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Yes, Alabama has had a good year. They have managed to go unbeaten, they beat all their rivals, and have now been ranked No.1 longer than any other team in this year's polls. It is just a shame that we now have to play Florida...

Alabama: No Chance Against Florida

by Franklin Crittenden (Columnist)

83

3,740 reads

Opinion

November 30, 2008


Yes, Alabama has had a good year. They have managed to go unbeaten, they beat all their rivals, and have now been ranked No.1 longer than any other team in this year's polls. It is just a shame that we now have to play Florida...and just when things were going so well.

Yes, it is true: Alabama does not have a chance against Florida. 

The Gators are too fast, too strong, and too good for Alabama.

 Alabama should not be on the same field with the Florida Gators. Hey, I know that hurts, but sometimes you have to face the facts. The Gators are in another league!

Just turn on ESPN, or open your newspaper and there it is...Gators, Gators Gators!

You don't have to tell us; we already know. Sure, Alabama fans bought tickets to the SEC Championship Game, but we just bought them to have a chance see the Mighty Gators in action. Why else would we spend good money?

I bought mine weeks ago when I found out Florida was going because I just didn't want to miss seeing Tim Tebow, Percy Harvin, and Urban Meyer in the flesh.

Maybe I can get an autograph; I heard that all the Alabama players are bringing their autograph books in hopes of getting a few signatures too!

Personally, I will just be proud to see Alabama on the same field with Florida. I believe it will inspire our players to play better in the Sugar Bowl against Utah after we lose to Florida.

I hope Coach Saban brings his notebook because I am sure he could learn a thing or two from just watching a genius like Urban Meyer coach a game.

I believe we will all learn a thing or two over in Atlanta. Personally I plan to take notes!

We will learn how to tackle and block. We can let the Gators show us how to run, throw, and catch a football.

I heard that Urban Meyer was planning to leave the first string at home with the rest of the coaching staff to prepare for Oklahoma. He was going to bring just Tebow, but he found out it was against the rules. You have got to play 11 guys Coach!

So Alabama fans, even though the outcome of the game is already decided, please show up anyway. It will not be a total waste to make the trip to Atlanta's Georgia Dome on December 6, 2008.

You know there are coaches all over the country that would pay good money for a live clinic from Urban Meyer. I hear he will be available after the beat-down to answer questions 

It is well worth the price of admission to see the greatest team ever play put on a show, no matter how bad their opponent may be. 

I know some of you Alabama fans still think we have a chance, but you have to understand, we are just not worthy. I know I'm not! Don't you ever watch television for God's sake?

I sure hope Florida takes it easy on us; there will be lots of other people watching and I wouldn't want to be too embarrassed. Maybe they will be able to rest Tebow some for the big game in January?

Well, let me finish by saying this: Alabama has had a good run. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Some good will come out of this match-up.

It will be a learning experience for our guys, and it will be a good tune-up game for Florida before they head off to Miami. It'll sort of be like a practice game... I guess?

Alabama hasn't lost yet, so we will still have a good record, and Florida will go on to play on January 8, 2009 for the National Championship. That sounds like a win/win situation to me.

Let's see, I can't remember who Florida lost to, but they must have been great! Oh yeah, it was the Ole' Miss Rebels!

I think Alabama played them as well. Yeah they were tough, but I think we beat them as I recall? 

Well, if you guys enjoyed playing the Rebels, you are going to love playing The Crimson Tide!

Thanks again for letting us share the stage with you; it will be special. That's because Florida is so special!

Well, Go Gators, and can I say Roll Tide? I may not get a chance to say it much in Atlanta.

Oh, what the heck... Roll Tide anyway!

Author Poll

Who will win the SEC Championship?

  • Alabama
  • Florida
  • Its a stupid question
vote to see results
Author Poll Results

Who will win the SEC Championship?

  • Alabama

    48.5%
  • Florida

    45.3%
  • Its a stupid question

    6.2%
  • Total votes: 666
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83 comments Last one added 7 months ago — Leave a Comment

  1. ...

    Finally, a Bama fan who has seen the light!

    Congrats on the big beat down, Franklin.

    Florida and Bama both seem to be at the top of their game, right now.

    I fear this is going to be a very long week.

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      If I was Nick Saban, I'd walk in this morning and tell the team " no practice this week " "why should we practice, EVERY so-called sports guru in the nation says we have NO CHANCE at Florida, so why waste our time!" As a 50 year BAMA fan ( who lives in florida ) we've heard this crap before, we're not fast enough, we have no offense, our defense is so-so, they are going to put our Elephant butt on a grill and eat us alive!! AS we have had medicore seasons the last 16 years thats understandable!!! But this year is different, all the pieces are in place and facing a great team like Forida is what any true BAMA fan dreams about. Florida DOES scare me, but I was worried about Clemson and Georgia as well. WE might NOT be the best team in the nation by any means, but we are good enough to beat the best of the best!! it's called Alabama Football.. ROLL TIDE!!

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      Jer, no doubt Saban will use it to his advantage.

      Alabama is undefeated for a reason.

      Its going to be a great game.

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    GatorJon, it will be more fun than a truck load of dead babies! I am just happy for both of us!

    Thanks for reading!

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    If any one not familiar with the SEC reads the headlines, thats what they would think. Franklin nice work, I don't think I have ever read something so sarcastic, and yet it is still coherent. Roll Tide.. upset of the mellinium

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    Cody, thanks! Yes sir it will be just that. I have a really good feeling about this one!

    Thanks for leaving a comment!

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    What an assinine article - yeah we get it... Alabama is the underdog, written off, blah blah blah...
    Beat many dead horses do ya?

    Well if you think for a second that UF players aren't carrying the sting of that Ole Miss loss around in their hearts, you don't know Urban Meyer. you can bet he hasn't let them forget it - not one minute of one day since they underestimated a team and lost.

    So they will come in expecting a rock fight from a tough SEC team and it will be close but the Gators will win. Why? because Tebow wants his own ring that's why.

    Nobody wants that crystal ball more than Tebow and he is probably the only player in Div I Fball right now who can do all the things he can to make it happen. Ask Geno Hayes, ask the LSU fans that yelled down at him from behind the bench, ask the Mark Richt and the Dawgs, ask the FSU fans that cheered Harvin limping off the field - What ever you do - don't get Tim Tebow angry, cuz he will make you lose.

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    Well, I guess what Tebow wants___ Tebow gets! We haven't forgotten about the one man team, Tim Tebow. Maybe our whole team can at least make the game worth watching.

    You know, I bet that Tim Tebow beating the whole Alabama team by himself would look good on his Heisman Trophy resume!

    Is Couch Meyer bringing the rest of the team, or just Tim? I hope he brings everybody, because we are and it wouldn't be fair to the Florida players he leaves behind.

    Well, we'll see you there!

    Thanks for commenting!

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      Franklin, do not make Tebow angry. You have been warned.

      If Tebow is going to take on the Tide solo, then I definitely think he should wear a cape, for dramatic effect if no other reason.

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      GatorJon, are you going to the game? I didn't know if you guys showed up for practice games or not?

      Some people are pretty funny, you throw out the bait and they just take it and run with it!

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      Franklin, no I wasn't planning to go to the scrimmage in Atlanta but I have had my travel plans booked for Miami ever since Tebow cried after the Ole Miss game.

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    Wow Franklin. First off Bama is not a bad team. The Gators are better than Bama, I will admit that, but we have no chance? Are u crazy? Bama hasnt lost a game this season. Bama is the only undefeated team out of all the BCS Conferences. And Bama is going to stay in this game because of our outstanding defense. Once we establish our run game, JPW will start throwing his hot hand around to Julio and the tight ends and we will wear Florida's Defense down enough to get ahead and then Bama's defense if going to prevail and hold our lead to go to the BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!

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      Hey Trevor, I know! I am just having some fun with our Florida buddies. I really feel good about this game, it is just perfect as Coach Bryant used to say!

      Thanks for commenting, and Roll Tide!

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    Franklin, I really enjoyed this article! One of the better ones here! Keep up the good work and RTR!

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    Bamachuck, thanks, I enjoyed writing it!

    Thanks for reading and for leaving a comment!

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    Bama is getting respect. A 7 point underdog at a neutral site? Thats some respect. FSU, a heated rival with a more athletic defense, was a 17 point underdog at home.

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      Actually the line opened at closer to 10 and is now down to 9 1/2.

      I am guessing Franklin made his play early and brought the line down.

      I am presently stuffing all of my wife's jewelry into a CashForGold envelope and hoping to get the check back in time to place my bet.

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    Nick, point spreads are dictated by betting. The spreads are set to cause a 50/50 split on bets made on a particular game, not who, or how much they expect a team to win by. The Vegas boys don't want to bet, they just want to collect the " Sugar" money.

    The lack of respect appears to be coming from the media, and to some degree the Gator fans. Just the fact that the No. 4 BCS ranked gators are favored by 7 over the No. 1 ranked team is enough for me to write this article.

    Thanks for reading, and thanks for commenting!

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      Both the opening line and the money moving each way indicate the amount of respect a team is getting from the (betting) public. Those who are laying their money down at least try to be more objective than the average homer.

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    Good call, Franklin. Funny stuff! Although I think Florida will win, and that may be somewhat of a homer pick, I think that if 'Bama can execute their ball control running game that has worked so well this season, they will win this game by keeping Tebow and the Gator offense off the field.

    As a Gator, it concerns me that so many people ar epicking us to win. I like flying under the radar! Good job and a POTD from me. Go Gators!

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    Joseph, Thank you buddie! This is going to be a great week for SEC football!

    Thanks for reading and leaving your opinion!

    Roll Tide back at you!

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    Right out of the ballpark again Franklin. That's back-2-back for you now. Great write on this one.

    I'm so sick of hearing all the media speak of Florida and Oklahoma playing in Miami. I'm very sure Meyer remembers the smackdown he received in Tuscaloosa in '05 and he's pretty nervous about right now. His worst nightmare has come true, facing Bama this Saturday!

    This is a completely different Bama team that snacked him down back then. It's a much more physical, more discplined, better coached team than he has faced all year. And lead by the BEST game manager in the game right now JPW. I have finally accepted the fact that JPW is a game manager and a very good one at that. Very few mistakes comes from this Senior. It will be hard for the Great ( and yes I mean Great, the Man will be playing for years on Sundays) Tim Tebow to rip Bama apart when he is on the sidelines watching JPW chew up clock on long boring looking scoring drives.

    When Tebow is on the field he will see the best defense he has faced so far this year. This Bama defense will keep him confused and help to create panic and panic results in turn-overs.

    So in conclusion all you Gator fans just keeping looking forward to your Miami trip.

    Alabama started it's season with a big win in Hotlanta and this will just be another game for this young very talented Bama team on very familar ground who has with stood every challenge they have faced all year.

    Bama wins again.!!

    Alabama 31
    Florida 24

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      For the record, Meyer might also be able to recall beating Bama 28-13 in 2006 before going on to win the BCS title.

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      Yes, Tim Tebow is going to be on the sidelines while the mistake-free JPW leads Alabama down the field...

      ....WHAT?

      Have you noticed that Tim Tebow has only thrown two interceptions this season? Have you noticed that the Gators have had three 300 yard running games in a row?

      Tebow has thrown 22 fewer passes than JPW this year, and yet he has 16 more touchdowns and 3 more completions. So he is more accurate, scores more, and makes fewer mistakes. This is undisputed. And you're trying to argue that JPW is an advantage for Alabama?

      It is the Gators that will be going on long scoring drives, and it is JPW that will be sitting on the sideline. If Alabama is lucky, they will recover a fumble or two. But that still doesn't add up to Florida only scoring 24 points. You sure have an ego buddy if you think that Alabama can hold Florida to a season-low in points.

      And the Florida team you are facing this year is the best team in Florida Football history, so good luck hoping for a similar outcome to the '05 game. Florida is also a different team now, and the game won't be in Tuscaloosa. It's also pretty foolish to bring up that loss. Florida wasn't haunted by the demons of that game in '06. I guess the ghosts wait a couple years to appear.

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      Michael, I assume you are responding to Jim Bob? I cannot speak for him, but I will say this, Tim Tebow is the best football player to ever walk the face of the earth. The only difference between TT and JPW is TT knows what it feels like to lose a game this season, JPW doesn't.

      Thanks for commenting.

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      First to Gator John: It's easy to forget the '06 game and you are exactly right about that. My point was that in the '05 game Bama was at least if not more a 10 point underdog going into that game against the #5 ranked Florida and Bama pulled off a huge upset. That game was a shocker for Meyer. In the '06 game Bama didn't upset the #5 ranked Gators on that day. It played out as predicted. Being heavily favored is sometimes a curse as we seen in '05.

      Second Gator John I read a post you made on another article and after some thought I throughly agree with you what you responded with. No matter what happens in these next 2 games for Bama & Florida that anything beyond last weekend will be icing on the cake.

      Alabama has had a great season by winning every game so far. Beating Clemson, Georgia, Tennessee, LSU and the best of the year ending Auburn's 6 game win streak with a beatdown.

      Florida has had a great season by doing most of the same, wins over Tennessee, Georgia, LSU and also throttling Florida State, actually throttling all of them except Ole Miss.

      Both teams now have 2 more games and I think the winner of the SECCG will go on to win the National Championship.

      Old school vs New School as you put it. It will be a game for the ages. A win will be icing on the cake for either.

      As for me, I'll be pulling for my underdog to just keep on doing what they have done all year, find ways to win.

      And Michael: ...WHAT?? .. Greatest Florida team in history ..?? Would the greatest Florida team in history slipped up and lost to Ole Miss? How quickly you forget. Glad my comments struck a nerve with you. Enjoy the game !!

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    Jim Bob, you are fired up! Like I have said all year long... I love this team and I like our chances!

    Here is a fine article about Wilson. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/87396-the-ongoing-saga-that-is-bamas-quarterback (not mine)

    Thanks for the kudos buddy!

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  1. ...

    Franklin, I was fixin' to get in the car and take you to the doctor for the fever I knew you must have had! After a few sentences, I realized you hadn't lost your mind, just your patience with the media in already declaring Florida the BCS Championship rep...

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      Larry, I am dead serious.... NOT!

      Feeling good about this one, and I am loving the media downing Alabama. As coach used to say, "this is just perfect!"

      Roll Tide Larry!

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    Well, my side quit hurting from laughing long enough for me to type this. Enjoyable and engaging sheer fantasy! I don't know if Florida can beat Utah in the Sugar Bowl, you know that's where Urban Meyer coached before coming to Gainesville, so there is probably some bad blood there. Probably won't be like the Hawaii-Georgia game of last year, could be more like Boise State-Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl two years ago.

    Great job Franklin.

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      Baby Tate, Thank you very much sir! You know sometimes I listen to the media and wonder... what the %^$&!

      I didn't think about the Utah angle, that is interesting. I'll be honest, I don't know how this game will go, but I am loving this season, and I love the underdog role even more!

      Thanks for the compliment, and for taking the time to read buddy!

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    I laugh at the naive comments bleeding from your mouth. I don't care who you are or what you're ranked, IF YOU LOSE TO OLE MISS, YOU ARE NOT THE BEST TEAM EVER!! I'll put my money on the 1979 Alabama squad or 1941 Minnesota squad before I put money on the 2008 Florida squad.

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      I guess it would've helped to read the rest of the article..my bad. No hard feelings. Roll Tide, Frank! :)

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      Hey Adam, Do you not remember in school the teacher telling you "to read ALL the instructions" before proceeding. No, that's okay, that is what I was going for. Thanks Adam and Roll Tide back to you!

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      HAHA! Thanks for reminding me why I was held back in 3rd grade! :)

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    Go with that good feeling Franklin. If I were you I would take out a second mortgage and put it on the line!

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    Best Friend yelling Roll Tide's Roll !~0 Dollars

    Me screaming Chomp Chomp Baby!~0 Dollars

    Two tickets to the same Game!~ 500 Dollars

    Both of us stuck in one car for 14 Hours after the big game!!!!~PRICELESS!!!!

    Look's like it's going to be a loong ride for my Friend....CHOMP CHOMP LIZZZZZZZ

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    Oh Angela... NO, don't do it!

    If you care about your friendship sell your tickets (to me of course) and you and your friend go on a cruise and forget this crazy idea.

    A friendship is more important than this game.... NOT!

    Have fun, and thanks for commenting!

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    Gentlemen (and Ladies) I don't have a dog in this fight. My dog will be at home this bowl season licking some severe wounds (and barring a miracle will probably be doing the same next season) but I do have an opinion. I think Tebow is a hell of an athlete and an even better competitor. But if anyone on the Florida side is already putting this one in the "W" column (especially if the players are) then it may be a very disappointing day for the Gators. I have counted Bama out a time or two this season myself but they find a way to get it done. I am not calling for a Bama victory....but it sure wouldn't shock me either. I have no doubt it will be one hell of a football game and as a nonpartisan fan I for one can't wait to watch it.

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    Robert, thanks for commenting. This will be a classic Beauty and the Beast battle. Can a Hard Nosed, slap the snot out of you team stop and beat a Sexy Spread scoring machine.

    That my friend is the question. Unless football has changed that much since my day I will put my money on defense, and trench warfare. Football always comes down to "The Big Uglys" and Alabama has what it takes in that department.

    Looking at the games Florida has lost in the past, I see one thing... They lose to strong defenses, and sound running games. Who does that sound like?

    That is my story and I'm sticking to it!

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      Let the trench warfare begin. I'll take Tebow and Spikes.

      As if Florida doesn't also have a sound running game and strong defense.

      Sorry, not buying it.

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    Robert, I did put it in the "W" column but I wrote it in pencil.

    Franklin, did you really type "Sexy Spread scoring machine"?

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    GatorJon, YES, and I loved every minute of it!

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    Franklin-spot on brother, spot on.

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    Ingram, thank you, and I appreciate your comment!

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    What an entertaining read, sadly enough most people would think you were serious! Ha Ha. Gator fans are going to be in for a huge shock come saturday, as their Gators get pounded into submission in the trenches.

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    Alabama Voodoo, man I hope you are right. I am thinking this is going to be a battle of wills! The Gator fans on this site, all seem to be quietly confident.

    Thanks for adding your opinion AV!

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    (sound of quiet confidence)

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    That is better than loud and cocky!

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    It's deja vu all over again. This reminds me of the trip I took to New Orleans, Jan 1993. The news was bad... "They" (I guess all who REALLY understood and knew football) had already awarded the 1992 National Championship to the Miami Hurricanes. About 35 morons and myself bought tickets to the Sugar Bowl, booked rooms for a couple of days, and even chartered a bus to New Orleans. Being Bama fans, we ALWAYS think we have a shot at winning, but of course, we are considered to be somewhat delusional. Anyway, gametime arrived and the 'Canes arrived to provide for us an audience with greatness and put on a football clinic. And then it happened, Miami found out why the games are played. It was almost prophetic how George Teague ran down Lamar Thomas and stipped the ball from him and turned to run the other way. BAMA stripped that glorious crystal football trophy and took it all the way back to Tuscaloosa. Mr. Heisman, Gino Toretta, spent most of his night on his backside and trying to figure out why everyone but the Bama players and their faithful followers did not accept that they were to be crowned as the almightly national champions. You have to play the game. Florida is a great team, but a Nick Saban coached BAMA team will not just hand over the SEC championship. I hope the Gators are buying into this myth that they are unbeatable, because arrogance will get your butt kicked. RTR!!!!

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      Shannon, I do not think the arrogance or cockiness of the Florida fans or Bama fans for that matter is in anyway a reflection of the attitudes of the two teams. I am sure things are quite focused and serious at Camp Meyer and Camp Saban in preparation for this battle.

      The Gators are not buying into the myth they are unbeatable because they have already been beaten this year as many a Tide fan has reminded me. Now on the other hand, I might wonder about an undefeated "twelve and oh" Alabama team starting to think they are invincible.

      You mention deja vu... I am reminded of a trip I took to New Orleans in Jan 1994. The Gators were 10-2 and playing an undefeated 11-0 West Virginia team who felt they had totally been disrespected by the media. The Mountaineer fans were just beside themselves going on and on about being undefeated and getting no respect and all that.

      Florida 41, WVU 7

      Is it Saturday yet?

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    Shannon, thanks for the excellent story. I too was there. I remember a couple of the Miami receivers coming out of the locker room early to soak up the applause, and we booed them off the field. The Gators are not quite as cocky as the Hurricanes but this does set up as history repeating itself.

    Thanks for reading and thanks for sharing the story!

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      Forgot to tell you in my post how much I enjoyed your writing. I have shared it with some of my friends who have also enjoyed it. I have to preface it by telling them to ingore the title.

      To GatorJon, I have no problem with your Gators. I used to call them my 2nd favorite team, but then they let me down the last two times they rolled over and took it from Auburn. There is no shame in losing to Ole Miss. I believe, despite their record, that they are a very sound ball team and that Houston Nutt will give us all some headaches as long as he is there. I'm sure it is hard to understand the frustrations of Bama fans. We have overcome every obstacle flung into our path this year and still no respect. If the unthinkable were to happen and Bama was triumphant over Florida, will we hear "wow, maybe Bama is a good team" or "great defense finally shuts down Florida"? No, I suspect it will be more like "Gators have an off day", although it may have been a very good Bama team that caused them to have that off day!! So, however Saturday concludes, I wish you the best. If the Gators do prevail, I will be cheering for them to beat whoever they play in the BCS because I would rather the SEC have the championship than the Big 12. RTR for ever!!

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    I DONT GIVE A CRAP WHAT ALL YALL CRAPPY GATOR FANS AND THIS "ONE" ALABAMA FAN THINKS!
    THIS GATOR JON DUDE JUST HAS TO SHUT IT! WHO DID YALL GET BEAT BY? TELL ME? THATS RIGHT OLE MISS! AND WHO DID ALABAMA BEAT? TELL ME! OLE 'FLIPPING' MISS!!! ALABAMA IS AN ALL AROUND BETTER TEAM THAN FLORIDA HAS EVER EVEN DREAMED ABOUT BEING. YEAH YALL ARE HAVING A DECENT YEAR. ARE YALL UNDEFEATED? NO!!!!!! ARE WE GOING TO HAND YALL YOUR 2ND LOSS? YES!!!!! SO GET OVER IT! ALABAMA IS AN ALL AROUND BETTER TEAM.

    DEUCES

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      Alabama doesn't have nearly as good a passing game or special teams as Florida. If you polled the nation and asked which is the best all-around team, Florida would get the plurality of the votes.

      Of course, you don't know what plurality means, and you can't speak without using all caps and the word yall. Of all the Alabama fans I have read comments from, only two have presented an intelligent argument as to why Alabama is going to win. Regardless of who wins, Alabama fans' logic is pathetic.

      So Florida lost to Ole Miss, and Alabama beat Ole Miss. Obviously, Alabama is better than Florida, right?

      WRONG!

      Football is not simple mathematics and its logic of the transitive property.

      If this were true, then you would have to believe that Ole Miss should be ranked ahead of Florida because your sole method of deciding who is better is to use the outcome of two head-to-head games.

      Weak argument.

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    Graham, I see your still excited from this weekend...GOOD!

    GatorJon is a pretty good guy as far a Gators go. They say good guys finish last, so Roll Tide!

    Thanks for leaving your comment.

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    Funny piece, Franklin. Futile, but funny.

    The flaw in your design is that Florida recently experienced, first-hand, the flip-side of excessive media adoration: of Ohio State in 2006. They will not buy into the media hype.

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    jeff, thanks buddy! One of the reasons Florida kicked Ohio States butt was because Ohio State believed the hype. The other reason was Florida was bound to prove them wrong. I think Alabama is watching ESPN too!

    Thanks for the comment jeff.

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    Funny you should bring up the Ohio State game, because that was the last time the Gators played an undefeated #1 ranked team. It worked out okay.

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    GatorJon, that is because you guys are so great!

    Hey, if you have a minute check out http://bleacherreport.com/articles/88323-the-bcs-champion-will-be-decided-when-alabama-plays-florida-in-atlanta

    I think you will like this one!

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    Franklin, you are taking all of the fun out of this.

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    Great article Franklin! I was getting p*ssed off at first, and then just started laughing! Even I took the hookline at first. Nice blend of sarcasm and insight, I am forwarding this to my dad right now! Roll TIde Roll!

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    Thank you Chris! I am glad you enjoyed it, and I hope your dad gets a kick out it as well.

    Thanks for reading and for leaving a comment! Roll Tide buddy!

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    You got cited...or maybe just called out.... http://lovewithoutnagel.wordpress.com/

    GO GATORS!

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    You are a sorry excuse for a 'Bama fan and I hope Terrence Cody breaks into your house and eats you. If not, I'll see you in Atlanta, where I'll be cheering on my Tide whether we're up fifty or down 100. Because THAT is the definition of a fan.

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    Katy, reread the article, I was being sarcastic!

    Please Cody don't eat me! Roll Tide!

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    Haha well that's not the way it was spun on ESPN.com! Sorry. Roll Tide right back!

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    Wow.. the loss punched the sarcasm out of this article!

    Thank God Florida had a lot of injuries coming into the game otherwise it would've been ugly for the Tide.

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      I don't think the end result would have been significantly different with Florida completely healthy. Alabama played a great, great game and deserves nothing but respect. Unlike what I repeatedly see in the Big-12, this was a FOOTBALL game.

      The Gators were just the better team. The media like to draw sharp distinctions, and there is just a natural tendency to assume --illogically-- that a fast team can't be tough, that if one team is known for toughness then the other team must not be as tough, and so on.

      Two interesting takeaways from last night's SEC championship:

      1. The Crimson Tide defensive backs were faster and better than I expected. While not the only factor, I believe that the talent in Alabama's secondary would allow them to beat either Texas or Oklahoma.

      2. Most of Alabama's critical mistakes and penalties were forced errors. They have been kicking to the sideline all season, working for exactly the sort of crucial mistake that Arenas made last night. And two of Alabama's personal fouls --a face mask and a horse collar on wide runs-- were the direct result of Crimson Tide defenders misjudging the speed of Gator running backs.

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      Red Raider, what happened at Norman??

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      @Franklin

      Oh I'm sorry.... I shouldn'tve written a super-sarcastic article titled "Texas Tech: No Chance Against Oklahoma" before Nov 22.

      Oh wait... I DIDN'T.

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      Red Raider, at least we didn't roll over and take it like a woman like you guys did. I tried to tell you as soon as Tech played someone who could play defense it would be ugly. It was!

      It looked to me like you must have wrote a love note because Oklahoma had their way with you.

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      Oh you mean just like how Bama played NOBODY and then lost to a real team when they met one?

      You mean just like how Florida made sweet love to Bama's defense when they put 31 on them? Thats almost near triple of Bama's points allowed per game which was 11 b4 they met FL. Mind you that was a banged up Florida team with some key players not playing and the venue was neutral.

      You know what.. screw it.. I'll admit it.. I'm plain jealous of you... I wish I'd shot my mouth off in a super-sarcastic article prior to the game just to make a complete ass of myself AFTER the game.

      But I didn't.. and I regret that. Pure envy, man.

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      Red Raider, I will try to explain it all to you but I am pretty sure you will not be able to get your mind around it.

      I will just say that the idea is to write stuff that is controversial so as to attract readers and comments. My "sarcastic article" was meant to do just that.

      You act as though Alabama got killed like Tech did, when if fact it was a very close game. The better team won that day, and that my friend is as simple as it is.

      You assume because you are still gnashing your teeth over the pounding the Tech took that somehow you taunting me about Alabama will upset me when the truth is I am fine.

      Alabama accomplished more than any Alabama fan could have expected, and the article I wrote about Florida was pointed at the media not florida for assuming Alabama would be steamrolled by Florida.

      The truth is... I was exactly right, Alabama is every bit as good as Florida. Florida won the game and that as they say... is that.

      Thanks for commenting

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    Can you believe that ESPN was correct? That must be some kind of record. Maybe Dr Lou told them this would happen. Florida did beat our Tide but doesn't that make them 12-1 also? That means that the master of all masters, Urban Myer, has the same record as Coach Nick Saban? Does Bama still have a claim to play in the BCS Championship Game? Of course Bama does not have a claim, they should have lost a lot earlier in the season. Who says that the BCS Championship Game has anything to do with crowning a "real" champion anyway? Urban Myer should be put in charge of the crowning of a national champion. Of course Tim Tebow will not be with him forever. Come to think of it..Urban Myer just might fly out of town with the rest of the coaches that are leaving the SEC. Poor Alabama, we are stuck with Coach Nick Saban. Coach Saban has got to learn just when and where is the best time to lose. Roll Tide....We did win the really BIG one..

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    mpesky, after beating everyone on our schedule I just looked at anything past that, as icing on the cake.

    Alabama by far exceeded any expectations, and the best part is... that it is just the start!

    Thanks for writing!

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    Alabama had a great season, no doubt about it.
    I just don't get it though. Franklin is allowed to say that Alabama far exceeded expectations and had a hell of a year, but when Texas Tech fans try to say the same thing, Franklin says we are a bunch of pansies, and we lost to the only good team we played, and aren't really any good at all...?

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