As Timmy Tebow Goes, So Goes the Florida Gators

This season is supposed to be the year that the Florida Gators run the table and win the national championship by overpowering opponents with their sure skill and raw talent. With Tim Tebow and Brandon Spikes coming back, it looked like a done deal.

The only problem now is that after a vicious hit that left Tim Tebow on the ground unconscious a week and half ago, his playing status is up in the air. Tebow was at practice today throwing and wearing a red jersey, but it is in the hands of the doctors whether or not he goes in against Baton Rouge on Saturday night.

Tebow has done it all at Florida. He has won two national titles and a Heisman trophy. The guy is arguably the best college football player ever, and he always leaves everything out on the field. His inspiration and passion for the game of football is unmatched. The will and determination of Tebow has made him so successful on the field—and in life.

Tim Tebow is the leader of this team, and it is a whole new game if he doesn't go.

Don't get me wrong, Urban Meyer has a remarkable football team. They have dominated their competition week in and week out. But even if Tebow goes, there is no telling how his body or mind will react once he gets back out on the field.

He will be only two weeks removed from a serious concussion, and with the intensity Tebow brings on every play, there are a lot of questions as to whether or not he will be able to play up to his high level.

If Tebow doesn't go, the Gators are going to have to play strong defense against the Tigers. It will fall on the shoulders of Spikes and his counterpart to win the battle in the trenches. Points will be that much harder to come by on both sides of the ball.

Jordan Brantley has never started a collegiate game, and who knows how he would play and react if called upon Saturday night. He can prepare all he wants, but there is no feeling like matching up with an SEC rival with major BCS implications on the line.

Expect to see a heavy dose of Jeff Demps out of the Gators backfield no matter who starts at quarterback. He has the speed and athleticism to get up and down the field in a hurry.

Demps could be looked at as the Gators' top weapon on the offensive side of the ball. He has picked up much of the offensive production that was left behind when Percy Harvin was drafted by the Vikings in the first round of the NFL Draft.

Tebow is a warrior, and this is the one game that he had to be ready for. LSU is always a tough game, but they are coming in with momentum after a big win against Georgia. No. 4 vs. No. 1—there's nothing more you could ask for.

Division rivals going toe to toe is what it's all about. Tim Tebow is always hyped up and exciting to watch under a spotlight like this. But if he can't go, the game must go on, and a winner will emerge from this game, which is sure to be a battle.