Notes from the first week of college football

-Ainge looks comfortable, improved from last year's performances



After Tennessee Pounds California you have to love Ainge's quotes even if you're a Gator fan:

"This was more than just Tennessee vs. Cal," Ainge said. "It was the South vs. the West, the Southeastern Conference vs. the Pac-10."

And he is right, this does show the power of the SEC. I hope it opens a few eyes in the West. The PAC-10 once and for all does not play defense (sans USC). They cannot compete with the SEC and probably not the other Southern conference, the ACC.

(Arkansas does not count because Arkansas cannot compete with SEC, they shouldn't be in our conference. They have a high school offensive coordinator. Go join the ACC, you'll do reasonably well there I bet.)

- Although I do believe the ACC is tougher than the PAC-10, I can't allow Bowden's quote about defense slip without being commented on:

"You don't know how hard it is to beat Miami," Seminoles coach Bobby Bowden said. "I mean, I've been playing these guys for 31 years. They've probably got as good a defense as there is in the country, unless it's us."

It seems like Bowden and Coker have plenty of respect for each other and their respective programs but they shouldn't be surprised if everyone else across the nation may not agree. What I saw last night was more of an offensive travesty rather than defensive deity. The rushing game was literally non-existent. Makes me feel good about Florida's rushing game.

Cismesia wins the game with a field goal in the fourth quarter. Wide Nothing

There are major issues in both of those programs and no one was surprised to see a repeat of last year. The game was surprisingly boring and uneventful. I honestly expected FSU to win by more than they did. I believe FSU is in less of a decline than Miami. Kirk Herbstreet made a great call with Miami winning the Mythical National Championship. Your team started great and they really showed the nation.

-Gator this and that
Percy Harvin will be a great one at making defenders miss

Expect to see more out of receivers Cornelius Ingram, freshman Riley Cooper and Jarred Fayson and Senior Bubba Caldwell. Baker and Harvin already proved their worth and won't be disappearing. Our receivers will be devastating many a defensive secondary if we start clicking just a little better.

Meyer praises Jemalle Cornelius, the defensive secondary and even the offensive line

Tid bits taken-

"(Cornelius) graded out fantastic," Meyer said. "You'll see him much more involved in the offense. That's my fault (that he wasn't). He had one opportunity to make a big play and he hit it (catching a 29-yard TD pass). He's an excellent blocker, an excellent football player. He's one of our best players."

Smith is one of six defensive players who graded out as a champion. The others were cornerback Reggie Lewis, safeties Reggie Nelson and Tony Joiner and linebackers Brandon Siler and Earl Everett.

"It was (Carlton Medder's) first real playing time as a Gator and I'm very proud of him," Meyer said. "He has a long way to go, but I love his effort. He was our best hustler in the offensive line."