Bleacher Report - Articles by Alfred Fernandez

Tebow Or No Tebow?: That Is the Question

Alfred Fernandez — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:49:26 -0400

The 2009 Florida Gator football season will come down to one 90 degree turn of the wrist, lasting only about three-quarters of a second in duration.

Who performs this movement, is not as important.

The injury to Tim Tebow in last Saturday’s game undoubtedly caused a few aneurysms across the Gator nation, and rightfully so, as many people between Miami and Tallahassee swear allegiance to the Orange and Blue.

As Tebow lay in the Kentucky bluegrass, flayed out like a fresh caught mahi-mahi, minds began to race. Questions formed, hypotheses followed.

“Is he ok?”

This can be answered with a simple “No.” The answer was clear by the fact that Tebow let the ball drop, tumbling to the turf as he followed suit. Yes, he fumbled last week but it was in a diving effort over a player near the goal line.

This time was different. The ball was tucked tightly in his grasp when the Wildcat defender closed in, barreling his helmet into Tebow’s torso. Then as Tebow’s helmet jarred against his teammate’s knee, and the ball limped out…the question was answered.

“How bad is it?”

This would not be answered for an hour or so, but as Tim left the stadium in an ambulance, everyone knew it was bad. Bad, bad.

Finally, a day later, the results were confirmed the he had sustained a concussion. As the details are slowly leaked, it can be understood that this was not as catastrophic as once feared, but it is not good. The timetable on Tebow’s return is not clear yet, which leads to the next question:

“What happens without Tebow?”

This will be the title of many articles in the offseason, as the Gators try to rebuild after losing one of the all-time greatest players to suit up and step on Florida Field. But now the question must be asked today. The answer is complex, but the conclusion is the same: Florida needs to find someone with a great fake pitch.

Watching the last two games against Tennessee and Kentucky, Tebow has not won the game with his throws, his runs, or even his passion. He has only attempted 19 and 10 passes in each of the SEC games.

The Gators haven’t needed much of that Tim Tebow passion and firing up to win late in the game as both were relatively in control by the third quarter. He has run for a lot of yards, totaling 76 and 123 rushing yards against Tennessee and Kentucky, respectively.

But those totals are not because of the line opening grand canyons or Tebow’s cat like agility. Many of those yards came after a brilliant fake pitch.

The entire option play revolves around the pitch. Unless the defense has it perfectly mapped out and covered, there will often by one guy left out on an island to take both the current ballcarrier and the potential ballcarier, in this case the quarterback and the running back.

If the defender steps up to tackle the man with the ball, out pops the pigskin to the waiting pitch-man and a big gain ensues. If the defender cheats to the pitch-man, the current ballcarrier scoots upfield, again, for a big gain. It’s a thing of beauty.

But, even if the defender plays it perfectly and positions himself in an ideal spot to make a play on both men, the fake pitch can wreak havoc.

Tebow has shown that the timing and execution of a fake opens up lanes that were never there before. He schooled countless Wildcat defenders all day on Satuday with side stepping, wrist cocks, subtle leans and the like. He is a master of deception when it comes to running the option.

And thus, the little things are what lead to the big 25 yard runs everyone high-fives about. But it all started with that first defender missing his mark.

Even when the ball is actually pitched to Jeff Demps or Chris Rainey, that was set up by previous plays where Tebow had his defender guessing like he was playing Where In The World Is Carmen San Diego?

The good news is that Florida has the parts to compensate for Tebow’s absence. John Brantley has the arm (maybe a better one), Emmanuel Moody has the power running game, Rainey and Demps have (much more of) the speed, and Brandon Spikes has the passion and leadership.

But who can run a successful option? Will Johnny B make that outside linebacker wait just a bit too long to advance to the pitch man, enabling the slick Demps to tear up the sideline?

Will Moody line up in a “wildcat” formation and dare the cornerback to tackle him or endure a touchdown celebration?

Could it be Demps or Rainey that learn the nuances of a good option fake?

Only time will tell us what happens in the Post-Tebow era. Hopefully, in the off-week, Tim gets healthy and is cleared to safely participate in the LSU game. Ideally the question won’t have to be answered for a few more months. But if it comes to the point where it has to be addressed now, the coaches are going to have to be creative.

They must find ways to run the offense using multiple people and utilizing their unique strengths. All the talent in the backfield will need to assemble like the Transformers Decepticons when they form the Devastator.

And someone needs to learn how to execute a fake pitch.

It's just a lot easier when all that comes in one package wearing No. 15.

Throwbacks: The Lane Kiffin / Urban Meyer Saga

Alfred Fernandez — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 21:06:57 -0400

It started almost immediately.

Upon his introduction to the Volunteer nation, Lane Kiffin was acting up. In his introductory speech to the Vol faithful, Kiffin said he was looking forward to “singing Rocky Top all night long” after beating Florida in the Swamp. Now, certainly this can be excused—in fact, encouraged!

Kiffin had to rally the troops. The sloppy, dragging troops that Phillip Fulmer had left behind in Knoxville.

Then, a second grievance was issued. Riding high on the coattails of a fine recruiting class, feeling invincible and acting childish, Kiffin said that although Urban Meyer had cheated, he still could not land star recruit Nu’Keese Richardson.

Alright, now it’s personal.

These were not the end of Kiffin’s outlandish comments since he has taken the reins of the Tennessee football program. He has also insulted about 78 percent of the SEC in one way or another. However, his feisty behavior does seem to be aimed slightly more explicitly at the University of Florida.

Most recently, Kiffin had a chance to prove something on the field against one of his SEC counterparts. The Vols lost at Florida 23-13 last Saturday, a game which many thought was actually a solid effort by Kiffin’s team.

The juggernaut that is the 2009 Gator squad was held in check by a stingy Tennessee defense and a gritty Vol offense. After the game, Urban Meyer mentioned that some players were sick and recovering from the flu, namely RB Jeff Demps and TE Aaron Hernandez.

In response to this, Kiffin stated that “I don’t know, maybe we’ll wait for a poor performance and then tell everyone that our team was sick.”

All the while, Urban Meyer has remained relatively quiet. In typical Urban fashion, he has let his preparation and play talk for him. And while it was not a dominant showing, the Gators were one red-zone fumble away from a far more impressive 30-6 win.

Point: Meyer.

After all this bickering, one conclusion can be made: hate it or love it, this could great for the game.

Back in the '70s , there was another feud of mythological proportions, one that college football has not seen since. The "Ten Years War” raged between Woody Hayes at Ohio State and Bo Schembechler at Michigan between the years of 1969 and 1978.

This rivalry escalated the OSU/UM game to new heights and etched their interactions in football lore. Their competition was humorous at times, always gritty, mostly close, but more than anything it was honorable. Both hard-nosed coaches hated one another on the field and would do anything to win, but in the end, they were men about it all.

Two quotes illustrate this fact:

"If 'Bo' is not a winner, I never saw one and I should know. He beat me the last three games we played. We've fought and quarreled for years but we're great friends," Woody Hayes said.

"There was plenty to criticize about Woody Hayes. His methods were tough, his temper was, at times, unforgivable. And, unless you knew him or played for him, it is hard to explain why you liked being around the guy. But you didn't just like it, you loved it. He was simply fascinating," Bo Schembechler said.

Those comments are proof that this was manhood at its finest. Two stalwarts who believed in their cause, would fight for every last inch, sock each other in the mouth, but then get up, shake hands and pat one another on the back. A respectful battle.

The Lane Kiffin vs. Urban Meyer situation could be a boon to the game of college football. It could solidify one of the better matchups in the SEC by adding a personal flavor to the already hearty history filled with legendary games (see: the 1995 rain game) and great players such as Peyton Manning, Peerless Price, Danny Wuerffel, and Tim Tebow.

However, I challenge Kiffin to start acting like a man. Right now, this comes across as more of a little brother picking a fight with his elder so he can watch Sesame Street. The sly comments, the nit-picking, and the silence from a more mature opponent just make Kiffin look silly.

And, for now, he is the youngest sibling in the SEC family. Even Dan Mullen was part of the clan for a few years before taking his own gig at Mississippi State. But grow up, Lane. Talk to Monte about how to be a strong presence and how to approach this in a more noble fashion.

Hike up your pants, watch some old feuds between Michigan and Ohio State on ESPN Classic, and stop being a little brat. I love a great rivalry, and I love some healthy trash talking. But do it with respect, do it with honor, and at the end of the day, shake your rival’s hand, look him in the eye and say, “well done.”

Fall Practice Updates, Get Yer Updates Here!

Alfred Fernandez — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 18:25:12 -0400

With the 2009 college football season hurdling toward us like Usain Bolt, I felt it was a perfect time to summarize the latest news from Florida Football camp.

The topics discussed in this article are tidbits from Fall practice, and while it is not exclusive news, I felt it would be nice to have one place to find out the most interesting developments on the Gators' football team.

So, only 10 days away from the opener, this is the state of the Gators:

Tim Tebow is not injured—Yes, he was partly held out of practice for a few full-contact drills. But considering he'll probably take more hits during the season than the Billboard Top 100, I think this is not a big deal. He's a senior who is going into his third year starting, and he knows the playbook.
Jaye Howard is unlocking his potential—Last Friday, it was announced that redshirt sophomore Jaye Howard had risen above Terron Sanders on the depth chart. Now, with all the rotations and situation-specific lineups that Dan McCarney uses, this is not saying Sanders will not play. In fact, he might not even play less. What it does mean is that the Gators' already staunch defense is getting better. In spring, it was said Howard needed to drastically improve his pass rush to supplant Sanders. Sorry SEC QBs, I hate to break it to you, but I guess he did.
Lerentee McCray has changed positions—The sophomore former weak-side linebacker will now be playing with his hand on the ground. McCray has switched positions, and is practicing at defensive end. I am not really sure why this move took place—it's kind of like switching lanes in rush hour, only to get stuck behind 37 more cars. Every position on defense is stacked, but apparently the coaches think McCray, with his new added bulk (up to 230 lbs.), can be a playmaker at DE. He has been clocked with a 4.5 second 40 yard dash, so look for him in pass rush situations. McCarney has said he will "definitely play" in the opener against Charelston Southern.
Dorian Munroe is unlucky—The 5th year senior needs arthroscopic knee surgery (again) on his right knee. Fortunately, this time around it's just a "clean out" procedure and he will only be sidelined for 5-6 weeks. He should be back in time to solidify the secondary for games against Kentucky and LSU. Meanwhile, the good news is that Dee Finley may see the field more and get valuable experience for 2010.
Will Hill is nasty—Any time a mildly used sophomore can make a run at a three year starter, eyebrows should be raised. Hill "the Thrill" is working his rear off during practices and has been very impressive. He says he wants to be the best player on the field every time he steps on the grass. He is certainly showing that this fall, and with the Gators playing many teams that spread it out, he is in line for a lot of action as the third corner/safety in nickel formations. And Major Wright better watch out, or Hill will never leave the field.
The offensive depth chart is status quo—There arent many reports of position changes or depth chart shuffling on offense. Star freshman Andre Debose is still learning to adjust to the college game, and will probably start the year backing up incumbents David Nelson, Deonte Thompson, and Riley Cooper at WR. Jeff Demps is the top back, with Chris Rainey and Emmanuel Moody seeing plenty of time. The O-line remains similar to what it was in the spring.
The offensive look, however, may have some surprises—The fact that everything runs through Tim Tebow is not news to anyone, however Tebow may not get every snap. High school quarterback, and current Florida cornerback, Joe Haden has been rumored to be the new "wildcat" player. While the details of this package are top secret, don't be surprised to see Haden play a little ironman this year. Meyer and company have also been flirting with an I-Form look using the thicker Moody (6'0" 210 lbs) as the feature back. If the Gators can be successful with some hit-you-in-the-mouth football, it could really make preparation a headache for opposing defenses.
The freshmen are coming along—So far the freshmen that have lost their black helmet stripes (or, have officially become Gators) are: Jonotthan Harrison, Nick Alajajian, Kedric Johnson, Mike Gillislee, Jon Halapio, and Stephen Alli. It may seem shocking that spring standout Jon Bostic and all-world recruit Andre Debose haven't lost their stripes, but word on the street is that this is judged on a sliding scale. The player with more expectations must work harder and earn the removal of that stripe.

I am so pumped for the season, and researching all these practice updates sure made me fired up to discuss Florida Football. I'd love your opinions as to what some of these changes mean for the team, so feel free to open up some chatter in the comments section!

I can't wait to see all the new faces, plays, formations, and fireworks that await in 2009! September 5th can't get here fast enough.

Florida Football Position Preview 09: A King's Feast at Defensive Line

Alfred Fernandez — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 13:56:54 -0400

The 2009 Florida Gators defensive line depth chart is one of the most impressive in the nation. The roster is splitting at the seams with talent and experience.

Linemen as far down as third string have had starting experience in their careers and the fresh faces taking over are bursting with ability.

It is an embarrassment of riches for the UF faithful, and one opposing offenses would rather be distributed to the rest of the NCAA.

With so much depth and such a frequent rotation of players, the line between starter and backup is thinner than a single Olsen twin.

Since so many guys will get meaningful playing time, it is best to preview the D-line like a buffet dinner, so that no one is left out. However, this is not a Golden Corral buffet, but a royal banquet.

Wine - Jermaine Cunningham, DE (Sr), Lawrence Marsh, DT (R-Jr)
A great dinner starts with a fine beverage, and a strong, aged wine is capable of bringing the entire meal together.

Members of the historic 2006 recruiting class that featured Tebow, Spikes, and Harvin, these two defenders took some time to reach their potential.

Cunningham has grown from a scrawny 6’4” 196-pound pass rusher to a sturdy 252-pound SEC defensive end in his four years in Gainesville, while Marsh has battled injuries and fought like a dog for every minute of playing time.

Whether it be in the form of statistical achievements on the field, or discussions and advice in the film room, their experience and leadership will lay the foundation for a supremely talented front four.

Roast – Carlos Dunlap, DE (Jr)
This is the heart of the banquet, the pièce de résistance. Dunlap is without question the most promising player on the defensive line, perhaps on the entire team. Despite only starting two games in 2008, he lead the team with 13.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks.

Dunlap combines a massive frame (6’7” 290 lbs.) with such speed that in high school he returned kicks, and after watching the video of this behemoth taking it to the house, it is clear why the defensive line centers around Dunlap’s play.

After sizzling in the rotisserie of spring and fall practice, coaches are excited by his new work ethic and commitment to getting better.

He has stated his goal is to break the Florida single season sack record of 13 held by Alex Brown, and if he does, he’ll never have to pay for a meal again in Gainesville.

Mashed Potatoes – Terron Sanders DT (R-Jr), Justin Trattou DT/DE (Jr)
Ah, potatoes, the bulk that rounds out a meal and provides much needed filler. Without a good starch, a fine meal will seem lacking and incomplete.

Likely not to overwhelm the rest the entrée, Trattou and Sanders provide quality production and back up the bigger stars on the defense.

They are the lesser known contributors that take on blocks and free up blitzing linebackers, while also strengthening the overall infrastructure of the D-line.

Trattou is nearly invaluable to the Florida scheme, as he is thick enough to play Tackle or quick enough to provide help at End, depending on what the situation is.

Sanders is quietly one of the most consistent members of the line, and had perhaps his best game against LSU in 2008, grading out a “champion.”

Gravy, Herbs & Cranberry Sauce – William Green DE (Soph), Jaye Howard DT (R-Soph), Omar Hunter DT (R-Fr), Earl Okine DE (R-Fr)
While the workload of this group may be light, Green, Howard, Hunter, and Okine will surely spice up the defense. Used sparingly, unless you are at a church picnic in rural Alachua, gravy gives smooth flavor to any dish.

Herbs also perk up a meal, providing a spark of zest in small doses. Finally, cranberry sauce makes any feast complete by adding a dash of tang here and there.

The D-line would not be nearly as effective without the intermittent flashes of brilliance provided by the players in this group. While the production has not been proven, as all four of the players named here did not play much a year ago, it was evident in spring practice that these developing players would have a special role in 2009.

Howard, recruited as an End, took two years to put on enough weight (about 56 pounds) to move inside and provide a slick burst in the middle of the line.

Green has one of the quickest first steps on the line, however due to a lack of bulk he was relegated mostly to special teams where he excelled blocking a punt against Kentucky a year ago.

Okine, a local product who continues to grow into his 6’7” frame, has tremendous upside and will be a quality backup this year.

Finally, Hunter was one of the bigger disappointments of last year’s incoming class. Head coach Urban Meyer raved about Hunter all recruiting season and led fans to believe he would come in an dominate from day one, however he ended up not playing much due to multiple injuries.

Although his official team picture portrays a Carl Winslow persona, make no mistake about it that Hunter will beef up the line in 2009, and may even start later in the season.

Bread – Brandon Antwine DT (R-Jr), Duke Lemmens DE (Jr)
Antwine and Lemmens will add a solid helping of depth to the defense this year. Like a warm loaf of crusty bread, these players will quietly bolster the rest of the defense.

Neither player will take over a game nor astound with flashy play, but guys who will supply good minutes and play hard are of utmost importance when trudging through an SEC schedule.

Lemmens is a thick end or a slippery tackle and can give other players a break by filling holes in many spots. Like a light slice of foccacia, he will also impress every once in a while, forcing a fumble while recording a sack last year against LSU.

Antwine has overcome a devastating injury in his career and is thankful to still be putting on pads every Saturday. He has a great motor and leaves his heart on the field every time he gets a chance.

Peas & Carrots – Edwin Hebert DT (Jr), Tory Epps DT (Sr)
The red-headed stepchild of any recruiting class, the juco transfer, must come in and contribute right away or they are viewed a bust.

Often, with only two years of eligibility, there is a short window for contribution for any transfer, much like there is a small tolerance for steamed carrots and their counterpart, peas.

A meal is not complete without veggies, however no one really wants to have a large portion, and frankly, they just take up space on the plate.

Hebert and Epps are almost the same player, juco Tackles that have underachieved in their short time at UF.

Epps only played in five games a year ago and did not make much of an impact, while Hebert has looked lost and overmatched so far in spring and fall practices.

Alas, peas and carrots, are necessary and can provide essential nutrients vital for life. Hopefully Hebert and Epps can give sturdy minutes and keep the rest of the defense fresh late in the game.

Dessert – Gary Brown DT (Fr), Kedric Johnson DE (Fr)
Much like chocolate cake and coffee, these freshmen arrived late to the party, only recently checking in for Fall practice.

Although the defense will not live and die by contributions from these players, any additional aid will just be icing on the cake.

Brown has the size and ability to perform at the highest level, however due to such depth at Tackle, he may take a year to learn the system.

Any playing time for Johnson seems unlikely, since he arrived on campus at a lithe 215 pounds and will have to thicken up his body to be able to compete for the Gators.

Florida Football Position Preview '09: Age Before Beauty at Linebacker

Alfred Fernandez — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 18:04:03 -0400

Middle linebacker is the quarterback of the defense: he runs the huddle, calls out plays, and essentially controls the field from his central location. So it is an asset to have a seasoned veteran manning the middle. As a true senior, Brandon Spikes is one of the elders of the Gators defense. But what some people may not know is that he takes after one of the most unsightly characters in all of cinema.

In the greatest sci-fi/action movie starring two future US governors, the Predator was a ruthless killing machine. He was also so hideous that Schwarzenegger was prompted to exclaim: “you are one ugly [bleepity-bleeper],” before finally defeating him with a falling tree trunk. But with his trademark dreads and facemask, that alien hunter extraordinaire sure could massacre Central American villages.

Spikes sports similar features (dreads, facemask visor, and a destructive attitude) and his play reminds observers of that solitary force that ripped through a fictional jungle so many years ago.

His has been all over the field during his career, totaling 239 tackles (including a whopping 131 in 2007). He added four interceptions last year as the defensive line improved, creating extra opportunities.

One thing that sets Spikes apart is that with each takedown comes a statement. He is known as an explosive personality between the sidelines and it comes out in every tackle.

Last year against Georgia, with UF trying to set a tone early and shake off the embarrassment of 2007, Spikes crashed through the line and de-cleated star running back Knowshon Moreno. It was reminiscent of a WWF Goldberg spearing (or was it WCW?).

In any case, Spikes leveled him for a three-yard loss, removing any doubt that the Gators were thirsty for revenge. Adding insult to injury, Spikes could be seen jawing at the mouth while Moreno lay there under his chinstrap. Moreno is lucky he didn't bring out the shoulder cannon.

Spikes is not the only fine wine that has aged to perfection at linebacker. Occupying one of the outside spots are fifth-year senior Ryan Stamper and junior Brandon Hicks.

Stamper has had to wait his turn through injury and behind upperclassmen but when given his chance last year he turned in a strong 2008 campaign. He earned team captain status while starting 11 games and recording 45 tackles.

His instincts and decision making have matured so that he is rarely out of position and is a consistent stopper for the Gators. Barring injury, he should continue to provide excellent support in 2009.

Hicks, entering his third year, came from Jacksonville with lofty expectations. At the end of the 2007 recruiting cycle, he was hotter than the ladies in Tom Brady’s little black book. Florida fought off LSU and Miami (FL) to sign Hicks, hoping he could solidify a defense devastated by injuries.

Even during the defensive black hole that was the 2007 season, Hicks was not able to contribute much. However, something clicked during his sophomore season and Hicks finished last year with five-straight starts, beating out A.J. Jones in the process. With his outstanding speed (he played receiver in high school), and is a terror blitzing from the outside.

The heart of any defense lies in solid linebacker production, and Florida is in great shape heading into this season. With a savvy, veteran starters backed by talented underclassmen, look for this position to be the strongest unit on the field.

A quick review of the rest of the 2009 Florida linebacker corps:

Dustin Doe (Sr)—He is a former starter who lost his spot to Stamper early last season. As a sophomore he appeared in all 13 games and looked to be ready to break out in 2008 but never quite met his potential and is now a very capable backup.

A.J. Jones (R-Jr)—Like Doe, Jones entered 2008 as a starter. He is one of those guys who isn’t bad, but just never reached elite status and got passed by guys who worked harder and played a step faster.

Hicks shot up the depth chart and now resides above Jones. A.J. combines with Doe to give the Gators what is essentially a “starting” second string.

Lorenzo Edwards (Jr)—Edwards is a very athletic guy who played safety during his high school days in Orlando. The fact he does not have a redshirt may ensure that he never becomes a starter for the Gators who are stacked at linebacker for years to come. He can play when he does get on the field, however, recording 10 tackles against Kentucky a year ago.

Larentee McCray (Soph)—McCray saw reserve duty last year, appearing in eight games. Anything more than special teams and mop up duty is unlikely for him this season, but he has added weight and may be one to watch in 2010.

Brendan Beal (R-Fr)—A torn ACL kept Beal off the field in 2008, which may be a good thing that he didn’t waste a year on special teams. As an early enrollee last spring, he looked more like a 1940's Big-10 linebacker that excelled in a “three yards and a cloud of dust” role.

However, early reports this year tell a different tale and he may be ready for the fast and furious SEC. The extra year he gained from injury may end up being a blessing in disguise.

Jonathan Bostic (Fr)—A safety in high school, Bostic enrolled early in 2009 to get a leg up on learning his new position. Apparently, he is a fast learner.

Bostic wowed coaches and teammates on a daily basis in spring practice and had continued his impressive play this fall. He is now unlikely to redshirt and may see meaningful minutes backing up Spikes this season.

Jelani Jenkins (Fr)—Jelani will give Janoris a run for his money as the best Jenkins on the defense in the years to come. A classic man-child, Jenkins will only be 17 at the start of the season and has already been the Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year twice ('07 and '08).

It is unclear if he will redshirt, but with his ability (Rivals 10th overall rated prospect), speed (4.4 forty) and brains (4.0 GPA throughout high school), there is a chance he will be thrown into the fire early. This should make him ready to compete for a starting spot next year.

Florida Football Position Preview '09: Batten Down the Hatches at Corner

Alfred Fernandez — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 08:11:38 -0400

It's quite commonplace to describe a team’s running attack as "Thunder and Lightning" when there are two good backs that represent different styles. A power back is usually the "thunder," while a speedy back provides the "lightning."

Some notable combinations immediately come to mind: LenDale White/Reggie Bush at USC, and more recently James Davis/CJ Spiller at Clemson. Even Florida’s former Tebow/Demps/Rainey/Harvin combination qualifies (but that’s more like thunder, lightning, tornado, white squall).

For the 2009 Florida Gators, the best example of this phenomenon is at cornerback. Two players, Joe Haden and Janoris Jenkins, have very distinct styles that frustrate receivers and shut down opposing offenses.

Going into spring practice, they have about as much job security as you can find on a team with great starters, but very talented backups across the board. Haden and Jenkins are so entrenched, there isn’t much chance any corners see the field except in nickel and dime formations.

Haden, the blazing junior, has locked down one corner spot since he enrolled at UF. Hailing from Fort Washington, Maryland, Haden dominated as a QB and RB in high school, only occasionally lining up in the secondary as a safety.

However, as an early enrollee in the spring of 2007, he was asked to patch up a defensive backfield that had been decimated by graduation, injuries, and suspensions. Haden was up to the challenge.

Using blinding speed (sub-4.4 40) and cat-like reflexes, Haden earned the right to be the first true freshman to start opening day at corner for the Gators. Ever.

What he didn’t know from experience, he made up with pure, unadulterated athletic ability. Asking an offensive player to turn around and play backwards is a significant challenge, but to then ask him to do it while transitioning from high school to SEC competition? That’s like telling Screech to go win an Oscar against Tom Hanks and Dustin Hoffman.

Nonetheless, he defied the odds, and after a year of growing pains, was able to help shut down perhaps the greatest offense of all time in the 2008 Orange Bowl.

Janoris Jenkins operates at a different gear than Haden, but still has made an impact early on in his career. He was highly recruited out of Pahokee High School, yet didn’t reach elite five-star status due to a "slow" 40 time in the 4.5 second range. What the stopwatch can't measure, however, is game speed.

Growing up in "The Muck", Jenkins learned how to read-and-react by chasing jack-rabbits in sugarcane fields. Once you have caught a fleet footed hare, SEC receivers don’t look so fast. Jenkins combines outstanding footwork and agility with brute force, locking down receivers at the line of scrimmage.

His physical style of play wears down the opposition, and by the fourth quarter even speedsters can't shake him.

Midway through the 2008 season, Jenkins was starting as a freshman alongside the slick Haden to form a devastating duo of cornerbacks. They combined for 126 tackles, 23 pass break-ups, and six interceptions en route to solidifying a secondary that was the Gators’ Achilles heel the previous year.

It should be fun to watch quarterbacks try to pick between throwing into one storm or another this coming season.

A quick review of the rest of the 2009 Florida cornerback corps:

Markihe Anderson (Sr.)—Anderson is a former starter as a sophomore who originally lost his spot due to injury. That was a few years ago, and now he will just be asked to provide backup support and play special teams.

Wondy Pierre-Louis (Sr.)—He is another former starter who benefited from a severe lack of corner depth in 2007. Signed as a project with good size (6'1"), he was thrown into the fire earlier than expected, which may have stunted his growth as a player. Will be relegated to mop-up duty and special teams.

Moses Jenkins (Jr)—Jenkins has great size (6'2") but lacks overall athleticism. Entering his third year at Florida, Jenkins probably will not see the field aside from special teams in 2009, and may never start at cornerback for the Gators.

Adrian Bushell (R-Fr)—Bushell played WR/CB in high school and was placed on defense upon arriving in Gainesville. He has no game experience, as he redshirted last year, but has plenty of time to develop.

Jeremy Brown (R-Fr)—Brown has been plagued by injuries in his short time at UF, but when healthy has shown brilliance in practice. Coaches rave about his upside, but he can't seem to stay on the field. Due to depth at corner this year, he will probably have to wait until 2010 to get a real shot at playing time.

Snubbed! Florida Gets a Paltry 53 First Place Votes in Coach's Poll (Humor)

Alfred Fernandez — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:24:13 -0400

Gainesville, FL – The college football world was turned upside down last Friday, when the USA Today Coach’s Poll was made public. In a shocking turn of events, Florida was not a unanimous choice for the number-one slot this preseason.

The mighty Gators got an embarrassing 53 of 59 possible first place votes, meaning six coaches did not think Florida was the best team in the nation. Other teams that received votes were Texas (4), Oklahoma (1), and Southern California (1).

Students held an all-night vigil on campus Friday night, hoping that the delinquent coaches would change their mind. When that didn’t work, some students decided to transfer to another school.

Phil Brumberg, a 20-year-old accounting major, told reporters, “Yea, I applied to Mount Union today… the business school isn’t that great, but they are always champs in football. I mean, I just hate that the media and everything don’t respect the Gators. I’m just sick of it.”

While some chose to run away, others have been driven to action.

Lawrence Clouser, a freshman, is going to pursue a career in politics, stating, “The whole system is so corrupt, I think I can be the change… like Obama.”

When asked what his platform would be he responded, “Gators baby, Gators.”

Students are not the only ones aghast at this slighting. Urban Meyer brought the team together for a closed door meeting Saturday morning. It is unclear as to what exactly was said, but Meyer addressed the media at an emergency press conference Saturday afternoon:

"It is disappointing that the coaches feel this way. But we are going to use this as motivation and just prove it on the field. If we cant get respect by what we have done in the past, we will just have to move forward. The University of Florida and The Gator Nation will be resilient and you can count on us being a unanimous number one in the 2010 preseason poll."

The real question buzzing in the college football world is who would dare vote anyone else at the top?

“Well, coaches can vote for their own team so I can understand that. It’s dumb, but I understand. Those other three coaches are gonna pay, though,” said middle linebacker, Brandon Spikes as he devoured a two-pound steak at Gator Corner dining hall.

Indeed, as Spikes so eloquently put it, Mack Brown (Texas), Bob Stoops (Oklahoma) and Pete Carroll (USC), likely hold three of those six votes.

Other suspects are Charlie Weis of Notre Dame and Lane Kiffin of Tennessee.

Weis reportedly got his feelings hurt when rumors circulated that Notre Dame may be pursuing Urban Meyer to replace him. Kiffin, who is an all-around moron to begin with, may have just done it for kicks and giggles. Finally, reports are stating that the third offender may be Joe Paterno, whose plexiglas spectacles would make it impossible for him to read the small font on the ballot.Paterno has gone on record in the past saying, “Ive been christmas tree-ing it for years anyways.”

Regardless of who cast the outrageous votes, the damage has extended from the psyche to the physical. Upon hearing the news, junior safety Major Wright gave himself a concussion while running back Emmanuel Moody slammed his fist on his desk and promptly re-injured his ankle.

When team leader, senior quarterback Tim Tebow, was finally reached for comment, he looked as if he had seen a ghost. Tebow quickly composed himself, stared directly into the sun, and began saying, “You will not see any player play as hard as I will play…”

Yea, tell it to the coaches.

Florida Gators Football Position Preview 2009: Wright or Wrong at Safety?

Alfred Fernandez — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 19:22:48 -0400

The decisions the Florida coaches will make with the safety personnel will have a profound impact on UF’s 2009 title run. With five capable players, it will be very tough to determine who gets on the field and how often. Much like in a chess match, defensive coordinator Charlie Strong will have to use the right piece at the right time to be effective. Of the many faces vying for playing time, only one has the chance to leave a permanent mark (both literally and figuratively) on the 2009 season.

Major Wright arrived in Gainesville with a nasty reputation from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. While at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Wright feasted on opposing offenses from his safety position. He ripped through wide receivers and running backs like Kobayashi through hot dogs. His highlight videos were a thing of beauty as he made hitting an art form, pain being his medium and shoulder pads his brush.

Three years later, Wright continues to instill fear into opponents on a regular basis. His destruction of Oklahoma’s Manny Johnson in the first five minutes of the 2008 Orange Bowl set a vicious tone that wouldn’t be reversed (see picture). SEC receivers have been known to break down and cry in the huddle when assigned a crossing route in the Swamp. There is no doubt that Major Wright affects games psychologically as well as physically. However, there is a problem with Major: he plays safety, not linebacker.

A safety’s job is one of the most complex on defense. A great safety must have many tools at his disposal. They must have brains to read and dissect plays more than any other defender, and from further away. They must have braun to take on a bruising fullback that broke through the front seven. They must have burst to cover the opponent’s fastest deep threat with a moment’s notice.

As personified by former Gator Reggie Nelson, a good safety is also an “eraser,” cleaning up mistakes made by the front 10. To magnify their responsibility, usually a safety does not have any backup, so one wrong step often means six points.

For these reasons, Major Wright is a liability.

It is easy to love his explosive ways. However, for every bone-crushing hit he lands, he misses two. Naturally, everyone remembers the knock-out blow, but the scoreboard remembers all of it. The box score in Sunday’s paper shows the points that resulted because he tried to send someone to the hospital, rather than just ungracefully dragging someone down in the open field. It is also common knowledge that he is suspect in coverage and often looks confused while the ball is in the air. That is not a compliment.

Wright is being mentioned as a top safety in the nation, and a first-round draft pick, heading into this season. He certainly has the tools to perform at the highest level, but he has only mastered one aspect of the position.

Hopefully, throughout spring and fall practices, he has developed more of the all-around skills that define a great safety. If he has, the sky is the limit and look for him to be an irreplaceable force on the Gators defense. However, if not, his role may be reduced to wedge-buster on kickoffs.

A quick review of the rest of the 2009 Florida safety corps:

Dorian Munroe (R-Sr) – He is recovering from a torn ACL that sidelined him all of 2008, but he looked great in spring practice. There is so much depth at the position that any contribution from him will be icing on the cake.

Ahmad Black (Jr) – The biggest surprise of 2008, Black emerged from the depths of the cornerback rotation to co-lead the nation with seven interceptions as a safety. He will likely man one of the safety spots, and his consistency and football IQ should prevent any letdown this year.

Will Hill (So) – A great all-around athlete, “The Thrill” started his career as a special teams enforcer, but he ended the year getting significant minutes at safety. He will only improve and is the biggest threat to take Wright’s playing time.

Dee Finley (Fr) – Highly touted as a senior in high school, he needed a year in prep school to iron things out. Greatness is expected from Finley as he begins his career as a Gator, but he’ll have to earn his stripes on special teams this year.

The Dirty Dozen: 12 underrated but TiVo-worthy college football matchups for 2009

Alfred Fernandez — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:30:51 -0400

Going into the college football season, there are certain games that will be on every Buffalo Wild Wings’ TV, every Las Vegas jumbotron, and every Tom, Dick, and Harry’s HD widescreen. “Cant-miss” games such as Ohio St./USC, Florida/LSU, and Texas/Oklahoma are going to be great, however there are many other games to be played in 2009 that demand attention. Watch the ESPN game-of-the-week if you must (I know I will), but set your TiVo for these less appreciated, yet very intriguing contests.

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Saturday the 13th: Florida's 2009 Non-Conference Schedule

Alfred Fernandez — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:46:11 -0400

It's a tough task to analyze Florida’s upcoming 2009 season without coming to the same conclusion as everyone else: Florida should dominate everyone en route to at least a National Championship game appearance.

The Gators are more loaded than John Daly at a NASCAR race, and will more than likely fulfill their destiny as one of the greatest teams of our generation. With a favorable schedule, Florida has an easier path to travel than in years past, which is highlighted by a slate of weak, out-of-conference games.

The four non-SEC teams that will challenge Florida are much like a group of teens found in any horror movie. They may put up a fight, but just when you think they have overcome the killer, a spear is driven through their back and you are out of popcorn.

Charleston Southern: 9/5/09—The Early Blond Sacrifice

Sweet little Charleston Southern finds itself home alone in a cabin by the lake, while their boyfriend just drove to town to get some beer. There is nowhere to hide; this one is over before the first whistle.

Charleston Southern is not even a top tier Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) team, picked near the bottom of the Big South Conference. The lone bright spot is potential All-FCS defensive back Phillip Ashley. Gator quarterback Tim Tebow may have to be aware of Ashley roaming the secondary, but he won’t change the game plan. While on offense, CSU will have to contend with linebacker Brandon Spikes, who looks and plays like the Predator.

The Bucs should truly rejoice if they come out of this one with all their limbs intact.

Florida 63-3.

Troy: 9/12/09—The Irrational Tough Guy

In every horror movie, there is a brawny jock or an over-zealous boyfriend who thinks he can take on the bad guy. This character charges head first into battle, and may actually inflict some damage, but ultimately winds up on the wrong end of a chainsaw.

Troy has a frenzied attack on offense, scoring 32.8 points and racking up 414 total yards per game a year ago. Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year, quarterbacl Levi Brown, will spearhead the offense and have a dynamic arsenal. Under-sized yet speedy DuJuan Harris strikes from the backfield and dependable Jerrell Jernigan, who caught 77 passes last year, will line up outside.

The Trojans also hit heavy on defense with NFL prospect Boris Lee manning the middle linebacker spot. Defense was a strength for Troy last year when they led the conference in nearly every defensive category. However, the Sun Belt is Camp Anawana and the SEC is more like Camp Crystal Lake.

The Trojans have talent and tenacity to make you jump in your seat early, but in the end they will meet their doom.

Florida 59-13 .

Florida International: 11/21/09—The Persistent Dork

Midway to three-quarters through the movie, there will be a handful of victims left.

One of them is sure to be a comic-relief goofball who has maintained a low profile and somehow stayed alive. The Panthers will certainly provide some humor when they visit the Swamp.

Florida International ranked 107th in the nation last year at running the football, averaging just under 100 yards a game. If they can’t run against the Gators, good luck trying to throw against perhaps the best secondary the University Florida has ever fielded. Lockdown corners Janoris Jenkins and Joe Haden will ensure that FIU doesn’t meet its average of 212 passing yards a game and head-hunting safety Major Wright should make anyone think twice about coming over the middle.

Florida International may show up late in the season, but they have no better chances of winning than early casualty Charleston Southern. Scratch this team off the list of heroes, but this flick wont end here.

Florida 62- 0.

Florida State: 11/28/09—The Victorious Hunk...Maybe

Like any good slasher film, this whole story climaxes in a final showdown.

Both parties have been bruised and battered, but find themselves face-to-face and only one can come out alive. The scene we’ve all been waiting for is finally here!

Florida State will certainly give the Gators the best contest of all the non-conference foes.

The O-Line returns all five starters from last year, so Florida’s vaunted front seven will have their hands full. FSU returns surprise quarterback Christian Ponder at the helm, but it will be a challenge to find any other recognizable names on offense. Bert Reed dazzles, but the rest of the wide receiver corps had to deal with a horror story of their own, as many players found themselves on trial and/or off the team during the summer. They must improve on a passing attack that ranked 82nd in the nation last year.

The Seminoles' defense is always a strength, and Coordinator Mickey Andrews will have them ready to slaughter Tebow. Look out for sophomore Nigel Bradham to carry the torch of bone-crushing linebackers at FSU.

This will be a better game than it has been in recent memory, and with a rivalry of this magnitude, anything goes.

So will FSU come out with a nail-biting, last-second, in-the-nick-of-time improbable victory? I hate to ruin the ending, but remember this isn’t the movies, and everything does not follow a script.

Florida 48-14.

Five Plays That Defined My Childhood as a Florida Gator Fan

Alfred Fernandez — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:45:25 -0400

We all have those moments. Couch-hopping moments. Clicker-throwing moments. Turn-off-the-TV-in-shame moments. Growing up a Florida Gator fan in the 90s certainly had its share of awesome and awful times. This list includes plays, that for one reason or another, are forever imbedded in my brain. Some are good, some are bad. Ill admit, they are all related to my love of the University of Florida, but not all games in this article include the Gators. So come, Florida Gators and Haters, lets take a stroll down memory lane. DISCLAIMER: This list includes only plays/games a) that i watched live on TV or at the game b) that were played during the 1990s, which, for all intents and purposes was my childhood

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College Football's Impact Freshmen, Part II: Defense

Alfred Fernandez — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 13:02:43 -0400

This is a continuation of the Impact Freshman piece posted a few weeks ago. This article will take a look at defensive players who have a chance to contribute right away in 2009.
(Players are listed in alphabetical order and all rankings are taken from Rivals.com.)

Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

One viewing of his Rivals highlight tape is all you need. Burfict, who was originally committed to Southern Cal, may already be the hardest hitter on the ASU team.

The Sun Devils return two starting LBs from last year, but Burfict, and his Terry Tate-esque hits, will find a way on the field.

William Campbell, DT, Michigan

Typically defensive and offensive lineman are not able to make an impact as freshmen because of a lack of strength. Campbell, however, arrived in Ann Arbor as an early enrollee and used the time to get bigger and stronger.

He may not start, but look for him to get in the D-line rotation and help Michigan gain some respectability back.

Fletcher Cox, DE, Mississippi St.

Cox lands on this list simply because of his freakish physical gifts. His body is college-ready at 6’4” and 240 lbs., but he runs a 4.4 40 yard dash and ran track in high school.

He has one of the quickest first steps of any DE in this class and he should be able to get on the field even quicker as the new regime at Miss. St. builds their program.

Storm Klein, LB, Ohio St.

Klein was not the most highly recruited guy the Buckeyes landed in 2009, but he certainly made the biggest impression this spring. Bringing a gritty attitude, Storm plays like his moniker, swallowing any ball carier that may cross his path.

Look for Klein to get in the rotation and give sturdy minutes as a freshman.

Craig Loston, S, Louisiana St.

Following in the footsteps of LaRon Landry and current stud Chad Jones, Loston looks to be the next great safety at LSU. Rated as the No. 1 safety in the class of 2009, he may have an opportunity to play soon after enrolling in the fall.

The Tigers have slipped a bit since winning the championship in 2007, going 8-5 last year. Loston could provide a spark for a defense that has lost a number of great players to the NFL in recent years.

Larvez Mars, LB, Florida International

FIU is a very odd place for a 4-star prospect to end up, which is why he makes this list. Although undersized, the 5'11" Marz is probably already the most athletically gifted player in FIU history.

The new Golden Panther should crack the starting lineup early and then crack helmets often.

Bradley McDougald, S, Kansas

The Kansas system is one reason McDougald makes this list. Although he was recruited as a safety, his experience at WR leads to whispers of him being a two-way player.

Kansas throws the ball plenty and with the constant rotation of WRs. McDougald has a chance to play while he learns the details of the safety position in the mean time.

Alex Okafor, DE, Texas

Another early enrollee on the D-line. Okafor raised some eyebrows in the spring, showing quickness off the edge.

If he can continue to perfect his pass rushing technique this summer, Okafor may be able to ease the loss of first-round pick Brain Orapko.

Greg Reid, CB, Florida St.

After earning the MVP of the Under Armour All-American Game, Reid shot up everyone's recruiting boards. He then took a page from Benedict Arnold and decommitted from UF only to sign with FSU.

Reid brings elite quickness and cover skills to the Gators’ archrivals and he will likely shut down opposing WRs while spotlighting as a return man for the Seminoles.

Josh Robinson, S, Central Florida

After losing all four starters in the secondary, UCF needs a spark in the defensive backfield.

Enter Josh Robinson, one of the more highly touted recruits to ever sign with the Knights. Whether it be on defense or making a splash on special teams, look for Robinson to contribute.

Shayne Skov, LB, Stanford

Skov went undetected on many recruiting radars after a injury-plagued senior season. He returned to action in the postseason and had a stellar Army All-American game.

He will show up on the Stanford campus and immediately compete for playing time for the Cardinal.

Five College Football Teams to “Put a Buck on” in 2009

Alfred Fernandez — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:03:29 -0400

I typically don’t gamble, however sometimes there is a rare opportunity where its fun to just throw out some money just in case. My buddy Dan and I love these situations. For instance, when reading the odds for the NCAA basketball tournament, I may announce that SW Nevada A&M is 67,000,000,000:1 to win the whole thing. His response? “I’d put a buck on ‘em.” Maybe its exciting because of the chance to win 67 billion. But maybe its the fun of rooting for the long shot, the pride of “calling it” when no one else saw it coming, and yea the chance for a little payday doesn’t hurt. I give you 5 preposterous scenarios. You choose which one is going to bring home the bacon.

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Impact Freshmen Part I: Offense

Alfred Fernandez — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 21:47:21 -0400

For incoming freshmen, the fall season brings cramped dorms, introductory classes, and an orientation to big time college football. Whether you are a spectator or a player, the first game in your stadium is a memorable one.

Here is a list of players that will more than likely be on the field rather than on the bench come August. (Players are listed in alphabetical order and all rankings are according to Rivals.com)

Part I: Offense

Jamal Berry, RB, Ohio St – There is no lack of talent on the Buckeyes roster, but Berry brings a special blend of speed and power to the table. Look for him to get a fair share of touches, unless QB Terelle Pryor goes all Vince Young on us and just wins a championship by himself.

Jheranie Boyd, WR, North Carolina– After losing their two most productive WRs to the NFL, Butch Davis has open spots on the outside. Ranked the No. 3 wide receiver in this 2009 class, Boyd is built much like former UNC standout, and first round pick, Hakeem Nicks. He should be able to play significant minutes for the Tarheels.

Bryce Brown, RB, Tennessee – In one of the more bizarre recruiting stories of the season, the No. 1 overall prospect in 2009 finally picked Tennessee, seemingly out of nowhere. There is no way Brown made this decision without guaranteed playing time...and/or a nice signing bonus. Just sayin’...

Andre Debose, WR/RB, Florida– A dynamic playmaker in high school, his experience at many positions equip Debose to play the “Percy position” at UF. Can the Gators replace No. 1? No. But this kid’s combination of hands, vision, and 4.4 speed will help patch up the hole Harvin left.

Tate Forcier, QB, Michigan– Sometimes injuries can be a good thing...for the backup. Forcier is an early enrollee at UM and due to injuries to those ahead of him, showed he has what it takes to run the team in spring practice. He has a very good chance to start and try to rebuild the classic powerhouse that is Michigan football.

Cody Green, QB, Nebraska– After the graduation of Joe Ganz and the mysterious decision by heir apparent Patrick Witt to transfer to Yale, the door is wide open for someone to play QB in Lincoln. Green will have to earn the job this summer, but his mobility may give him the edge to play as a true freshman.

Kendrick Hardy, RB, Southern Miss– Anytime a player is in jail, (see: Fletcher, Damieon) its not a good thing. However Hardy may make Eagles fans forget their all-time leading rusher. He comes with four-star pedigree and the Eagles fought off Tennessee to get him, so don’t think they expect him sit the bench all season.

Logan Heastie, WR, West Virginia– Gotta love the early enrollees. They have a chance to learn the system and put on bulk to prepare for the college game when Fall hits. Heastie gives the mountaineers a big (6’2”) target and has speed (4.4) to stretch the field. He has already made quite an impression in Morgantown.

Christine Michael, RB, Texas A&M– The former five-star is already the most gifted horse in the stable, and he hasn’t even practiced yet. Plus, you know he has something to prove with a name like Christine. The departed Mike Goodson never really panned out as an Aggie, but I think this Michael will.

Patrick Patterson, WR, Ole Miss – Patterson really showed his stuff in the post season, making a name for himself at the Army All-American game. Ole Miss does not have the depth as some other SEC schools, so he should be able get in the rotation and play a meaningful role as the Rebels try to live up to the hype in 2009.

Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama – Truly the full package at RB. Power, elusiveness, and break away speed define the fifth-ranked high school player in America. With Glen Coffey departed to the NFL, Richardson will certainly have opportunities as Nick Saban has no qualms with sharing the wealth in his backfield.

Look for Part II: Defense coming soon...

NCAA Football Preseason Top 10

Alfred Fernandez — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 20:37:45 -0400

(Tim Tebow and the University of Florida met Obama and also got pointers on how to be President) Think back to your high school days, with jocks, nerds, and punks. Everyone had a label or a group to belong to. In the same way, the top teams in 2009 can be described by their persona. I give you my 2009 Preseason Top 10.

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Seven Questions That Demand Answers in 2009

Alfred Fernandez — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 20:04:37 -0400

1. Who is Greg Paulus?

Oh, you mean ’05 Gatorade high school basketball player of the year? The ’06 ACC All-Freshman? The guy who started for four years as the Duke point guard? Yes, that’s Greg Paulus.

What I didn’t mention is that he was also the ’05 Gatorade football player of the year...and current Syracuse Orange quarterback. New Syracuse coach, Doug Marrone, is giving a scholarship to a QB who hasn’t thrown a meaningful pass in four years.

Unless you count his game winning flea-flicker during the Paulus Family Thanksgiving Backyard Extravagaanza. I mean, this is insane! Did you know the Duke head coach even said Paulus wouldn’t be able to compete for the job? At Duke.

So he headed to Syracuse, the Big East doormat, a team which has gone 9-27 the past three years. And that’s perhaps the only BCS conference weaker than the Big Ten. So what? This story may never make it past Orange message boards.

Paulus hasn’t even won the starting job, and he may never even play. But what if he does start? What if they win six games? What if they make a bowl? That would be the craziest thing since the forward pass.

2. Will Lane Kiffin have to install a reverse peephole?

For the seven people who don’t watch Seinfeld reruns on daily basis, Kramer and Newman once installed reverse peepholes so they could see if anyone was inside their apartment waiting to ambush them.

It may behoove the new Tennessee coach to do the same. Before he has even sniffed the grass of Neyland stadium, he had managed to piss off just about everyone in the SEC and even one Florida high school.

From falsely calling Urban Meyer a cheater to implying that Nick Saban can’t recruit to questioning whether Pahokee High School, star recruit Nu’Keese Richardson’s alma mater, could even fax the letter of intent to Knoxville.

The hit list is already long for Kiffin and also includes: SEC legend Steve Spurrier, UF Athletics Director Jeremy Foley, SEC commissioner Mike Slive, and Georgia recruit Marlon Brown. Whew...and it's not even Fall yet.

Regardless of the Volunteers’ record this year, I think his first season will be a success if Kiffin doesn’t find someone waiting for him around the corner with a sock full of pennies.

3. How long will we have to endure “we’re coming to your citaaaay” as the Gameday theme song?

It's been what, five years of having this awful wannabe country-rap-rock oil spill as the anthem of the greatest Saturday show of all time? My apologies to Transformers and GI Joe, but College Football Gameday has always been the only thing that can get me out of bed before 11 on a Saturday morning.

But this song has got to go. At the very least pick ONE genre and stick to it! And since when was country the official football music? I guess Hank Williams Jr started it with his Monday night ditty. But at least that was good, “Are you ready for some football” became iconic. But will anyone be reciting Cowboy Troy 10 years from now?

No. Because its ridiculous and gimmicky. To make matters worse, I kinda liked it last year… which in turn made me resent it all the more. If I have to hear it one more time...well Ill probably just complain again and still watch the show.

4. Who will make the BCS look completely idiotic this year?

Ok, the BCS did have about four good years. Then we realized how much of a joke it was. Since 2003, just about every championship has had as much controversy as NBA refereeing. First, it was the split title in 2003 (USC in the AP and LSU in the Coaches).

Then undefeated Auburn got left out in 2004. Finally, smaller schools have been the thorn in the BCS side the past two years. Utah proved they deserved a shot in 2005 by defeating Pittsburgh and going undefeated.

Then Boise St beat Oklahoma in perhaps the best college football game ever played, demanding that small schools deserve to be noticed. Last year, Utah obliterated previously unstoppable Alabama en route to a 13-0 season. Not to mention the unsolvable problem created by the Texas Tech/Texas/Oklahoma triangle.

The ‘08 season really opened the floodgates, even leading some to question the legality of the BCS. A recent hearing in Washington DC addressed the system and a potential playoff.

Things got so nasty that Rep. Joe Barton (a Big 12 fan who just so happens to be from Texas) said it should be called the “BS system” then later compared it to communism during the meeting.

And its not only football people that are taking jabs at the BCS. Just yesterday when asked about his Orlando Magic being overlooked in their playoff series, coach Stan van Gundy said: ''The bottom line is this is not the BCS, where people get to vote for who the best teams are. We actually get to play on the court to decide that.” Yikes.

**Kiffin Update: I** Literally as I was finishing up this article, I find out that Tennessee will self-report a minor recruiting violation after Lane Kiffin posted on Twitter: “I was so excited to hear that JC Copeland committed to play for the Vols today!”

Good Lord. He might just have to watch his back even in Knoxville. I actually feel bad for the Tennessee faithful as they have to put up with this childishness.

5. Can the state of Washington learn to play football?

In one of the most embarrassing storylines of 2008, Washington St and the University of Washington sank to the depths of college football, a place reserved for Prairie View and whoever invented the BCS (see No. 4).

The schools had one Division I-A win between them, and that was when Wash St beat...wait for it...Washington. At least Wazzu’s season was partially understandable as their QB situation got so decimated by injuries they were literally holding on-campus tryouts for a backup.

The winless Huskies scrapped everything and got themselves a fancy new coach from USC, Steve Sarkisian. I’m about as jealous of Sarkisian as I am of my friend who contracted “a touch of malaria” (true story).

Hopefully in the dreary pacific northwest some light will shine on these teams in 2009. But no matter how bad it gets, at least they know someone has to win when they meet on Nov. 28.

6. Will Verne Lundquist finally man-up and ask Tim Tebow for his phone number?

All last year on CBS sports good ole’ Verne beat-around-the-bush about his man-crush on Tebow. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy Lundquist and I think he is one of the better color guys still announcing.

But he is madly in love with Tebow. It became really obvious when I noticed he never mispronounced Timmy’s name! Typically, if player names were early '80s B-movie actresses, Lundquist would be Leatherface.

But in this case, Verne is obviously going the extra mile to make Tim notice his affection. Go for it Verne, ask him...we’re all rooting for you.

**Kiffin Update II** Just when I think I can finish an article, there is a new update from Knoxville. Looks like little Lane can’t even get along with his own staff! The new Vol has reportedly fired his strength and conditioning coach, Mark Smith. Kiffin might be taking the old adage “any publicity is good publicity” too seriously.

7. What does time travel have in common with going undefeated in the Big 12 South?

Both are mathematically feasible but practically impossible. Stephen Hawking wrote a book about it. Well, I don’t think he mentioned the Big 12 at all. I digress...anyway, Texas and Oklahoma would make anyone’s top five list.

Oklahoma State should make most top 10s. Baylor, don’t laugh, will be very tough. Texas Tech can put up 72 points on any given day, even without Crabtree.

Texas A&M isn’t what it used to be but they bring in blue-chip prospects and are really good for the worst team in a division. Much is written about UT, OK, and OKST, but let’s touch on Baylor a second.

Before you spit milk through your nose, mark my words: the Bears will have a win against one of those three teams this year. They return Freshman All-American QB, Robert Griffin, who by the way won the 400 meter sprint at the NCAA championships in his spare time.

Ten bucks says Baylor will be the No. 1 non-top-25 used team in on-line NCAA Football 2010 games. I know I would run the option like nobody’s business with Griffin, and any play with a QB rollout would just be unfair. Not to mention that Baylor returns RB Jay Finley, and top two WRs Kendall Wright and David Gettis.

Add in their best recruiting class in years and you’ve got yourself a monster. That Big 12 South division is probably more dense than a black hole, and I don’t think anyone can come out alive.