Mark Bradley

By leland

January 12, 2009 8:45 AM | Link to this

Dear Mr. MB—what we need here is another paradigm shift, or something like that. Anyway, like I said before, the Lord is on our side. Your pal, Leland

By Mark Bradley

January 12, 2009 8:57 AM | Link to this

Hey, Leland. I just flew in from Santa Fe and boy are my arms tired.

By Who cares about U Kno Who

January 12, 2009 9:17 AM | Link to this

I’d much rather see the dawgs work their way up from 15th to the top 5 rather than see us drop from the top 5 to 15th. We play harder and better as the underdawg! Got to give the Gators credit but I bet we show up next year in Jacksonville playing to win rather than playing not to lose! Would somebody please tell Martinez that is how we have to play defense at UGA!

By JB

January 12, 2009 9:21 AM | Link to this

My Dawgs have need for one of two things to happen. Florida can get worse or we can get better. Us getting better would be the answer. 5 star players will fill the gator roster, and Meyer is a pretty dang good coach. The Hope is that When Tebow leaves and Charlie Strong is hired away, There might be a crack in the armor. Richt needs to be reborn as a coach. He has the Dawgs close, But as I read Someone said in a post a few days ago, he has put the players and coach’s on notice that they need to turn it up a notch. I for one am looking forward to new players and starters. The dynamics of the UGA needs to change. Hopefully for the better.

By Dawg44

January 12, 2009 9:41 AM | Link to this

Cheer up, fellow DAWGS! We still have 38-3!!

By Analchord

January 12, 2009 9:43 AM | Link to this

Osama bin laden just flew in from Kabul, and Boy are his wife’s arms tired. Of course, Osama’s arms are tired too, not from flying, but from beating his wife during the flight!

By Joey

January 12, 2009 9:48 AM | Link to this

Who cares bout U kno who, Exactly what is gonna change about the Dawgs in Jax next year. The same coaching staff, the same players, minus Stafford and Marino will be going there. Until AD Evans forcs Richt to get a top level DC and special teams coach, it will be more of the same. I am a dawg win or lose, but am not very encouraged with Richt’s head in the sand attitude regarding some of his assistants. Wonder if Willie would have a job (any job) this year if his boss was named Saben or Myer, instead of Richt?

By JB

January 12, 2009 10:07 AM | Link to this

Joey, the answer is NO.. We aren’t winning because of Martinez, WE ARE LOSING because of him. 42 points and LOSE to TECH. Paul Johnson Needs ole Willie to hang around ! Bet he sent him a pie for Christmas ! 38 or more
points scored on the D this year. Don’t think I’ve ever seen that.

By Dacula dawg

January 12, 2009 10:08 AM | Link to this

I still dont get why usc is thought of so highly. they like ohio state have a reputation because of who they used to be. Florida will probly go and dominate next year too. Even a georgia fan can admit that. But theres always a strong chance we can come in and take em down. we took Tebow down in the swamp the other year and we can do it again, grant it we lost number 7 and 24….. still sore about that. But Rict is our savior, he’ll figure somethin out. Go Dawgs

By Mark Bradley

January 12, 2009 10:11 AM | Link to this

I’m a little confused about the Southern Cal thing myself. Maybe the pundits just like Traveler.

By Ben

January 12, 2009 10:24 AM | Link to this

Why wouldn’t Florida be overwhelming favorites again? They have a joke out of conference (home games vs. Troy, Charleston Southern and Florida International) and they only leave the state 4 times.

Alas, they will not win it all in 2009 and Tebow will cry and then head to the NFL to be the most heralded H-Back/TE in recent memory.

By Jarvis

January 12, 2009 10:39 AM | Link to this

Mark, Why don’t you report on the Tickle Pile outbreak over on the flats since Tech beat the Mutts?

By Bill in ATL

January 12, 2009 10:42 AM | Link to this

Mark, everyone knew Tebow was coming back so this is not even a story.

It would have been a truly interesting story if he was LEAVING as the questions about what round he would drafted (if at all) and what position he might play would abound.

Florida will be tough to beat next year. No doubt, but they play the games for a reason.

Dawgs will not roll over and die. Too much talent and too much pride. Look for 10-2 in 2009 where one of the wins may actually come in an upset in Jacksonville.

By T-Bone

January 12, 2009 10:42 AM | Link to this

Hey Dawg44, don’t you mean 45-42?

By North FLA Falcon

January 12, 2009 10:46 AM | Link to this

Considering how easy UF’s schedule is next year, they will have no problem at least going to the SEC title game and then very likely playing for the national championship. No Auburn, no Ole Miss … 2 cupcakes at home to start the season … playing LSU in Baton Rouge will be a challenge but other than that, Gator fans should book their hotels in Atlanta for Dec 09. I thought the BCS penalized weak schedules … if it cost Utah a #1 ranking then why is UF ranked #1 with their easy out of conference schedule? Because the media loves Tebow.

By JB

January 12, 2009 10:55 AM | Link to this

LSU video out now. In stores for $19.99. By Les Miles, ” How I held Georgia Tech to 3 points”. CMR and Willie were mailed 435 copies. Get the original take with comments from Les like “is that their coach in that Baggy blue warm up suit ” ? Or, “What color would you call that helmet” ? or another great Les line, in the fourth quarter, he told the defense to light a flare in their end zone so their offense can see it. Order now. Quantities limited.

By Mark Bradley

January 12, 2009 10:56 AM | Link to this

It’s kind of funny that a score of a game in which Georgia didn’t play has become a Bulldog rallying cry.

By greg

January 12, 2009 11:01 AM | Link to this

Well, according to Bradley and Barnhardt every other division 1 school (especially UGA) should just give up football. No chance at all. Of course I remember the same article being written after the 2006 MNC. There are so many things that can happen in a season…injuries for one. Ask CMR about that. I guess at UGA they’ll try to soilder on and may even show up in Jacksonville as opposed to forfeiting. The Dawgs will be just fine, although I would like a new DC. BTW…congrats to the Gators. You were without a doubt the best team in the country this year!!

By Why Bother?

January 12, 2009 11:21 AM | Link to this

Bulldogs fans, let’s face it. We should forfeit the 09 game .

By goober

January 12, 2009 11:28 AM | Link to this

The greatest team in the history of college football led by the greatest quarterback in the history of the game since Moses was beaten by the University of Mississippi. Therefore the greatest team in the history of college football is really only one of many that had one loss this year.

So cut the crap, Greg and all you other heathens who jumped on the Gators’ bandwagon. “Without a Doubt????????” You are so wrong. There are many doubts. There will always be many doubts as long as we have this stupid-a$$ system of no playoffs.

Utah is the national championship team. They were the only team that won every game.

Imagine the NFL takes its division winners, ranks two teams out of 10 to be #1 and #2. Then they take off a month or six weeks with no games. Then #1 plays #2 and the winner, and the stupid-a$$ national media, proclaim them as the best team in pro football.

One word sums it up: Bull$hit.

By reebok

January 12, 2009 11:28 AM | Link to this

USC is an attractive pick for next year’s champ because they play a soft schedule in a weak conference..,while everybody will have the Gators circled on the schedule and the Gators play in a tough conference. Also, Florida will have to survive the SEC championship game and a couple of rivalry games. While UF will be favored in every game they play next year, it is unlikely they can run the table…SoCal should, since they play a soft schedule and have no championship game to potentially trip up in…IMHO as always, of course.

By Pago Flyer

January 12, 2009 11:29 AM | Link to this

Now we know why Stafford and Noshow ran off!

By DawginLex

January 12, 2009 11:30 AM | Link to this

I prefer lowered expectations as long as there is talent to overachieve. Can the red head lead UGA with a fire that was missing from stafford?

Make no mistake, Stafford was extremely talented and probably could only lose by coming back for another year but, he is not ready to start for a NFL franchise.

Cox can win with a better line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Gotta improve the pass rush.

By Mark Bradley

January 12, 2009 11:35 AM | Link to this

If the past two seasons are any measure, Georgia plays better when less is expected.

By Tony in Johns Creek

January 12, 2009 11:43 AM | Link to this

I wouldn’t expect anything less and wouldn’t be surprised to see 100 points scored on Charleston Southern, Florida international and Troy, which is who UF plays out of conference besides FSU in ‘09.

Will that be enough to keep them at number 1? Is their schedule TOUGH ENOUGH?

Everyone is down right now in the SEC outside of Bama and Ole Miss. Ole Miss drops off of UF’s schedule and Bama isn’t on it either. The only shot they’d have is in an SECC game.

AU missed their opportunity to play for a championship after going undefeated. WIll UF? IF there are two other undefeated teams?

Georgia may be the only team with any shot to stop UF.

By Chris

January 12, 2009 11:50 AM | Link to this

You mentioned Thom Brennaman being taken to task for the BCS broadcast. The color guy? What was his name? Charles Davis? Same guy who kept referring to Knomore Moreno in last year’s Sugar Bowl?

That guy is tragic bad. How can you not have better commentators for the national title game?

By Okefenokee Dawgs

January 12, 2009 11:55 AM | Link to this

Me and Tebow didn’t go Pro for the for the same reason. Nobody wanted us.

By JR

January 12, 2009 11:55 AM | Link to this

The media desperately wants Florida-USC so they had to make sure the schedules were set up so they could avoid any trap games. Next year they’ll get their wish.

By Bill in ATL

January 12, 2009 11:55 AM | Link to this

Tony in John’s Creek. LSU in Red Stick will have plenty of opportunity to stop the Gators next year. And I think UGA will have something to say about things before all is said and done.

Really those are the two that have legit shots at them, but as always even a team with no business beating them could pull an upset if the Gators get too full of themselves.

By Chris

January 12, 2009 11:58 AM | Link to this

Did anyone see Urban interviewed on ESPN the day after the title? Of course all the talking heads wanted to rave about Tebow. Meyer added this qualifier,,’the really great thing about Tim is how hard he’s worked on his faith this past year’.

How does one do that? ‘I’m doing ten sets of 24 Hail Mary’s everyday’! Does he have a faith coach? ‘Come on son, you call that praying??? You’re just punching a time clock out there’!

By Tony in Johns Creek

January 12, 2009 12:05 PM | Link to this

Bill in ATL,

I’m hopin so that LSU will have something up their sleeve. Especially with your new QB at the reins…

By GAonmyMind

January 12, 2009 12:08 PM | Link to this

I’m not even bothering going to the game in Jacksonville next season. I think ‘10 we’ll have a decent shot.

By murfdawg

January 12, 2009 12:18 PM | Link to this

Mark, As an objective journalist, how would you look at the last two years of UGA football? I know the Gators will want to look at only the last 19 years, and as a season ticket holder since 1972, I would like to go back for 40 years. But as an “expert”, you make the call.

Here is my take: Fla with Tebow as a starter is 22-5. Tebow is 1-1 vs UGA. UGA with Stafford is 21-5 the last two years.Stafford is 1-1 vs Fla the last two years. With an experienced ol,a decent defense and CMR, Georgia will be ok against Tebow or anyone else. Maybe not great but ok.

One more question for you. How do you think the Dawgs would have done this year with Tebow as qb instead of Stafford?

By Wren the hypocrite

January 12, 2009 12:28 PM | Link to this

If Smoltz was a business decision, and emotions don’t play into it, then don’t whine about Furcal? Did you have a signed contract with Furcal? No! You gave him an offer, he made a business decision to see if he could get better.

You sow what you reap, you reap what you sow. Welcome to the basement; I’m sure Stan Kastan will be saying hello as he passes you by on the way up.

By Mark Bradley

January 12, 2009 12:34 PM | Link to this

Here’s Florida’s schedule:

Sat Sep 5 Charleston Southern Gainesville, FL TBA Sat Sep 12 Troy Gainesville, FL TBA Sat Sep 19 Tennessee Gainesville, FL TBA Sat Sep 26 at Kentucky Lexington, KY TBA Sat Oct 10 at LSU Baton Rouge, LA TBA Sat Oct 17 Arkansas (HC) Gainesville, FL TBA Sat Oct 24 at Mississippi State Starkville, MS TBA Sat Oct 31 Georgia Jacksonville, FL TBA Sat Nov 7 Vanderbilt Gainesville, FL TBA Sat Nov 14 at South Carolina Columbia, SC TBA Sat Nov 21 Florida International Gainesville, FL TBA Sat Nov 28 Florida State Gainesville, FL TBA

By Mark Bradley

January 12, 2009 12:44 PM | Link to this

That’s a good question. Obviously Tebow wouldn’t have been as successful in Georgia’s style of offense as Stafford was, and vice versa.

As for the past two seasons: Georgia was better than I thought in 2007 and not as good as I thought in 2008. So, having been wrong both times, I’m not much of an expert.

By breaking news Tebow

January 12, 2009 12:54 PM | Link to this

MIAMI (SP) — Shortly after leading the Florida Gators to a national championship with a 24-14 win over Oklahoma, junior quarterback Tim Tebow announced that he would skip his senior season and ascend directly into heaven.

Tebow entered the press room to wild applause. A reporter for a 24-hour cable sports network burst into tears when the 2007 Heisman winner entered the room. Another threw a pair of boxer shorts on the podium. Tebow smiled at the gesture and several sports reporters fainted.

“Sorry I’m late,” Tebow began. “There was a six-year-old boy with cancer in row 54 and I had to make my way through the crowd to heal him.”

“I want to start by saying that playing quarterback for the University of Florida, winning two national championships, has been a great honor. There has been some speculation about my future and I want to clear that up right now,” he continued.

“Don’t go, Tim!” a reporter shouted from the back of the room.

“After much consideration, I have decided to skip my senior season at the University of Florida and ascend directly into Heaven,” Tebow announced. Upon making the announcement, Tebow was bathed in a blinding white light and vanished.

In response to the news, ESPN announced they will have a month-long tribute to Tebow. ESPN2 will now be known as ESPN-TEBOW and will feature Tebow highlights (including home videos of Tebow’s childhood), re-airings of past interviews, Tebow-centric analysis by ESPN air personalities, a Tebow quiz show and a reality show to find the “most Tebow-like” person in America.

“He wasn’t just the greatest player in college football history,” said a college football writer at the press conference, tears streaming down his face. “He might have been the greatest person to ever walk on earth.”

By The Truth

January 12, 2009 1:03 PM | Link to this

What goes up must come down.

By Tide rising

January 12, 2009 1:05 PM | Link to this

Mark,

Sorry but I just couldn’t resist posting the bogus news report on Tebow. I think he is a great player but like a lot of fans I’m so Tebowed out I just can’t stand it anymore. Can this guy be any more overexposed?

When I watched the SECCG I was more incensed about the coverage than the fact that the Gators rallied and won. Good grief. Could Garry Danielson and Verne Lundquist have been any more in love with Tebow? I felt like I was watching the Tim Tebow show with occasional references to the team with crimson helmets. Did anyone else notice this? Ya didn’t have to be a Bama fan to notice this. I figured the national title game would be more of the same and sure enough it was.

As I said he is a fine, upstanding young man and a great leader on the football field. But for Pete’s sake enough is enough with the Tebow lovefest.

By murfdawg

January 12, 2009 1:05 PM | Link to this

Mark, Thanks for being honest. I will defer to you as the expert on basketball.Look forward to your columns all season.

By jarrodmon

January 12, 2009 1:09 PM | Link to this

MB,

They still have to play the games. I don’t think Florida is a lock. The SEC has plenty of talent and many great coaches. Without Stafford trying to impress NFL scouts by throwing every 10 yard pass 7,000 mph and running backs with something to prove UGA could give them a run.

By Chris

January 12, 2009 1:13 PM | Link to this

Rising Tide? That was a genuinely funny press release. I also happen to think he’s a great talent and a sincere kid with his ideals but the lovefest is a bit much.

By Sid

January 12, 2009 1:16 PM | Link to this

Tebow may be the best college football player ever but I know he is the most “self righteous” !!!!

By hop

January 12, 2009 1:19 PM | Link to this

mark, you are so right about georgia playing better as the underdog than the favorite. that fact dates back to ole vince dooley days,except of course when he had herschel

By brad

January 12, 2009 1:25 PM | Link to this

Mark - Good to know of someone else out there that could live without Tim McCarver’s meaningless chatter and ability to point out the obvious every October. I wrote a paper in 11th grade back in 1998 about my disdain for his work and got an A. Only paper I got an A on that Fall because the teacher really felt my passion.

By Mark Bradley

January 12, 2009 1:40 PM | Link to this

Kind of weird, isn’t it? We want our sports stars to be role models, but only (apparently) in moderation.

By m

January 12, 2009 2:01 PM | Link to this

The dawgs are in deep shiiite. They can’t be floriDUH and now Tech no longer has Chan Gailey. Admittedly, the dawgs would have beaten Chan 100 times in a row, but he is gone. The dawgies couldn’t beat Paul Johnson in his first year, with less than half of the offense installed, a makeshift offesnive line, a team filled with injuries, at home, with their best QB and running back in history, etc. etc. In other words, if they couldn’t beat Paul Johnson in 2008, they might NEVER beat him. Lay awake at night dawgies and think about it. Thenk God and Greyhound that Chan Gailey is gone forever.

By JP

January 12, 2009 2:01 PM | Link to this

As a Gator fan, I would love to see a repeat in 2009. But in the SEC, how often does anything ever play to form?

UGA will still be tough in the East and the West ought to be pretty good too. UF also has to travel to Baton Rouge next year. We’re dealing with 18-22 year old kids. Anything can happen.

Instead of concentrating on the NC, the Gators need to worry about winning the East. If we can’t do that, then everything else is moot.

By Tide rising

January 12, 2009 2:42 PM | Link to this

Mark,

You may be missing our point. Of course its okay for someone like Tebow to be a role model. The point is that he doesn’t need to be put on some kind of a pedestal as if he is superior to all the other players on the field. There were 21 other Gator starters who were responsible for the win not including all the backups that also contributed.

The guy is not Jesus and he certainly isn’t perfect. He was talking his own trash in the bcs title game. He talked enough trash and did the gator chomp at an OU player in the waning moments and drew an unsportsmanlike penalty. Not very “Christian: behavior in my book and certainly not good sportsmanship.

He was admittedly miffed when he didn’t win the Heisman. That right there tells me the guy is somewhat selfish or at least a little egotistical that he was denied the trophy. Why couldn’t he just be humble and be happy for the guy who did win it?

Lastly, he was at Atkinson park last year drinking with some other friends. Underage drinking isn’t that big a deal but for someone that people like to portray as the perfect role model it is breaking the law. If you don’t think so just ask all the college players that get regularly arrested for underage drinking.

I’m just one of those people that’s a little leery when whole groups of people start jumping on a bandwagon and building up the whole cult of personality thing about someone. The kid is still a great player and a good kid but come on. The overexposure really is a little much.

By Expert Bob

January 12, 2009 2:48 PM | Link to this

Mark, we all know that the media does nothing in moderation. They are either building someone up as a God or trashing them like a total loser. That’s what sells.

I personally think that Tebow has a dark side that we don’t see in all the corny interviews and cute stories. You see it on the football field though. The dude plays mean and angry. You don’t take on would be tacklers like he does unless you’ve got a little bad a$$ in you. Tebow is no saint. Trust me. If something even remotely negative came out about this guy it would be devastating. The media has put him on a pedastal and they would love to turn around and tear him down. It sells the papers, doesn’t it Mark?

Tebow is a great player but Florida will be beatable next year. Its the SEC. Everyone is beatable. And when he leaves Florida will be your typical SEC power just struggling to keep up with the Joneses. They’ll be good but nothing special.

By Matt

January 12, 2009 3:03 PM | Link to this

Mark, it shouldn’t surprise you that Dawg fans are posting 38-3 as motivation or that they’re talking about Jacksonville already - THEY’RE LOSERS AND THAT’S WHAT LOSERS DO!!! Mediocre program, mediocre results. None of this should surprise you.

By Chris

January 12, 2009 3:03 PM | Link to this

Mark, The Tide does have a point. I’m not bashing on Tebow but the Brennamans and Meyers and Holt’z of the world that portray the kid as the second coming.

By dean

January 12, 2009 4:02 PM | Link to this

When do pitchers and catchers report? :)

By Gator In Atlanta

January 12, 2009 4:15 PM | Link to this

I’m a 40+ year Gator fan so you can tell where my comments are coming from but,

You Dawg fans would be better off if you would quit praising your coach when he does stuff like encouraging his players to blatantly break the rules and celebrate on the field - creating a potential for a brawl and injuries. Or coming up with brilliant ideas like new jersey colors.

Get on that guy to do a better job with basic coaching skills and stop with the theatrics. Georgia loses respect with everyone who is not a Dawg fan every time he pulls that crap (although the AJC would never say so). It would pay off in the long run - maybe cause some quality players to view you with a little more respect.

By Mark Bradley

January 12, 2009 4:53 PM | Link to this

I don’t want to get into a whole Christian/religious debate here, but none among us is without flaws. Just because Tim Tebow — or anyone — is upfront about his/her beliefs doesn’t mean that individual is saying, “Look at me — I’m perfect.”

By Mark Bradley

January 12, 2009 5:04 PM | Link to this

Pitchers and catchers report Feb. 14 — Valentine’s Day.

By Michael

January 12, 2009 5:07 PM | Link to this

I think “up front” is an understatement on Tebow and his religious beliefs. Putting “John 3:16” on eye black is about as tacky as it comes.

As far as actual football, I think most people around here know that being a preseason No. 1 means about nothing. The team that just won a national title will pretty much be a preseason Top 5 team unless it loses 22 starters. It rarely ends up that way. Aside from the 1998 FSU team, I can’t think of a preseason No. 1 that was there at the end.

On Tebow actually staying, duh. He won’t be a highly coveted pro QB. When he is forced to stay in the pocket (see against UGA in ‘07), he’s average. You have to be Michael Vick fast to make an impact with your legs in the pros. Tebow does a lot of his running on size, which gets negated a lot by the Grady Jackson’s out there.

On the FU fan who revises history: Richt didn’t tell his players to go on the field. He said “celebrate so much that you draw a penalty.” Considering you can draw a penalty for giving a first-down signal, that means just about anything. Richt apologized for the players running on the field, but Urban Crier kept whining about it like his doll had just been stolen. You think the Gators would be over that, but apparently not.

By TampaGator

January 12, 2009 5:26 PM | Link to this

I think it is interesting that a Pack Man Jones can do his thing and no one seemed to care for such a long time (until his behavior became almost, if not criminal). Still, sports fans don’t seem to care. But have Tebow express his faith on TV, make over a 3.5GPA at Florida, shake hands with almost every kid in the stands after each home game, love his teammates and family, work hard at everything he does…and fans hate him for it and write tons of insults aimed at him. Kind of interesting. Says a lot about out society today…don’t you think.

By petey wheatstraw

January 12, 2009 5:47 PM | Link to this

Tebow is coming back because he loves being Joe College Superstar and doesn’t want to face the challenge of playing with the big boys. Really, what more can he accomplish? Maybe when his eligibility runs out he can play inter-mural ball at UF and win another title!

By petey wheatstraw

January 12, 2009 5:49 PM | Link to this

Tebow is coming back because he loves being Joe College Superstar and doesn’t want to face the challenge of playing with the big boys. Really, what more can he accomplish? Maybe when his eligibility runs out he can play inter-mural ball at UF and win another title!

By UGA 92

January 12, 2009 5:57 PM | Link to this

Tebow is the man! Maybe just cause I scholasticated during the Goff error don’t mean I can’t appreciate awesomeness. Bo Jackson was the man in his day, Herchels hizins too, Tebow time is now, appreciate greatness, don’t be petty.

By untateve

January 12, 2009 7:17 PM | Link to this

As a Gator fan, I don’t care why Tebow is coming back. I am just glad he is. However, if I was an opposing team, I would be more concerned that our entire defense is coming back along with their back-ups (except maybe Spikes).

By Analchord

January 12, 2009 8:18 PM | Link to this

Isn’t it funny what a weisneheimer expert Bradley becomes about UGA when the season’s over?

Look at all the football savants on this blog today. ‘

Just look at them.

Do I have to write the punch line here?

jklol

By secondguesser

January 12, 2009 8:26 PM | Link to this

Hey Bill in Atl and Tony in Johns creek, I think we may just hang a hundred on the mutts next year. I’m thinking that Troy will put up a better game than the leghumpers. And for expert Bob and Michael, I revel in your misery as we rule the college football world. Keep hatin on Tim. He’s gonna show you again next year why he is the greatest player to grace the ncaa landscape. DANG! IT”S GREAT TO BE A FLORIDA GATOR!!!!!

By secondguesser

January 12, 2009 8:27 PM | Link to this

Hey Bill in Atl and Tony in Johns creek, I think we may just hang a hundred on the mutts next year. I’m thinking that Troy will put up a better game than the leghumpers. And for expert Bob and Michael, I revel in your misery as we rule the college football world. Keep hatin on Tim. He’s gonna show you again next year why he is the greatest player ever to grace the ncaa landscape. DANG! IT”S GREAT TO BE A FLORIDA GATOR!!!!!

By Spotlight1980

January 12, 2009 8:31 PM | Link to this

Why all the Tebow blasting?

By CrimsonRedScarlett

January 12, 2009 9:49 PM | Link to this

Yhe Fox announcers for all of their BCS games were uniformly bad, and Summetall at the Cotton Bowl was even worse.

By the way, the reporters really like the USC Song Girls.

By Mike Adams

January 12, 2009 11:19 PM | Link to this

How does Tebow have the energy to play in the NC game? If I were fellated as often as him I wouldn’t be able to get out of bed. I think the sportswriters and announcers have had to take numbers to blow this guy. Did we talk this much about Tommy Frazier who actually started and won two NC’ games? I thought he was the greatest dual threat ever? I remember a whole FL defense who couldn’t tackle him. Tebow has started and won one NC. Chris Leak was the starter for the other. Gator Fans need to get some perspective. In Tebow’s first year starting he lost 4 games. Because he was the only player on offense and didn’t have much competition, he won the Heisman, but he’s not the greatest college player of all time. Top 10 but not the greatest. All 3 gator titles are tainted with losses.

By AtlGator

January 12, 2009 11:31 PM | Link to this

What a difference a year makes, or better put, what a difference actually playing the season through makes. Who’s on top of the world now, Bulldogs?!

By AtlGator

January 12, 2009 11:40 PM | Link to this

Why is the same group of Georgia fans who praise their mediocre coach for all of his Jesus-speak the first ones to tear down Tebow? Hypocrisy and jealousy in Georgia runs DEEP.

By Bobby Knew Santa Ana

January 12, 2009 11:51 PM | Link to this

I know this is off topic, but please excuse me. Live in South Carolina now and am a 69 Florida grad. Have met many fine Georgia alums who I have become friends with—also number numerous FSU people as friends. Said all that to say this, if this Reid kid is moronic enough to choose to play at FSU for a guy demonstrating numerous signs of senile dementia—Well, I’ll be flabbergasted. Go to Georgia after changing minds about Florida—Fine!! BUT to go to a program where you have a selfish fossil engaged in a Texas style Death Match to be the alltime wins leader, well that is preposterous. What are they telling these kids that they will prop that buffoon up in Weekend At Bernie’s fashion?? Then this Phi Beta Kappa says he likes lizard face Mickey Andrews as a coach. What is going on?? I know the kid is having grade problems, but surely that does not extend to common sense. Play for a guy who won’t know your name, has no participation in game day activity and only puts on a headset to listen to Lawrence Welk!!! This is insanity. Either Paterno or The Right Reverand Robert Bowden will expire on the field, BUT at least Joe Pa has a semblance of mental acumen remaining while Bobby has not only has had his car keys removed but probably has a supply of Depends in the locker room. INSANITY!!!! Reid, if you must, go to Georgia. That is sane, but to play for a guy who holds a personal grudge against General Santa Ana as a result of a childhood friend being killed at the Alamo???

AND—Mike Adams, Do you realize how silly that sounds. Tainted?? The team has played in 4 National Championship Games in the last 14 years. They have won 3. They have played in 4 Final Four Championship games in the last 16 years winning two of them. 5 National Championships in last 16 years. Only one of 2 teams to have won at least 2 basketball and 2 football championships. The other is Michigan State and they did not turn the trick in a 3 year period. Michael, there is nothing tainted about any of this. When I lived in South Florida and Miami won 5!!!!, I just kept my mouth shut and watched in awe. Not a bad response on my part. Maybe try it. By the way, the f****** stuff would seem to demonstrate that you never sniffed a degree from the University of Georgia—A VERY Good School.

By Wizard of Oz

January 13, 2009 12:34 AM | Link to this

I’m Tainted!! I’m Tainted!! For some reason those nice crystal footballs will remain clean for eons in that trophy case.

Maybe you get one!! Hell, it’s only been 28 years since you played in THE BIG GAME!! We’re so spoiled now that the SEC Championship Game now seems like the Gator Bowl

By dean

January 13, 2009 8:36 AM | Link to this

VALENTINES DAY! Perfect. I can’t wait to gaze into my wife’s eyes from across the dinner table (at The Pink House, in Savannah)and say, “Baby, it’s a wonderful day. Pitchers and Catchers Reported today! And tomorrow is the Daytoner 500!”

By brett

January 13, 2009 9:20 AM | Link to this

The hatred on here for the Gators is absolutely hilarious. Hey Dawgs, is it because we’ve just about owned you since 1990 or is it because since 1990 we have 3 NC’s and 8 SEC titles to your what again?

Keep hatin on Tebow, he’s gonna stick it to you AGAIN next year. BTW, how many times has UGA beatin Meyer or Tebow again?

By MtnBama

January 13, 2009 9:56 AM | Link to this

Alabama will destroy Fl. in the SECCG next year. The Tide defense will be the best the SEC has seen in recent memory and the offense will be better also.The Dawgs can look forward to the law of averages catching up with Fl. as far as injuries go. But Ga. will never be big time again until Coach Nice Guy hires a good DC.

By Brett

January 13, 2009 10:37 AM | Link to this

Alabama will destroy UF next year? They will have the best defense in the SEC? LOL LOL, wow, you have to be the most delusional fan I’ve ever heard. I know Bama could beat UF on any given day, but destroy - hell no. You guys better hope you make the game first. Oh, and secondly, our defense at least returns 10 starters and maybe all 11 and all the back ups. You’re funny little Bama fan!!!

By RAMBLE ON!!!

January 13, 2009 11:28 AM | Link to this

Mark, I think UGA maybe on to something with this “pink out” thing.

Do you think the football team could have beaten Bama had they done the pink out instead of the infamous black out?

By What Makes A Dynasty

January 13, 2009 12:35 PM | Link to this

I’m always amazed by people who really “believe” something is going to happen—such as one team destroying another——that they don’t get to Vegas, Reno or Atlantic City and bet on it. Now if you think Alabama is going to destroy Florida that means Alabama will win at least 11 games next year. They could not realistically reach SEC Championship game unless they are at least 10-2. So in another month the sports books will have over and under for wins for all the teams. The number for Alabama will probably be 10. Therefore take your money, maybe even get a loan and go place a legal bet. It won’t help you talking about it on an AJC Message Board.

As a Florida grad I walked into Joe Robbie Stadium not having a clue as to who would win the game against Oklahoma. I also walked into the Georgia Dome thinking 10 1/2 points were too much. I don’t bet on sporting events because I don’t like to lose, BUT if I was sure like MtnBama I would certainly be all over it. What’s the old term about putting your money where your mouth is.

By Voice of Reason

January 13, 2009 2:16 PM | Link to this

AtlGator it is not the same UGA who praise Richt for his beliefs and tear down Tebow for his. In the same way that not ALL UF fans are missing teeth and wearing jean shorts, not all uga fans talk down about Tebows beliefs. It is obviously a different set of people. Also, it is not the faith of Tebow that people don’t like. Tebow is great, the media’s constant speak of his greatness and calling him Supeman is what people don’t like. No Mark, nobody is perfect but that is why nobody else is regarded as such. If he is true to his beliefs and convictions then he will never have to worry about being “outted”, but with the hype he is getting he is only being set up to fail. Even as a UGA fan, I personally hope he does not.

As to the comment about UGA fans not talking up their coach because he encouraged celebration, how about the late TimeOut. Don’t throw stones in your glass house (or near your crystal trophy maybe). And I don’t think that us having alternate uniforms causes others to “lose respect” since several other teams did the same this year including Fla. State and GaTech. “Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery” you know!!

And Ramble On!!! Although I know you aren’t a real bright person anyway I think you should be aware of the lack of “couth” when you make jokes about something being done to help a cause as serious as breast cancer. Some things are better left unsaid.

By Voice of Reason

January 13, 2009 2:19 PM | Link to this

brett… UGA has beaten Tebow as many times as Tebow has beaten UGA.

By DawgGirl32

January 13, 2009 4:09 PM | Link to this

Let’s get one thing straight. There is HUGE difference between a good role model and someone who pushes their religious beliefs in your face. You can be a great role model without being religious at all. I think what most fans are upset about is more directed towards to media and how they have portrayed Tim Tebow. Mark Schablach says that Tebow “willed the win” in the NC game. Tebow threw 2 picks and his defense bailed him out. The defense should be getting more credit for that win than Mr. Tebow. They stopped OU at the goal line twice, but all you hear about is how great Tebow is. Here are a couple of quotes from the Fox crew (who, btw, should never host that game again):

“If you spend just 15 minutes with Tim Tebow, your life will be better off for it.”

“That’s probably the only wrong thing Tim Tebow has ever done in his life.”

There’s a passage in the bible that talks about doing good deeds quietly so not to draw attention to yourself because gaining attention takes away from the meaning of the good deeds. Here’s an interesting question: what if Tebow was Jewish or Muslim and talked about those beliefs as much as he does Christianity? I’m not too sure if people would love him as much.

As for next year, I think those Gators are reeeeally cocky right now and I hope they continue to be cocky into next year. Once again, their schedule is ridiculously easy. Do they make their own schedules? If so, why doesn’t Mark Richt take the easy way out, too, and not schedule opponents like Oklahoma State as our season opener?

Gator in Atlanta- The colored jerseys were the players’ idea. Not Coach Richt. His celebration penalty was brilliant and you know it. I really hope you are not ignorant enough to believe that quality players do not respect Coach Richt considering our recruiting classes every year are in the top 5-10. I also really hope you are not ignorant enough to actually believe that Coach Richt needs help with “basic coaching skills.” Since you seem to be so knowledgeable and insightful, maybe you should teach him these basic skills that he seems to lack despite being the winningest SEC coach.

Sighs. Back to work.

By untateve

January 13, 2009 5:56 PM | Link to this

DawgGirl32,

The Gators schedule is not too easy. After all, we have to play Georgia.

By Reality Check

January 13, 2009 11:33 PM | Link to this

Dear DawgGirl32, You’re obviously intelligent and quite insightful. I’m a 1969 Florida grad and I actually agree with you about the Tebow thing becoming way overdone. Overdone to the point I understand the backlash. Having said all that, I Would ask you—-Do you think there is ONE Florida grad alive right at this moment who cares one iota about mark Richt having the best winning percentage in the SEC?? I’m the kind of guy who believes in there only being ONE team that is truly happy after the last game of a season. Florida has been that team in 2 of the last 3 years and 3 of the last 14 years. I’m betting that the Florida faithful also doesn’t much care that Tebow is 1-1 as a starting QB against Georgia. The ONLY thing anyone is going to remember 25-50 years from now as they look back will be NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS. Trust ME!!! If winning percentages were what mattered, Lenny Wilkens might be one of the greatest coaches who ever lived. By the way, recruiting class rank does not mean much if those classes can’t seal the deal.

By warhorse

January 14, 2009 3:57 AM | Link to this

Mark: You need to focus on basketball and your beloved Mildcats. Writing about the Gators is merely going to lead to serious medical issues becuase your system will not be able to stomach their success on the gridiron.

You have only one season before the young UF basketball team grows up and continues its periodic whippings on the UK hoopsters. Enjoy this BB season while you can. Football is going to be awful for you.

By Jack Greene

January 14, 2009 6:18 AM | Link to this

For all of you Ga Fans, brace yourself for another whippin in Jax. If you thought the timeouts were good just wait. Meyer just like SOS is old school and does not have a short memory.

As to Bama, I have one word for you ….UTAH. Don’t you think that the Utah’s Coach called his former boss Urban and got some tips on how to play the tide.

As a loyal Gator …it is our time and we are going to enjoy it.

As to Tebow … at the end of day all the non gators only wish your team had a Tebow.. Eat your heart out.

By Joe

January 14, 2009 9:10 AM | Link to this

I’m a Gator fan who believes Herschel Walker is the greatest running back in college football history. I also believe Tim Tebow will go down as one of the greatest PLAYERS in college football history.

Since when does it mean you are “mean and angry” to hit people when you are a power back playing football…it is a contact sport. Being a Christian doesn’t mean being a wallflower. Jesus was a man’s man…a carpenter who stood up to the authority figures of the day, told them publicly what they were doing wrong, and went willingly to the cross.

When appreciating the quality of football player and person that Tebow is, don’t hold it against him when the media overdoes it…don’t they overdo everything these days…isn’t that why they call it hype?

I always look forward to the game on the river…it is one of the great rivalries in all of college football. I had to endure this series in the 80’s so I’ve appreciated what we’ve enjoyed since ‘90. Someday the worm will turn again, but I don’t think it will be soon. Go Gators!

By dan

January 14, 2009 10:29 AM | Link to this

You have to say that Florida is favored to win the SEC again for sure. I looked at their schedule and it’s pretty easy. They don’t play Ole Miss( which for some reason has their number), they don’t play Bama or Auburn(even though they would kill Auburn), and they have a bye before the LSU game( LSU is going to be tough next season BTW, I think they’re going to throttle UGA in Athens next year). Then you have the SEC east, where no one is going to challenge the Gators. I do think the UGA vs. FLA game will be closer this year because the Dawgs have a bye before that game, but the Gators will win because they have talent AND experience. So considering all of that, the only team I see knocking the Gators off track will be LSU or Ole Miss( who I think will surprise some people like Arkansas did in 2006) in the SEC Championship.

By Andrew

January 14, 2009 11:03 AM | Link to this

Can you Utah fans shut up already….I mean yes you have a great team, and yes you played well in the Sugar Bowl, but let’s do a little comparison. UF played against 11 bowl eligible teams, they beat the number 1 team in the country….twice, UF played against 7-8 ranked teams throughout the season, UF also played against several top ranked defenses and top ranked offenses in the country. UF also scored over 40 points in the last 7 games of it’s regular season, crushing some ranked teams in the process.

Now to look at Utah, You played 2 ranked teams in the season, 4 teams that ended up going to a bowl. You played 1 top ten ranked defense and barely won that game. You beat BYU which many could argue had no business being ranked. Your margin of victory in many games if very minimal. Yes , you beat an Alabama team who was without Andre Smith and was on an emotional let down after losing the SEC title.

I give you this, I applaud you for an excellent game against Alabama, but I think all of us can agree you did not do near as much as UF or some other teams did to earn a shot at the national title.

By Thomas

January 14, 2009 11:13 AM | Link to this

Journalistic integrity be damned huh Bradley…. keep drinking that hater-aid.

By Thomas

January 14, 2009 11:13 AM | Link to this

Journalistic integrity be damned huh Bradley…. keep drinking that hater-aid.

By Florida Dawg

January 14, 2009 11:34 AM | Link to this

By Andrew…I agree with your comments. if I were Alabama, I would be so disappointed having to play Utah. All that was accomplished by Bama and having to play Utah. It’s a no win…you beat Utah…so what….you supposed to. You loose…it’s a shocker…with the biggest issue still being you had to play them in the first place. Sort of like Georgia playing Hawaii last year…who was excited about that match-up? Sugar Bowl yes, great venue…playing someone you know that you can run over does not generate big time motivation.

By Anti-Dawg

January 14, 2009 11:46 AM | Link to this

Quit your whining Bradley.

It is after all, ALL YOUR FAULT DUMBASS.

Did you or did you not say to the Gators before the UGA-UF game in Jax:

“Bring it!”.

Well???

We brought it. And you LOST.

Again.

Thank you! Please feel free to incite us again next year.

Signed, The 2008 National Champion Florida Gators

By Pitbull

January 14, 2009 2:42 PM | Link to this

I don’t have any problem with Florida. They have their program and we have ours. We have a solid program and a solid team and a quality coach. That is more than most schools can say.

I think Florida will implode under the stress of its own success in the near future. Urban Meyer is too tightly wound. When it happens there will be a lot of finger pointing and it will be ugly.

A difference is that the Florida media support their college teams. O’Leary had one player die under questionable circumstances and another come close at Central Florida. The Florida media was tame about it. If it had happened at Georgia (or maybe even Tech) the AJC would have called for a criminal investigation before obtaining the facts. It would have sold papers.

The AJC looks for reasons to tear down Georgia and to a lesser extent Tech. It would be nice to have supportive sports writers and columnists at the AJC. But that is not the AJC style.

AJC writers and columnists think they are better and smarter than the rest of us, and they look down on what we think and how we feel. It is not important to them. That is why this paper will eventually fold.

The new generation will move to the electronic media. The community will eventually abandon it. And they will abandon this website when another player opens up a more community friendly website.

Anybody up for creating an online The Atlanta Times?

By Reality Check

January 14, 2009 4:47 PM | Link to this

Pitbull, Do you really believe that it is the responsibility of a major newspaper in a truly cosmopolitan area to SUPPORT a college football team. If the AJC starts writing stories as you ask they become papers that could just as well be in Rome, Waycross, Cairo or any other sleepy town. TRUST ME!!!—The Miami Herald, Fort Lauderdale-Sun Sentinel, Palm Beach Post, Tampa Tribune, St Pete Times and Orlando Sentinel will bash Florida, Florida State or Miami if the situation arises. Would you really want to read stories that could have been written by Mark Richt’s wife?? Atlanta is a big old city with people from all over. I know you find it hard to believe but the vast majority of people in Atlanta do not consider the Dogs the “Hometown Team”.

By Mark Bradley

January 14, 2009 4:57 PM | Link to this

Herschel Walker is the greatest collegiate player ever. But Tim Tebow is certainly in the photo, as we say in horse racing.

By bow wow

January 14, 2009 5:35 PM | Link to this

I think Arky is the trap game for Florida next year, but the conference sets up really well. New QB at UGa, new coach and staff at UT, SC is a complete mess and Vandy and KY just don’t have the horses. New coach at MSU and Arky at home.

The OOC schedule is pretty embarrassing even for a Gator fan, but if we win the east we do get FSU the week before the SECCG. The schedule will get us into trouble if we stumble, its pretty bad overall

By Mark Bradley

January 14, 2009 9:42 PM | Link to this

You’re wrong if you believe the Orlando Sentinel has been tame toward George O’Leary at Central Florida.

By Call it Like it is

January 15, 2009 8:18 AM | Link to this

I love to hear all of you whine about FL’s schedule which are determined years in advance, & by the way, all of their games were not puff games. They had to battle the bulk of their games against good SEC opponents. The bottom line, win your schedule, win by a lot, win your conference, and you should have a chance make it based upon the conference strength. By the way, GA’s schedule was not that hard as everyone wanted all to believe this year, they just SUCKED! Now, another thing, there is not a program out there that would not take Tebow as a QB. Yes, Florida’s defense made a huge difference in the NC, but let’s face it, without Tebow in the game, I’m not sure that they pull out a victory. Once again, until you can boast about your last 10 -15 years of NC’s notched in your belts, then, you have nothing to say. All of you who actually want to anoint Utah as the actual NC, give me a break! They had one major win, Alabama which had nothing to play for. I love how some want to down play who won the big game. Let’s face it, if OU had won, there would be little cry for Utah from most on this side of the US.

Bottom line:

Gators won, they are the NC!

Enough Said!!

GO GATORS!!!!

By dawgpound

January 15, 2009 9:03 AM | Link to this

With the incompetent wilie martinez running the defense, Georgia has no chance next year of winning anything! It will be a 3 loss season followed by some minor bowl again. Ga will probably get blown out by florida, and lose a couple of other SEC games due to bad defense. I need a drink.

By Mike

January 15, 2009 5:38 PM | Link to this

Nothing is a lock, however Urban Meyer will not let the Gators become complacent as did Mark Richt.Florida had as many (or more)injuries than Georgia did this year but Meyer never used them as an excuse.Get used to it uga fans and you too Mr. Bradley it’ll be some time before Georgia beats Florida. BTW dicth the Urban Crier stuff Bradley it makes you look like a school girl.

By Check Your Facts

January 15, 2009 9:51 PM | Link to this

Re-check your facts man. The money line at BetOnline is now UF +175 and USC +500.

By GatorUfl

January 16, 2009 12:34 AM | Link to this

As a Gator Alumni and avid fan..

Stafford will be very successful in NFl..if he goes either this year or next year (Mark Sanchez from USC is dreaming..no where near Stafford’s calibre). Yes, it would be great if Tebow can throw like him, however, both are talented in their own ways and can never ask more, ever, from Tebow, at all.

Moreno - Not sold on him..I never was (agreed he creamed Florida last year, 2007, with his 200 yds or so)

Honestly, GA has a great shot with Stafford coming back ( it is possible he may announce in the next couple of days)

GA Fans - I am not sure you need Moreno…he plays like he is on his own. Stafford is more talented, leader and a team player.

Pray that Stafford comes back so the game in Jax will not be one-sided and close and exciting…else GA has no prayer whatsoever…

MB - I am amazed you get paid to do what you do. Kudos..I cannot do so and I admire you…