Gator Glory

Victorious......here come the videos!

2007-01-11T17:07:00.000-08:00

Lets get pumped up

Highlights from the best Gator Game in 10 yrs

Straight up Highlights

Chris Leak #12

So this is what people think of the national championship?

2006-12-13T11:10:00.000-08:00

I hope the gators shock college football

A video about the BCS

2006-12-10T15:13:00.000-08:00

I'm not a country music fan, the slow strumming of the guitars comes off more boring than intriguing, but the guys words are the important part.

And although part of the BCS has formulas, computers and calculations to get rid of the "human element" odd outcomes and rankings still occur.

And yet there is a still a human element in the form of a coaches poll.

The human factor is completely subjective, although I do understand why it may have seemed like a good idea. Teams that should be ranked in the 20's get ranked in the teens by their own coaches? Biased anyone?

CFB needs a playoff.

Urban Meyer made a stand for his team, Michigan's players probably wish their coach did the same

2006-12-06T05:45:00.000-08:00

The Michigan message boards seem hell bent on convincing everyone that their team is better than the Gators but also that their coach is "classier" than Urban Meyer.

Here is how I look at it:

1).
Urban Meyer did not whine, he "politicked." When CFB has a system where everything is judged by style points and ESPN, Meyer had to make a case because ESPN was ready to anoint Michigan and OSU the best teams ever. (Just like USC last year.) It's a bad system, a playoff is needed. And Meyer has already come out supporting it.

It looks like Lloyd Carr now regrets his decision not to say anything.

“I gave a lot of thought,” Carr said on Mitch Albom’s afternoon-drive show on WJR-AM (760). “I had some conversations with people I have great respect for here at Michigan. I really would have liked to say some other things but I truly felt in the big picture that I would hurt our chances if I did that. Even more importantly, I just felt that as a representative of the University of Michigan, it would have been out of line for me to do that, even though personally I would have liked to do it. When I look at the votes, I know it wouldn’t have made any difference. I’m happy with what I did say.”

Coaches have to stand up for their players. It brings unity and cohesiveness to the team. It shows recruits that coaches care about players. Maybe Michigan fans should be criticizing their coach for not doing anything, for not beating their rival the last 5 out of 6 years.

2).
So now since Michigan is not getting a do-over, their attack moves to our coaches lack of class. I found a couple of Carr's most classiest moments.

Everyone remembers the “Why would you ask a dumb question like that?” to ABC sideline reporter Todd Harris at the 2003 OSU/Michigan game.

But more impressive may be the way he treated, god forbid, a female sports reporter after the game. Although not widely reported, (I guess this is common with Carr), Carr threw every profanity he knew at this unsuspecting reporter for whatever reason.

There is a reason sports reporters dislike Carr, when reporters ask him questions they get cussed out. When Meyer gets asked questions he sticks up for his players, his team, his school.

SEC Champs Video

2006-12-05T19:09:00.001-08:00

Well Reggie Nelson, all the South knows you got over-looked

2006-12-05T18:28:00.000-08:00

Reggie Nelson, the most exciting and head-hunting defensive player in college football, got overlooked for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy. Instead, some buttery white guy from Ohio State received the hardware.

Ohio State middle linebacker James Laurinaitis won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy on Monday night, awarded to the nation's best defensive player by the Charlotte Touchdown Club.

That's alright. Show the world in the Fiesta Bowl what "The Eraser" is made of.

The Eraser laying a hit, LSU won't soon forget

See credentials in youtube videos already posted below.

We are going to the Championship!

2006-12-04T17:31:00.000-08:00

The media has already proclaimed OSU the champs, so I guess we'll fly up anyway for the hell of it.

I expect this from OSU fans?

A couple of vids

2006-11-30T06:55:00.000-08:00

Special Teams and Defense Video. Gives me chills

(No Field Goals made included)

And the Mayor of Hit City... Reggie Nelson

I tried to hold out hope.

2006-11-30T06:34:00.000-08:00

It looks like the Gators have a zero percent chance to make it to the national championship game. At best it looks like the number three spot in the BCS is the most achievable goal. Michigan was sitting pretty at number two a couple of weeks ago, but with their season over, both USC and Florida I think will jump them before bowl games start.

USC first has to get by a (6-5) UCLA who looks to have little upset potential. It's more likely UCLA finishes with a losing record going against USC and FSU as their final 2 games.

Florida has to win the SEC Championship against a steaming angry Arkansas team with a couple of NFL running backs. Look for Florida to max protect the run and force their QB Dick to throw the ball. IF UF loses, there is still a decent chance Florida makes it to a BCS bowl game. Arkansas would be in the Sugar Bowl. LSU may also have a chance with only two losses... BUT the Gators beat them head to head, have more wins, won their division and made it to the SEC Championship game.

Barring an upset by UCLA, it looks like if the Gators win out, be content going to the Sugar Bowl and kicking the life out of whoever the BCS matches us up against. (I hope it's Notre Dame.)

Go Gators! Beat Arkansas! I will be in ATL this weekend, not for the game, but for a conference. And I WILL be cheering you on.

After the big weekend for the Gators...

2006-11-27T06:09:00.000-08:00

The Good
The Gators continue to win in football. It seems like the gators play up to the competition or play down to the competition. I'll take 21-14 over an out of conference rival. Chris leak's senior leadership pulled us through the game. When our offensive coordinator, Dan Mullen finally decided to let Leak throw the ball we dove the field. Sometimes Mullen should just use traditional formations, they work too.

Percy Harvin and Andre Caldwell were also different makers. Both have the same speed and break away skills. They fit the same mold. Good to hear Percy Harvin is okay after that hit. Did anyone see the dirty hit on Jarvis Moss' legs? That could have been bad, I'm glad he wasn't affected.

Percy also looked good in Gus Malzahn's wildcat formation. Straight shot right to the endzone.

The Bad
Although the Gator basketball team didn't beat Kansas, we fought hard. Sending it into overtime was a miracle in itself. With all the turnovers and sloppy play, two miracles could not happen in one night.

Gators go to work. You're not invincible. You now know what to work on. Lets see improvement in the next couple games.

The ugly
First off, Notre Dame looked bad. That team just sucks. Thanks Notre Dame, can't win any big games. I'm sure you will lose your bowl game. Gator fans are hating you right now.

The Taurean Green and Corey Brewer turnovers in the final seconds also were ugly. Those killed the team and the fans watching. As bad as some of your plays were you still had a chance to win. I hope this loss stings. Use this as motivation when tough competition comes up in the future.

Random Notes
- Refs need to see a block when it's a block and not call a foul for every slight tap by the Gator big men. Some of the "fouls" were ridiculous. The refs sure knew how to hurt the Gators in that pro-Kansas environment. Kansas come on down to the O'Dome and see what happens.

- Green and Lee also had some pretty threes, but no more air balls by the defending national champions!

My thoughts on how the BCS looks

2006-11-20T10:57:00.001-08:00

On a Playoff System -
Everyone has beaten the who scheduled who, who lost to who and who would lose to who arguments to death. No one gets anywhere. That is why CFB needs some sort of playoff. No one knows who could beat Michigan because not everyone plays Michigan, same can be said for Ohio State. There has to be some sort of playoff system. A head to head system.

On the National Championship teams-
I agree with Urb:
Michigan should not get two chances. No one else does. You lose. You drop.

"I think that'd be unfair to Ohio State, and I think it'd be unfair to the country," Meyer said. "I just don't believe that's the right thing to do. You're going to tell Ohio State they have to go beat the same team twice, which is extremely difficult, and you're going to tell teams that played their hearts out [that they can't play for the national title] ... they [Michigan] had their chances. Ohio State is No. 1, someone has a chance to go get No. 1.

"If that [rematch] does happen, it's over. All the presidents need to get together immediately and put together a playoff system, I mean like now, January, or whenever to get that done."

Meyer is upset because he watched ESPN on Saturday night and heard the analysts and experts lobbying for a rematch. The teams that play in the BCS title game on Jan. 8 in Glendale, Ariz., should be determined on the field, and not by a talking head, Meyer said.

"I've seen the lobbying begin," he said. "I start seeing these nationwide polls, sportswriters, fans, media, everybody's going to get their hands on this thing, and I don't know how it's ... I would say that if it were up to the 117 Division I-A coaches, certainly it would not be a rematch."

RIGHT ON!
THAT WOULD EFFECTIVELY MEAN SATURDAY'S GAME BETWEEN OSU AND MICHIGAN MEANT NOTHING! NO DROPS IN POLLS. LETS JUST GIVE THOSE TEAMS A REMATCH. DON'T LET ANY OTHER SCHOOLS HAVE A CHANCE. MAKE OHIO STATE BEAT THE SAME TEAM TWICE IN ORDER TO WIN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP WHILE MICHIGAN WOULD ONLY HAVE BEAT OSU ONCE!

On The Most Recent BCS polls-
I believe USC and Florida are still favored to play OSU in the championship
Here are what the BCS Standings look like:
1. Ohio State
2. Michigan
3. USC
4. Florida
5. Notre Dame
6. Arkansas
7. West Virginia
8. Wisconsin
9. Louisville
10. LSU

I will not discuss strength of schedule because I believe Florida would win hands down. All the pundits would agree as well, because at the beginning of this year some were claiming our schedule may be the toughest ever created. I kid you not.

Onto the top spots!
1.Ohio State is a lock because they haven't lost. But I think they are beatable. Can someone get a chance at them?

2. The fight for number TWO

- Michigan had their chance. In order for them to get a rematch USC, Arkansas and Florida would all have to lose. It does not really matter what Notre Dame does because they have already lost to Michigan.

- USC has a legitimate argument particularly with their win over Arky. But that was the first game of the year, and a whole different story. USC must win out convincingly and hope all the teams they have beaten keep winning to keep their strength of schedule high. With that being said, I think a case can be made for UF or USC, if both win out. (SEC already has 9 bowl eligible teams.)

On a side note, I think USC's wins look less meaningful and one loss look more meaningful when their winners start losing and their one loss keeps losing. Oregon State really is a bad team. And Nebraska just isn't very good either.

- Florida, my school of study, is of course my choice for the National Champ game. Only if they win their last two games of the season though. I think both USC and Florida jump Michigan because we keep playing quality opponents and Michigan's season filled with only three quality opponents all year stopped on Saturday.

Florida has the schedule to compete with anyone. We lost away to a BCS top 15 team by three points and had piped in electronic music, home-cooked refs and the worst call in officiating this year go against us. We dominated the first half, gave up some yards in the second. Our defense did not allow a touchdown. And for good measure UF threw the ball away, on the last play, trying to find a way to the endzone. Who would have thought that play would decide if we would be in the MNC game this year? Auburn is a darn good team, but we shoulda, coulda, woulda won.

Florida still plays FSU, the most vicious rivalry in CFB with Bowden, the winningest coach in CFB. And the SEC Champ game, the hardest conference championship game in the country.

-Arkansas looks to be a whole different team after that first game they laid a turd at home. McFadden and Jones are running away from the competition. They have a go-to receiver in Monk. And Casey Dick looks to be settled in as their QB. Take a look at their schedule and you'll see more impressive wins then Michigan, OSU and especially Notre Dame. That being said I still hope we beat those guys in Atlanta.

- Notre Dame is a long shot and although Notre Dame is likely better than their game against Michigan, it doesn't look to good for them. Their schedule really is embarrassing. We may have a 1-AA team this year but you have the service academies every year. That's pretty much your conference. And your championship trophy is the Commander-in-Chief award. There is a reason those teams suck and you beat them every year.(Make no mistake it's not a rivalry.) They are busy protecting the good ol' U.S. from whatever the threat is this week. But you keep scheduling them to play football?

To the benefit of Notre Dame, Arkansas is likely in the same boat as them. Both lost big to teams your competing against for the number two spot. That makes it real tough for you to jump them. But this weekend I am Notre Dame's biggest fan. If you win who knows how far you move up? ( And conveniently, how far UF moves up..if they beat FSU.)

Alas
Go Gators! Beat FSU and Arkansas!
Only Gators get out of the BCS alive!

Freshmen players look great

2006-11-19T09:15:00.000-08:00

Here is the list of players to watch out for the future-
(And I'm sure I'm missing some.)

Tim Tebow - qb
Percy Harvin - wr
Jarred Fayson - wr/qb/pr
Brandon James - rb/pr
Riley Cooper- wr
Mon Williams - rb
Brandon Spikes- lb
Brandon Antwine - dt
Dustin Doe- lb

I know we didn't hear much from the defense. But you did your job. 0 points! Some guys I know who will be making a name for themselves... Lawrence Marsh, Wondy Pierre-Louis, Markihe Anderson.

And for all the other young players, it's only a matter of time before they get their chance. It's not a matter of "if" they have a break out performance, it's a matter of "when." With last years recruiting class and the one coming in this year, the team looks loaded!

Is it Possible?

2006-11-19T09:13:00.000-08:00

One of Florida's most hated rivals to get Spurrier?

Spurrier Could Be Next Miami Head Coach
Sources say coach ready to leave South Carolina

Nov. 19, 2006

By Brian Curtis
According to sources late Saturday, South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier will likely be named the next head coach at Miami. Spurrier, who won a national championship at Florida, is in his second season with the Gamecocks with a 13-10 overall record, including 6-5 in 2006. The coach is in the second year of a seven-year contract.

Rumor, fiction, truth?

UF, College football Notebook

2006-11-15T12:29:00.000-08:00

UF Injuries
Looks like Jarvis Moss, Earl Everett, and Brandon Siler might all be out for next weeks game. Good thing next week's game is against division the 1-AA Catamounts of Western Carolina. It's called a recovery game.

New Playmakers
Instead, expect to see Cornelius Ingram and Percy Harvin get more carries next week. Highly-recruited Brandon Spikes will likely make his first collegiate start at middle linebacker.

In Other News
Jeff Bowden is gone. It must make Seminole fans feel great knowing their crutch offensive coordinator has resigned following this years football season.

"I believe in my heart that for Bobby Bowden this is the decision that I need to make," Jeff Bowden said. "I could not be happier that I had this opportunity. But it's just time for me to move on."

Cock Blocked...3 times!

2006-11-12T10:58:00.002-08:00

I think everyone who knows Spurrier, the SEC or the gator team in general, knew this was going to be close. I'm sure all the gators wanted to win big, for style points, but that's not our team this year.

During certain parts of the game last night, I honestly felt like we were going to lose. And that SC's QB Blake Mitchell was better than Chris Leak. I also feel like South Carolina is on the verge of being a dominant team. Yes they have 5 losses, but not by much.

South Carolina lost to-
Auburn 24-17
Tennessee 31-24
Arkansas 26-20
Florida 17-16

They lost handidly to a Georgia team, that was more of a fluke on both parts teams.

On to the game.
I think it's time to go for a more traditional offense. Use playmakers in traditional roles and the offense will produce. Use Deshawn Wynn more, he is producing. Don't have a dumb call or penalty, and the offense can really move.

Props to the cock-blockers RayMac and J.Moss (had 2 blocks)

Here it is...I was maybe 25 ft from where this video was taken. It was loud!

On to other one loss teams. They all have had close wins, not just Florida!

Southern Cal
-lost to unranked Oregon State
-28-22 W v. Wash St
-26-20 W v. Wash
-28-21 W v. Ariz St

Arkansas
-lost big to USC
-21-19 W v. Vandy
-24-23 W v. Bama
-26-20 W v. South Carolina

Notre Dame
-lost big at home v. Mich
-14-10 W v. GT
-40-37 W v. Mich St
-20-17 W v. UCLA

For the rest of the schedule
-Next week gives our players a chance to heal and recover from SEC beatings.
-Then it's onto the instate rival FSU. Always tough.
-Afterwards, it's the SEC championship against Arkansas. The defense must be on fire.
- Finally, we are going bowling!

A Twisted Road Back to the Top

2006-11-10T09:23:00.000-08:00

So the stage has been set.
Louisville takes down West Virginia.
Rutgers takes down Louisville.
Gators fans should be ecstatic.

This weeks BCS Poll look like this-

1. Ohio State -(Plays Michigan, one of top two teams must lose)
2. Michigan - (Plays Ohio State, one of top two teams must lose)
3. Louisville- (Lost to Rutgers, drops out of National title contention)
4. Florida - (Must keep winning, get that offense going!)

The Gators are poised to move into the number two position in the BCS Poll by seasons end... as long as we keep winning.

The offense is struggling, particularly Leak's interceptions, the offensive line injuries/inexperience and the inability to use the loads of talent. All I can do is hope the football gods shine down on us the last games of the season, and our coaches figure out whatever needs to be figured out.

The defense is still rock solid, even after losing Marcus Thomas. He was a beast in the trenches. Brandon Siler, our top linebacker, has a tweaked knee. But I hope he is ready for the South Carolina game. We need all our playmakers from here on out.

The Rest of the UF season is not easy (except for one game). The brutal schedule continues. The pain/brutality these players go through every week is tremendous.

UF Remaining Schedule

*November 11 South Carolina - Spurrier is a conniving couching genius
*November 18 Western Carolina- Time to rest up, try new plays, Tebow
*November 25 at Florida State- Back on track w/ QB Xavier Lee. (Rivals!)
*SEC Championship Game (Arkansas?, Auburn?)- A top BCS caliber opponent
*Bowl Game (Ohio State?, BCS bowl?)- Best of the best

Keep winning Gators, you control your own destiny. Bring it the last 5 games. Let's see who the real playmakers are.

The U has Hit Rock Bottom

2006-11-09T07:06:00.000-08:00

Miami's Season in a Nutshell
July 21, 2006
Willie Cooper, was shot in the buttocks when confronted in his yard by an unidentified assailant in an early morning incident. In self- defense, Brandon Meriweather got his own gun and returned fire at the attacker.

October 14, 2006
After an all-out brawl between Miami and FIU, officials from both schools and their conferences announced the suspension of 31 players – 13 from the Hurricanes, and 18 from FIU.

Several players from both sides appeared to throw punches. Brandon Meriweather was seen attempting to stomp on FIU players, while an injured Golden Panther swung a crutch menacingly at several Miami players.

Nov. 7, 2006
Slain University of Miami football player Bryan Pata suffered multiple gunshot wounds in the hallway of his gated Kendall apartment complex, at least one of which was to the back of the head at close range.

Pata had several guns he kept in a closet in his apartment he explained in a recent interview to the Miami Herald reported.

September 4 to November 23
With losses already to Florida State, Louisville, Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech, this has to be one of the most dissappointing seasons at Miami.

There may be more losses to come, Boston College looks to have a legitimate football team. This may not be too surprising though, considering Miami has not won a single conference championship since moving to the ACC. The ACC is also largely considered to be the weakest BCS conference, only ahead of the Big East.

I'm going to state the obvious, the University of Miami is a flat out dangerous place to be. Miami has had some great teams in the past, with some exceptional players, but this is getting crazy, downright deadly. There needs to be a major overhaul of the Miami program. There shouldn't be a bowl game for this team. There should be a major police presence at the University. Guns seem to be commonplace for football players lately. It is evident the players are not doing a very good job of protecting/policing themselves.

As for the future of this program, what recruit would want to go there? What parents would allow their children to play for a team where death might be part of their future?

Latest Shootings, Stabbings and other law breaking activities in college football

2006-11-07T20:12:00.000-08:00

1. University of Miami defensive end Bryan Pata was shot and killed Tuesday night, shortly after leaving the practice field, school officials said.

Rest In Peace Bryan Pata

You had NFl aspirations and you were a tough player. This should have never happened.

2.Three Tennessee players were suspended Monday following their arrests for disorderly conduct and underage drinking at a nightclub after the Vols' loss to LSU.

It was starting tailback Arian Foster, safety Antonio Wardlow and fullback David Holbert, all 20 years old. Expect heavy punishment? HA! Fulmer suspended Foster for the first half of Saturday’s matchup against Arkansas, and Holbert for the game. Wardlow will not play against the 11th-ranked Razorbacks and also is suspended for Tennessee’s game against Vanderbilt on Nov. 18.

3.Wide receiver Nyan Boateng was stabbed by a female student over the weekend after the two had an argument, according to police.

Boateng was likely out for the season after having knee surgery anyway, but he was removed from the team until he can clear his name.

What's the deal? Is there no control of players in college football? Parents are not around, it's not the coaches job and maybe players may feel they're above the law. I guess the buck might stop at a prison jail cell?

OTHER NOTEWORTHY ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES EARLIER THIS YEAR

-Northern Colorado punter Mitch Cozad stabbed Bears starting punter Rafael Mendoza in the back of his right thigh in an apartment parking lot.

He was arrested, kicked off the football team and expelled from the university.

-Oklahoma's Rhett Bomar was kicked off the Sooners football team. The school said in a statement that the players violated NCAA rules by working at a private business and taking "payment over an extended period of time in excess of time actually worked."

Bomar apparently filed for 40-hour work weeks at a Norman, Okla., auto dealership, making up to $18,000, when he only worked 5 hours a week, Schad reported.

The QB got the boot.

Wisconsin finds a loophole in new rules

2006-11-07T12:53:00.000-08:00

Every college football fan should be happy Wisconsin Head Coach Bret Bielema exposed the stupidity of the new speed-it-up clock rules.

Bielema took advantage of a new NCAA rule that calls for the clock to start when the ball is kicked rather than when it is caught. The aim of the change was to shorten the length of the game, but Bielema used it to milk the clock of 19 seconds and deny Penn State any chance of scoring in the half's waning moments.

He said Monday that while he doesn't necessarily agree with the rule, "I knew the rule and wanted to maximize it. ... It worked exactly as we envisioned it. It's something we practice. My guess is, with the attention we've received, there may be an amendment."

Those Wisconsin beer-loving Cheeseheads sure know their football. Props to the head coach for finding a perfectly legitimate way to call out the new clock rules on National television. Sorry Mr. Joe Paterno it had to be against your team. Also, that was some hit you took from your own player. I hope the recovery is swift.

Florida receives blow to defense, Marcus Thomas kicked off team

2006-11-07T12:19:00.000-08:00

Marcus Thomas writes to the Gator Nation, straight from Gator Country.....

Dear Gator Nation:

First off, I would like to thank the Gator fans for making the last 3-1/2 years of my life very memorable. Gator fans are the best in the world, and are a main reason why I chose Florida over all other colleges that recruited me. There is no better feeling than running out the tunnel in The Swamp or getting a sack in front of 90,000 fans. Secondly, I'd like to thank the coaching staff, especially Coach Mattison and Coach Strong, who are not only great coaches but great people.

I would like to take this time to apologize to the fans, coaches, and my teammates for letting them down. I loved being a Gator and I love playing football, even through pain and never missing a start due to injury. I made a bad decision at a party this past off-season. It was the first time I had been in any kind of trouble in my life and I deserved to be suspended the first game of the season. It was difficult for me to watch the opening game from the sidelines, but I was excited to help my team beat Tennessee in Knoxville, which was a first for us seniors.

When I thought my bad decision was behind me, I was given a longer suspension. It was frustrating to be told I was going to miss that many games of the season. It was not the way I saw my senior year going down when I chose to come back. Many people passed judgment on me and it was hard going from seeing your name in the paper and on the news for three years for great things, then suddenly everyone's talking about how bad you are. One of the disadvantages of being a football player in the spotlight is that one mistake is seen by everyone.

I apologize most of all to the kids who look up to me and promise to be a better role model in the future. Soon after, my name was cleared and my suspension was lifted. At drug rehab, I felt like I didn't belong. I knew my mistake was months behind me so I didn't see the point. I realize now that I was wrong and I should have done everything the coaches asked me to do no matter what I thought. That's what a good football player does. I'm also aware that I've affected my draft status but me and "Scoop" will work even harder at the next level to make up for it. Once again I am truly sorry for what has happened and I blame no one but myself. I'm now the #1 Gator fan in the world and hope my boys can ride out of Atlanta with a ring.

Sincerely,
Marcus Thomas

On behalf of the Gator Nation... we are pissed at you. You have so much talent and the University of Florida was making YOU a possible first rounder. Why screw it up? Your defensive skills were keeping us in all the games. You know the offensive issues going on the other side of the ball.

Your removal and the offensive slump may be what does the gators in this season. So that loss would fall on your shoulders, even if you're off the team.

I'm not your teammate, but if I was, I would likely feel let down, shafted, bamboozled. All you had to do was follow the rules for a year and you would have been off to the NFL. But you couldn't even do that, not even for your bros on the team.

All the luck to you in the NFL. Remember what school got you there.

Big East Needs Big Help on Defense

2006-11-03T11:33:00.001-08:00

In a game showcasing two of the top 5 teams in the country, the schools' defenses looked decidingly mediocre. The stat of the game according to ESPN, was the combined total yards maxing out at 1,008. The Cardinals and Mountaineers set a Big East record by combining for those 1,008 total yards.

For that to happen in todays age of shortened clock time and shortened games, that had to of meant there was nearly no defense. Top 5 teams have defense. Some defense of some sort. These teams would have done just as well not fielding a DEFENSE.

WV Louisville
1st Downs 24 22
Total Yards 540 468
Passing 222 354
Rushing 318 114
Penalties 7-68 4-40
3rd Down Conversions 4-9 4-10
4th Down Conversions 0-1 0-0
Turnovers 3 1
Possession 32:08 27:52

look at the stats. not impressive

Tim Tebow is Chuck Norris-The Great White Hope

2006-11-01T07:12:00.000-08:00

Let's see Chris Leak and Tebow throw some unbelievable passes against Vandy this weekend.

Derrick Harvey needs more pub

2006-11-01T06:46:00.001-08:00

The former basketball player, turned defensive specialist, started playing football in his junior year of high school.

"On a Florida defense with a wealth of talent up front, Harvey has become one of the Gators' biggest playmakers. Even though he's started only one game, he's started playing at an All-SEC level. He leads the conference in sacks with seven and he's forced one fumble and recovered two. In the win over Georgia last Saturday, he had a sack and caused the fumble that defensive lineman Ray McDonald returned for a touchdown on the first offensive play of the second half."

With some of our big-name defensive players likely leaving next year, it's good to see the next group of defensive stoppers already making a name for themselves. Harvey is one of them. he is only 250 pds but he is holding his own against opposing big uglies.

"He is playing his technique well," co-defensive coordinator Greg Mattison said. "He is not a real big kid. He is 250 pounds and he is playing over 300-pound offensive tackles. He has held his own in there, and he has really given us a bonus in the run."

Looks like this playmaker will cause opposing offenses problems from here on out.

Hit of the Week

2006-10-31T14:30:00.000-08:00

Reggie Nelson needs more publicity

And yes the dawgs' receivers were scared the rest of the night.

Latest Polls

2006-10-29T10:59:00.000-08:00

Bowl Championship Series Rankings
(Updated: Sunday October 29, 2006)

*Only Poll that really matters now*

1. Ohio State
2. Michigan
3. West Virginia
4. Florida
5. Louisville
6. Auburn
7. Texas
8. USC
9. Notre Dame
10. California
11. Tennessee
12. Rutgers
13. Arkansas
14. Boise State
15. Boston College

The Associated Press Top 25 Poll
(Updated: Sunday October 29, 2006)

1 Ohio State 9-0
2 Michigan 9-0
3 West Virginia 7-0
4 Texas 8-1
5 Louisville 7-0
6 Auburn 8-1
7 Florida 7-1
8 Tennessee 7-1
9 USC 6-1
10 California 7-1
11 Notre Dame 7-1
12 Arkansas 7-1
13 LSU 6-2
14 Boise State 8-0
15 Rutgers 7-0

Looking at the two polls, looks like some extreme differences. Everyone has their own opinions but I expect to see some big shake-ups in the next couple weeks.

Ohio State has been winning pretty strongly. The defense is still suspect. But they look like the team to beat.

The Michigan/ OSU should drop out of national title contention b/c other one loss teams should have stronger strength of schedules. Michigan had some bad performances against teams like Vanderbilt, PSU and Northwestern. I expect Michigan to get handled and drop out of national title contention.

The Louisville/West Virginia loser drops out of contention. The winner doesn't make the championship game because their strength of schedule sucks. Rutgers would be a nice upset special, they are a good feel story but not that good.

USC and Texas both look very suspect. Their competetion continues to be sub par and they barely squeak out games. USC had this catch up to them FINALLY...to an off the radar Oregon State team. It will happen to Texas too. I expect USC to lose at least one game to either Cal or Notre Dame. And I also expect Texas to lose another one in the Big 12 Championship...maybe Nebraska, Missouri?

Whoever wins the SEC Championship possibly..Tennessee, Florida, Auburn or Arkansas will have a chance for the National Championship Game. All have one loss. And God do I hope it is Florida. Just get your offense together!

Gators win in a close one... too close

2006-10-28T16:59:00.000-07:00

Thoughts on the game....

-If our kicker makes the two field goals, the game isn't as close... Hetland is now 1 for 7. Let someone else try, please.

-Why is the offense strong in the first half but crappy in the second half? Our coaches are usually good at making second half adjustments, but I couldn't even sit in my chair the second half. Some adjustments should have been made.

-Our RB DeShawn Wynn needs more plays straight up the middle. The spread works only if the defense feels like the middle must be respected.

-Chris Leak needs to step it up as a senior. No turnovers.

-Our defense forced 5 turnovers. That's what I expect from these boys.

-Let Tebow pass the ball. The Georgia defense was ready for the run, so let him pass the ball. He threw for a bzillion yards in high school.

-I really am starting to think the two-headed quarterback might not be so good. Our offense has so much potential, but it never seems to click. One quarterback might be the answer. But which one?

P.S. USC lost and Texas has their hands full.

Don't Call it the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party

2006-10-28T11:25:00.000-07:00

Only Gators get out alive of Jacksonville!

Gator Baketball team starts out Numero Uno

2006-10-27T09:02:00.000-07:00

The coaches rank everyone else behind Florida in this years preseason coaches poll.

ESPN/USA Today Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Florida (30)
2. North Carolina
3. Kansas
4. Ohio State(1) <- What the hell is that for?
5. Pittsburgh
7. LSU
8. Georgetown
9. Wisconsin
10. Arizona
11. Duke
12. Alabama
13. Texas A&M
14. Memphis
15. Boston College
16. Washington
17. Marquette
18. Connecticut
19. Texas
20. Syracuse
21. Georgia Tech
22. Kentucky
23. Creighton
24. Tennessee
25. Nevada

The starting five are back and look to be at least as good as before. Joakim Noah has gained about 20 pounds in the weightroom, he said on the Midnight Madness televised event. He also is a LIBERAL! I bet some of the righties will just hate that. Don't worry, Donovan balances out the team, he supports the Prezzz.

Walter Hodge is said to have stepped it up in his play this summer and will be a legit shooting threat and point guard behind Taureen Green. Chris Richard has slimmed down significantly and is our "third big man." He would start on almost every top 25 team in the nation.

Behind our veterans, it looks like we will see good depth and playing time from some solid freshman. Dan Werner, Mr. Basketball of New Jersey, looks to be the most ready to play but don't be surprised to see all the freshmen make a significant impact this year.

All the freshman have star potential. Here are the pictures of what they look like. If you are on campus and see extremely tall people with extremely long shirts, that's them.

2006 Recruits

Jon Mitchell- Mount Vernon, NY

Brandon Powell- Memphis, TN

Marreese Speights- St. Petersburg, FL

Dan Werner- Lincroft, New Jersey

What's the deal with FSU?

2006-10-26T10:10:00.000-07:00

Here is an article from the Orlando Sentinel that tries to explain the situation in Tallahassee.

Excerpts:

"How, then, did all these highly ranked recruits grow up to become an unranked football team? How, then, has FSU lost seven of its past 12 games dating to last season? How, then, have the 'Noles lost as many games since the beginning of the 2001 season -- 23 -- as they did in the previous 15?"

I will tell you how. Florida is stealing away a better quality of athlete from the state of Florida. The Florida coaches are molding their kids into star college players. FSU is not. Strong players still go through Tallahassee and may still end up in the NFL but their time at FSU must certainly be dissappointing. The coaches don't get the use out of their star recruits like they should be. There has to be monumental coaching changes in Doak Campbell.

Here is an example of a star FSU recruit:

Antonio Cromartie was a mega-recruit -- a tall cornerback who could fly -- when he signed with the Seminoles in 2003 out of Lincoln High, just down the street from FSU's campus. He made good on all of that potential when he was a first-round NFL draft pick this past April.

What happened in-between, though, was a college career that embodies some of the unforeseen developments that can occur after a player signs. Cromartie tore his anterior cruciate ligament in one knee, missed an entire season, then left early for the draft. For a top recruit, FSU got little value: Cromartie started one game in his college career.

(Pic from Orange and Blue Hue)

If I was an FSU fan, student or alumni I wouldn't be quiet about what has to be done. Your historic coach and his hand-picked staff has to go. That's why it won't be a surprise when you see new coaches at both FSU and UM next year.

Reggie Nelson gets a Heisman vote from me

2006-10-23T12:01:00.000-07:00

His hair is that crazy and his smile is that big.

This kid is a flat out playmaker. He stood out against LSU, who supposedly has the star safety, Laron Landry, of the NCAA.

Reggie Nelson is the top safety in America. I would love for him to stay his senior year but I know he is gone. The NFL is calling, and under his situation, it's understandable.

A few quick links and good reads on Reggie F'n Nelson the playmaker.

Gators' Nelson Always Gets The Message

Ratliff: Nelson to NFL?

Check the highlight videos from my past posts and see who makes the big hits, and the clutch interceptions. He does it every week.

Just call him The Predator because that's what he's like back there roaming the secondary. He preys on the receivers coming through the middle, and those leaping off the ground. Wideouts should be scared when they play the gators.

Plus they both have the long dreds.

Morphing Badger Badger Badger

2006-10-20T19:40:00.000-07:00

Original Badger Badger Badger

Fluffy Badger Badger Badger

Retarded Bush Badger Badger Badger

Wisconsin Bucky Badger Badger Badger

Florida Midseason Highlights

2006-10-19T14:10:00.000-07:00

ChrisLeakfan4Life gets a weekly post on my blog because he has the best Florida highlight videos going right now.

This is big boy football, people.

2006-10-19T13:30:00.000-07:00

Even with the Gator football fans feeling like their hearts have been ripped out last week from the Auburn War Eagle Tigers, Florida travesty.... there is still hope!

Whether your hurting-

-From the shafting of the season second only to the Oregon Oklahoma game...
-From the defining example of "home- cooked" officiating...
-From the realization that one bad half, even with a stellar defense, can lose you a game in the SEC...
-From the feeling knowing you were the better team on that Saturday night and you win 8 out of 10 times even in Jordan-Hare...
-From the feeling you know that game may have been a blowout played on a neutral field or The Swamp...

it hurts still the same.

The SEC is the toughest conference, and I wouldn't have it any other way. "It's a tough-ass conference," says Urb. It's why I respect the lowest team on the SEC totem pole more than the highest team in the Big 12 or PAC 10. If you live for this conference, you understand.

Onto a brighter note, and an optimistic viewpoint. Some in the MSM still think Florida has a chance.....

"You say Southern California; I say the best team in the Pac-10 is one-loss California, and the Trojans are a few short weeks from finding that out. You say Michigan; I say it doesn't matter — one of those two teams from the Little Nine will be done Nov. 18 in Columbus. You say West Virginia or Louisville; I say the winner of that Thursday night throwdown in two weeks will lose to either Rutgers or Pitt later in the season. You say one-loss Texas; I say, please, the Big 12 blows. You say one-loss Notre Dame; I say the Domers wouldn't last a month in the SEC."

Which leads right back to Florida....

Do your job Gators, and all the cards might fall back into place...just like the 96' National Champs.

The Bears are who we thought they were!

2006-10-17T14:26:00.000-07:00

I'd have a meltdown to if my team squandered a 20 point lead at the half. The kicker is, there wasn't an offensive touchdown all night for the bears, and the bears had 6 turnovers!

Unlike Dennis Green, I would not have fired the offensive coordinator, Keith Rowen. I would have taken responsibility for the ineptitude of the offense in the second half of Monday nights game.

Cardinals will be Cardinals. I almost feel bad for ol' Matty, he seemed solid out there throwing the ball. Oh yeah, one last note to Denny, next week bring an offensive line to the game.

University of Miami in a complete downward spiral

2006-10-17T08:50:00.000-07:00

Here is the clip of the fight, complete with commentary from former Miami wide receiver Lamar Thomas. Listen to some of the things he said. (He was fired after the game.)

Miami fans seemed to be loving it. Just checkout some of the videos on youtube claiming Miami to be the winner. No one knew FIU had a football team until tonight. And you started a fight with them. Just embarrassing, Did Miami really feel that threatened by FIU?

After all that. Here comes the heavy sanctions. Only 1 player suspended indefinitetly on the Miami squad. The rest of the 13 players will receive a one game suspension against the worst divison 1A team football team in the country, Duke.

Florida International dismissed two players and put 16 others on indefinite suspension. That is called taking a stand.

In the NFL, Albert Haynesworth was suspended 5 games without pay for stepping on someones face.

I saw that happen like 10 times in the video.

Yet nothing from the joke, that is the University of Miami. Thug U

"Why is it bad? I really don't understand. I think it's good. It gets people to watch football more," said Sara Cass, 19, a Miami student from New York City.

I'm speechless

2006-10-15T11:41:00.000-07:00

Let's get this out of the way first..

First half we played like Florida

Second half was not at all Florida-like

And yet I honestly felt like the better team lost.

Yes the crowd was hostile... The refs were worse.

The play...as I will call it, will go down as one of the worst fuck-ups in NCAA football.

It should have been an incomplete pass..Tate Casey was right there. At worse, intentional grounding, although it wasn't called on Auburn all night. But there is no way in hell that was a fumble. We likely get a field goal, take the lead and hopefully change the momentum of the game. The game was too close for a ref to screw us. It was so close on both sides of the ball.

Two plays that killed us-

The botched punt by Eric Wilbur. He is usually money. How could he screw it at the worst possible time?

Chris Leak's incomplete pass, somehow called a fumble. Given Leak had a crappy night, under-throwing his passes, that last incomplete pass was not a fumble.

ESPN has a decent article on it.

Some not so classy moves by Auburn I noticed. I guess since they couldn't score a touchdown on offense, they had to be classless on defense.

1. The guy who flipped into the endzone on the blocked punt? I wished bad he pulled an Adrian Peterson.

2. Running back on the last play? Score is meaningless. Go down, the game is over. Maybe the dude was a stat whore? Anyway, I wish that call would have been reviewed anyway. I'm not so sure that was even a fumble, but down by contact.

I hope Arkansas starts losing, we keep winning. (I want to pummel Georgia and South Carolina!) And I hope Auburn keeps winning so we have a rematch. Revenge is sweet, Auburn won't have their crowd, and I hope it gets ugly.

The Gators bring the Swamp to Auburn

2006-10-14T07:50:00.000-07:00

Only Gators get out alive of Jordan-Hare.

Go Gators!

Preview of Florida v. Auburn

2006-10-13T11:43:00.000-07:00

Basketball Season Inching Closer

2006-10-11T17:10:00.000-07:00

First of all, for all the Rowdy Reptiles, go sign up for your tickets here

Now a couple of opening articles about the chances of UF repeating and some quotes from the gator boys:

National Champion Gators Handle Hype

Defending National Champs Thinking Repeat at Florida

Gator Hoping To Stay on Top

Worst opninion writer I've read, he does not deserve any recognition as a "Sportswriter"

2006-10-10T10:21:00.000-07:00

Just so you can see what he looks like...

Mike Freeman at it again..
Meyer's gimmick erases Leak's Heisman chances

Playing the race card again and spouting his opinion about the Gators. He does not know jack shit about them. He honestly just looks like an ass. Represents everything wrong in the hyper commercial, individual achieving, college atmosphere of today.

"Some coaches are the most egotistical, glory seeking people you will ever meet. Which brings me to Urban Meyer."

"Yet there is no better example of a coach wanting to look like Stephen Hawking at the expense of his own players than what Meyer is doing now. Namely, Meyer is building his clip file and cameo highlights on network television at the expense of Chris Leak, the most under-appreciated player in recent college football history."

"Not to put too fine a point on it, but Meyer is screwing Leak out of a potential Heisman so Meyer can look like he's the smartest guy in the room."

It's not about the Heisman, it's about winning! Winning championships. If that happens everything else falls into place. And hopefully everything falls into place that you're soon out of a job. You're not doing a good job being controversial because 50% of the people don't like you, and 50% of the people do.....no one likes your opinions. No one should read your column because it's pure garbage.

Gameday gives the gators love x 2

2006-10-10T09:17:00.000-07:00

Gameday stopped by Gainesville, and the Gators impressed. Chris Fowler,Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso were there doing the ordinary show thing. Herbstreit repeatedly has said THE SWAMP is the toughest place to play. (but he picked LSU?) Lee Corso picked the gators to win and the crowd went nuts. (And luckily for us, the Corso curse didn't get the gators.)

A recap of the LSU explained by the top 11 performers of the game.

Players of note:

-. Reggie Nelson
"A blocked punt, an interception and another interception created by a ferocious hit - all in a days work for Reggie Nelson. He was named co-defensive player of the game for his performance against LSU, and Urban Meyer said he graded out a perfect 100 percent."

Meyer is on record saying he is the best safety in the ncaa and would be his first pick in the nfl draft.

-Ryan Smith
"With four interceptions in the past two games, and four more near-interceptions, Ryan Smith has adjusted to life in the SEC. The Utah-transfer is making an enormous contribution to the supposed weakest link on the defense."

He could have many more INTs if he had a little better hands. He can read routes like it's nobodies business and has an acute sense for where the opposing QB will throw the ball.

- Tim Tebow
"Tim Tebow makes his first appearance in the Hot 11 after his memorable performance on Saturday. Tebow got the Gators on the board with a 1-yard touchdown run, followed it with the jump-pass for a touchdown and ended the day with a 35-yard pass to Louis Murphy."

The Gator Nation knew he could throw!

After the butt whooping the gators put on the Tigers.

It looks like Gameday is following the Florida Gators to Auburn.

Go Gators! Today is a big one!

2006-10-07T10:15:00.000-07:00

LSU, we heard your defense is impressive, but so is ours.

Only gators get out alive....

P.S. Why do so many LSU fans have bowl hair cuts? Just an observation....

This network will never work

2006-10-06T11:53:00.001-07:00

Will Ferrell having fun with SportsCenter

I thought this would lighten the mood with the criticism of ESPN lately. You won't hear me stop grumbling though, until changes are made.

Marcus Thomas is back!

2006-10-05T20:19:00.000-07:00

via ESPN:

Gator News:

1.Suspended defensive tackle Marcus Thomas has been reinstated and will play Saturday when No. 5 Florida hosts ninth-ranked LSU.

2. ESPN.com's Joe Schad reported Thursday that starting running back DeShawn Wynn will miss the matchup against LSU.

3. Wide receiver Percy Harvin, who had an ankle injury, was cleared to play against the Tigers.

The game just got a whole lot more interesting.

Marcus Thomas on the practice field?

2006-10-04T05:56:00.000-07:00

All from The Miami Herald

Thomas has officially returned to team functions despite the fact that his suspension remains in limbo.Thomas did not actually engage in team drills. There is speculation that Thomas could return for the game considering he practiced Tuesday and has already missed two games.

''He worked out a little bit earlier -- not with the team,'' Meyer said. ``He's just trying to stay in shape.''

Will he be back for LSU? I sure hope so.

Throwback vs Modern

2006-10-02T07:38:00.000-07:00

Which one do you like better?

I can't believe it

2006-10-01T20:29:00.000-07:00

Look who is coming to Gainesville

Thoughts on the Bama Game

2006-10-01T08:28:00.000-07:00

For play by play on game... see Espn, Gatorzone or Sunsports Replay.
Now onto my thoughts of the game. The good stuff.

Defense
-Even without Marcus Thomas (who we still need badly) our D held them to 0 offensive touchdowns. The only TD Alabama scored was a Chris Leak botched-snap fumble for 6. Bama was in the redzone a few times, only came out with two field goals.

-Still need more pressure on the QB. We need scoop.

-Secondary had 3 INTs - One return for a TD. The secondary really stepped it up against a strong true throwing QB.

Leak makes a 40+ yard run all the way to the two yard line.

-Tebow played strong. Leak was great. (Signs at the stadium = Leak 4 Heisman! Chris Leak is Bringing back the Sexy)

-Bubba didn't get too many catches but one was BIG for a TD and one catch showed his mobility again. He danced around the Alabama defense although he didn't get too far.

-Jemalle Cornelius had some absolutely huge catches this game, That's just senior leadership. I think some his catches rival the beauty of Calvin Johnson of GT.

-Touchdown Baker had great hands with his TD.

Something to note

-We could have pretty easily scored two more TDS. Ryan Smith had a third interception dropped that was a a wide open TD run back. And we likely could have punched it in at the end of the game. But no need to run up the score.

Players of note

- Wynn is becoming a real bruiser. I hope his ankle is a go for LSU.

- Brandon James seeing more time. Some at the running back. Always strong at the return position.

- Ryan Smith 2 INTS! Nice! and a chance at a third!

- Reggie F'n Nelson, yet another interception. Had an INT for a touchdown tonight. He is electrifying.

Officiating

-Was pretty decent. Calls went both ways. Didn't decide the game. But I was in the fifth row for the "supposed" Tebow fumble. The ball was down by contact with the ground. Alabama does not deserve that fumble stat!

Go Gators! LSU is next!

Common Gators!

2006-09-30T10:05:00.000-07:00

Bama will try to have the crimson tide roll...

But I think this guy has something to say about it

Only Gators get out of the Swamp alive!

ESPN drops writer because of anti-ESPN commentary

2006-09-29T14:30:00.000-07:00

The interview that got him fired

Freedom to speak has price
"I wasn’t surprised. ESPN, a terrific network, has always been hypersensitive to criticism, especially when it comes from its independent-contract employees. Over the six years I’ve worked for ESPN, I’ve received complaining phone calls from its executives almost every time I’ve written a critical word about the network."

Whitlock leaves ESPN, but not quietly
"Outspoken Kansas City Star columnist Jason Whitlock was, in his own words, "dumped" by ESPN for ripping colleagues Mike Lupica and Scoop Jackson in an interview with the sports blog The Big Lead."

I think this guy is too similar to Mike Freeman who played the race card with Chris Leak..so I don't have much respect for him. Except for the fact that he stood up to ESPN's crappifying of the sports world as we know it. He stood up to the complete commercialization of DISESPNABC

Florida vs. Kentucky highlights

2006-09-27T14:45:00.000-07:00

If you missed any.. here is a good collection of 'em.

ABC/ESPN makes it official

2006-09-27T13:59:00.000-07:00

This week the College Gameday crew heads out to corn-filled Iowa, mecca of all things football, pigskin and produce. And not surprisingly the SEC gets shunned again for the ABC night game.

I'm not saying the SEC has any truly nail-biting games this week. FL v. Bama should be a good match up. Auburn v. SC would have been a decent matchup if it was a Saturday game. But I truly believe they're comparable to OSU v. Iowa.

Instead a great decision by ESPN, the 24-hour commercial channel for itself, leads us to Ohio State v. Iowa. Ohio State has been on gameday 3 times now. VS penn state, VS Tejas and now Iowa. An Ohio State team that NO ONE cares about outside Ohio, possibly the Big Ten.

So I've decided I'm not watching gameday. It's an eternal love fest for Notre Dame and Ohio State. The clips for other teams get smaller while teams like ND get more press.. why? The SEC has been snubbed too much. No respect.

Disney has ABC and ESPN clenched together like butt cheeks. I need to find new sports channels to watch.. See this post

Five Things We Learned This Weekend

2006-09-25T06:57:00.000-07:00

From Sports Illustrated:

1) That Notre Dame is headed to the Sugar Bowl. As flawed as that team is, you can pretty much script the rest of its season. The Irish are going to beat their next seven opponents fairly easily. And they’re going to get crushed by USC. That puts them at 10-2; Sugar gets first choice of at-large teams this year. The only remaining mystery is how much they’ll lose the bowl game by.

Look, someone isn't buying into the hype machine!

5) That Florida fans need to get a clue. A contingent of idiots at The Swamp booed Chris Leak (the nation’s top-rated passer coming into the game) on two occasions during Saturday night’s win over Kentucky. Tim Tebow runs fast. He’s the future. I get it. But if you’re stupid enough to think the Gators would have won at Tennessee two weeks ago without Leak, I’ve got an autographed Bobby Sabelhaus jersey to sell you.

Stop booing our Heisman candidate! He is the man. He is the leader of this team.

Quick notes on players playing/ not playing this upcoming week

2006-09-25T06:47:00.000-07:00

Looks like-

Percy Harvin should be all go this week before Alabama

Meyer said offensive guard Ronnie Wilson will return to practice this week and be available for Saturday's game. Wilson, the No. 1 left guard entering two-a-days, fractured his ankle in August and missed the first four games.

No new news on Marcus Thomas

Let's just hope Kentucky is the darkhorse of the SEC

2006-09-24T08:09:00.000-07:00

Kentucky made the Gators look vulnerable last night but we overcame and prevailed in the tough SEC.

Chris Leak is our quarterback. He may be the classic drop back passer. But he is good! Don't chant Tebow. That's for next year. Until then, lets get behind our HEISMAN CANDIDATE quarterback Chris Leak. He kept us moving down the field for nearly all the drives.

Our running backs looked like they averaged good yardage... except when they fumbled it. Urban you better get on our running backs. What happens when we go against the killer defenses of SEC?

Turnovers hurt us and our offense still isn't quite clicking. When we get back Harvin..throw in Cooper and Fayson...along with the already experienced wideouts we should be good to go.

Now lets go see what the message boards and news commentators had to say.

Watch out Kentucky

2006-09-23T10:16:00.000-07:00

The Swamp is waiting for you. Only Gators get out alive.

Stolen from Orange and Blue Hue

2006-09-22T13:34:00.000-07:00

Some respect for the SEC

2006-09-22T12:51:00.000-07:00

Sports Illustrated finally realized what SEC fans new all along...
SEC defense reigns supreme. SEC manhandles all the other conferences

On SEC Defense-

"But more strikingly, anyone who watched the game couldn't help but be dazzled by the speed and intensity of the two defenses. Time and again, powerful linemen surged into the backfield, blazing-fast linebackers came up to deliver crushing hits and defensive backs flew across the field to break up what seemed like certain completions."

A couple of quotes-

"These are the best defenses in the country," said Florida coach Urban Meyer. "I've been fortunate to coach against Pac-10 teams and Big Ten teams, Mountain West, WAC, Mid-American, even some ACC schools. I've had a little flavor of it all, and I really feel strongly that top to bottom, we're the toughest defensive conference in the nation."

"Each year," said Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville, "the defenses in our conference get better."

Marcus Thomas, we need you man..You're a beast

2006-09-20T17:21:00.000-07:00

Defensive tackle Marcus Thomas spent today in meetings with school officials to appeal a five-game suspension he received earlier this week for marijuana use.

I hope what his Mother said is true...

“Basically, we think he’s being hit with double-jeopardy,” she said. “He’s being hit twice with the same mistake. I’m behind him 100 percent.”

The reasoning given by Thomas and his Mother is that the first positive test and the second positive test were from the same single instance. Supposedly, there was not enough time in between tests to have the THC clear the system.

If not...do the crime, do the time.

I'm sure Marcus Thomas is the only athlete in the NCAA that has ever done this drug, so I guess they will make an example out of him. But we need him back, he gets double teamed and makes it easier for the rest of the team. He is a cornerstone of UF's rock solid defense.

This is for you Notre Dame fans

2006-09-20T05:58:00.000-07:00

Willingham = Weis

Who is the next coach at Notre Dame?

Not so fast, my friend

2006-09-19T14:39:00.000-07:00

Lee Corso got the Gators fired up

Lee Corso, the night before the UF v UT game, said the Gators were too soft to win in Knoxville. Those comments probably helped UF secure the win in the 4th quarter.

"I watched it Friday night and Saturday morning," Brandon Siler said. "We were watching college football and it came up over and over on the screen: Florida is too soft to win in Tennessee. The reaction (of the players) was real crazy. We were angry. We knew we weren't that kind of team and went out and proved it. How dare anyone think about us like that. I don't have anything personal against (Corso). He has a job to do. I'm pretty sure he has a change of heart right now."

I love it when rival fans talk trash

2006-09-17T23:03:00.000-07:00

Then lose the game

Here is the answer

ESPN losing my faith

2006-09-17T11:12:00.000-07:00

Enough said.

Two big time punt returns the refs messed up on

2006-09-17T10:20:00.000-07:00

#1 - phantom block in the back call

#2- A no call that should have been "tripping"

Is that not tripping? Tell me that's not tripping.

A heart attack game

2006-09-17T08:52:00.000-07:00

This image explains what turned the game around for the gators

After a phantom block in the back call on a Brandon James punt return for TD it wasn't looking good for the gators. But UF did not fold. After two long drives down the field when it was needed the most, Dallas Baker was two touchdowns more rich.

21-20 game over

The defensive line was on lock down -1 rushing for Tennessee! Two INTs by Reggie F'n Nelson. They scored twice, one was on a trick play. And their kicker just has a great leg.

Just a crazy game, going into the most hostile environment in CFB... 105,000 people!

It's great to be a Florida gator. Our freshman were great. Big things this season.

2006-09-15T16:15:00.000-07:00

Only gators get out alive and we're bringing them to Neyland Stadium.

Only gators get out alive in Knoxville

ReCap of UF vs.UCF highlights

2006-09-15T15:36:00.000-07:00

ChrisLeakfan4life has some amazing videos. I always enjoy watching his put together Gator highlights. Some of the songs I like better than others. The heavier the rock, the better. That's how football background music should be.

ReCap of Florida vs Southern Miss on YouTube...outstanding

2006-09-15T15:26:00.000-07:00

Southern Miss fan on myspace, speaks for itself

SEC vs. the rest

2006-09-14T09:39:00.000-07:00

Spurred on by this article, I have come up with a monumental idea.

Make two polls. The SEC poll and the rest of the country poll. At the end of the season, have playoffs between the two number ones, number twos and so on. It's the playoff system everyone is talking about. I created it for you!

Here are the AP rankings as of right now ..."3-6-7-10-13. That’s not the winning Powerball numbers, those are power football numbers. Five SEC squads in the AP Top 15."

It is completely possible. Too many good SEC teams don't get their chance at the MNC... See Auburn a few years ago. There is a team every year it seems..

I love this quote by standout safety, Tony Joiner

2006-09-12T10:11:00.000-07:00

When responding to the intimidation factor involved going into a big time rival school's stadium like Tennessee's, Tony Joiner said:

"That is really where we want to get," junior strong safety Tony Joiner said. "We really want to go into somebody else's house and take their cheese. Make a sandwich in their kitchen."

Opposing fans

2006-09-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

Opposing fans always seem displeased when they come into The Swamp and leave feeling even worse. Consider this. The Swamp is the most hostile environment for college football teams to come into nationwide. Expect the worse! Our fans will be loud, they will probably be chattering at opposing fans before the game as well. Expect it!

We are not suppose to like you, for that game you are the enemy. The players on the field will try to psyche opponents out, and so will the fans. It is just how it works. I do feel any physical exchange of any sort, cussing, throwing things and things of those extreme should not be part of the opposing fans banter.

With that in mind, consider the story of the most recent game. As my group of homeboys are sitting in the student section for UF-UCF game, about 10 ucf fans come and sit down in varying places around us. First of all, how can ucf fans be sitting in the UF student section? And secondly they seemed to feel they owned the place. Every once in awhile they would try to start a U-C-F cheer. This would always be ended with SUCKS by the UF students. It made UCF fans angry from the start of the game. To rap up this little story, the UCF fans tried to pick fights all night and almost succeeded until the cops escorted rowdiest of the fans out of the stadium. I was not impressed by the character of the UCF, surprising to me, because lots of times I'm not impressed with the way some of our own fans act.

All the UCF folks were gone by half time anyway. Gators Are On Fire!

UCF has a long ways to go

2006-09-10T08:51:00.000-07:00

First team offense looked spectacular against UCF.

Quarterbacks
-Chris Leak was nearly perfect. He spread the ball to MANY receivers. He was throwing bullets and making great reads. Just a great performance. I hope he keeps it up
- Time Tebow shows great potential. Had some good hard hitting runs, and few decent passes. Put one good drive together, but had an INT and fumble. He needs to work on turnovers.

Receivers
-Have so many options, it literally is ridiculous. WE have the best wide receiver core in the country. Other than a Harvin fumble, we were flawless. Harvin also had a dazzling 58-yard touchdown run to make up for the fumble. Caldwell, Baker, Cornelius and Ingram all great. Others like Fayson, Cooper, D. Nelson, Tookes and Casey also had good receptions. We are loaded!

Running game
Deshawn Wynn should be our main back. He isn't dancing as much anymore. And he is running strong. I like him as our number 1 back. Moore also had a good run for a TD.

Offensive line
- Looked great tonight. If they keep improving, our running game might be a monster. Would love that.

First team defense was on lock down

Defensive line
Got all the big-time boys back and it showed. Shutdown the run. No points, nothing!

Secondary
Great as usual, have the speed and helped with the shutout.

Second and third teams-
In the 3rd and 4th quarters, when second and third teams began playing, the immaturity showed. Our offense did move the ball but it was third and long every time. The defense did not give up big plays or any points, but the ball was moved better against them.

Urban Meyer showed his class by being conservative the second half. Did not run up the score in the second half, seemed more like a practice scrimmage.

And we got our rings

After Leak, there is Tebow, after Tebow... Cam Newton

2006-09-07T23:08:00.000-07:00

Tonight, Westlake (Atlanta, Georgia) 4-Star quarterback Cameron Newton committed to the Gators.

Some stats, comments and videos:

6-foot-4, 232-pound frame

Cameron Newton profile

"Newton is a big, mobile, strong armed, and accurate quarterback that seems to be able to make all the throws."

Rivals has him at 6-4 and Scout has him at 6-6. Who is right? A 6-6 quarterback...wow...that reminds me of a certain star qb from the school we play Saturday.

Great Summary of Florida's first game stats

2006-09-07T22:40:00.000-07:00

Over at there is a terrific chart that breaks down rushing offense, passing offense and receiving of Florida's first game.

GatorDavid pulled the chart from an NCAA Web site. Here is the ncaa chart of the Gators first game.

Playing Tennessee just got a little easier

2006-09-07T22:23:00.000-07:00

Tennessee center Major Wingate, who was a thorn in the Gators side last year, has been dismissed from the team.

"I am disappointed and discouraged in some of the decisions that Major has made," coach Bruce Pearl said. "While he has made some progress in certain areas over the last several months, I am unable to allow him to return to our team this season."

I wonder what he did? This is pure speculation but I wouldn't be surprised if it was drug related. A green NBC logo possibly?

Steve Irwin was the man

2006-09-05T20:43:00.000-07:00

Died doing what he loved out in the wilderness

Goodbye Steve

Gators are restless

2006-09-05T19:49:00.000-07:00

Bring on UCF. We're hungry

Notes from the first week of college football

2006-09-05T08:57:00.000-07:00

-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."

Defensive playmakers, Running Back expected to play against UCF

2006-09-04T10:53:00.000-07:00

Coaches are counting on the return of Thomas and Harris to benefit everyone on a defensive line and ignite the pass rush.

"I'm anxious to see a full complement of defensive lineman, on a rotating basis, stay fresh and push the pocket," Meyer said.

Thomas and Harris both sat out of the opener for unspecified disciplinary reasons. Each is healthy and ready to hit something. I hope it makes us the best defense in the nation.

Before a stinger sidelined Wynn in the first game, he had the potential for a big game. He is expected to be back for the UCF game. He will be our most dominating back this year if he can stay healthy. With that being said, Meyer still feels very uncomfortable at the position.

"It's going to be a tryout camp this week. I want to see who can make a guy miss. If they can, they might be playing tailback for us this week."

And completely Off Topic
Steve Irwin dies at 44

How did the football and basketball teams look in their first games?

2006-09-03T07:44:00.000-07:00

Tebow fighting for his first college touchdown

Notes-

The football team defense looks rock solid. Even the secondary looked fast. Other than a Chris Leak interception freebie early in the game, Southern Miss would not have scored the entire game. The interception may also have been because of a bad route run but freshman Harvin. Reggie Nelson, Reggie Lewis and Tony Joiner all had strong games. Nelson is truly a beast. He was everywhere. Linebackers were solid as to be expected.The first team defense will be dy-no-mite. Even at the end of the game, when our second team defense was in, we didn't allow points. That was a good showing.Only thing lacking were the sacks! There were none. But there were lots of holding calls against our defense and quarterback throw aways. That tells you we still had plenty of pressure.

The offensive line still needs some work. Our running game just was completely sporadic. Sometimes it looked good, sometimes looked horrible. I think D. Wynn got hurt too. Not a good sign. We have playmakers at receiver. Percy Harvin and Dallas Baker were great. Caldwell took it easy the first game. And Jemalle had a great long pass for a touchdown. Tebow showed his heart already in just two plays and forced his body in for a touchdown.

Southern Miss was a strong opponent. They had a strong QB, Jeremy Young , who showed composure, but lacked in a strong throwing game. The yards they received were from a strong showing at their running back position.

Mareese Speights Looking good!

The Gator Boys, so far, took care of business in Canada. I wasn't able to watch it but from reports sounds like there were plenty of dunks and our freshman put up some decent numbers. Our championship team only played together for a limited amount of time, giving freshmen a chance to mesh with their new team mates. We broke the century mark easily, scoring 107 points.

Sounds like the Canadian fans were in awe of our team.

Patriots missed out on a couple of good players

2006-09-01T16:24:00.000-07:00

The Patriots release Jeremy Mincey and Vernell Brown to make their final roster cut.

Jeremy Mincey was a playmaker. Maybe it was the switch of positions that hurt him

"Florida rookie Jeremy Mincey struggled with the transition from down lineman to linebacker, and the learning curve appeared to be a bit too steep."

It was probably Vernell's size that hindered him, because he had the heart of a great player.

At least they were assured some money, picked up degrees from the 13th best public university in the nation and who knows, maybe someone else will pick them up in the future.

5 other players from Florida are still on the Pats

Remembering the Champs

2006-09-01T13:10:00.000-07:00

This was from The Alligator remembering the 1996 National champs

Steves Spurrier's play-calling on Dianabol. Danny Wuerffel's pinpoint passing on Sustanon. Ike Hilliard vacuuming in passes on Anadrol. Fred Taylor and Terry Jackson rushing past reeling lineman with a surge only Deca Durabolin should be capable of inducing.

Great read, gave me goosebumps. I hope this year gives me goosebumps

Who doesn't know Roman Numerals? Someone at Pepsi just got fired

2006-09-01T12:05:00.001-07:00

First it was the crocodile head, now it's Roman Numerals.
We are just giving the seminoles material to make fun of us for!
It doesn't matter that the Pepsi advertising company was responsible, this is going to give our rivals great fodder for the future.

Pepsi will pay for another set of shirts to be distributed in late September before the Alabama game.

I want my t-shirt on our home opener. Thanks

A.J. Jones - backup linebacker in a cast for seven weeks

2006-08-30T13:23:00.000-07:00

A great prospect out of Tampa expected to see backup time in the linebacker position is out with a broken foot.

The already thin linebacker core just became thinner.

True freshman A.J. Jones, who was expected to play a role as Brian Crum's backup at outside linebacker, broke a bone in his foot in Monday's practice and will now redshirt this season.

UF coach Urban Meyer said Jones will have surgery today and will be in a protective boot for seven weeks. He broke the same small bone on the outside part of his foot that offensive guard Ronnie Wilson fractured a year ago.

Depth Charts released

2006-08-29T13:15:00.000-07:00

Via Gator Country
Via Gator Zone

Positions of Note:

Receivers-
WR
81 Dallas Baker (RSr., 6-3, 207)
86 Riley Cooper (Fr., 6-3, 206)
11 Jarred Fayson (Fr., 6-0, 200)
WR
5 Andre Caldwell (RJr., 6-1, 203)
8 Percy Harvin (Fr., 5-11, 180)
17 Nyan Boateng (So., 6-1, 204)
WR
6 Jemalle Cornelius (RSr., 5-11, 185)
9 Kenneth Tookes (RSr., 6-2, 207)
83 David Nelson (RFr., 6-5, 206)

Offensive line-
LT
75 Phil Trautwein (Jr., 6-6, 308)
77 Jason Watkins (RSo., 6-6, 307)
LG
63 Jim Tartt (RSo., 6-3, 315)
74 Maurice Hurt (Fr., 6-3, 309)
C
79 Steve Rissler (Sr., 6-3, 306)
69 Eddie Haupt (RFr., 6-4, 295)
RG
67 Drew Miller (Jr., 6-5, 305)
76 Marcus Gilbert (Fr., 6-6, 298)
RT
73 Carlton Medder (RJr., 6-5, 315)
78 Simon Codrington (RFr., 6-6, 300)
57 Carl Johnson (Fr., 6-5, 328)

I really hope our Offensive Line steps it up in year two.
Here comes the pain.

Players pumped about the season

2006-08-29T13:07:00.000-07:00

Jarvis Moss is fired up!

"It's a good feeling. I'm just really excited," Moss said. "I'm excited for myself and I'm excited to go out and see Chris Leak throw some touchdown passes and see Earl Everett tackling some people.

"I'm excited for the whole team. I wish it would hurry up and get here. I'm ready to watch film and go out and practice this afternoon with my teammates and just get better. I can't wait for Saturday to get here because I'm excited for everybody."

Remember Josh Portis?

2006-08-28T22:15:00.000-07:00

A couple things that come to mind when Gator fans think of Josh Portis..
1. He was athletic, but whenever he came into the game we all knew he would run.
2. He complained about playing time, even though he was a freshman and somewhat fumble happy.
3. His mom likely made every decision for him his entire life. That is mostly why he went to Maryland.

Here is a story you likely have not heard about Josh Portis. A UF gymnast I work with lived on the same floor of The Springs dorms freshman year as Portis. She met Portis a couple of times because of their close proximity in living arrangements. Right away she realized his mother was involved in everything he did. Including calling the police for any reason.

One day, She said, the police were called by his mother because someone excremented in his toilet. (This is no joke, I have no reason not to trust this gymnast because she is not particularly interested in Florida football, and has no beef to pick.)I repeat, his mother called the police because someone went # 2 in his toilet!

I bet I know who went in his toilet; it was him or one of his roommates! This is nuts! Who would want to go into his room to poop in his toilet and why would your mom call the police, particularly for that?

Who do you think dropped one in his throne?

Discuss...

Florida Preview

2006-08-28T11:27:00.000-07:00

Florida Preview

Courtesy of Collegefootballnews.com (was a free site) which is now owned by Scout.com. I wish the buyout would have never happened, there go all the free articles...

Random photo shot

2006-08-27T20:28:00.000-07:00

Those fish were once in brackish water. It doesn't look that way now. I'm just now beginning to understand how to work the effects on photoshop.

With the football season only a week away!

2006-08-27T16:56:00.000-07:00

Gators Hope To Regain Their Bite

Gators looking to bring back the swagger of Spurrier, with the pure emotion, heart and respect of Urban.

"The University of Florida needs to get back to a championship game at some point. Last nine years, we've been there twice. It's time to get back there."

Gators fine-tuning team for opener

"Brandon Siler works on the defense, while David Nelson, Kestahn Moore define roles."

Just Keep Ernesto away from Florida!

Watch out the Gators are coming

2006-08-27T16:39:00.000-07:00

It started out last year with the florida baseball team going to the finals. This year the basketball boys went the distance and I expect big things from the beasts on the gridiron.

It's all about the tradition. Go Gators!

First post on my new blog

2006-08-27T15:17:00.000-07:00

The intentions of this blog are to hopefully create a small following of everything gators. From articles on academics or sports, accomplishments and other deeds worthy of posting. Also the ranting and photos of a UF student interested in Journalism and photography. Now it's time to make this blog my own.