they stole something.

When you look at the current standings of the SEC East, you'll find 6 teams and not a single one of them is over .500 in league play. It looks like an extension of an ACC football punchline.

I figured South Carolina would be a little flat....it's only natural. But the 21-3 first half lead proved that they were ready to play. I would never have expected the Cats to pounce on them in the second half for the stunning 31-28 win.

But it's games like these that make Saturdays so much fun....you just never know what's going to happen...even to the league's hot, upstart teams.

---

Michael Jordan might be the greatest player in the history of the NBA. I'm sure he'll tell you, if you get the chance to ask him.

But his comments last week were downright laughable, when he claimed he could score 100 points given the current rules and lack of defense in today's NBA game.

Jordan was great.

The key word in that line is "was".

Jordan is currently the owner of the NBA Bobcats, who last season averaged 85 points per game.

Perhaps Mike should find his high tops and showcase his skills while giving his fledgeling franchise a boost by lighting up the NBA on a nightly basis. Hey Mike, we don't need a 100 points tonight, how about a quick 25 points in the first quarter just to give your guys a chance?

Give me a break.

Jordan basically dumped on the entire league....it's time he spent more time trying to make his team better (and I'm not talking about his off-season acquisition of Kwame Brown), and quit playing fantasy basketball.

I know he's on the cover of the latest NBA video game, but Jordan came across as a complete fool with his comments.