Steve Spurrier looked on from the sideline as Florida converted the extra point, giving the Gators a 56-6 lead with under six minutes left in the game.
This time, however, Spurrier was on the losing side of a "Swamp Romp," suffering the worst defeat of his coaching career at the hands of Urban Meyer and the Gators.
"We got clobbered," Spurrier said. "I don't know what we could have done differently except try to keep things close."
Don't worry, coach, you're not alone. Spurrier's Gamecocks are just the latest blowout victim of the surging No. 3 Gators.
Since their home loss to Ole Miss on Sept. 27, Florida has outscored its opponents 299-63, averaging a 39-point margin of victory. The Gators are also the first team in SEC history to defeat six consecutive conference opponents by at least 28 points.
However, Florida's killer tendency did not result from taking it easy down the stretch. Meyer has been reluctant to show mercy during the 2008 season, often leaving his starters in the game well into the fourth quarter of lopsided games.
The first occurrence featured a late field goal against the Miami Hurricanes, increasing Florida's lead to 26-3 with a little over a minute to play. While Meyer insisted that kicker Jonathan Phillips needed a field goal attempt before the SEC opener against Tennessee, Miami coach Randy Shannon begged to differ.
"Sometimes, when you do things and people see what type of person that you really are, you turn a lot of people off," said Shannon.
If that is the case, Meyer has probably managed to turn off several coaches this season.
However, no coach felt the wrath of Meyer's ruthlessness more than Georgia Bulldogs head coach Mark Richt.
Eager to avenge "the Celebration" from their last meeting, the Gators were relentless in their take down of Georgia this season, pouring on the points. Yet, the blowout was not the end of the retaliation.
With less than a minute remaining in the Gators' 49-10 victory over Georgia, Meyer utilized Florida's final two timeouts—just to savor the victory.
Although Meyer originally claimed that he wanted to give his reserves some extra playing time, his answer was a little different the second time around.
"We were trying to win a game," Meyer said.
Yeah right, coach.
Although Meyer is capable of popping out a few gems, he cannot hold a candle to Spurrier's frankness and blunt honesty. If Spurrier felt that he had the better football team, which he did the majority of the time, he would come out and make it known, often angering his opponents with his witty sarcasm.
Spurrier managed to even further incite his rivals' anger, showing indifference to and ignoring their many criticisms.
“I think [other fans] dislike Florida, to tell you the truth, a lot more than me. A few fans might want to yell some insults at me which is fine," said Spurrier. "Hurl insults, just don't hurl bottles, and I'll be fine.”
While Meyer may not share his opinions openly with the rest of the college football world, the gleam of satisfaction in his eyes after a blowout victory suffices for his lack of verbal warfare.
Like Spurrier, Meyer loves to beat you—and beat you good.
Sure, he will rub some folks the wrong way with his coaching style, but Meyer could care less about what others think of him. He has one goal in mind and that is to win championships at the University of Florida.
Just like the Ol' Ball Coach.
43 comments Last one added 7 months ago — Leave a Comment
Ronnie Rinckner 7 months ago
I found it quite ironic that Spurrier found himself to be the victim of a tradition he started at Florida. Good read!
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Joseph Morgan 7 months ago
Thanks, Ronnie!
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JoeGator Gator 7 months ago
I'll take Tiger over Nicklaus when Tiger wins his 19th Major, and I'll take Meyer over Spurrier when Meyer wins his 2nd National Championship.
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Joseph Morgan 7 months ago
Thanks for your response, Joe! I didn't mean to insinuate that Meyer was a better coach than Spurrier. Just pointing out that they have similar styles. I agree with you entirely that Meyer will not be better than Spurrier until he wins a second national championship or 7+ SEC titles. Thanks again!
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JoeGator Gator 7 months ago
Joseph, in my opinion, Tiger is the better golfer and Meyer is the better coach, but neither has proved it yet (I think both will fairly soon).
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Joseph Morgan 7 months ago
I agree. Thanks!
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James Doker 7 months ago
So, Joe, you're saying you'll take Meyer over Spurrier on January 9th?
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JoeGator Gator 7 months ago
Yes James... I think Meyer puts that question to bed on January 9th.
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JoeGator Gator 7 months ago
However, regardless of events on Jan 9, Spurrier will maintain his respected position as a Florida Gator legend... certainly so within the Gator football program (as long as Coach Meyer has anything to say about it).
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Joseph Morgan 7 months ago
Without Spurrier, Meyer may not even be at Florida. This is a tough issue, but if Urban wins a second nation title this season, it'd be hart to not have him jump Spurrier.
Today, at this given time, Spurrier is the better football coach in terms of body of work, but I think you have to consider Meyer's work at Utah as well. He took the Utes to a BCS game and built a good program that Kyle Whittingham has continued successfully.
At this point, it's a tough call, but if Urban wins it, he may be better. Thanks for the read, James!
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O-town Gator 7 months ago
"Without Spurrier, Meyer may not even be at Florida."
True; still, it sucks that after Spurrier left we were forced to put up with three years of mediocrity under Ron Zook. Yet, I'm grateful to Urban Meyer for respecting what SOS had done and restoring dignity, swagger and success back to Florida football after he cleaned up the mess Zook made.
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Justin Thomas 7 months ago
Yeah, Meyer is def no Spurrier yet. He may coach the Gators the same way and run it up a bit, but he still doesn't have the numbers in big games like Spurrier. I agree with you Joseph that when Meyer whens a second championship then we can start that debate, or until he wins many more SEC championships. Until then, Spurrier will live in my mind, as a huge Florida fan and Meyer fan, as the best coach at Florida.
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John Gillespy 7 months ago
Steve Spurrier will always hold a special place in the hearts of Gator fans (especially those a bit older, like myself). He brought the first Heisman Trophy to Florida, the first SEC Championship, and then the first National Championship. Heck, he even kicked a 40-yard field goal to beat Auburn when he was a player--and Steve was not the team's field goal kicker... I love Urban Meyer, but he can never top those remarkable accomplishments!
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O-town Gator 7 months ago
Never say "never", John. Should Urban Meyer win a second National Championship and many more, he could surpass what Steve Spurrier accomplished during his coaching career at UF. These two are peers and probably two of the best in the business right now.
As far as I'm concerned, these two are EQUALS.
Like Spurrier, Urban Meyer has set the bar high at his previous school (Utah) and left that football program in good shape for the future - Steve Spurrier did the same thing at Florida in spite of what the Zook apologists say (No, SOS did NOT "leave the cupboard bare" - Zook let the talent he had on hand go to waste!). Both Spurrier and Meyer "righted the ship" at South Carolina and Florida, respectively, when they took over programs that headed into disarray because of what their predecessors had done. It was not the first time for either of them; when SOS inherited the Gators they were on probation just as Carolina was. When Meyer took over at Bowling Green and Utah, both programs were in disarray and had no solid leadership just as Florida was.
They also know how to win football games and motivate their players to be the best.
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Kat Schmidt 7 months ago
I disagree and agree with O-Town Gator. Spurrrier will forever hold a special spot in the hearts of Gator fans that Urban Meyer will never ba able to touch because not only was he a phenomenal coach for UF, but he was a phenomenal PLAYER as well. There's a loyalty there. However, I do agree with you that as coaches, I considered them equals. They both have done amazing things for the Florida Gators and our football program. But you can't disregard completely the Ole' Ball Coaches history with the Florida as a player. John was right, he did bring us our first Heisman Trophy by earning it ON the field.
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Isaac Luber 7 months ago
Joe Pa never runs up the score. He can go up 49-0, but at the start of the third quarter if its a blowout, the reserves start to come in. That is the difference between a honorable legend, and a style point greedy coach.
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Rick Smithson 7 months ago
Who cares about JoePa.
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O-town Gator 7 months ago
The SEC and the Big Ten are different in culture, tradition and playing style. I wouldn't call Spurrier or Meyer "style-point greedy"; these two know how to win games and have won championships - and when all is said and done that's what really counts.
From the LSU game onward this season, Coach Meyer has taken Tim Tebow and the starters out in the 4th quarter - so to try and accuse him of deliberately "running up the score" is unfair and incorrect. With the exception of the Vanderbilt game, John Brantley and our second-stringers have put points on the board, which speaks for how well Meyer can attract and coach talent.
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Isaac Luber 7 months ago
Rick, don't be jealous that you don't have a legend and an honorable man as your coach. Just because your coach doesn't give millions of dollars to other school athletics and to the school doesn't mean you have to hate on mine. Just because your coach is greedy and makes millions while Joe Pa asks for only half a million a year, less than most coaches and yet he is the greatest of all time. Just because he wants to make sure that he makes good people, and not just good players and your coach only wants good players doesn't mean you should hate on us. You're a hater, and jealous, so you can cry all you want about how your coach isn't honorable and isn't a legend, but it won't change anything.
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Kat Schmidt 7 months ago
Isaac, I recommend you do some research before you go making accusastions of other coaches. I direct you to a direct excerpt from the first chapter ofBuddy Martin's biography, Urban's Way:
"Our close-up examination of Urban’s Way during the 2007 season also revealed an unusual approach to dealing with players that defies conventional coaching wisdom. And Meyer is never the least bit hesitant to challenge some of college football’s archaic methodology.
To wit:
• Some coaches talk about "family," but at Florida the families and children of all coaches and players are encouraged to attend Thursday’s "Family-Night Dinners" to hang out at their position coach’s home; parents of players also have direct access to Meyer and his staff at all times.
• Wives and children of those assistant coaches are invited on the field after the game and are escorted to the locker room by their husbands/fathers.
• Meyer requires his coaches and their wives to "babysit" players and provide a family atmosphere for them as they are mentored through football, academics, and social responsibilities.
• Through disciplinary action, players are given every opportunity to redeem themselves for mistakes made on and off the field. They are automatically suspended for major team or school violations—or eventually even terminated for breaking the law—but Meyer will continue to help them in their pursuit of their degree. These incidents are rarely, if ever, announced to the media.
• Special teams players are treated "special" since Meyer, himself, is their hands-on coach."
How is it a man, who has a team rule that demands his players respect all women, not an honorable man? How is it a coach, who makes himself available at any time to the families of his players, not an honorable man? How is it that you can call a man who STRIVES to make his players the best possible man that they can be, not an honorable man?
I have a suggestion for you Isaac, get over your bitterness that you lost your chance at the National Championship and send you coach a Get Well card. Oh and if you still want to argue about the integrity of the man I call my coach? Here's another excerpt
"Inside the culture of the defending champions there would be some disappointment and discordance caused by player disobedience, leading to arrests, suspensions, and demotions. These kinds of problems are not enough to make Urban Meyer cut and run, because as much as he wants to win football games and championships, he is even more committed to rescuing young athletes from the predicaments of their poor judgment. And so is his staff. That is why the job description of each position coach mandates that he keep a close eye on players. That’s also why players are often guests of Shelley and Urban Meyer for cookouts and other family occasions."
Read that second sentence aain and try to tell me my coach is not an honorable man.
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Michael Oleszek 7 months ago
Oh really, you don't remember this gem from back in the day?
In the 1995 Penn State/Rutgers game, Penn State scored on a 42 yard pass to with less than one minute to go in the game to make the final score 59-34. Penn State covered the 20 point spread.
Doug Graber's (Rutgers coach at the time) first words to Paterno during the postgame handshake were, "Did you win your bet, Joe?" He followed that up with, "Way to cover the number".
JoePa responded with a "Whaaat?!?! Oh, F--- You!!!" Right there on national TV.
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Isaac Luber 7 months ago
Michael, that was with our scrubs. If they score that's fine, but we don't leave our starters in. Also, it was a 18 point game, which isn't that much of a blowout. The score, with our scrubs, wasn't that big of a deal. When Urban Meyer, Joe Paterno, or any other coach leaves his starters in to score when its a blowout, then that's a problem, but Joe Pa doesn't run up the score with his starters.
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Kat Schmidt 7 months ago
What do you expect our coach to do, Isaac? Pull the starters at the end of the first quarter, since we're 101-0 against our opponents in the last six games? They have earned the right to stay on the field the majority of the game. Its not their fault that they're playing PHENOMENAL football against some of the best teams in the country. Actually, it is their fault, they're amazing football players, shouldn't they be allowed to reap the rewards of their athletic prowess by staying in the game past half time? As for running up the score, its a catch-22 for the Florida Gators. If we let the game remain close, we're called overrated and not that good. If we play like we are now, which is some of the best football ever, then we're accused of running up the score! I'm not saying Spurrier didn't run up the score, he did and he was honest about it, but because of that anytime there's more than a 2 touchdown difference in the final score, the Gators are accused of running up the score still. The Gators are a great football team. Accept it. And stop hating on them for being so good and show some respect. They've earned their spot and ranking, they're elite football.
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Kat Schmidt 7 months ago
Excuse me, I meant to say "Pull the starters at the end of the first quarter, since we're 101-0 against our opponents after the first quarter in the last six games?"
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jacob swarr 7 months ago
I know, who cares about joepa.
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Brent Taylor 7 months ago
Using the Miami game as an example of running up the score because of a late field goal by a new starting kicker is ridiculous! You failed to mention that the quarterback leading that drive was Cameron Newton not Tebow! In the last 6 games the back-up quarterback has entered the game with more than 10 minutes left to play in the 4th quarter and as early as the second series of the 3rd quarter. Quit looking at the final score as reason to say that it is only due to Florida running up the score. Truth is on the season Florida is 227 - 26 in the first half alone ... in the SC game I saw guys playing on the field that don't even travel with the team on road games.
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O-town Gator 7 months ago
Not to mention that it made Randy Shannon look like a sore loser because of his whining about that final field goal.
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Joseph Morgan 7 months ago
Brent, Tebow threw an incomplete pass to Louis Murphy on 2nd and 1. Phillips kicked the field goal on 4th and 1. Newton may have been the QB on 3rd down, but he certainly did not lead the drive.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/playbyplay?gameId=282500057&period=4
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Brent Taylor 7 months ago
Thanks Joseph for pointing that out ... and actually was hoping to amend it but I don't think it distracts from the over all point that I don't think Florida runs scores up. I really like a more indepth analysis that Zeptogator posted below.
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JoeGator Gator 7 months ago
"Without Spurrier, Meyer may not even be at Florida."
Maybe not, but Meyer would have been in the SEC or Miami... maybe one of the other Florida colleges... Personally, I'm just glad as hell he's here and not at LSU, Georgia, or Miami.
Notre Dame had unrealistic admissions policies or he may have landed in South Bend. The Michigan and Ohio State positions weren't open... Notre Dame, Michigan, and Ohio State were the only programs he would have considered outside of SEC (or other colleges in Florida).
You think Meyer would have turned Miami into a top-five & national championship program? I don't think there's any doubt.
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O-town Gator 7 months ago
I'm just grateful for the fact that Urban Meyer listened to the advice of others and in the end picked Florida over Notre Dame back in late 2004. He was in the right place at the right time, and IMHO has well exceeded expectations in the four years he's been here - he finally snapped a three-year bowl game losing streak in Year One and won "hat trick" victories over our top three rivals (Tennessee, UGA and fsu) in his first two - not to mention the National Championship in only his second year and coaching a Heisman winner in Tim Tebow during Year 3. With the exception of the Ole Miss game we've had a phenomenal Year 4, and it's not over yet.
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Zeptogator 7 months ago
I don't know why everyone keeps talking about the Miami game. Running up the score...really? Did anyone see the Notre Dame - Navy game last week, when Notre Dame nearly blew the game and a 3 TD lead after pulling their first string too early? I think Meyer would gladly take a running up the score insult versus having to hold his breath hoping that the opposing team doesn't recover an onside kick. Let it go. The whole point is to score, and to prevent the other team from scoring for 60 minutes. Now, I do understand people complaining about timeouts and going for 2-point conversions near the end of a blow-out.
There is no way UF is guilty of running up the score. Look at Tebow's pedestrian numbers. Sure, we've had the first string in for the first series in the 4th quarter before, but that's about it. Has anyone looked at the scoring by quarters? I think you'll find that the scoring in the first 3 quarters will tell the story, and will also reveal just how good the first team defense is. Can you blame the second stringers wanting to score in the fourth quarter? Geez.
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Justin Thomas 7 months ago
I couldn't agree more. Plus 2nd string needs a chance. They want to prove they are made of something...it's bad when people are confused with someone's 2nd team being better and wanting to look good and a team running up the score. You probably said it better though ha.
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Robert 7 months ago
I don't really see why one has to be better than the other. Yeah Spurrier certainly laid the foundation and did alot of great things, but Meyer is doing nothing to hurt that foundation. He's just adding another floor or two. As for the putz that wants to mention Paterno, is he still breathing? Better put a mirror in front of his face and make sure. Just kidding, but come on now, Paterno coaches in the Big 10 and spent all those years as an independent playing the likes off the service academies year in and year out. Paterno would be about like Fulmer if he was in the SEC.
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Zeptogator 7 months ago
I think Joe Pa deserves more respect and I hope he beats Bowden in the final win column. I don't know how he would do in the SEC but I imagine his run would be similar to when Dr. Lou Holtz was at USC. It's tough to last very long in the SEC. Still, I think Joe Pa is a classy and smart guy. He did an interview on ESPN I think before the OSU game (or whichever one it is that they camp out for) and quipped something to the effect that he'd like to roll around in a tent with a hot young co-ed. Hope I'm as virile as Joe when I'm 90.
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Zeptogator 7 months ago
Ok, so I crunched some numbers. During the first 49 minutes of Florida games this year, the point total is 384 to 73, or an average score of about 38-7. During the final 11 minutes, the point total is 57 to 40, or an average of roughly 6 points to 4 points.
Over the final 11 minutes, UF has been outscored in 4 games (Hawaii, Miss, UK, and Vandy) and tied once (UGA). If any team could claim UF piled it on it would be Arkansas who gave up two long touchdown runs to Rainey and Demps. Perhaps they should have ran slower or tripped themselves? UM gave up 10 points in the final 11 minutes or so, which really isn't piling it on considering the score was only 9-3 at the beginning of the 4th quarter.
So, depending on the game it seems that Meyer keeps the first team offense and defense in up until the 11 minute mark in the 4th quarter. The second team offense still continues to score at a similar pace as the first team which shows the depth of talent on the offensive side (mainly the depth at RB and OL), and the second team defense gives up points at about twice the rate of the first team defense.
One could speculate that if UF played the entire season with the second string offense and defense, they would still win most of the games (perhaps a six win season, enough to go to a bowl game).
Also, one very curious stat that I just noticed is the point differential during the first 4 minutes of the 4th quarter. UF outscored opponents 49-6 which I think is really amazing, scoring a TD during this 4-minute period in 7 different games. The three games they did not score a TD during the first 4 minutes or the 4th quarter were all blowouts (Hawaii, UT, Vandy). Only Tennessee's first team offense was able to score against UF during this 4-minute stretch.
So it seems like the first 4 minutes of the 4th quarter is when UF closes the deal and shuts it down. Coincidence or just following the plan to win? I think it's just the extra juice from singing "We are the Boys".
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Joseph Morgan 7 months ago
Thanks for the analysis, Zeptogator. You shed some more light on the subject and I appreciate that. Thanks again!
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Gray Ghost 7 months ago
Joseph, it is hard for me to comment on an article that has Urban Meyer and Steve Spurrier in it, but I am choosing my friendship with you over my hatred of those two JERKS!! :) Actually, they are obviously two very excellent coaches. Spurrier is an SEC legend - Meyer has yet to earn that - though it may seem he is on his way. Spurrier did it year after year. Let's see what Meyer does after Super man leaves. It will be interesting. Great read as always. *****POTD
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JoeGator Gator 7 months ago
"Let's see what Meyer does after Super man leaves."
I remember people saying "Let's see what Meyer does without Alex Smith."
The answer then? He revitalized a dysfunctional Gator team and won a National Championship. I think the Gators will be substantially stronger in '09 than '08... with or without the very talented Tim Tebow.
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O-town Gator 7 months ago
I concur with Joe. Once Urban Meyer arrived at Florida, he took Chris Leak, who, kindness of Ron Zook, didn't call his own audibles (the center did at that time), couldn't read opposing defenses, had a play repertoire that for all intents and purposes consisted of only shotgun-draw and bubble-screen plays, had screwed-up mechanics - and within a year's time urged him to come out of his comfort zone, begin making plays and be a more vocal team leader. Payoff? We won the 2006 National Championship.
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Gray Ghost 7 months ago
Not doubting that at all guys - just wondering what Gator life will be like without Tebow. Time alone will tell.
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Zeptogator 7 months ago
When Tebow leaves, I expect us to go back to a two QB system similar to what we had with Leak-Tebow in 2006, with Brantley taking most of the snaps and Newton for short-yardage or perhaps goal-line situations. I think we will need to recruit a stronger RB or FB though for short yardage. Tebow is three in one: throws as good as any QB, elusive enough to be a decent RB, and can pound it like a FB. Not going to find another one like him. I imagine that the offense could eat up yardage in large chunks with Brantley, but 3rd downs and short-yardage may be more difficult without someone like Tebow. Next year, the defense could be the best in the country. I wonder if we will ever see Haden on offense.
I still waiting for Harvin to throw his first TD pass. I'm guessing it's against 'Bama.
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JoeGator Gator 7 months ago
Good comments, but don't sell Newton short on short yardage. Marotti will likely have Newton toned-up at 6'6" 260 by Fall '09. He showed as a Freshman that he has no fear of hurtling headlong into linebackers (6.4 yards per carry)... I don't think we'll miss a beat with Newton taking on the short-yardage duties.
With Brantley and Newton, I think we'll see the ball in the hands of the playmakers more often... I'm not so sure that's a bad thing.
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