Gators, Again; Does Another Title Await In '09?

Closing thoughts on another awesome SEC season that ended Thursday night on the highest of notes for the nation's best league, year in and year out:

--Yeah, it was ragged at times. Crept along because of the overly deliberative officiating crew. Lacking the anticipated offensive fireworks. But for football fanatics, it was a thing of beauty, prettied up by the defenses dealing admirably with Oklahoma's no-huddle and Florida's semi-spread. Urban Meyer may be the Gators boss man, but defensive coordinator Charlie Strong was the sideline star.

--Florida's wins over Oklahoma and Alabama were eerily similar: dead-even games for three quarters, then Gators dominate the fourth. It speaks to their will to win, and their coaching.

--Tim Tebow for MVP? Come on, give it to somebody on the Florida defense, which was superb. Me, I'd find a lineman, seeing as how the Gators' front often crushed the mighty Sooners line.

--Maybe the voters were swayed by Fox announcer Thom Brennaman, a solid play-caller except when he was campaigning for Tebow for sainthood. A little too much, Thom.

--Sam Bradford's rare misjudgment at the end of the first half may have cost the Okies the game. With 10 seconds left, he passed to a receiver shy of the goal line. The ball was picked by Florida. Had it been caught by the red shirts, the clock may have expired. Bradford knows better to throw it in the end zone or the seats, giving him (or his kicker) another snap.

--Percy Harvin can flat freakin' fly -- and is tough, to boot. What a threat.

--Only three seniors started for the Gators, meaning they'll be ranked No. 1 next preseason if the other 19 return. That won't happen, given all the NFL prospects in their junior class, but Florida could withstand the loss of a few and still open 2009 in the same spot where they finished '08. The biggest if is Tebow, still with a year of eligibility. Of course, to listen to Brennaman, he might just forego football and pledge to a life of missionary work.

Selah.

Ten Observations From The Georgia Dome

   1. Did you anticipate a blowout after the first possession by each team? Three-and-out for Alabama, an eye-blink touchdown drive by Florida.

   2. What was more unlikely than a long, two-play scoring march by plodding Alabama?

   3. What on earth was the Bama special teams coach thinking on the fake field goal without its real kicker on the field?

   4. Was there ever a more crucial bonehead play than Javier Arenas catching the kickoff and stepping out at the four-yard line, which allowed the Gators to break a tie before halftime?

   5. Why did Urban Meyer go to the locker room with three timeouts in his pocket? Couldn't the quick-strike Gators have gotten into field-goal range?

   6. How many shifts of momentum did you count? At least six, right?

   7. Did those who gamble on Alabama (plus 10 points) kiss Meyer on the TV screen when his sideline infraction could have turned the last Gator touchdown drive into a field goal, which would have put Florida up by seven instead of 11?

   8. Can you now appreciate the value of Percy Harvin to Florida -- by his absence, seeing as how the Gators offense got little out of their running backs?

   9. Are Florida's reliable receivers the most underappreciated part of the team?

   10. Did you notice how the scouting report on John Parker Wilson proved true: Put him in passing situations and he cannot beat you.

   And this bonus observation:

   10. Didn't this game achieve the impossible by nearly living up to its billing?  

  

And Your SEC Champion Is . . .

   I've seen Florida's offense treat defenses like they were paper mache. I've seen the college quarterback of the decade in blue and orange. I've seen a bright -- and, just as important, flexible -- shape and mold an offense to match his players' abilities.

   I cannot pick against the Gators and Urban Meyer. They have more weapons than Alabama. And Crimson Tide quarterback John Parker Wilson, who is effective when defenses are stacked against the run, will face pressure like he's never seen.

   Now, for the point spread, which has climbed a half-point back to 10: I've seen too many spectacular teams expected to run roughshod over unflashy foes get dragged into a scrum. Romps happen to squads without stellar athletes and play-makers. Bama has both.

   Yard-eaters Percy Harvin and Chris Rainey probably will play for Florida, but injuries will keep them from reaching high gear. Tim Tebow's Heisman Trophy sequel has equaled the original, though not without their help.

   Admittedly, I've witnessed many games that have turned from anticipated classics into actual duds.  In this, the most titillating SEC Championship ever and a virtual national title semifinal game to boot, I see the Crimson Tide keeping it close but not lighting a cigar.

   Gators 24, Tide 17.

   Am I close to your prediction?

   As for Tebow's Heisman chances, I think he can overcome Oklahoma's Sam Bradford, but it will take some heroics or huge numbers. I don't envision the latter, but a game-winning drive capped by him bulling across the end zone would send a second trophy back to Gainesville.

   How do you evaluate Tebow and the Heisman? 

Will the 'Dog Have Its Day?

   As Percy Harvin's chances of playing Saturday rise and fall daily like the Dow Jones average, here is more on the eye-opening 10-point favoritism bestowed by oddsmakers on Florida against Alabama.

   There is recent precedent for a No. 1 team to enter a game as a double-digit underdog. In the 2001 Orange Bowl, top-ranked Oklahoma was a 10-point 'dog to No. 2 Florida State. In a good omen for Bama, the Sooners triumphed 13-2.

   A story in the Palm Beach Post quoted one oddsmaker as saying he and four colleagues agreed Sunday that the Gators deserved the status of 10-point faves. This doesn't mean they believe Florida is superior by that amount, only that equal amounts of money will be wagered at that number on each team.

   If you were a betting man, who would you side with?

   As far Harvin, I wouldn't put it past Urban Meyer to be playing games with the media on his condition. Any crafty coach would do the same.

   Harvin, indeed, is the X factor -- with the game itself and for those who bet on it.

   Do you believe Harvin will play? And, if so, be effective?

Gators Favored By 10? Here Is Why

   The nation's No. 1 team is a 10-point underdog to the No. 4 team. Huh?

   Yes, those who invest on the outcomes of college football and side with Florida in the SEC championship game are counting on a Gators' win by at least 11 points.

   And those who support Alabama with their hard-earned bucks can collect if the Tide loses by up to nine points.

   What do you think about the betting line?

   At first blush, it's hard to believe, especially with Florida's Percy Harvin ailing.

   But, all season long, oddsmakers have gradually elevated the spread on Gator games to head-scratching level -- and Florida keeps covering. UF went 9-2 against the line, a shocking record given how most teams hover around .500 in this category.

   Another factor is that coach Urban Meyer never calls off the dogs when victory is sealed. He plays to the final horn, so the Gators often score garbage points against a deflated or second-string defense.

   So, if Florida leads by a touchdown late in Saturday's game, Meyer will keep trying to make it two TDs.

   It's an approach beloved by Florida betting backers.

   If you were wagering, which team would you favor?

   Anybody think Bama will win straight up?

   

You Couldn't Draw This Up Any Better

   Ultimately, it doesn't matter if Florida is ranked only fourth in the BCS while getting No. 2 recognition by the Associated Press poll.

   The winner of the SEC title face-off Saturday is surely headed to the national championship game.

   It's essentially a BCS semifinal at the Georgia Dome, with the winner playing Oklahoma, Texas or Southern Cal for all the marbles. Alabama is in with a win, of course, and Florida's computer ranking jumps up with a victory over No. 1.

    Now that the BCS ratings have settled that much, we're left to wonder on the point spread for Saturday (Gators by a touchdown over Bama?) and the status of Percy Harvin (will an ankle injury sideline the scary receiver/running back?).

   And ask ourselves: Is this the most anticipated league title showdown ever? (It is to me.)

   One loss between them, Florida against Ole Miss. Two sky-high rankings. Two brilliant coaches, Nick Saban and Urban Meyer. A delicious contrast in styles, Bama's traditional offense and the Gators' spread.

   Both did their part with wins by 30 points or more Saturday. Alabama flat-out crushed Auburn 36-0. Florida overcame adverse weather conditions and a hatin' crowd by smacking Florida State 45-15.

   Six days to kickoff. Counting down the seconds already.

   What's your key to the outcome?

   Would Harvin's absence make a big difference?

   How much would you pay for a seat in the Georgia Dome?

    

Hide Your Eyes, Unless You're A Gator?

   With some trepidation, I looked at The Citadel's scores for this season, fearing evidence of a tissue defense that might allow Florida to slap a hundred on it. Urban Meyer's twisted concept of playing a game full-out, regardless of the score, is well-documented.

   Well, The Citadel has been roughed up thrice, allowing 44, 45 and 47. Once was to Clemson, the other two to reputable smaller colleges Appalachian State and Georgia Southern.

   So, any carnage Saturday at The Swamp could be bearable to neutral obversers. Unless . . 

   Of specific interest (to me, anyway) is how long Tim Tebow plays now that he's back in the Heisman Trophy chatter. With Tebow looking every bit as good as last year, when he won the thing, and the other top candidates likely to split votes in the Midwest, their stomping grounds, Tebow could get a bookend trophy.

    How many points will Florida ring up?

   Should/Will Meyer keep him in the game late?

   Where is Tebow on your Heisman ballot?

   

        

   

Oh, Meyer: Gators Playing Like a No. 1

   Let's be honest. If you were a college football pollster ranking teams based on how good they are now, is there any doubt?

   Florida, baby.

   The Gators are destroying teams, most recently South Carolina in Steve Spurrier's worst defeat ever. Urban Meyer says this team is superior to '06, which happened to win a national title.

   How do you compare the two?

   The numbers defy belief. My favorite: In the first quarters of the past six games: Florida 101, Foes 0.

   The Gators whipped the Gamecocks and their No. 1 defense (in the SEC)  by a half-hundred.

   Two AP ballots set aside the fact that Alabama and Texas Tech are unbeaten and had the Gators on top.

   Tough to argue with them. Right? 

Alabama-Florida: Start The Drumroll

   Let me be the first (or maybe the second or third) to say Florida will flummox Alabama in the SEC title game at the Georgia Dome.

   A standing O to the Crimson Tide for an amazing win at LSU under immense pressure. (Didn't Nick Saban have more state troopers protecting him from the LSU loonies than the quarterbacks had linemen surrounding them?) Credit to the stout Tide defense and to resourceful quarterback John Parker Wilson.

   Still, Bama won in large part because of an LSU hole at quarterback. Freshman Jared Lee ain't ready for SEC prime time, yet the Tide still had to go into OT for the win.

   In Nashville, Florida led Vandy 35-0 after 18 minutes. The Gators have beaten their last four SEC foes by 30-points-plus each. Tim Tebow is playing like the Heisman Trophy winner he was last season.

   Nick Saban has a young squad that has exceeded expectations by a country mile. Urban Meyer has a championship-ready team that is ripping through the SEC like a tornado.

   Go (to the national title game), Gators.

   Who's your pick?

   

And Then There Were Three (We Think)

   What do Alabama and Obama have in common, besides their similarity in name?

   Both are close enough to the prize to taste it.

   The Crimson Tide can clinch the West with a victory in its next league game. Won't be easy -- at LSU Nov. 8 -- but the Tigers are struggling ay quarterback and have allowed a 50-spot to Florida and Georgia.

   Is it in the bag for Bama?

   Even with a loss to LSU, the Tide should walk over Mississippi State and slap around fading Auburn, which would put them in the league championship game against . . .

   Florida? Georgia? We should find out Saturday in a monster match-up between the league's most explosive offenses and inventive coaches.

   Urban Meyer placed a gag order Sunday on the Gators, which speaks loud and clear on the importance he places on the game. Don't expect Mark Richt to follow suit -- he doesn't want to be seen as an imitator -- but he surely will warn the Dawgs to watch their words.

   The main pollsters and the BCS people differ on the worth of the teams. AP (writers) and USA Tuday (coaches) view the Gators better -- by three slots, in AP's case. The BCS prefers Georgia, in front of Florida by two spots.

   Who do you like?

   Those anticipating the SEC championship can start gearing up for the winner versus Nick Saban's crew. Maybe President Obama will toss the coin.

     

     

What We Learned, No. 4: Something Amiss In The Swamp

   Yes, Florida gutted Arkansas 38-7, but the Gators figured to put the Razor-hacks away sooner than the fourth quarter after their debacle a week earlier against Ole Miss.

   Tim Tebow, suffering from Heisman hangover, was so subdued late in the game that coach Urban Meyer coaxed him into a mid-air chest bump. Amazing to say that a quarterback guilty of one pick all season has declined, but it's true for Tebow.

   Do you see the same thing I'm seeing with Florida?

   Next up: LSU, which kicked back over the weekend and watched things unfold in its favor (a s0-so Florida, a so-so Alabama, a so-long to Auburn). I don't the Reptiles' chances against the Tigers.

   What's your take on the game? 

From The Frying Pan Into . . .

    Poor Arkansas. In the midst of a treacherous four-game swing, they get a Florida team coming off a home loss to Ole Miss. Coach Urban Meyer practiced the Gators late into Sunday night.

   That might be sufficient preparation for the Razorbacks, outscored 101-24 in the past two weeks by Alabama and Texas. Coach Houston Nutt, who fled for Ole Miss, left Arkansas high and dry with a string of subpar recruiting classes. Bobby Petrino is making do with leftovers.

   The Gators' loss deters them from looking ahead to LSU next week. So this is lousy timing for the Razorbacks, who need a break.

2nd Weekend Lesson: What Was Meyer Thinking?

   Here's what I saw of Urban Meyer on Florida's last possession in their 31-30 loss to Ole Miss, if the TV guys calling the game were correct on their details:

   --Needing only to pick up about 20 yards for a winning field goal, he calls for home-run passes on first and second downs that fall incomplete, putting the Gators in an unenviable third-and-long;

   --After a 9-yard run, with the ball placed inches from the first-down marker by the officials, Meyer appeals the spot -- which, after video review, got the ball placed back a yard;

   --With a third-stringer at left guard and no running back behind him, Meyer calls the blatantly obvious play -- a Tim Tebow keeper to the right side. Because there was no disguising it, Tebow is stuffed.

   And Meyer coaches the Gators out of a possible win.

   Am I being unfair here? Did you agree with the play-calling?

   AP poll voters demoted the Gators to No. 12, USA Today's to No. 13. Obviously, Florida is superior to teams ranked higher, but the punishment fits the crime of losing to the Rebels.

   Where do you rate the Gators?

     

   

Another Urban Legend Story?

   No hard feelings, says Ole Miss quarterback Jevan Snead, even though Urban Meyer allegedly lied to him during the recruiting process. Snead, who faces Florida, was quoted in a book about recruiting that Meyer told him the Gators were recruiting Tim Tebow as a linebacker, implying that he would not be competing with the future Heisman Trophy winner. Snead says he looked elsewhere after discovering the truth. Meyer denies the player's account.

   Who do you believe?

   Tebow's numbers this season aren't much better than a linebacker's, so I get the feeling the Gators offense is ready to detonate. Maybe this week.

   Gator fans: Worried about the offense yet?

    

Starting The Real SEC Season

    "Whoa, Nellie," as announcer and Georgia native Keith Jackson might exclaim. The temperature will be turned up in the SEC on Saturday with a delicious doubleheader that launches the division races.

   In the East, it's Florida at Tennessee (3:30 p.m., CBS). The fourth-ranked Gators had a week off to tune up for the Volunteers, spent mainly on cranking up the offense after an uninspiring performance against Miami. Coach Urban Meyer is 3-0 against UT.

   Tennessee, for its part, rebounded against UAB after handing over a gift-wrapped win to UCLA. Some Vols players bitched about Florida running up the score last year in a 59-20 rout, a charge renewed recently after his game by UM coach Randy Shannon. But UT coach Phil Fulmer dismissed any ill intent by the Gators. He is more concerned about his quarterback, Jonathan Crompton, still less than comfortable behind center.

   On the West side, it's LSU at Auburn (7:45 p.m., ESPN). The No. 6 Tigers from the bayou must cope without standout linebacker Darry Beckwith, declared out with a sore knee. In their favor, the spread offense by No. 7 Tigers from the plains won't be unfamiliar, seeing as how the Tigers have faced a similar attack in their two prior games.

   Auburn's offense coordinator, the refreshing Tony Franklin, is the willing target of criticism after three shaky outings, the latest which produced only a field goal against Mississippi State. "The first finger that needs to be pointed is at me," said the coach, who presumably meant an index finger and not the one next to it.

   Franklin says he will shrink the playbook and call plays based on more instinct rather than with a confining script. Meantime, his boss, Tommy Tuberville -- a former defensive coordinator --  is one of few who found beauty in the Tigers' 3-2 victory.

   Who do you like in these games? Florida or Tennessee? LSU or Auburn?

   Let the games begin. 

   

The Kick Heard 'Round The Country

Florida may be the lone SEC member with a scheduled bye this week -- Hurricane Ike forced one on Arkansas -- but the Gators' unnecessary late-game passing and field goal long after the win over Miami was in the bank made them the most talked-about league team.
'Canes alum Warren Sapp called UF coach Urban Meyer a "classic dirtbag." A columnist smeared UM's Randy Shannon as "the softest football coach I've ever seen." Another pointed out that Shannon did much the same a week earlier against Charleston Southern.
I still say Meyer was wrong and, more so, he wouldn't have poured it on if UM were on next year's schedule. At the same time, I agree that the game goes 60 minutes and players on the field should apply full effort. To me, that does not extend to the play-calling. Close the book, coaches.
Further, those taking Meyer's side inadvertently are further separating college football from the ideal of a sport played by amateur college students who should learn sportsmanship above all else.
Who's in the wrong here? Meyer or Shannon?