Bleacher Report - Tim Tebow

SEC Championship May Not Be the End All-Tell All of 2009

Ashton Gilstrap — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:18:54 -0500

Let me pose an interesting question to you:

What happens if this weekend's conference championship games shake up the BCS enough to necessitate a rematch between Alabama and Florida for the National Title Game?

This is how it could happen:

Let's say, for the sake of argument, that Alabama manages to come back after a devastating loss in last year's SEC Championship Game to defeat Florida and become the No. 1 team in the land?

Everyone is assuming that the National Title game will be between the winner of the SEC championship and Texas, but what happens if Texas loses this weekend to Nebraska's stout defense in the Big 12 Championship?

There's still a handful of undefeated teams out there, but let's look to the 2007 National Championship Game—when LSU lost to the Arkansas Razorbacks but still managed to get into the National Title game and beat Ohio State.

The point is no other teams in the country will have the kind of strength of schedule that SEC teams have, and that strength of schedule is what could push a rematch between Florida and Alabama for the title game.

Now, obviously, this is just raw speculation. A lot of things would have to go right for it to happen, but if Texas and Florida lose, can it really be argued still that the Gators are not the No. 2 team in the nation and thusly earn their right to go to the National Title game?

Only the next week will be able to tell us this, but I don't think it's too far-fetched to not deserve to be written about.

The SEC is the strongest conference in football, about that there can be no argument. I refuse to even entertain the idea that any other conference can hold a candle to the top to bottom strength that is present in the SEC.

Who's to say it couldn't happen? I'd love to see it happen. As an SEC purist, I think that Florida and Alabama are the two best teams in the country, and regardless of the other undefeated teams, one can clearly see that none of these other teams would make it in the SEC.

The two best teams in the country should play each other for the Championship, rematch or not.

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College Football: Baby's Losers for the First Week of December

BabyTate — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 05:37:30 -0500

The first week of December provides the opportunity to watch numerous championship games while jockeying for bowl position continues at a high level.

Baby's Losers

1. The Civil War: Oregon State @ Oregon

There are some games that are always full of adventure, excitement, and surprises. The Civil War is one such game, which is why we feel it is necessary to include this match in the predictions and picks for the week.

Former Alabama star cornerback Mike Riley will have his Beavers ready to repay the Ducks for knocking them out of the Rose Bowl in '08.

Baby's Loser: in a thriller, Oregon State

2. Big 12 Championship Game: Texas vs. Nebraska in Arlington, Texas

Colt McCoy will secure his Heisman Trophy with a victory over the Cornhuskers, but this will not be easy. Expect Nebraska to hold the Longhorns to 21 points or less.

Baby's Loser: Nebraska

3. ACC Title Game: Georgia Tech vs. Clemson in Tampa, Florida

Clemson had every intention of winning this game until Steve Spurrier showed the world how to control C.J. Spiller last week in Carolina's 17-point win over the Tigers.

Baby's Loser: Clemson

4. Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh

Everyone wants another unbeaten team to go to the BCS. In this corner we have a supporter of Pitt all year, but can they score enough to defeat Cincinnati?

Baby's Loser: close, Pittsburgh

5. Arizona @ Southern California

Respect for sportsmanship would not be a description of what Pete Carroll did to UCLA in the final minute of their game last week. The Wildcats had best be prepared.

Baby's Loser: Arizona

6. California @ Washington

Before the Huskies are written off here, look at the situation: The Bears are set to go bowling and have little incentive.

Sarkisian just might have UW ready for an upset.

Baby's Loser: tight, Washington

7. Wisconsin @ Hawaii

One of the reasons the Outback Bowl is hesitant to invite the Badgers is because of this game and the possible impact on attendance a month later in Florida.

Baby's Loser: Hawaii

Saturday's Tough One

8. Conference USA Championship Game: Houston @ East Carolina

Skip Holtz is being talked about as a coaching possibility for many of the positions that are opening. He'll have his Pirates ready, but the Cougar offense is too formidable.

Baby's Loser: East Carolina

Game of the Week

9. SEC Title Game: Florida vs. Alabama in Atlanta, Ga.

The teams in this clash are equal and know everything about each other.

Alabama has a true advantage in their ability to create and convert turnovers. The Crimson Tide players think they can beat Florida, but the Gator players know they can beat Alabama. That just could be the difference.

Let's go with history to repeat itself.

Baby's Loser: Alabama

Last week, Baby Tate went 6-3, missing Ga.Tech, Pitt, and Ok.St. (84-33 for the year)

9-0: No One

8-1: Zodiac, Kimberley, Ga Dawg, Taylor B., Connor, Jared, Boulder, and Fanatic.

7-2: Mosang, Michael C., 007, Kevin M., Alex, Daniel H., Tom O., Scott R., Ryan H., Carl S., Mark F., Jim M., and Sean.

6-3: Baby Tate, Ronnie, 12, Dan B., Tim C., Brandon H., Daniel H., Kent, Iceman, Mark S. Bill B., Cliff, Ryan, Blake B., and Tyler L.

5-4: Hokie Hogg, Matt S., James W.

Below Baby Tate's Mendoza Line: Red Raider, Ryan R., Josh M., and Wil

Congratulations to Kimberley who had her finest week ever as her beloved Bulldogs put it to Ga. Tech on national TV.

Same for Ga Dawg. We see he is feeling his oats this week with a fine article recapping the burning of Atlanta.

This is one of the best results record-wise we've seen as an overall group. I'm certain Zodiac will claim that he is responsible.

A tip of the hat to the first-timers who all did well.

Taylor, Connor, and Jared outdid themselves with their fine work during holiday week.

We had 43 participants for this past week. Keep up the great work.

A note of thanks to Bill B. who spent the week telling everyone how Georgia would beat Ga Tech.

Note: Since it is the final week of the regular season, let's make an exception this one time and have all of our picks in by Thursday night, prior to the Civil War kickoff.

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Despite Injury, Tony Pike's Numbers Better Than Tim Tebow's

John P. Wise — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:41:24 -0500

By JOHN P. WISE
One Great Season

WASHINGTON, Pa.: If it were up to Cy Young voters to determine college football's Heisman Trophy winner, you'd probably be able to add Cincinnati's Tony Pike back to the list.

Pike, the popular midseason darkhorse, missed three full games and parts of two others with an injured forearm.

Fortunately for the Bearcats, sophomore backup Zach Collaros filled in so well at quarterback that when Pike was rounding back into form, coach Brian Kelly had an embarrassment of riches at the position for still-unbeaten UC.

And while the injury gave fans in Clifton reason to be excited for next season with Collaros at the helm, the missed time cost Pike a chance to become the school's first Heisman winner.

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Baseball writers gave rising superstar Tim Lincecum his second straight Cy Young Award this month, in one of the more intriguing votes in recent history. Lincecum needed only 15 wins to grab the NL honor, while AL stud Zack Greinke won just 16 games en route to becoming the Kansas City Royals' first such honoree.

Obviously, those writers recognized quality over quantity, and while Heisman voters will have a hard time ignoring Texas quarterback Colt McCoy's prolific numbers, Pike boasts the kind of consistent dominance that could possibly earn him a few votes if he closes with another stellar effort Saturday in a nationally televised Big East championship game against Pittsburgh.

Despite the limited action, Pike's passing numbers are actually slightly better than those of Florida's Tim Tebow, who won the Heisman in 2007.

Pike

+ 162-for-249 passing, 2,048 yards and 23 TDs and 3 INTs.
+ Passer rating of 162.22.
+ He's had two games with 30+ completions, and four games with 300+ yards.

Tebow

+ 162-of-244 passing, 2,166 yards, 17 TDs and 4 INTs.
+ Passer rating of 160.67
+ He hasn't completed more than 17 passes in a game this season, and hasn't thrown for more than 255 yards.

Certainly, Tebow is the most dangerous running quarterback in the country, so he's got a large edge over Pike in that category. But Tebow also has one of the nation's top defenses in his own locker room.

Pike's defensive mates aren't nearly as dominant, so he's had to earn his unbeaten record this year more than Tebow has earned his.

I'm not saying Pike is a better quarterback or that he deserves first-place Heisman consideration, but it would be nice for his incredible performance this season to be recognized appropriately.

Read more Tim Tebow news on BleacherReport.com

Tim Tebow Has Entered the Favre Zone

Jay Hendry — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 19:44:07 -0500

As we approach the final hour of Tim Tebow's fantastic college career, Gators fans can look back and remember the greatest four years in University of Florida football history. I say "can," but I really mean "are forced to."

Why? Because Tebow has entered the Favre zone.

The Favre zone is an area, roughly the size of North America, occuppied by Brett Favre and Tim Tebow (and probably some other players that I'm failing to remember right now). It is maintained by a network of sports writers and TV personalities who burst a virtual dam of praise any time one of these two players comes up.

You know those parents who always brag about their kids being so advanced for the kid's age? "My little Jimmy can walk now. Did you know he's walking three weeks earlier than average kids?" Yeah, those ones. The entire nation of sports personalities turns into those parents as soon as a member of the Favre zone is brought up.

Tim Tebow and Brett Favre can do no wrong. Also, they lead the world in "We announcers have nothing to talk about so we'll just bring up someone random and roll with it" moments.

If the Browns are playing the Rams and it's not a 70 point offensive explosion or someone isn't streaking on the field, the conversation shifts to Favre. If Dan LeFevour runs for a touchdown, it's "Tebow–ish." Favre and Tebow probably combine for 75 percent of the filler talk that goes on during a football event.

So how did we get to this point? What created the Favre zone? I believe it's a combination of five things.

1. Perceived Accessibility

This goes beyond personality and willingness to give interviews. Charles Barkley iss funny as hell and he'll talk to anyone, but he'll never be in the Favre zone. Why? Because the majority of the media can't connect with him. He's an intimidating black athlete with a knack for busting people's balls. Some people don't want their dirty laundry aired, and if you spend time with Barkley, he'll put it out there.

The athlete has to appear nice, willing, and unthreatening. So what if Favre had his own locker room and alienated himself from the Jets? He did it with a sheepish smile on his face!

2. Stats, Stats, Stats

At the very least the player has to be in some "greatest" discussions. Consistency is key too. While college football doesn't allow for much consistency (you've got about 50 games to make your mark), it's hard to argue against Tebow being one of the most consistent players ever. He's only had one truly bad game, the two INT performance against Mississippi St.

Favre has consistently been the prototypical gunslinger for nearly my entire life. Sure, he's had some down games, but he's always playing. He's managed to put his name next to quite a few passing records as well.

3. Transcendence

Tebow is an amateur surgeon, prison motivational speaker, and all–around great guy. He's a model student athlete (3.6 GPA), and human–athlete. Basically, there's more to him than football.

Favre has none of those things, but he still manages to check off this one. Hell, I'm pretty sure that football is the only thing keeping Brett Favre alive at this point.

However, John Madden, football's most transcendent figure has a total man-crush on Brett Favre and mentions him at every opportunity. The constant mentions snowballed until everyone had a Favre story, or at least a reason to mention Favre.

4. Relevance

The Favre zone is a fickle place. It holds little reverence for the dead, or in this case, the no-longer relevant. If Tebow becomes a backup, or an NFL washout, he's ejected from the Favre zone. Once Favre retires for more than a year, he's gone too.

5. Hyperbole

This is more the conclusion of entering the Favre zone than a requirement for entry. Inevitably, the gushing takes an impossible to prove turn, as those maintaining the Favre zone start making ridiculous comparisons.

Is Tebow better than Vince Young, Herschel Walker, or Barry Sanders? I don't know. Does he mean more to his teams than those guys? I have no idea.

But the Favre zone pushes people to do crazy things, and people who disagree push back.

"Tebow is overrated/Tebow sucks." This is the counter-argument by many who grow wary of the overwhelming praise, and is equally impossible to prove.

It's not like this is new for Tebow. He's been circling around the outside of the Favre zone for a while now. He's the most polarizing, most popular college athlete ever.

However, the recent national farewell tour with everyone participating takes it to a new level (from CBS covering UF-FSU as Tim Tebow Day to the 15 "We'll miss you Tebow!" national articles that followed the game), and that places him in the black hole of media ultra–love that is right at the center of the Favre zone.

Read more Tim Tebow news on BleacherReport.com

The SEC Championship Games: What Each Must Do and Not Do to Win

Larry Burton — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 12:38:23 -0500

For Florida:

The Must Do's

They must make the passing game work because the running game won't. Everybody thinks they have the team that can run against Alabama and yet nobody has, so the passing game must work.

They must let Tim Tebow be Tim Tebow. Don't force him into a game plan that he's not comfortable with, let him run the offense. After all, hasn't he proven he IS the offense?

They must cover Julio Jones with two men or lose. Julio Jones can turn an eight yard out into a 45-yard touchdown because he's hard to bring down one on one.

They must pressure Greg McElroy. He is virtually unsung outside of Alabama fandom, but, if given time, Greg McElroy can be one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in all of college football.

Teams that sell out to stop the run have found this out for themselves.

The Must Not's

They must not let Javier Arenas beat them, and he's perfectly capable of doing so in a close game. Kick away from him and kick out of bounds or risk catastrophe.

They must not forget about Alabama's deep ball. Alabama's percentage of completing long balls of 40 yards or more is among the highest in the nation. Marquis Maze has world class speed and can get a step on any back Florida puts against him. Julio Jones makes doubling this threat a real nightmare.

They must not allow Alabama to get the running game going. This only sets up a passing game that is even deadlier when the play calling is balanced.

Lastly, they must not allow Alabama touchdowns in the red zone. This has been a struggle for Alabama all season and Florida should not allow them to find the cure this weekend.

For Alabama:

The Do's

They must be patient with the run. Florida wears down on defense and with Alabama's ability to keep pounding with fresh backs they must keep the defense honest and keep running.

Greg McElroy must bring his A game. He has already seen some of the best defenses in the country this year, now he sees the best not in Crimson uniforms. It helps he can practice against one just as good, but he needs to relax and look for second and third option receivers as Florida is sure to blanket Julio.

Alabama must designate on defensive player to Tim Tebow on every play that will follow him everywhere but the Florida sideline and bathroom. They must stop Tim Tebow from being a running back.

Alabama must score touchdowns in the red zone as this will be a close game and every point scored could be the difference.

The Must Not's

They must not give too many cracks to Jeffrey Demps, that's all he needs to bust one to the endzone. Doing this for four quarters will be as tough a task as Alabama has faced all year.

Alabama must not give up punt and kick returns to give Florida good starting field position. This team is dangerous enough when starting from the 20 and Alabama has shown a tendency to let the coverage teams dig them a hole.

They must not sell out in wholesale blitzes without leaving one man to contain Tim Tebow should he avoid the initial rush. Tebow kills teams more with his feet and third down conversions running than his passing.

Alabama must not let Florida jump out to an early lead while they start in their usual lethargic manner. Alabama can not count on wearing Florida down as they have other teams.

And as football fans there is one thing we must not do, we must not miss a minute of this game. It has all the makings of a great game.

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SEC Championship Game Preview: Alabama vs Florida, Strength vs. Strength

Larry Burton — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 11:09:42 -0500

This is not one of those games that has two teams facing off pitting one's strengths against another team's weakness. These two teams are too much alike. These are two gladiators that will swap punches for four quarters, mano a mano.

There will be no quarter given and no excuses offered. That is the way it should be in a championship game. Many sports fans feel this game is really for the national title though I'm sure a lot of Texans may disagree.

On both paper and reality this game matches up as a battle royal. The nation's top two defenses line up against solid but less spectacular offenses. These are two teams that usually win by finally exerting their will, conditioning and depth onto a weaker opponent.

There will not a knockout in this game, both teams will be standing at the end exhausted yet still willing to trade haymakers. It is and will be a game worthy of what a championship game is supposed to be about.

The few edges one team may have on another are all arguable but let's explore a few of them and attempt to sort out an outcome.

The following stats come from cfbstats.com and only reflect stats through 11-21-2009 as the last game's stats are not included.

Special Teams

In a tight race, I've heard many a good coach say it could come down to special teams and field position. Both teams are good in this area.

Kickoff return yards—about dead even.

Kickoff return yards allowed—five yard edge to Florida.

Punt return yards—16.5 yard advantage to Alabama.

Punting yardage—virtual tie.

Field goal percentage—Alabama wins 86 percent to 69 percent.

Special Teams Edge to Alabama

Offense

Scoring—Four point advantage to Florida, but in common opponents seven point advantage to Alabama.

Time of Possession—Virtual tie.

Total offense—Advantage Florida by 27 yards a game, but against common opponents, the reverse is true.

Third Down Conversion rate—Advantage Florida, 38 percent to 47.5 percent.

Rushing—Virtual tie.

Fumbles lost—Alabama 6, Florida 9. Advantage Alabama.

Passing—Virtual tie.

Interceptions—Tie.

Offense—Slight edge to Florida due to Mr. Third Down, Tim Tebow

Defense

Scoring allowed_Virtual tie, but in common opponents seven point lead for Alabama.

Total yardage allowed—Virtual tie.

Third down conversion rate allowed—Slight advantage Alabama by 2 percent.

Rushing Allowed—Advantage Alabama by about 200 yards over the season.

Passing Allowed—Advantage Florida by 200 yards over the season.

Turnovers created—Interceptions: Tie. Fumbles: Advantage Alabama by two.

Defense—Slight edge to Alabama due to statistics

Other factors that influence the outcome

As previously stated, common opponents mean a lot, especially when Florida has the reputation for running up the score and Alabama is content to just win. In those common opponent games, Alabama has fared better in almost every statistical category including most importantly, the score.

On offense and defense, Alabama rotates players in and out at a greater rate than Florida does. Alabama appears to be slightly deeper at key positions that Florida, and in a game when such heavyweight punches will be thrown, that can be a key issue.

The "TEBOW FACTOR" There's an old saying attributed to Coach Bryant that says, "I ain't nothin' but a winner." The Tim Tebow factor is just that. No player in recent years has been better in taking a team on his shoulders and simply exerting his own will to win better than Tim Tebow. He was the difference in the last game and could be this time too.

Play makers and the WOW factor. Each team has a couple of players that have that speed and those moves that leave others reaching for air. For Florida, Jeff Demps is just that kind of guy and for Alabama Javier Arenas is that guy who makes every coach hold his breath when they punt. Yes there are others on each team, but they pretty well balance out. Demps will certainly get more touches however.

Team trends for this year - Both teams have had some great wins and ugly wins this season. But overall for the year, Florida is down from last year's stats in almost every major category, while Alabama's stats are better than last year's team. Given the fact that last year's game was so close, with Alabama leading going into the fourth quarter, that could be a big trend indeed to favor the Tide.

Final Scenario and Outcome

Florida starts out fast and finishes slowly, Alabama starts out slowly and finishes strong. I can't help but think of the old tortoise and hare here.

I expect this to be a physical, bruising SEC type game that could turn on just one or two big plays.

It could come down to a field goal and Alabama would certainly have the advantage there with Lee Tiffin doing the kicking.

You could virtually flip a coin in this one and Las Vegas has yet to put out their pick. But given the special teams advantage, the fact that Alabama did better against common opponents and the overall trends of last season vs this season, Alabama would seem to have what it takes this year.

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College Football's 11 Best 11s For December: The SEC Rules The ACC

BabyTate — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 03:44:21 -0500

During the final week of the regular season each season, arch-rivals in the two conferences who define southern sports meet to settle their differences.

The two leagues are the Southeastern Conference and the Atlantic Coast Conference, SEC and ACC to friends and foes alike.

Arrogant and powerful, each conference considers itself head and shoulders above any other in the primary college sports, the SEC in football and the ACC in basketball.

All apologies to the other BCS conferences, PAC10, Big10, Big East, and Big 12 but, until you can wrest the National Championship in each sport away from the two conferences it is the reality of the current situation.

Fans recognize Alabama taking on Florida in SEC football, and Duke and UNC battling in ACC basketball, make the sports world come to a stop. However, it is the inter-conference rivalries in football that create the extended family atmosphere.

This situation happens in the states of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina when the Gators meet the Seminoles, the Yellow Jackets meet the Bulldogs, and the Tigers take on the Gamecocks.

The basketball season is young so, the jury is still out as to who is the boss of who this year. Not so with football.

Saturday's results proved the SEC is clearly superior to the ACC in football this season.

Ga Tech, pride of the ACC and ranked No. 7 in the BCS poll, was beaten by a middle-of-the-road Georgia, 30-24.

Clemson, who face the Yellow Jackets for the ACC title in Tampa next week and feature possible Heisman Trophy finalist C.J. Spiller, received a beatdown from Steve Spurrier's South Carolina Gamecocks, 34-17.

Florida State, for years the big gun of the ACC, was mauled by No. 1 ranked Florida 37-10 in a game never as close as the final score indicates.

Bad blood between blood relatives in these three situations.

And there is always next year.

The 11 Best 11s

Ranking This Week Ranking Last Week

1. Texas 1.

2. Alabama 2.

3. Florida 3.

4. Texas Christian 4.

5. Boise State 5.

6. Cincinnati 6.

7. Oregon 9.

8. Ohio State 10.

9. Iowa 11.

10. Penn State N/R (On The Porch)

11. Oregon State N/R (On The Porch)

On The Porch: Georgia Tech, Pittsburgh, Va. Tech, Nebraska, LSU

Alabama presented a case for becoming No. 1 with an inspired 26-21 comeback victory over arch-enemy Auburn. The Crimson Tide will will meet Florida this Saturday to determine who is the Champion of the SEC.

Tennessee pulled out a 30-24 overtime win at Kentucky while LSU needed an extra period to subdue Arkansas, 33-30. Mississippi State surprised high-riding Ole Miss in Egg Bowl action, 41-27.

While the SEC settled their differences, the PAC-10 provided some of the best action of the weekend.

Southern California and UCLA, two schools who know a thing or two about rivalries, staged a magnificent contest in the Coliseum for nearly 60 minutes.

The final moments created the stir when Bruin head coach Rick Neuheisel called time out, apparently to cramp the Trojan victory celebration. Trojan overseer Pete Carroll did not appreciate the gesture and responded with a "bomb" pass play for a touchdown.

Properly incensed over the matter, the Bruins attempted to start a rumble. Cooler heads prevailed and the Men of Troy went home with a 28-7 win over their crosstown rival.

Houston showed no mercy to their city rival, the Rice Owls. Leading 59-0 at halftime, the Cougars went on to a 73-14 act of destruction.

The Apple Cup was settled early on as the Huskies dominated Washington State 30-0.

In the desert battle between Arizona and Arizona State, the Wildcats scored on a last second field goal to escape the clutches of Dennis Erickson's nasty boys defense.

Stanford put a merciful end to the season of Notre Dame and the much-maligned Charlie Weis. Behind the powerful running of Toby Gerhart, the Cardinal overhauled the tiring Irish in the second half for a 45-38 victory.

Boise State took the pistol offense of Nevada and clobbered the Wolfpack with the handle, 44-33 while TCU destroyed hapless New Mexico, 51-10.

Brigham Young had to work overtime to defeat Utah 26-23 in the Battle of the Beehive State but it was the remarks of the Cougars' star quarterback Max Hall that made the most noise.

"I don’t like Utah. In fact, I hate them. I hate everything about them. I hate their program, their fans. I hate everything,” Hall said. “It felt really good to send those guys home.”

“I think the whole university [Utah] and their fans and the organization is classless,” Hall said. “They threw beer on my family and stuff last year and did a whole bunch of nasty things. I don’t respect them and they deserved to lose.”

Max, tell us how you really feel.

In Big 12 action, Texas withstood a furious Texas A&M attack to pull out a win on Thanksgiving evening, 49-39. The Oklahoma Sonners blanked the Oklahoma State Cowboys 27-0 in the Bedlam series.

Kansas fell to Missouri 41-39 in the Border War, Texas Tech defeated Baylor 20-13, and Nebraska punched out Colorado 28-20 despite some good news around the Hawkins family household. Coach Dan will be back for another season as head coach in Boulder.

Around the Big East stories circulated concerning the demise of Louisville coach Steve Kragthorpe following another losing season, this one punctuated by a Friday loss to Rutgers by the tune of 34-14.

Illinois bowed to Cincinnati 49-36, Syracuse fell to UConn 56-31, and in the Backyard Brawl Pittsburgh fell on the final play of the game to West Virginia, 19-16.

The ACC-Big East showdown between South Florida and Miami ended with the Hurricanes rolling to a 31-10 victory. In other action, Boston College downed Maryland 19-17, N.C. State handed UNC another defeat 28-27, Wake Forest escaped Duke 45-34, and Virginia Tech destroyed Virginia, 42-13.

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The Tale of a True Gator

BamaFreak — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 02:33:51 -0500

Saturday was an emotional day for many college fans, but no place in America was more emotional than Ben-Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainsville, Florida.

This day was Senior Day for the Florida Gators and would be the last time the Gators would host any team on Florida turf with Tim Tebow leading the way.

The most reconizable name in college sports has created a legendary legacy at the University of Florida and in the NCAA. Tebow has broken many records and has led his team to two national titles—one as a starter. He won the Heisman trophy as well.

There is not much this great player has done.

There is no doubt that Tebow is a legend and that he will be missed. Saturday in Gainsville was Tebow's last ever game at the Swamp.

In my opinion, there will never be a better player put on a Florida jersey. Although that was his last game in the Swamp, it wasn't his last game to wear the Gator blue and orange.

Next Saturday will be the game of the year for both the Gators and the Crimson Tide. They will be playing for not only the SEC Championship, but national title contention as well. Whomever wins this game will be in the national title game in January. This game will shed blood, sweat, and tears.

Who has enough to win?

There is no question that Florida will need its quarterback to lead the way once again. Tebow will be the main ingredient to Florida's offense.

If the Gators can get Tebow started, Alabama may have trouble stopping him. Tebow has a lot of fire power and a lot of help on offense.

Tebow offensive line does an exceptional job of protecting him each game. He also has great receivers outside, starting with Riely Cooper. There are two outstanding backs lining up in the back field being Jeff Demps and Chris Rainy.

There's not a doubt in my mind that he is a strong contender for the Heisman trophy. This would be his second if he can pull off a fantastic game against a tough Tide defense.

He was 17-21 for 221 yards and five total touchdowns against rival Florida State. If he can have a resemblance of that next week, he will most likely lead the Heisman race.

Tim Tebow is a legend if I've ever seen one, and he will be remembered forever. Florida has never seen a player of his caliber, and probably never will.

Read more Tim Tebow news on BleacherReport.com

Tim Tebow Says Goodbye to Gator Nation Against FSU and Bobby Bowden

James Walker — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 23:49:14 -0500

When it was all said and done, the Florida Gators defeated the Florida State Seminoles in The Swamp as most predicted. However, that story-line was the second most important of the day for the Gator Nation; by far it will always be remembered as the day Tim Tebow said goodbye to The Swamp.

As each Senior was introduced prior to the game, the 90,000+ people in the stands cheered and waited until the last player ran out of the tunnel to greet his coach and parents. Fittingly, No. 15 was the last name called, and when Tebow's name was announced, the crowd in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field roared like never heard before.

It was an appropriate tribute to the greatest Gator, and quite possibly the greatest college football player in the history of the NCAA.

When the game actually begun, the Gators were fired up and ready to do battle with their in-state rivals. In years past, Florida State was a big-time annual event for in-state bragging rights, but today it was simply a stop on the road to Atlanta and Pasadena.

The only difference with this game was it was Tebow's last in The Swamp.

Tebow's production was typical. He passed for 221 yards and three TDs going 17 of 21. He also rushed for 90 yards on 15 carries scoring two TDs. It also kept him in the running for this year's Heisman Trophy.

When Tebow walked off the field in the fourth quarter, he did it in his legendary unselfish manner. He was replaced by future starting QB John Brantley, and he stood on the sidelines cheering like the fans that were in the stands.

The week preceding today's game saw several tributes to Tebow. ESPN's College Gameday crew was on campus for the game, and of course they were there to pay homage to Tebow. Each tribute was nicely done, but none could capture what Tebow has meant to the University of Florida or the college football world.

Coach Urban Meyer was emotional during his weekly press conference this past Tuesday as he described how it was coaching and working with Tebow. It was more personal than professional for Meyer the past four years, and it has been refreshing to see a strong relationship between coach and player.

If Tebow was nervous or feeling meloncholy during the game, it didn't show. He led the Gator offense like he always did with the skill of an experienced Field Marshall. He passed, he ran, and he scrambled. When it was all said and done, he was victorious.

Even though the Gator fans celebrated the win, they also felt sorry that their beloved Tebow would never play football in The Swamp ever again. History had arrived, and it was bittersweet.

There are two games left for the Gators, and both have championship implications.

First is Alabama. Both the Gators and Crimson Tide are undefeated, ranked No. 1 and 2 respectively, but one will lose and one will go on to Pasadena for the National Championship.

No matter what happens in the coming weeks, the Gator Nation can fall back on the memories Tim Tebow provided. The book is almost over, but two chapters need to be written to complete the story.

Unfortunately, we can't skip to the end to see how it ends.

Read more Tim Tebow news on BleacherReport.com

Will Tim Tebow Be Running "Wild Horses" With the Denver Broncos In 2010?

Sayre Bedinger — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:15:40 -0500

Alright Broncos fans, here's the deal. Obviously many are under the impression that Josh McDaniels' squad does not need a quarterback in the upcoming draft because of the emergence of Kyle Orton, and some with good reason.

Orton has completed over 62 percent of his passes for 2,447 yards, 12 touchdowns, and only six interceptions. He has a decent quarterback rating of 87.9 and has been very effective in the Broncos' offense as a leader.

He has shown great toughness, playing through a devastating ankle injury and leading the Broncos to a gutsy Thanksgiving night victory over the New York Giants.

Personally, I still feel there is a persistent need for a true playmaker at quarterback. To me, it feels like Chester Taylor is playing when Adrian Peterson is somewhere out there.

Is Taylor a good backup? Yes. Is he capable of starting whenever called upon? Yes. Is he smart? Yes. Is he tough? Yes. Is he Adrian Peterson?

No.

Obviously it's a little different with the quarterback position, and I know the Broncos are doing more than just getting by with Orton as they are on top of the AFC wildcard race and just as recently as last week they held sole possession of first place for the first two months of the season.

If the Broncos decide to pursue Kyle Orton in the offseason as a free agent, there will be no major change at quarterback without an injury. He will be the starter, and likely for the foreseeable future.

This year, the Broncos added a new formation to their offense called "Wild Horses” that is essentially the team's version of the "Wildcat". Currently, the player taking the snaps out of this formation is Knowshon Moreno, and while the rookie tailback is one of the team's most versatile players, he is not fit to run the "Wild Horses.”

That is one of many reasons I believe the Broncos will give Tim Tebow a serious look in the NFL Draft. Many people are giving Tebow a hard time when it comes to his NFL prospects, mainly because of his accuracy issues and release point.

Let me go on record as saying that I believe Tebow will be an extremely effective player in the NFL. There are a variety of reasons I believe he is a good fit for the league, and the Denver Broncos in particular.

It is not because he already looks good in orange and blue.

1. Versatility

If there is one thing I took from Josh McDaniels' first crop of draft picks, it is that every single player's main strength is versatility.

    * Knowshon Moreno: Very multi-talented back. Powerful runner, willing blocker, excellent receiver.
    * Robert Ayers: Able to play standing up or with his hand in the ground. Excellent run-stuffer and powerful pass rush capabilities.
    * Alphonso Smith: Good cover corner, solid tackler, and an asset in the return game.
    * Darcel McBath: Willing tackler whose main strength is in coverage. Ball-hawking safety with speed to play cornerback. Also a solid special teams player.
    * Richard Quinn: Blocking tight end specialist with surprisingly reliable hands despite his college numbers.
    * Seth Olsen: Strong, athletic, and quick. Played both tackle and guard in college.
    * David Bruton: Excellent special teams gunner, and strong leader of a defense. Great tackling safety.
    * Kenny McKinley: Good hands at receiver, but maybe more promise as a kick return specialist. Can be a good slot receiver and is deceptively fast.
    * Tom Brandstater: Smart quarterback prospect with a strong arm.

Essentially, my point is the Broncos love and clearly value versatility in players, and I have to ask, is there a more versatile player in the entire draft that Tim Tebow?

Some are saying he could be a tight end or H-back prospect. Some are saying he will be a scrambling quarterback. Heck, I have even heard that he might be a good fit for the linebacker position.

Tebow, statistically is one of the most dominant players in college football history, and may even be the best college player of all time. He is a good passer with great escape ability, and he is a powerful runner who has set numerous rushing records from the quarterback position.

This guy has the chance to be a scrambling star at the next level and is one of the best quarterback prospects on the run.

2. Leadership

Tebow is famous for his ability to lead a team, and people might remember him best for the shot where he is bleeding all over his face, and he has the I’m-going-to-kill-someone look in his eyes.

This guy commands the huddle without getting under his teammates’ skin. He is a fiery competitor and he is willing to do whatever it takes to win a game or to gain an extra yard.

The Broncos clearly value leadership, as nearly every captain from the 2008 squad changed in 2009. Brian Dawkins, the team's main free agent acquisition, was named a defensive captain along with Champ Bailey and Mario Haggan.

On offense, Kyle Orton, Casey Wiegmann, and Daniel Graham were all named captains.

Wesley Woodyard, a second-year player who was undrafted in 2008, was named special teams captain.

Andra Davis was a team captain for the Cleveland Browns for a few years prior to signing with Denver, and D.J. Williams was a defensive captain in 2008.

Kenny Peterson also seems like he could be a strong candidate for a defensive captain.

The point I'm trying to make here is that the Broncos place a high value on leadership, and Tebow brings that to the table. Here is a scouting report from ESPN.com on Tebow's leadership abilities:

“Rare intangibles and work ethic. The ultimate team player. Exceptional mental and physical toughness. Temptations that can accompany NFL money and lifestyle will have zero affect on Tebow.

“Rare mental toughness. Very few are blessed with his natural competitiveness, leadership skills and work ethic. Both a vocal leader and leader by example. However, there are some concerns regarding his mental aptitude in the passing game. He comes from a unique spread-formation offense so it can be difficult at times to differentiate instincts from inexperience. The bottom line is that he's nowhere near ready to make the kind of coverage reads necessary to succeed as a passer in the NFL.”

3. Intelligence

This one is basically self-explanatory, and unless you have been living under a rock for the last four years, you should know that Tebow is one of the most intelligent players in college football today.

For two years in a row, he has been named an ESPN Academic All-American and likely will be named to his third straight after the 2009 season. He is also extremely involved in community events, mainly related to mission works.

Tebow is an extremely mature young individual, and I think the Broncos will be hard-pressed to come away from interviews with him without being impressed. He is an outstanding young man, and it translates onto the football field.

So, if the Broncos are not looking at a quarterback to replace Orton, they most certainly will be looking for a backup as Chris Simms simply is not cutting it. My question is, why not Tebow?

Versatility, intelligence, and leadership are three things that clearly the Broncos value in draft picks, and Tebow possesses all three at an elite level.

He brings the offense another huge weapon, and quite frankly another dimension with the wildcat formation.

So if not Tim Tebow for a replacement at quarterback, what about another offensive weapon?

Read more Tim Tebow news on BleacherReport.com

Enough With The Forced Tim Tebow Love Already!

Mike Kline — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:06:12 -0500

First off let me start by saying this isn't an anti Tim Tebow rant.

I respect the guy for everything he represents as a student-athlete in a time when that phrase is more a concept than a reality.

In watching his swan song Saturday afternoon, I couldn't help but get annoyed by the constant and never ending doting laid on Tebow from the opening kick to the end of the game by CBS announcers Vern Lundquist and his partner Gary Daniels.

I understand there is more pomp and circumstance that surrounds the final game of one of the nation's biggest players, but come on. These guys needed a drool cup because every word showered the viewers with constant praise for Tebow.

It was ridiculous.

"Look how skillfully Tebow ties his shoes! He is really amazing!"

Okay, that part was a joke, but it was almost that bad.

Lundquist even went so far as to read the passage from the Bible that Tebow had written on his eye black. After 10 minutes and being told by someone he had read the wrong passage he read the correct one saying he owed Tebow that much.

I'm sorry—I know he is a great person and all, but I don't think you owe him anything.

Toward the end of the game Coach Urban Meyer left Tebow in to lead the Gators on one last drive. While I think it showed a lack of class on his part, I can't say I don't understand that desire to have your star player go out with one last hurrah.

But when Lundquist and Danielson are rooting for it as much as the most diehard Florida fan, that goes too far.

It was painfully obvious to someone who is neither a Florida or Florida State fan that the two in the booth obviously had a bias in this game. The announcers for a nationally televised game should not show their biases as blatantly as these two did.

On that last drive both were hoping for one last jump pass because that was Tebow's signature. When the attempt came, forget that Florida was already up big, the two were more horrified when pass interference was not called.

Forget that it wasn't pass interference because as it appeared to me the Florida player pushed the Florida State defender down and thus forced the intended to receiver down like a stack of dominoes.

Lundquist and Danielson were almost livid. So much for impartiality guys.

The bottom line is this. We all know Tebow has been a great college player and has been an even better human being for his missionary work, but let’s not force feed it on the masses.

Most of us are smart enough to make our own decisions if we want to pull for the guy or not and to determine his level of greatness.

But at least on Saturday the CBS announcers felt it was their duty to ram it down our throats the entire game.

So I say enough already. Next time I'll turn the volume down.

Read more Tim Tebow news on BleacherReport.com

Chomp! Chomp! Florida Batters Florida State in Tim Tebow's Finale

Alex Ferguson — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 20:00:22 -0500

On weekend that saw Florida's BCS rivals Texas and Alabama (nearly) fall to in-state rivals, Florida showed how it was done against Florida State, hammering the Seminoles by the 'close' score of 37-10.

Yesterday we at the VFA made the point that winning rivalry games was often a question of who 'wanted it more'.

Now, we'd like to correct ourselves. We're quite aware that both sides 'want' to win. It's obvious—college football players don't exactly go out to lose, do they?

But get this: If you impress during a rivalry game, then everyone gives you the thumbs up on Thanksgiving Weekend, even if you were playing a defense as horrific as Florida State.

Florida State's problem isn't about speed. The speed that Florida State (as a team) has—in our view from watching an awful lot of teams this season—is second to none in the country.

But defense-wise, it's second to about everybody. I think that even Indiana would be disappointed with scoring under 30 against the 'Noles if the two met up. That is the poverty of FSU's defense.

Mind you, Texas A&M and Auburn's weren't great either. But it was Florida who exploited the weaknesses of Florida State's—as they did last year—and you have the feeling that had the 2009 matchup been in Doak Campbell, the result would have been exactly the same.

And to make matters worse for the Bowden-ers, Florida's defense was so dominant that the touchdown in garbage time late on in the game was a little bit on unjust side. Still, it was one heck of a catch, and well worth Youtubing!

And Tim Tebow, was, well, Tim Tebow. There was one horrible fumble late on in the game that the Tebow-haters enjoyed (and we still can't believe that the SEC officials didn't call him for an offensive facemask too), but otherwise, you can hardly complain with 17-21, 221 yard, 3-touchdown effort, could you?

We doubt that he'll put up the same gaudy numbers against Alabama going against a fearsome defensive front, but we think he'll do pretty well.

Read more Tim Tebow news on BleacherReport.com

The Swamp Says Goodbye to College Football Icon

Chad Minton — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:50:46 -0500

One of the best college football players off all time is suiting up for his last game at the Swamp. I think you know that guy is Tim Tebow.

Not only does Tebow have a chance to win his second Heisman trophy, but he's also got an even better chance at winning his third national championship.

He's got to most likely beat in-state rival Florida State today to make both of those happen. That shouldn't be too much of a problem.

As with every Senior Day, emotions always pour onto the field when the seniors play their last game before making their respective journeys past college football. Some will make the NFL and others will go onto other careers that aren't playing football.

For Tim Tebow, his future is also a little cloudy. He will obviously play football somewhere, but it's not so certain that he'll play at the same position that has already made him the icon that he has become.

That shouldn't be looked at as an insult to his football ability. If anything it should be looked at as a compliment. Not too many quarterbacks have gone onto the NFL to play another position. It shows that Tebow isn't just a quarterback. He's an all-around good football player that Florida will miss greatly after this year.

It's a good possibility that Tebow will play fullback or tight end in the NFL. Personally I think he could make a team's Wildcat formation extremely tough to stop for opposing defenses.

There are numerous instances you can look back on that justify him as one of the toughest and most passionate players we've ever seen play the game.

Things like the synonymous jump pass against LSU as a freshman, to his famous "the promise" speech after the tough loss to Ole Miss, to coming back from a concussion to lead the Gators to a huge win over LSU this season all show that Tebow isn't you're ordinary football player.

We've already seen Urban Meyer's emotions spill onto the table when discussing Tebow's departure, and I'm sure there's thousands who feel the same way.

These people aren't upset because they think the future of Florida football is in jeopardy when he leaves. That's the last thing they're worried about. This program will continue to be one of the best long after Tebow is gone.

They're upset about losing a player who is an all-around good guy that the sports world needs more of. He may not be a future NFL Hall of Famer, but I guarantee you you'll hear about him doing things in the community far more important than how many MVP's he wins at the end of his career.

That's the guy that will suit up for the Gators in the Swamp one final time today. Forecast calls for plenty of Gator chomps with a 90% chance of the Seminoles getting run out of the stadium.

Read more Tim Tebow news on BleacherReport.com

How Tim Tebow and Florida Fans Won Over a Rabid USC Trojan Honk

Rick McMahan — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 12:00:55 -0500

Before I explain the title of this article, let me first confess some sentiments that are borne of being a fanatic USC Trojan fan.

I don't like the SEC or their fans.

More specifically, I have never liked or appreciated Florida fans.

As a USC fan, not liking Florida or their fans felt like a moral obligation.

Of course, in some ways, Florida fans have made it easy for me not to like them.

I have written several articles, some of which were not very complimentary to the SEC, and in return, I have received some very obnoxious replies. The worst of which came from those same Florida fans whom I confessed my distaste for.

Of course, on the field Florida has represented excellence and this too has threatened me, because Florida, over the years, is the only team I believe rivals my Trojans in terms of overall greatness.

And then there is Tim Tebow.

You know, "Superman."

I couldn't stand the guy for his first two years.

However, despite my efforts to maintain a distance emotionally from Tebow, he has won me over in the last couple of years.

After all, the guy is a great player and leader.

But more importantly, he is a great human being.

So despite my efforts to the contrary, I have come to like Tim Tebow.

"That's okay," I thought to myself, "I still can't stand those damn Florida fans!"

And then this morning arrived and that changed too.

While watching ESPN's "college gameday," who are broadcasting from Gainesville, Florida, the home of the Gators, a segment was devoted to my USC Trojans and their efforts on behalf of a soon to be blind seventh grade boy named Jake Olson.

The young man, an avid Trojan fan like myself, had cancer which attacked his eyes.

When he was very young, his left eye had to be removed and eight different times the cancer returned to attack his right eye.

Eight times he beat the cancer but when it returned for a ninth time, it didn't respond to treatment and it was determined the eye would have to be removed, thus sentencing him to a lifetime without sight.

Pete Carroll and the Trojans responded by granting young Jake's final wish before he lost his sight...to be with his beloved Trojans.

An extremely touching story to be sure and one that brought tears to my eyes.

But that isn't what this article is about.

No, this article is about what happened after the segment aired.

Florida fans, those same folks that I developed such distaste for, clapped in appreciation of the Trojans and young Jake Olson.

I was shocked.

Florida fans acting civilized and compassionate? Impossible!

Then on cue, as if they were consciously sending me a message some two thousand miles away, they did something else.

They started chanting.

"Jake!," "Jake!," "Jake!"

Over and over again.

And with each chant, I felt my distaste for Florida fans slowly ebbing away.

Now all is forgiven.

Of course, this can all change if I continue to receive personal insults every time I innocently write an article that questions Florida or the SEC's supposed superiority.

But in the meantime, from a rabid Trojan fan, thanks Florida fan for your kindness and compassion.

Now what am I going to do with all this distaste and no one to direct it toward?

Oh yeah, UCLA is playing my Trojans tonight.

Problem solved.

Read more Tim Tebow news on BleacherReport.com

Alabama Faces Florida in the SEC Title Game For The BCS National Championship

Franklin Crittenden — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 18:28:21 -0500

Yes, you read that right. It wasn't a poorly conceived headline. Alabama and Florida are actually playing for the BCS National Championship on December 5, 2009 in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA.

Oh sure, they are playing for the SEC Championship as well, but lets face it, the winner of this game will most likely win the BCS National Championship game when it's played in Pasadena, CA on January 7, 2010.

So for all intents and purposes, this game between the two top teams in the SEC will decide who is to be crowned the BCS National Champion in January. The game itself is just a formality.

Why do I believe that you ask?

Because for the last 11 years, no matter who the opponent has been, the SEC Champion has beaten all comers in the previous BCS Championship games—that is when they were allowed to participate.

So I would have to say that if the SEC Champion were to lose to whomever the BCS chooses for an opponent in the BCS title game, it would have to be considered an upset of monumental proportion.

Every time the SEC plays in the BCS Championship game, they win.

The SEC was not invited in 2004 or 2005, thus giving USC and Texas a chance to win those two titles. But based on the SEC's record in the BCS game, I would have to call those titles illegitimate. The same goes for 1999 through 2002.

Please don't bother telling me about USC. If USC played in the SEC they would be a good team, but someone in the SEC would hang at least one loss on them in the regular season every year, not to mention a possible second loss in the SEC Championship game.

Just the fact that USC doesn't have to contend with a conference championship game should disqualify them from consideration in the BCS, in my humble opinion.

Imagine if they had to face Pac-10 powerhouses Oregon or Stanford for a second time in a conference championship game? I think about half of those national championships they claim would not exist. When I call them powerhouses, I am of course just being funny.

If playing in the Pac 10 is not easy enough, the Pac-10 makes it even easier by avoiding a championship game. If the Pac-10 wants to be respected, they should add a championship game and bring some real competition like Utah and Boise State into their conference.

Everyone knows the SEC is the premiere college football conference in the nation.

The names at the top of the SEC elite have changed over the years from Tennessee to LSU to Florida, back to LSU and then back to Florida again, but the results are always the same. Lets face the facts, the winner of the SEC, if invited, always wins the BCS Championship.

This brings me to Alabama.

It just so happens Alabama has been handicapped during the BCS years, but Alabama is back and they are again operating at 100 percent. Give Nick Saban one more year to recruit and Alabama will be a running like a three deep team shredder operating at full bore!

What does that mean to the SEC and the BCS?

It means that there is about to be a new sheriff in town with a chip on his shoulder and a bad attitude.

Over the past few year, Alabama and its fans have had to sit on the sideline and watch while all the other teams have had all the fun.

Well, guess what? The fun is almost over for some of the teams who have enjoyed this free ride thanks to the folks over at the NCAA.

I am not going to sit here and tell you that Alabama is one of the greatest football program in the country. I don't have to, because it is a fact .

Alabama is only second to Notre Dame by the thinnest of margins in the all time rankings and that is about to change within a blink of an eye.

Alabama is on its way to the top again while Notre Dame continues to struggle.

When Alabama wins its next national championship they will surpass Notre Dame and Alabama will once again be the college football program all others are measured by.

I hope you noticed that I said when. That was not a slip of the lip because I feel confident Alabama will win the national championship.

In fact they will win more than one in the near future.

Now before everyone starts thinking I am being arrogant or cocky, let me say this, I will not have a thing to do with it.

I am an Alabama fan, just like thousands of other Crimson Tide fans, the only thing I am going to do is support the team and the coaches and sit there with a big smile of my face and watch it all happen.

Next Saturday the Florida Gators will be the only thing standing in Alabama's way of becoming the next national champion and the premiere college football program in the country.

The Crimson Tide have caught up with the Gators and are now in position to surpass the defending national champions and represent the SEC in the BCS Championship game in January.

The Gators are very good, but the Alabama team they will face is head and shoulders better than last year's team that took them down to the wire in the 2008 SEC Championship game.

The Florida Gators' better bring their A game and a little luck if they intend on pulling this one out like they did last year.

I would suggest that anyone who loves college football tune in at 4:00 EST on December 5, 2009 on CBS and watch Alabama make history. Until then, now would be the time to give your opinion.

Read more Tim Tebow news on BleacherReport.com

Miss Fine Fitness: A Quarterback's Vision

Ronnie C Wright — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:09:24 -0500

As she tanned on the beach, flawlessly nude, glowing under the sun, he saw Miss Fine Fitness. In an instant, she represented his lifelong fantasy as she posed perfectly naked along the Florida shore during summer break.

Her luscious lips without lipstick and hair flowing without care forever cemented this marvelous moment from real-time into real memory. The rush, the thrill, the energy—it all moved this eighteen-year-old soon-to-be college football star to experience new adventure and excitement.

The girl was there, in plain view as he began his run along the coastline in St. Augustine.

On this breathtakingly beautiful morning, in 2006, Tim Trudough suddenly felt the temperature rise inside of him. He had to stop and pay attention to the curves on the bare figure as she listened to music completely unaware of the athletic artist's gaze.

He is a quarterback. He is used to facing all sorts of rushes, but this, this was a different rush. He recalled games when he scored on a running play and felt an organic high—pure elation. The band was playing the fight song, the crowd was cheering, and teammates were jumping up and down.

Now—this!

Today, Tim Trudough was scaling a new mountain, a truly personal Mt. Everest. He'd been through all the skull sessions, the practices, the weight training—all of it—yet none of it had prepared him for Miss Fine Fitness.

He was always on top. His favorite position was being on top. Today, his world was upside down and spinning all around, moving in and out like the waves.

He excelled at everything, even in the classroom he competed against the intellectuals.

Man! This was virgin territory—outside the usual playbook. This was not the ordinary read a leader encounters on the field of play. This time he was taking one giant leap from imagination into reality.

The football field is one thing—this is another. Balance weighs in the balance. This is a right verses right dilemma. "What should I do?," he asked himself.

(to be continued...)

Read more Tim Tebow news on BleacherReport.com

Does Anyone Want To Win The 2009 Heisman Trophy?

James Walker — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 21:42:38 -0500

As we come to the end of the 2009 college football season, it seems that no one is talking about this year's Heisman Trophy race. Usually this late in the season there is one or two candidates that are the true front-runners for the award. That is not the case this season. Regardless, the award will be given on December 12, 2009. Tim Tebow started the season as the front runner with Sam Bradford and Colt McCoy rounding out the top three candidates. However, Sam Bradford's shoulder injury ended his season and collegiate career, and Tim Tebow has not been as productive this season as predicted. Colt McCoy remains a viable candidate, and others have caught the eyes of the college football world. Here is my list of the Top Five candidates for the 2009 Heisman Trophy. These candidates are presented in no particular order especially since the rivalry and conference championship games have yet to be played.

Begin Slideshow

The Six Biggest Upsets in the Florida-FSU Series

Tom Kessler — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:03:59 -0500

Fans of College Football can be forgiven if their interest in Saturday’s Florida vs. Florida State game at the Swamp in Gainesville is tepid Casual college football fans may not even tune into Saturday’s Florida vs. Florida State football game at the Swamp in Gainesville. A Florida win would be their sixth in a row in this storied rivalry. But will FSU roll over, or could the Noles craft one of the biggest all-time upsets in NCAA history...or will Tim Tebow exit his stellar collegiate career having never lost to FSU?

Begin Slideshow

Alabama-Auburn and the Rest of Week 13 College Football Preview

Aaron Torres — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:05:17 -0500

Aaron Torres is a journalist whose work has been published by Sports Illustrated and syndicated by USA Today, AOL.com, and Slam Online. To read all of his work, as well as the rest of his Week 13 picks and his thoughts on Florida-Florida State, LSU-Arkansas and Texas-Texas A&M please click here or visit him at www.aarontorres-sports.com ).

Alabama (-10) over Auburn: Friday, 2:30 p.m.

Coming into this one, both teams are saying all the right things.

For Alabama, “this is the most important game on our schedule,” and “we’ll worry about Florida after this game,”

And, for Auburn, “we’re going to end Alabama’s undefeated run,” and “Mark Ingram isn’t winning the Heisman on us.” (Really guys, with the 89th-ranked run defense in college football? Really?)

And, while all the chatter is cute, here’s what we know: If Chris Todd is under center for Auburn, the Tigers have no chance. (Honestly, I’m surprised at this point an overzealous Auburn booster hasn’t kidnapped Todd, driven him into the woods and left him for dead like an old dog or something).

Auburn is going to throw everything they have at Alabama in the first few series and might even lead after the first quarter. But, in a rivalry game where there won’t be a letdown, talent wins out. It always does.

Alabama 24, Auburn 10.

Nevada (+14) Over Boise State: Friday, 10:00 p.m.

As hard as it might be to believe, this is the game I’m most looking forward to this weekend, and it’s not even close. Wait, what’s that? No, I didn’t have two cocktails with my lunch. Ok…maybe I did, but still, just hear me out.

Here’s what you’ve got in this game:

Two of the top four scoring offenses in college football (Boise State’s No. 1, Nevada No. 4).
Two teams that have combined to score 50 or more points 10 times, 60 or more points five times, with Nevada throwing up 70 on Idaho earlier this year for good measure.
The quarterback with the highest passer rating and second most touchdowns in all of college football (Boise’s Kellen Moore, with 33 TD and just three interceptions) on one sideline, and the first team in NCAA history to have three 1,000 yard rushers in the same year on the other sideline.
Two teams that have combined to win their last 19 games.

In other words, this game is going to be a weird mix of a super high-scoring Madden game, a NASCAR race, and one of those movies where a guy takes too many mushrooms, wanders into the desert and starts seeing things.

After awhile you’ll start thinking your seeing things, too.

Nope this is just some good old fashioned WAC football. Save the defense for the SEC.

Clemson (-3) over South Carolina: Saturday, 12:00 p.m.

So, the last time we saw Stephen Garcia, he had a collapsed lung and was bleeding internally after getting thrown around like one of Ike Turner’s girlfriends by Florida’s defense.

Even with a week off, South Carolina still doesn’t having a running game, and they’re still not winning this one. Also C.J. Spiller is my favorite Heisman candidate that has no chance of actually winning the award.

Georgia Tech (-7 ½) at Georgia: Saturday, 8:00 p.m.

These two teams are like the bizzaro versions of each other.

Tech chews up the clock (No. 1 ranked team in time of possession), doesn’t make mistakes, and wears you out with smarts more than skill. Georgia commits dumb penalties, misses tackles, shoots themselves in the foot at inopportune times and always seems to find new and creative ways to lose games. (Did you see their last drive against Kentucky? I rest my case).

The only thing that concerns me about picking against Georgia is that they always seem to play best when no one has any expectations of them. And, of course, that they’re playing for the memory of UGA VII. (Honestly, I don’t even know how they took the field last week. Just emotional, emotional stuff).

Even after that though, I’m sticking with Tech. Eleven games is a pretty good sample size, and I’ve seen nothing that indicates to me that Georgia is going to win this game. Or that it’ll even be close.

Stanford (-10) over Notre Dame: Saturday, 8:00 p.m.

And the uncomfortable, sexually suggestive quote of the week goes to…Toby Gerhart’s girlfriend, for calling the Stanford running back “One big muscle ,” in an interview last week. (On a side note, I think I’m just going to keep my comments to myself on this one. I’m terrified that anything I say will end with the Palo Alto Gay and Lesbian Alliance picketing on my front lawn. Maybe we should just move on).

I said in my column Monday, and I’ll say it again here, Stanford is really good, they were just due for a letdown last weekend. They’d won too many big games, gotten too many pats on the back in biochemistry class, and had too many girls swinging by the dorms late at night to “celebrate.” We’ve seen it happen a million times before, and we’ll see it a million times again.

The Cardinal will come back and be just fine this week against Notre Dame. Stanford by two touchdowns.

And, oh yeah, one more thing: Thanks for reading, and everybody have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

(To read the remainder of this article, including Aaron's thoughts on Florida-Florida State, LSU-Arkansas and Texas-Texas A&M, please visit him at www.aarontorres-sports.com)

Read more Tim Tebow news on BleacherReport.com

Tim Tebow's Swan Song in The Swamp; Gator Nation Bids Farewell

James Walker — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:56:40 -0500

During a press conference this week, Florida coach Urban Meyer paused several times as he answered questions about Tim Tebow and the effect he has had on Meyer's family and college football.

Meyer was overcome with emotion, and as I watched, I reflected on all the great moments Tebow has brought to Gator Nation.

My first memory was during Chris Leak's senior season in 2006 when the student section chanted Tebow's name, calling for him to enter the game.

I remember all the hype that surrounded "The Chosen One," but hearing the students chanting his name during the first game of the season made me wonder:

How good is this kid, Tim Tebow?

Soon it became customary for Leak to trot off the field as Tebow entered the game. Everyone knew the ball was not leaving his hands, and he was going to rush straight ahead while taking a lineman or two with him.

That is, until the National Championship game against Ohio State.

With 23 seconds left in the second quarter, in came Tebow, and the Ohio State defense prepped, thinking Tebow was going to lunge in for another score.

Instead, Tebow rolled left and quickly threw a one-yard pass to Andre Caldwell for a TD. That pass was an arrow shot through the hearts of Buckeye Nation.

It was also the coronation of Tim Tebow as King of Gator Nation.

Yes, Chris Leak won the MVP for the 2006 National Championship game, and as he walked off into the Arizona sunset, Gator Nation was already prepared for Tebow to take over the reins of the Gator football program.

When the 2007 season began, Tebow began his mission to become possibly the greatest college football player in history.

Tebow's 2007 season was historical. He was the first QB in college football history to both pass and rush for over 20 TDs in one season.

Those stats compelled voters to select Tebow as the first sophomore to ever win the Heisman Trophy. He would become the third Gator to win it, joining Steve Spurrier and Danny Wuerffel.

Then came the magical 2008 season. The Florida Gators were firing on all cylinders up until the Ole Miss game in The Swamp.

The Gators were upset on that Saturday afternoon, but Tebow took the opportunity to ask for forgiveness for the loss emotionally, and to promise everyone that he would push and lead the Gators for the remainder of the season like no other player ever had.

"The Promise" was heard around the world, and the legend of Tim Tebow was solidified in Gator lore for eternity.

The Gators of 2008, led by All-Everything Tim Tebow, would go on to win the National Championship in Miami, defeating Oklahoma and Heisman Trophy-winner Sam Bradford. This was the second National Championship in three years for the Florida Gators.

During the post-National Championship celebration in Gainesville, Tebow announced he would return for his senior season. Frankly, I never had a doubt in my mind.

During an interview after winning the Heisman Trophy, he said that his priorities were God, family, school, and football, in that order.

I never doubted that Tebow's priorities would ever change, so naturally he would return for his senior season.

Enter the 2009 season. Gone were Percy Harvin and Louis Murphy, and freshman phenom Andre Debose was out for the season with an injury.

Nevertheless, all the starters on defense from the National Championship squad were back, including Brandon Spikes, so naturally Florida was favored to repeat as national champions.

The season has had its ups and downs, most notably Tebow's concussion suffered in the third quarter of the Kentucky game in Lexington.

Never before had the college football world been controlled by one story: Would Tebow be able to play against LSU in Death Valley? It seemed like you couldn't turn on a television or radio without hearing some update on Tim.

Then game day arrived, and it was announced that he would play. Of course, he led the Gators to victory, if rather conservatively. Up until that point, the LSU Tigers had won 32 straight home games, but Tebow led the Gators to end that winning streak.

Florida's offense has not shown the firepower of the 2008 Gators, but Tebow has led the offense to produce just enough while allowing the defense to prevent any team from outscoring Florida.

The Gators are currently ranked No. 2 in total defense, No. 1 in pass defense, and No. 7 in rush defense in the FBS.

As Florida prepares to face FSU this weekend in The Swamp, the final home game of the 2009 season, there will be plenty of tears shed.

Not only is it Senior Day for coach Meyer's very first recruiting class, but quite possibly it may be the last time coach Bobby Bowden coaches the Florida State Seminoles during a regular season game.

Bob and Pam Tebow will be on the field when they introduce Tim on Saturday, and as he hugs his mom and dad, Gator Nation will stand and show its appreciation for all he has accomplished.

Unfortunately, I will not be in attendance at that game, but I will definitely be one of those who say "thank you" for everything he has done for Gator Nation.

I know fans of the University of Florida will have those same feelings, but I do hope all fans of college football put aside their biases and applaud his accomplishments, too.

Tim Tebow is an extraordinary athlete and student, but most importantly, he is an exceptional human being.

And who knows? As coach Meyer alluded to during the aforementioned press conference, Gator Nation may see Tim Tebow return, eventually, to the University of Florida as a coach and possible replacement for Meyer.

I would hate to see Meyer leave Florida, but if he did, I would welcome Tebow as his replacement.

Read more Tim Tebow news on BleacherReport.com

BCS Bowl Predictions: Pitt In, Cincy Out

Brian Nelson — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:17:14 -0500

After yet another ho-hum weekend of a forgettable college football season, things are about to get exciting.

All the noise about the BCS and the regular season isn't just noise anymore.

Fraught with intriguing story lines, bitter rivalries, sweet revenge and BCS-or-bust championship games, the next two weeks of college football will feature some of the most compelling and meaningful games of the season.

Finally.

Three games in particular will feature head-to-head battles for the BCS. The winner will go on to play on the big stage while the loser will likely be destined for "just-another" December Bowl.

· No. 5 Cincinnati at No. 9 Pittsburgh

· No. 16 Oregon State at No. 8 Oregon

· No. 7 Georgia Tech vs. No. 18 Clemson

We must also mention the National Championship semi-final—otherwise knows as the SEC Championship Game. Another intriguing story line. Another hate-filled, storybook SEC rivalry in the brewing.

Most likely, the winner will go on to play for the crystal football while the loser will spend the off-season explaining their loss to an MWC team in New Orleans.

Here's my take on where we stand now, and how the rest of the season will play out leading up to Selection Sunday.

What we know

Texas, Florida, Alabama and Ohio State are locks for the BCS, regardless of outcomes.

Most likely to clinch a BCS berth this week

TCU just needs a win at home this week against 1-10 New Mexico.

Who is on the bubble for an at-large?

Iowa, Penn State, Boise State, and Oklahoma State.

Who seems the least likely but still has an outside shot of getting in

· Unranked Nebraska needs to upset Texas in the Big 12 Title game

· No. 18 Clemson needs to beat Georgia Tech in the ACC Championship Game

· No. 19 Oregon State needs to beat rival Oregon at Autzen in the Civil War.

What other key games will likely determine BCS berths

· No. 12 Oklahoma State at Oklahoma

· Nevada at No. 6 Boise State

Who wins, who goes and who gets left out

Alabama over Florida 19-14

The Florida Gators' last-minute touchdown drive falls short as the Tide's dominant defense holds Tebow to 130 passing yards and 58 yards rushing. Mark Ingram strengthens his case for the Heisman with another clock-chewing 124-yard rushing performance.

Pitt over Cincinnati 20-17

Pittsburgh exploits the suspect Cincinnati ground defense with their explosive running game.

Oregon over Oregon State 37-31

The Ducks, who blocked the Beavers from the Rose Bowl last year, will stave off the Beavers once again despite a 140-yard rushing performance from Jacquizz Rodgers.

Georgia Tech over Clemson 28-24

Paul Johnson and the Yellow Jackets prove once again to be too much for Clemson despite their close game earlier at Georgia Tech—a game where the Jackets were aided by a phantom offensive holding call against Clemson late in the 4th quarter.

Oklahoma over Oklahoma State 24-20

Even though Zac Robinson returns to the field, Oklahoma stuns the Cowboys in Norman.

How will the BCS Bowl Selection play out?

· BCS Title Game : Texas vs. Alabama

· Rose Bowl: Oregon vs. Ohio State

· Orange Bowl: Pittsburgh vs. Georgia Tech

· Sugar Bowl: TCU vs. Florida

· Fiesta Bowl: Penn State vs. Boise State

How they got there

After losing Alabama to the BCS Title game, the Sugar Bowl will get the first replacement pick and will select the Gators.

The Fiesta Bowl will go next and replace Texas with Penn State, banking on the Joe Paterno entourage and the Nitts’ strong base of traveling fans.

The Orange Bowl goes next and will choose Pittsburgh to face ACC tie-in Georgia Tech.

The Fiesta Bowl will follow-up by selecting Boise State—a team that cut its teeth at the Fiesta Bowl and seems to travel well.

All of this leaves the Mountain West Conference’s TCU to the Sugar Bowl.

Read more Tim Tebow news on BleacherReport.com

Charlie Weis and Al Groh - Pink Slips Ahead?: The VFA Week 12 Awards

Alex Ferguson — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:43:00 -0500

It's Thanksgiving out there people, and most of us are already thinking about turkey rather than football. Actually, that's not true...we're all thinking about turkey. AND football.

For Penn State Nation, the [add word here] 10-2 season is over, with the good hammerin' of Michigan State. Gosh we played well. Life is good at last. We'll take the Land Grant Trophy. Thanks, Staters!!

Anyway, here are some awards we are handin' out.

The Pink Slip Award for Hapless Coaching

1. Charlie Weis (Notre Dame): Cry all you want Charlie, it probably won't save your job. If you do stay another year, it'll be the greatest resurrection since (Touchdown) Jesus.

2. Al Groh (Virginia): Goodbye already!

3. Mark Mangino (Kansas): If the racist remarks are worse than they appear, then it won't matter what we think. Big man is going to get his butt kicked out of hippieville.

4. Mark Richt (Georgia): We know the fate of Georgia's defensive coordinator Willie Martinez, but after the Kentucky game, could we be saying goodbye to Richt in the shock firing of the year? If we do, you heard it here first!

5. Joe Paterno (Penn State): Just joking. Really—he'll leave when he wants to.

Games Of The Week

1. Oregon 44, Arizona 41: What an atmosphere and what a game. Oregon wasn't at its best, but it survived. Oh, but Arizona won the best cheerleader award. Sorry Ducks.

2. UConn 33, Notre Dame 30: It wasn't the win that moved us, it was the tears of both Weis and Randy Edsall. Football's about emotion, and regardless of the result, this was pretty emotional.

3. Ole Miss 25, LSU 23: Late LSU comeback fails. We're still exhausted watching this one.

4. Penn State 42, Michigan State 14: Because at last the Nittany Lions brought the wood out. A great performance on both sides of the ball.

5. Northwestern 33, Wisconsin 31: After getting their Big 10 hopes shredded last week, Wisconsin then loses to a loser-ish team (sorry Wildcats!). But we're all sad it's over.

Best Two-Tool Player in the Nation

1. CJ Spiller (Clemson): Can run, throw, and catch. The kid's the real deal.

2. Jordan Shipley (Texas): He might be 85, but his punt returns are second to none and we love his wide receiving skills.

3. Tim Tebow (Florida): He's Superman. He's Jesus. He's Florida's quarterback. His walking on water skills might be needed if the FSU game on Saturday is as wet as last week's.

The Unexpected Award for Stunning Results, Turnarounds and Events

1. Northwestern beating Wisconsin. Mike Kafka. Future Big Ten legend. You heard it here, er, third.

2. Cal beating Stanford. We know it's 'The Game' and all that, but after Stanford savaged Oregon AND USC, we expected Cal to take a beating. Maybe Jeff Tedford can coach.

3. Georgia blowing a monster lead and losing to Kentucky. It's not even getting funny now.

4. Florida State going bowling. Didn't expect this after a string of horrible performances. The last-ditch win over Maryland was exciting - but who holds hope for them against the GateShow? Not us!

And the Richard Fuld Award for Bad Management goes to....

1. LSU's Les Miles. A lot of Tigers fans want 17 seconds back.

2. Stanford's Jim Harbaugh. Going for it with three minutes to go. The throws from Andrew Luck - the so-called best quarterback in the Pac-10 - weren't much better. Both will have better days. But not on Week 12 of the 2009 season.

3. Georgia and it's defensive co-ordination team. Goodbye, and thanks for nothing.

4. Charlie Weis' defensive co-ordinators John Tenuta and Corwin Brown both deserve to be fired after the Irish's defensive efforts. Can't tackle a UConn running back? Not going to be easy against Toby Gerhardt of Stanford, either.

5. Rich Rodriguez. Should have pulled Tate Forcier earlier in the game. Four interceptions? We think Denard Robinson could have done better.

Congratulations to...

1. Connecticut's Randy Edsall: Finally gets a win for Jasper Howard, who passed away earlier in the season. Not a dry eye in the house.

2. The College Gameday guys: They finally picked a game that they would actually show. And boy, was it great. The "student shots" made you want to sign up and take another four years of college in Tuscon...Mama! I'm comin' home!

3. Nebraska (Big XII North Champs): The title's coming home to Lincoln. Children of the Corn, it's coming home!

4. Clemson (ACC Coastal Champs): We have to say that after the Georgia Tech game it all looked a little unlikely, but well done!

5. Florida and Alabama: Because one of you will end up in the National Championship. And one of you will end up in the Sugar Bowl. And you'll win both games.

Quote of the day

"Jordan Shipley had a senior day with Tommy Nobis," Rece Davis, College Football Final. We laughed anyway. By the way, CFF had a picture of Colt McCoy hugging his family on Senior Day. Did anyone else noticed that his mother is smoking hot? How did he come to look like such a, well, alien?

Wish we were...

In Tuscon last week for the Arizona game. Hot girls, lovely temperatures, and an atmosphere in Arizona Stadium that was to die for. We ask you to go to your recording of the U of A game and watch for the crowd shots in the fourth quarter for the reasons why.

And finally...

Best Cheerleaders

1. Arizona
2. Oregon
3. Ole Miss
4. Florida
5. Arizona State (We can't WAIT until the Arizona-Arizona State game)

Had this song in my head...

Read more Tim Tebow news on BleacherReport.com

The 10 Best Florida State Vs. Florida Games Since 1990

Bryan Flynn — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:20:31 -0500

One of the fiercest rivalries in college football will see its 54th meeting this Saturday as Florida State travels to Florida. At one time game was only cared about in the state of Florida until the 1990’s. The Gators owned the Seminoles early in this series. Florida State struggled while changing from Florida State College for Women to Florida State. That would change mostly because of two reasons. The first reason was the hiring of Bobby Bowden at Florida State in 1976. Bowden lost his first game against the Gators but would go on to win the next four games in this rivalry. The second reason was the hiring of Charlie Pell at Florida. Pell took over the program and quickly turned it into a championship contender. The only problem was that Pell broke NCAA rules to turn Florida into a great team. The Gators would beat the Seminoles in 1986 but would spend the next three years playing under scholarship reductions and not being allowed to play TV for the next three years. Florida State was able to take a huge recruiting advantage and was able to build a top ten and national championship contending team. This series would change once more in 1990. Steve Spurrier returned to the Swamp to be the head coach after he had a Heisman winning career at quarterback for Florida. Quickly this game became a fixture in the national title race and the rivalry was kicked up a notch with so much at stake. Here is a look back at 10 of the best games in this rivalry since Spurrier returned in 1990. Spurrier would leave the Gators but the importance of the games has not subsided.

Begin Slideshow

Turkey Time: What CFB Fans and Teams Can Be Thankful for This Thanksgiving

Tim Bielik — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:58:53 -0500

Normally, this is where I do my weekly "Five Things We Learned in College Football" series. But this week, I've decided to take things in a different direction with Thanksgiving around the corner. And with only one more week before the conference championship games, this is what some of the teams in the country and other personalities have to be thankful for before we carve up some turkeys.

Begin Slideshow

Florida-FSU Preview: The Gators Should Thank the Seminoles for Their Success

Jay Hendry — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:13:05 -0500

It's rivalry week. That means turkey, pies, family, and Thursday football that doesn't include teams like Nevada or UCF. That means goofy cups and trophies that are often times more important than the previous 11 games' results combined.

That means the Gators are one game away from completing a perfect season, becoming one of the few pre-season No. 1s to avoid the regular season letdown.

Fittingly, the team that stands in the way of perfection is a run-down Florida State squad who are trying to avoid their second .500 regular season in four years.

A win here quiets Bowden detractors and opens the door for an eight-win season (not too shabby, all things considered).

It seems like the Gators are ripe for the upset; they've gone 11 straight games "underperforming," the Noles are down their best player (QB Christian Ponder), and although the fairy tale ending to Bowden's career is an impossibility, a Zook-like win on the road against the Gators will send the Hall of Fame coach out on a high note.

However, this will not be a happy holiday for the Noles. The Gators are too strong, too fast, and too dedicated to let that happen, but the Gators shouldn't be ungrateful victors; after all the Noles are partially responsible for the Gators' current success.

Thanks for getting rid of Ron Zook

It's official; Ron Zook is a terrible coach. Gators fans, we were right. He has managed one winning season in five at Illinois and has a 21-37 record overall. His firing from Florida was neither premature, nor unwarranted. What if he was still around?

The Seminoles are partly responsible for Zook's early termination. He went 0-2 against them in his first two years and while his other losses were also factors in his firing, he could have saved his job for another year or two if he had beaten the Seminoles (his final game was a win against the Noles, but his fate had already been decided).

Even though 2006 was a team full of Zook recruits, the championship probably doesn't happen without Tebow or Percy, players who Zook probably doesn't recruit. He's fired in 2006, at the latest and then what?

The Gators can't get Meyer, he's at Notre Dame with decent job security. Greg Schiano and Gary Patterson are possibilities, but neither have made any indication that they are leaving their posts.

Let's be honest with ourselves, Meyer was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The Gators weren't on the verge of being back in the spotlight; Meyer dragged them back kicking and screaming.

The reason the Gators have had so much success can only be traced back to Meyer and without the Noles, they might not have gotten him.

Thanks for passing up Jeff Demps

While you can point to many head-to-head recruiting battles that go one or the other, Demps is special. Why? He wanted to go to FSU and would have immediately committed, but they didn't give him a chance.

He was a life long Seminoles fan and a four-star recruit, but the boneheads in Tallahassee thought he was too small to play football.

Demps went to Gainesville because Meyer said "Sure thing, fast guy!" instead of "Nope, underweight, undersized running back, I have no use for you." Urban's gamble paid off too.

Over the last two years, he has been Florida's most consistent running back not named Tim Tebow, racking up 1,200 yards at seven-plus yards per carry. You think the Noles want a mulligan on that one?

Thanks for this transcript

Bowden acts like an 80 year old:

The link leads to a Tallahassee Democrat blog which covered Bowden's postgame conference following the Clemson game. When your coach is fighting Alzheimer's and losing, it's time to look for a new coach.

I wonder if Les Miles suffers from something similar?

Thanks for letting me make a huge head-to-head breakdown (which I'm about to do)

Bowden said that the gap between the two teams is closing. His players are almost as good as the Gators'.

He also said that he wouldn't break it down position by position, but there are some Noles as good as the Gators. I want to break it down position by position, because I'm not sure if I believe him.

QB- Tim Tebow vs. Christian Ponder (injured)

I chose not to use EJ, because Ponder at least puts up a fight. Disregard the last three years and just focused on this year and Ponder is better, statistically than Tim Tebow. He's not better though and he doesn't compare.

Tebow might not be putting up big passing numbers, but he's not blowing games (Ponder did) and he can still run like a real running back (Ponder can't). There's more to being the QB than passing and Tebow is the total package. Advantage: Gators (Big time)

RB- Jeff Demps/Tebow vs. Jermaine Thomas

Thomas is good, but he's only had four quality games this season (since neither team had a huge RB, I chose 50 yds as the cutoff for a quality game).

Tebow has had seven rushing performances of 50 or more yards (remember, sacks count against a QB's rushing yards, he'd likely have more without that stupid rule) and Demps has had six.

Thomas' biggest plus here is his higher ceiling. He rushed for 186 against North Carolina, a number you're not going to see from the Gators, at least individually.

However, Thomas can be shutdown, and ultimately is less effective than the Gators starting RB duo. Advantage: Gators

WR- Riley Cooper/Deonte Thompson vs Burt Reed/Rod Owens

One that might go to the Noles! Reed has more catches than Cooper (53 to 38), but Cooper can score TDs (7 to Reed's 0). Overall, they cancel each other out.

The clincher is Owens over Thompson. Owens doesn't have big TD numbers, but he has numbers. Thompson only has 245 yards on 15 receptions. Owens has 53 receptions for 652 yards. Advantage: Noles

TE- Aaron Hernandez vs Caz Piurowski

Piurowski wins the really tall award and the crazy name Heisman, but his on the field production can't come close to Hernandez's. Aaron is the No. 2 pass catcher on the Gators and Tebow's only consistent target.

Piurowski is the last receiving option whenever he's in on a passing situation. Advantage: Gators

O-line

Gators give up more sacks, but get a whole lot more rushing yards. Neither team is good in the redzone. Basically, I'm going with the unit that hasn't lost a game over the one that lost to USF. Advantage: Gators

D-line

Here's where it starts getting really ugly. Cunningham and Dunlap have combined for 13 sacks. The Noles' DEs, McNeil and White, have managed four. The Gators' duo also lead the Noles 19 to 15 in tackles for loss and 62 to 53 for total tackles. Overall, the Gators' D-line has managed 15.5 sacks to the Noles' 6.5. Advantage: Gators

Linebackers

Spikes is the best player in this group, by far. He alone is worth the advantage over the Noles' entire LB group. AJ Jones and Ryan Stamper aren't exactly slouches either, with five INTs between them.

The Gators ability to cover the pass from the linebacker position is part of the reason why they are one of the top defenses in the nation, something the Seminoles can't exactly claim. Advantage: Gators

DBs

This is like comparing Michael Jordan to Greg Oden. Am I going too far? Maybe, but here's how I'd rank the two teams' defensive backs in order of ability if I were to make one team out of the two squads:

1. Joe Haden
2. Major Wright
3. Will Hill
4. Janoris Jenkins
5. Ahmad Black

Do I need to go on? The top five DBs are all Gators. Not one FSU DB would start at UF, and every Gators DB would start for the Noles. The Gators DBs aren't just good, they're all great.

Consider this: Last year, Black was second in the SEC in interceptions, a second team All-SEC selection, and an SI All-American honorable mention. He would have lost his job to Will Hill if Charlie Strong hadn't gone to the 3-3-5 as the base defensive set.

As for the others, Haden was a second team All-SEC selection (he'll be first team All-American this year) and JJ and Hill were SEC All-Freshman selections.

Wright was the only one who didn't get recognition in 2008 (he made all-freshman in 2007 along with Haden).

Can the Seminoles even boast one DB who would make a fifth team All-ACC selection (still paying attention)?

Advantage: Gators

I guess Bobby was right, the Noles do have one group where the players compare to the Gators. The Noles receivers would probably start over the Gators, but every other position is Gators all the way. Now, as to how they matchup against the guy on the other side of the ball (Just kidding).

Ok, I'll do it quick. Tebow and the offense over the Noles' defense. Spikes/Haden (can't decide who's better) and the defense over the Noles' offense.

Gators, when you're eating that leftover turkey sandwich and watching Tebow walk off of Florida Field for the last time (probably early in the fourth quarter), be thankful for the Seminoles, without them, you wouldn't be where you are.

Read more Tim Tebow news on BleacherReport.com

Urban Meyer's Dream: It's Not About Notre Dame but Involves Tim Tebow

James Walker — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:04:20 -0500

Today during his weekly press conference, Urban Meyer dismissed the notion of leaving the University of Florida for Notre Dame if and when Charlie Weis is dismissed as the Fighting Irish's head coach.

He did, however, admit something that is something I personally overlooked as a distinct possibility.

How does Head Coach Tim Tebow sound to the Gator Nation?

Meyer said that he could see Tebow as the future head coach for the University of Florida. He didn't say it in those words, but that is what I took away from what was actually said.

Now that is very interesting. Many question Tebow's future in the NFL as a QB, and some feel he will only compete as a FB or TE. What if Tebow gives it a try as a QB, then simply returns to Florida in a coaching capacity?

I don't think that's too far fetched of a possibility. Tim's mother and father are graduates of the University of Florida, and they met their as students prior to getting married and starting their mission in the Philippines. Add the legacy that Tim Tebow will leave behind in Gainesville, and you have the potential for Mr. Tebow to become Coach Tebow in the future.

During the same press conference, Meyer became very choked up when speaking about the upcoming game against FSU,and it being Tebow's last in Gainesville. Obviously, Tebow has had an impact on Meyer and his family, and the level of respect and friendship the two men now have will continue.

Tim Tebow, like it or not, may become the greatest college football player in the history of the NCAA. We may never see another player as accomplished or talented as Tebow, and the Gator Nation was privileged to be the school he chose to play at.

But for now, Tebow has three games remaining as the QB for the Florida Gators. This weekend against FSU will be a very emotional curtain call for him in Gainesville, and that will be followed up a week later in Atlanta when the Gators face Alabama for the SEC Championship.

Hopefully, the Gators will then have a date in Pasadena for their third National Championship in four years. Then it will be time for Tebow to enter the NFL Draft.

I do hope that Tebow has a successful career in the NFL. To me, he has the heart of a champion, and the leadership qualities to lead a team to a Super Bowl or two.

However, Coach Tim Tebow has a nice ring to it. Maybe Coach Tebow will make his debut in 2020, about the same time my son may make his debut as a Florida Gator football player. Hey, an Alumnus and Father can dream, can't he?

Read more Tim Tebow news on BleacherReport.com

Tim Tebow and the Florida Gators Are Bored

Viresh Patel — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:46:57 -0500

Tim Tebow and the Florida Gators steam rolled over Florida International University. The Gators jumped on the Golden Panthers, as if there ever was any doubt.

One thing has become clear for the Florida Gators, they are absolutely and certainly bored. Sure, they will absolutely trample the cupcakes of college football, and they will win ugly against all other opponents. But win they do.

They've come to a point when they just don't care to go all out or do anything special. Tim Tebow was being 100 percent honest when he said he didn't care about winning the Heisman, he just wants to go undefeated.

Last season after the loss to Ole Miss this team was beyond a doubt the most motivated team in the nation and it showed. Tebow was determined, he was possessed. When Tebow wasn't yelling at players on the sidelines, he was busy converting first downs and scoring touchdowns.

Tebow was enthusiastic about everything. Every Tebow touchdown or first down was followed by some sort of fist pumping, screaming, Gator chomping and/or yelling.

Now, these guys score a touchdown and walk over to the sidelines. They know they can do whatever they want on the field. If a touchdown is needed, they'll score. If not, we'll probably get a field goal instead.

They do just enough to win. They expect to win and they do. Maybe it's not always pretty like in the Tennessee game, but the Vols never really stood a chance. Even in Arkansas, Gators were down a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

But if you looked over at the Florida sideline, they were still themselves. As if they knew they would go downfield and score a touchdown and eventually set up a game winning field goal.

Maybe it isn't pretty, but this Gator team is clearly bored with the level of competition thrown at them. The Gators know they can play at 75 percent and allow their dominant defense to win the game.

Well Tebow, it's now crunch time and enough is enough. This is the fourth quarter of your senior season. And your in state rival the Florida State Seminoles are coming to Gainesville. It's time to get back to business. This should be a nice tune up game to prepare for the SEC Championship showdown against Alabama. It's time to see that Gator motivation, fans want to see the Gator chomp after you run over defenders. Fans want to see players screaming at each other.

The Seminoles beat a terrible Maryland squad with a touchdown down the stretch of the game. Then the 'Noles absolutely lost their friggin' minds. They stormed the field and celebrated with fans as if they just won the Super Bowl.

Since when do teams celebrate becoming bowl eligible? I was embarrassed for Seminole fans.

Gators should know the Seminoles will bring absolutely everything to the table, even if the Seminoles everything is not very much at all.

Hey Timmy, it's time for one of those movie speeches. It's time for the Gator chomp. It's time for some yelling and screaming. It's time to get back to business. It's time for some motivation.

Against Mark Ingram and the Alabama defense, 75 percent is just not gonna kick it. If ever there was a time to get motivated, the time is now. It's time to leave Florida in style. It's time to show everyone exactly why you are considered by many to be the greatest college football player of all time.

For God's sake, it's time to wake up man. It's just time!

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Is the SEC the Best Conference in America?

David Lynn — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:00:42 -0500

I’ll be honest. When I set out to write this article, it was my intent to show that the SEC is not the best conference in America. While I still don’t think they are head and shoulders above everyone else like many SEC fans would have you believe, the numbers may tend to show otherwise.

I will admit that I am no mathematician, and I am sure someone will let me know how I have screwed up the numbers. I also realize that stats never show the whole picture of anything in sports, and that on any given day, anyone can win a game.

It is also not my intent to compare individual teams or games. This is purely comparing the average rankings of all the FBS conferences on four statistical categories: offensive yards per game (YPG), average yards allowed, points scored per game (PPG), and points allowed per game.

If you would like to see the complete list with average rankings I would be happy to show it to you, but it wouldn't go in here easily so I left it out.

While I did not come to the conclusion I had hoped as someone who gets tired of hearing about the SEC, I did notice some very interesting things about college football as a whole.

SEC the Best?

First things first: Is the SEC the best conference in the country?

I was not surprised to find that they fall right around the middle when it comes to YPG with an average ranking of 57.3. What surprised me far more was their average ranking for PPG, which was 50.8.

That made them No. 1.

I don’t think I am the only one surprised by this. Granted, they are by no means running away with the No. 1 spot, being only .5 ahead of the Big 12, with numerous others close behind.

Two things come as obvious explanations. Having above average defense results in better field position, so fewer yards are gained when scoring. It is also likely that their vaunted defenses score more points themselves, meaning no offensive yards gained.

When it comes to defense, there is no surprise that the SEC is No. 1 in yards allowed per game with an average ranking of 37. I was a little surprised that they were not exactly runaway leaders, being only about three better than the Big East.

What may surprise some people is that the Big East is actually better when it comes to points allowed with an average of 36.8 compared to 38 by the SEC. It is not a huge advantage, but it is there.

So is the SEC the best conference in the country?

Like everything else that is so subjective with college football, maybe. But what these numbers show is that they are not exactly the gods of college football that many seem to think they are.

Once you get past Alabama and Florida, the rest of the conference is pretty average.

What do the numbers say about college football as a whole?

This is where I found some of my most interesting observations. When it comes to YPG, the average rankings are pretty random when comparing AQ conferences and non-AQ conferences.

As mentioned before, the WAC is at the top with three AQ’s in the top half, and three in the bottom. This doesn’t really lead me to any specific conclusions.

Perhaps a better indication of offensive quality is how many points they score, and the numbers show a very interesting thing. The top five spots are all held by AQ conferences, with the Big Ten down at No. 8.

So even with the prolific offenses at Boise St., Houston, Nevada, etc., there is still something to be said for the overall quality of the AQ conferences.

What about defense?

The overall strength of the AQ conferences is even more apparent here with both yards allowed and points allowed being led by the six AQ’s.

We have all heard the saying that defense wins championships, and these numbers tend to support this idea, seeing as how throughout history, champions have come from the members of these conferences.

I did also find it interesting that the Mountain West was No. 7 in both of these categories.

Once again, let me state that I am not making any definitive statements here. The Big East is ranked first or second in both defensive categories, and I feel they are sharing the bottom with the ACC. I am simply explaining some numbers that I found interesting.

Also, before people start crying about me being a biased AQ conference fan, take a look at most of my writing. I am a diehard BYU fan, I always have been, and always will be.

Please feel free to tell me how wrong I am. It is the conflict of sport that makes us so passionate about it, and that is what I love.

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College Football: Baby's Losers for Thanksgiving Week

BabyTate — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:25:49 -0500

It is here again. Thanksgiving week and all that goes with the special Holiday.

All picks must in by Thursday at Noon.

Let us get right into it.

Thanksgiving Day

1. Texas (11-0) @ Texas A&M (6-5)

Texas fans may recall in 1975 and '79 the Longhorns rolled into College Station with 9-1 teams and were upset by inspired Aggie squads. Could it happen again?

Baby's Loser: Texas A&M

The Friday Games

2. Alabama (11-0) @ Auburn (7-4)

Alabama fans no doubt remember 1989 when an undefeated Crimson Tide outfit rolled into Auburn with visions of a National Championship, only to lose, 30-20.

Baby's Loser: Auburn

3. Pittsburgh (9-1) @ West Virginia (7-3)

The Backyard Brawl has featured a variety of exciting contests. In 1970, Bobby Bowden's Mountaineers led the Panthers 35-8 at halftime but eventually lost, 36-35. Here is a vote for the powerful Pitt defensive line to stifle the hi-octane Mountaineers.

Baby's Loser, tight: West Virginia

The Saturday Games

4. Florida State (6-5) @ Florida (11-0)

An apology is due to Gator followers. Florida is so strong, and so heavily favored over all the teams they face, there are few instances where the opponent can generate enough support to make the contests interesting. The mighty Gators are here now.

Baby's Loser, Florida State

5. Oklahoma State (9-2) @ Oklahoma (6-5)

In some preseason publications, this game was believed to have a major say in producing the BCS Champion. Oklahoma State quarterback Zac Robinson has an injured shoulder and the Sooners have won the past six in the epic Bedlam series.

Baby's Loser, in a mild upset, Oklahoma

6. Notre Dame (6-5) @ Stanford (7-4)

The Cardinal lost "The Big Game" to Cal last week and with it the chance for a Rose Bowl invitation. Notre Dame is in a world of controversy with the coaching situation of Charlie Weis. The Cardinal appeared tired in the second half last week. Look out!

Baby's Loser, close: Notre Dame

7. Washington State (1-10) @ Washington (3-7)

Apple Cup action! Notorious for underdogs springing the upset, this is one of the most unpredictable rivalries in the country. A vote for the improved Huskies to escape.

Baby's Loser, much closer than expected: Washington State

Saturday's Tough One

8. Utah (9-2) @ Brigham Young (9-2)

Beehive State battle between two of the finest western squads. In the past 20 years each team has won 10 times. The ingredients are present for a classic showdown.

Baby's Loser, in a thriller, Utah.

Game Of The Week

9. Georgia (6-5) @ Georgia Tech (10-1)

The Yellow Jackets have scored 50 touchdowns this year while giving up 29. The Bulldogs have scored 33 TDs while surrendering 31. Advantage Georgia Tech.

Baby's Loser, Georgia.

Last Week Baby Tate went 6-3, missed Stanford, Ga., and Okla. For the Year– 98-30

It was a particularly difficult week due to the intensity of so many rivalry games.

9-0: None

8-1: None

7-2: Zodiac, 12, Red Raider, Cliff, Ryan H., Chris C., 007, and Mark S.

6-3: Baby Tate, Dan B., Kevin, Georgia Dawg, Tim C., J.A., Connor, RunTellMatt, Scott R., and Taylor B.

5-4: Michael C., Kimberley, Henry, Alex, Kent, Tyler S., Matt S., Daniel S., Jared W., Blake B., Bill B., Hal R., Josh M., Jim M., James W.

Below Baby Tate's Mendoza Line: (Are You Ready For This?) Ronnie, Brandon, Mosang, Daniel H., Tom O., Carl, Ryan R., Iceman. Hokie Hogg went 3-2.

There are some bigtime heavy hitters below the Line this week. No doubt they will all bounce back to normalcy this time around.

And thanks to all 42 participants who played this past week.

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