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DEL.ICIO.USFlorida wants Tebow ready for Georgia
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Hoover, Ala.-One of the neat things about SEC Media Days is that you finally get a glimpse of what players and coaches actually like about their team and what still concerns them going into preseason practice. Sometimes you have to read between the lines but there are some nuggets of information to be had. Here are a few from Wednesday’s first session.
1. Gators want Tebow healthy for Georgia: It is a fact that in 2007 Florida quarterback Tim Tebow had one of the greatest individual seasons ever (32 touchdowns passing, 23 rushing). But it is also a fact that Florida feels it lost to Georgia (42-30) not because of the motivational lift the Bulldogs got from storming the field, but because Tebow was banged up and nowhere close to 100 percent.
Only time will tell if the Georgia-Florida game on Nov. 1 will be the Top 5 showdown that many anticipate. But this much is certain. The Gators want a rested and healthy Tebow when they get to Jacksonville.
Florida coach Urban Meyer told me that his Heisman Trophy winner won’t have to carry the ball 210 times as he did during the 2007 season. Keeping Tebow healthy and fresh will be a priority in 2008.
“The good news is that we now have some options,” Meyer said. “Tim ran the ball as much as he did last season because that is what gave us the best chance to win.”
Also understand that a lot of Tebow’s carries last season came when he would get impatient in the pocket and just take off. OC Dan Mullen tried to fix that but old habits are hard to break. Tebow told me that he has spent a lot of time working on that in the off-season.
“I’m trying to really concentrate on making my reads and staying in the pocket,” Tebow said. “It’s what I need to do if I’m going to be a better quarterback.”
Here’s a prediction and it’s an easy one: Tebow’s running numbers will be down because, unlike last season, Florida can go four deep with quality running backs (Kestahn Moore, Emmanuel Moody, Chris Rainey, Mon Williams). And that doesn’t count incoming freshman Jeffrey Demps, who has speed to burn.
2. LSU will be ready for Auburn’s spread offense: LSU opens the season with Appalachian State, Troy and North Texas before playing its first SEC game at Auburn on Sept. 20. All three of those schools run some version of the spread offense, which Auburn installed last December before the Chick-fil-A Bowl.
Coincidence? I don’t think so.
“We like our non-conference schedule because it will give us some good looks at the spread,” Miles said with a slight smile.
Consider this:
Appalachian State quarterback Armanti Edwards probably runs the spread better than anybody in the country. Some say he is better than West Virginia’s Pat White.
Auburn’s new offensive coordinator, Tony Franklin, was in the same position last season at Troy, which will continue to run his offense. LSU will watch game film of Troy to get ready for Auburn and then get to see the same offense live.
Last season North Texas hired Todd Dodge, a Texas High School legend, as their head coach. He installed a spread offense that he used to go 79-1 and win five state championships at Southlake Carroll High School. After going 2-10 last season North Texas is expected to improve dramatically I 2008.
3. LSU’s D-Line will be even better: LSU lost the nation’s best defensive player, tackle Glenn Dorsey, off a defense that won the national championship last season. But LSU coach Les Miles said Wednesday he expects his defensive line will be even better in 2008. Here’s why. Dorsey is gone but he will be replaced by Ricky Jean-Francois, who only played in two games-the SEC championship game and the BCS championship game—last season because of suspension. He was the defensive MVP in both.
“We feel good about Ricky Jean and we feel good because Charles Alexander (6-3, 293) is back,” Miles said. “He has never played a full season.” Alexander started the first three games at tackle in 2008 but was lost for the season with a knee injury.
“I really think we’re going to have one of the better defensive lines out there,” Miles said. “We feel good about it.
Yet another nugget from Miles. He said Wednesday that he is not ruling out the possibility of playing a true freshman at quarterback. Jordan Jefferson was the Louisiana 5A offensive player of the year last season.
“We just think he is something special and we’ve made the commitment to take a strong look at him in camp,” Miles said. “It could be that because of his talent, we will have to find a way to get him on the field.”
Either Andrew Hatch or Jarrett Lee is expected to be the starting quarterback when LSU opens the season against Appalachian State, the three time Division I-AA champions who knocked of Michigan, Miles’ alma mater, in the 2007 opener.
4. Commish says SEC TV network still on the table: SEC Commissioner Mike Slive insists that the idea of the league forming its own television network is not dead. A former attorney, Slive deftly handled the questions about the SEC’s current negotiations with CBS, ESPN, Raycom, and FSN South for the new television deal that will start with the 2009 season.
“Our goal is to have those negotiations completed by this fall,” Slive said. “All options, including and SEC TV network, are still on the table.”
Understand what is going on here. The SEC has a trump card to play in these negotiations in order to get the best possible deal. That card is the possibility of the league forming its own network like the Big Ten and Mountain West have done. If the dollars are right, the card goes back into the SEC’s pocket to be used in a future negotiation. If not, the SEC plays the card. I’m betting that the TV boys come up with the cash. SEC football is just too popular right now.
5. Croom learned a lot in 45-0 loss: Mississippi State started the 2007 season with a 45-0 loss to LSU in Starkville. In that game, Croom said he took some chances he shouldn’t have taken because he didn’t have enough confidence in his team to stop the Tigers. The result was six interceptions and a blowout.
“I told my guys after the game that I didn’t have enough faith in them and that I would not do that again,” Croom said.
From that loss Mississippi State went on to beat Auburn, Kentucky, Alabama, and Ole Miss to finish 8-5. Croom was named the SEC coach of the year.
“I learned something that day that made me a better coach,” Croom said. “If I want my team to believe in me I have to believe in them.”
Some are skeptical that Mississippi State can win eight games for the second year in a row. Croom is not.
“Our defense is better. Our quarterback (Wesley Carroll) was a freshman last season. We have more speed and more guys who can make plays,” Croom said. “I expect us to take a step forward.”
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Comments
By Off topic
July 24, 2008 7:58 AM | Link to this
At what point does the AJC do something about the Falcons blog? I wrote to Julia Wallace a year ago about the infrequent updates. She said it would be discussed. There seemed to be an improvement. However, unlike EVERY OTHER BLOG on the ajc, commenting is open for a couple of hours and then closed. OR like the most recent one, it never opens at all. Pathetic. This has to be Wyche, right? When will someone at the AJC demand better performance from this guy? I would have posted this on the Falcons blog, but, of course I CAN’T.
By JB
July 24, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this
Well, they said it. I hope Richt uses that little nugget for firing up the Dawgs. Coach Meyer has basically said that with a healthy Tebow last year, We beat Georgia. I hope the defense reads into that what I read. also, they can Chomp all they want before the game, because after a few minutes in the game, all that goes away and it’s just football. I could just look at that little foul mouth prick Meyer and get fired up. HE IS A JERK.
By Pago Flyer
July 24, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this
Falcons?????
By FLA DAWG
July 24, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this
Tebow (a great talent) is going to “learn” to stay in the pocket. He’ll be sacked more this season that last because Meyer should have taught him that last year.
Tebow will have to return to his Drive Zero plays. Either way the gators must play Hawaii (controlled scrimmage) Miami, UT, OM, ARK, LSU, UK before the annual UF Home Game against The Dawgs.
I hope he’s 100% for our game - it’s nauseating hearing gator fans whine about their loss last year. By the way, how did Tebow’s injury result in The Dawgs scoring 42 points on the gator defense? How did Tebow’s injury account for The Dawgs pouring through the gator Offensive line and sacking him more times than all previous games that season combined?
The Dawgs are scratch’n at the door for the season to begin…………..
Unchain The Yard Dawgs And Let ‘Em Eat !!
By KR
July 24, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
Florida might want to concentrate on their September and October games and think about UGA some time in mid-October. Just a thought…
Of course it’s a coincidence. Tony, you know the bulk of the schedule is set years in advance and Tuberville didn’t decide to make the switch to the spread until late last season.
LSU’s defensive line is almost always good. Nothing new there.
Not worth thinking about at this point. Slive will find a way to make it cost more money for the fans, just like he always has.
Croom has done an amazing job at Miss. State. However, LSU will be strong; Alabama will be better this year; Auburn will be completely different this year; and Arkansas and Ole Miss have the potential to be different teams as well. Given that landscape, it’s going to be pretty difficult for Miss. State to get out of the West with less than 3 losses.
WAR EAGLE!
By Rick
July 24, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this
Dude, no one cares about the Falcons. They can’t fill the dome (with Falcons fans) and they can’t even put together two winning seasons in a row during whole franchise history. This is college football country. Personally, I watch pro football only to watch the big names from college play. I pull for whomever has the players I want to watch. If the Falcons put DJ in, I’ll pull for the Falcons. Get used to it, loser.
By azcat225
July 24, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
Any one who refers to themselves in the third person has an ego the size of an SEC football stadium.
By PTC DAWG
July 24, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
Meyer drew up the game plans for FU last year. They lost 4 games. His excuses get old. Since when does a non throwing shoulder being bruised on your quarterback become a YEAR LONG excuse? I didn’t hear Richt making excuses when Shock couldn’t play at all vs FU a few years ago.
Look for FU to lose 4 more this year. Tebow is a great player, but he can’t carry the team, and he hasn’t proven yet he can lead his team on a comeback to a top 25 SEC team.
By Joe Mac
July 24, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this
Still wondering what UGA cheerleading outfit Mark Bradley looks better in, the red with black trim or the white with red and black ruffles on the bloomers. Still wondering if Claude Felton will allow Bradley’s pom-poms in the press box.
By mike
July 24, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this
Hey Urban, Do you remember winning by 4 in 2005 and D.J. Shockely did not even play. I never remember Richt using this as an excuse. Thank god UGA is led by a MAN and not some self centered cry baby.
By shane #1
July 24, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
The AJC started shutting down comments on the Falcons blog last year when too many posts became racial in tone during the Vick fiasco. There was no need in fanning those flames. Now to Tony’s topics, 1- So the Gators are already thinking about UGA? That little celebration worked better than anyone could have imagined. I hope They continue to think about UGA and take themselves right out of the SEC sweepstakes. That would certainly help UGA in Their quest to win the SEC east. 2- Arky and UK ran variations of the spread, as did the Gators. It ain’t like LSU has never seen it before. 3- So LSU will have a tough D line. Tell Me some more news, like Knowshon will get the ball a lot. 4- You are dead on with this one. The SEC network has become a bargaining chip. Like Tubby hanging out with Jerry Jones before agreeing to a new contract. There is one difference, the Networks know that UF has signed it’s own deal and that the SEC doesn’t have the necessary system set up to deliver it’s product to all SEC markets. The SEC will get a fatter tv deal, because of demand. 5- Crooms did a good job last year. It just goes to show You that You don’t get a Saturday off in the SEC.
By m
July 24, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
At least Croom is capable of learning and improving. Chan Gailey didn’t learn a damne thing in 6 years at Tech and didn’t improve in 6 years. His hiring was the worst mistake that Tech has ever made in history. Thank God and Greyhound that Chan Gailey (who should NEVER have been hired) is gone FOREVER!!! Halllleeedamloooyah.
By Roswell Ed
July 24, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
Joe Mac:
You can ask Bradley that question when
he’s through with his morning rounds at the UGA football complex.
Let’s just hope his jaws aren’t too tired to answer.
By AUtiger
July 24, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
Hey Tony,
You sure are showing LSU a lot of love on how they are going to measure up against Auburn on Sept 20th. This is a completely different tune than your earlier predicition of you picking Auburn to win the SEC west in an earlier blog. As you know, the winner of this game usually has the inside track to the SEC championship.
What gives?
By UnderDawg
July 24, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
1.) What was Urban’s excuse for the UF defense giving up 6, count em 6, TDs against UGA? Was Tebow’s banged up shoulder at fault for their atrocious play on defense as well? Give me a break, Urban. How about being a class act for once and giving the UGA defense some credit here. They were in Tebow’s face all day, banged up shoulder nonwithstanding. I don’t think a shoulder had anything to do with the fact that he was running for his life the whole game, or the fact that the Gator o-line allowed Timmy to be planted on his rear end 6 times during the course of the beat-down in Jax. Take away that gift pick-6 that Stafford gave up, and the Gator’s ofensive output is 23 points…..almost a 3 TD loss. Blaming that loss on a sore shoulder alone is just asinine on Urban’s part.
2.) People are vastly underestimating LSU because of the loss of Perriloux. LSU will be in the mix up until the end. Their “D” will be just as tough as it ever was….and if you can’t score, you can’t win.
3.) Covered this one above….
4.) I thought this was talked about last week, Tony.
5.) Croom is one he11 of a coach. Anybody that can take a terrible team like MSU and turn them into a 8-5 team after what they have had to deal with over there should be getting even more respect than he has been getting. Congrats to the “other” Bulldogs, and shame on Alabama for not giving an ex-player and alum a chance to be a head coach at his alma mater. They would have gotten him at a bargain basement price instead of paying out 4 million for a 7-6 season.
By quaildawg
July 24, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
Tony always enjoy your insight but the following needs to be taken into account about the UGA-UF game last year as well. Keeping Tebow in the pocket more eh? Last year he stayed in the pocket more against UGA and was sacked SIX!!! times. Yes I would bet that Martinez hopes that Tebow does stay in the pocket more. That four deep RB situation at UF what’s the big deal??? Your telling me that the Mighty Gators with all their glitz and exposure and recruiting power didn’t have someone talented enough in their depth to just “plug-in” ? Sounds like poor Coaching…not lack of talent. If memory serves me right the Dawg that toted the ball most of the day for the Dawgs was UGA’s third string TB. BECAUSE THEIR FIRST TWO WERE HURT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tony gotta believe your drinking the GAtor Koolaid here.
By I Love SEC Football
July 24, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
These are nuggets that required reading between the lines???
I am impressed with Croom, though. If he makes progress this year, he’ll definitely be considered for a bigger job.
By quaildawg
July 24, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
Tony, Got to take you to task o the comment about LSU’s scheduling the spread oriented teams prior to Auburn and that this was “Coincidence, I don’t think so”. If that is the case then the LSU Athletic Association must be the greatest group of seers since the Old Testament!!! The hiring of Tony Franklin wasn’t until late November of last year and this years LSU schedule was cast in stone prior to the beginning of last years season. Irony.. would be the better choice of words.
By Dawgs forget fast
July 24, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
Richt never used the DJ injury as an excuse? Maybe not, but the whiney dog fans still do several years later!!! Don’t think that tannning-bed-Richt is perfect, he is a former Cane thug that recieved extra training for St. Bobby. Get over yourselves dogs, if “your team” hasn’t won a NC since you were born, you shouldn’t talk so much smack!!!
By Jason Cyrus Ohanian
July 24, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
I have to say that Florida’s defense lost them the Georgia game and the Michigan one as well. Shoot losing to a slow ten team is pretty awful, but Michigan just kept throwing against that gosh awful Florida secondary. Just curious as to why that LSU kid was suspended? By the way, that is just awful that LSU is not playing on team from the big 6 conferences. You can not be the supposed champs the year before and then duck everyone. A big part of LSU making the championhip besides winning the SEC was their destruction of VA Tech. Haven’t teams learned since Auburn that you have to play someone outside the conference in case of something like last year or the year before.
By quaildawg
July 24, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
Dawgs forget fast If you weren’t wearing jeans shorts and a tanktop prior to 1990 you shouldn’t be casting stones either.
By PTC DAWG
July 24, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
Fans bringing up a starting QB being out, and the Coach bringing it up are two different things. Fact is, UGA lost the only game that Shock didn’t play that year by 7 points or so.
FU lost 4 last year with Tebow at the helm, injured or not. Meyer appears to have UGA on his brain.
By Gator Bait
July 24, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
How difficult is it for you ignorant Dawgs to understand that poor offense directly contributes to poor defense? Tebow’s injury caused the Gators to have multiple 3-and-out drives, which gave the Pups good field position and wore the UF defense down because they were forced to be on the field most of the day. Hence, the 6 TDs allowed. If Tebow is 100% (or even 85%) for this year’s game, the Gator defense will perform much better as well, and the Puppies will get clobbered like they usually do. Looking forward to ruining a promising season for the overrated Dawgs.
By Ugadawg1
July 24, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
Gator Bait,
“or even 85%”? So what percent was he at? I didn’t know having your non-throwing shoulder would be such a huge problem.
I guess I just didn’t see Tebow wheeling around in that wheel chair during the game last year in a full body cast? And last I looked, the quarterback of a team has very little impact on a front 7 that gave up rushing yards at will and a secondary that got beat almost every time Stafford dropped back to pass
By Fort Worth Dawg
July 24, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
PTC Dawg hit the nail on the head. For years we felt that UGA could not win in Jacksonville because the Gators had gotten into our heads. Now the shoe can be on the other foot if we take advantage of it. The AJC summary last year was that Richt beat Florida while at FSU by out-muscling a finesse team, and had used the same thinking in 2007. I think UGA’s offense and defense will be much better than last year; I think Florida’s O & D will both be better but only marginally so.
By MoDawg
July 24, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
KR, good call. Barnhart just lost a good bit of respect from me trying to equate the actual coincidence of the spread offenses to start the season for LSU with some grand scheme by the “genius” Les Miles…(a.k.a the luckiest coach alive)give me a freakin’ break, Tony! That was pitiful! KR called you on that obvious blunder! You and Terence Moore need to plan a road trip down to Gainesville so you can sniff Tebow’s jock (but you’ll need to get in line) while TM cuddles with Meyer..UNREAL! The reason Florida lost last year is because we were hungrier than they were. They will be hungry this year, just like us but nobody is afraid of Florida. It might be an instant classic, but we won’t know until they play the game.
By MoDawg
July 24, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
Gator Bait, I guess when UGA and Knowshon drove the field and scored that TD that drew “the penalty of the year” at the beginning of the game using run after run after run, it was Tebow not being 100% that spilled over into the defense causing them to fail…you need to get real, brother! Using this lame excuse of Tebow being less than 100% is old. I don’t recall UGA using the DJ Shockley excuse when UF beat us by 4, at least not for the entire year afterward. Get over it and get ready for Hawaii, already. You’ve got 7 games before UGA and overlooking 3 or 4 of those this early is bound to cost you.
By BravesFan79
July 24, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
Hey theres alot of good Falcons fans like myself who are just sick of how things went down the past 2 years! Ill ALWAYS be a Falcons fan, but as long as Farve is in Green Bay…go Packers!
And you college football fans cant hate on any sport when 99% of your postseason games are MEANINGLESS!
Even the WNBA has a better system than yall… lol
GO GT, and GO Dawgs!
By FLA DAWG
July 24, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
Gator Bait - Cry Me A River.
More whining by another 4 loss team gator fan. The gators stunk up the post season. 0 - 2 to finish out the year - great record to take with you into this season. Your last game / loss was to a lame duck coached Michigan Team that physically dominated both of your lines the same way The Dawgs did.
We wore down your Defense - damn right! I guess we wore down your Offensive Line too since Tebow spent most of the afternoon on his back!
By confused
July 24, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
uga fans swear the college football world revolves around athens. ha. a program with one national title is hardly the center of the college football universe.
i saw nothing in urban meyer’s quote about the georgia game. all he said was he didn’t want tebow to get banged up as much this year. so he wants his heisman quarterback healthy…that’s a very common sense statement. and uga people automatically think he was overlooking everybody and thinking about the georgia game. i am not a florida fan. i also don’t see anything that leads me to believe florida will be looking ahead to any game on their schedule. not even uga.
seems to me like uga fans are looking ahead to florida if anything. the bulldogs better get ready for georgia southern. and then take it one game at a time.
By Ramblin Wrecker
July 24, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
While I agree that Tim Tebow being hurt had quite a bit to do with the loss to UGA, it’s a poor argument to make when talking up the next meeting. It’s unbecoming of a tough team to blame injury for a loss. That being said, UF still dropped 30 points on UGA and had Tebow been well enough to do his normal running, some of the 12 point difference could have been negated.
Yes, it is coincidence. Are you telling me that the first three games of LSU’s schedule were scheduled after Auburn’s bowl game? I don’t think so. Remember Al Borges was fired after the regular season and replaced by Franklin in the weeks leading up to the bowl game with Clemson. So unless LSU consulted a psychic, the fact that their first three opponents run a similar offense to what Auburn is installing is dumb luck.
How many times do we hear this completely false cliché: “we’ll be better now that the best player that we’ve ever had at that position is now gone.” This is usually rooted in some optimistic outlook for some up and comer who learned from that star player who is now playing along side veteran players who got better from playing alongside the aforementioned star player. But Les Miles is basing this on one player with discipline issues who probably is that good but will always get in his own way, and a player who has never played a whole season due to injury. Glenn Dorsey didn’t have discipline issues and played with a fractured leg. Just by himself he is better than these two guys combined. And their d-line will be better? Miles is obviously not good at math.
Yes the SEC is popular. But just starting your own network doesn’t mean you can capitalize on that popularity. The obstacle is distribution of that network. Nobody wants good SEC games to be on some network they don’t get in their satellite or cable package. And that’s what happened to the Big 10 and to the NFL Network. To me it seems as though the SEC doesn’t need some trick up their sleeve to get a lucrative TV deal with any of these existing networks. The SEC’s value on its own dictates that the contract be high.
Speaking as a fan of a team that recently dismissed one of the most stubborn coaches as far as learning to stop banging your head against the same concrete wall, I applaud Coach Croom for his honesty and willingness to learn a thing or two, even with as long as he has been in coaching. Most coaches repeat the same pattern, get fired, get hired and repeat the same pattern. Kudos Sly!!
By UnderDawg
July 24, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
GatorBait,
So, basically what you are saying is that the gators sucked last season in the WLOCP on both offense and defense, right? Bad offense made for bad defense as well? Or are you saying that they sucked on both sides of the ball for all of their losses? Which is it? I am sure you will also come up with a way to make Tebow completely blameless as well for all those losses. What will be the next big excuse? Why don’t you just do like the Old Ball Sack used to do and just throw all the players under the bus after a loss…..loser.
By Eric C.
July 24, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
confused…does Meyer’s book clear anything up for you? He’s holding a grudge…poor little Urban got his feelings hurt. He knows better than anyone that emotion only carrys a team so far.
By Will
July 24, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
Better look out Urban Crier! Those “turd” fans are going to turn on you after another 4 loss season. Just ask the mighty Spurrier. They are the most spoiled, obnoxious fans in any sport and any part of the country. Blaming an injury or a celebration dance will not help you in the future. ps…You are going to be UGA’s bitc& for the next few years!
By confused
July 24, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
are the book quotes new news? i was looking at the quotes from the SEC media day:
*Florida coach Urban Meyer told me that his Heisman Trophy winner won’t have to carry the ball 210 times as he did during the 2007 season. Keeping Tebow healthy and fresh will be a priority in 2008.
“The good news is that we now have some options,” Meyer said. “Tim ran the ball as much as he did last season because that is what gave us the best chance to win.”*
no mention of uga.
By MoDawg
July 24, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
Confused, the AJC titled this “Gators looking ahead to Georgia”. We UGA folks didn’t bring it up, we are just trying to make sure you understand what happened last year and what is current reality. I realize that for 15 of the past 18 years you’ve had your way with us, but we still hold the overall edge in wins against the mighty Gators and the past few years have shown that what you once overlooked as a “W” on your schedule is now a very possible “L” year in and year out. You had a good run on us, but now the tide has turned, and most of you Gators can’t come to grips with it. Ramblin Wrecker, I don’t expect you to know this, but Tebow would have had to make up 19 points as 7 of the points that UF “dropped” on us were as a result of a poorly thrown ball by our QB on our side of the 50 (perhaps even our side of the 30, I can’t remember). Still, it’s good that you too understand that Tebow being less than 100% DID NOT cost them the game. I’ve said it before, Tebow is a heck of a player and a heck of a good person, but as Tebow goes, so go the Gators. He’s good, but he can’t do it alone.
By TampaGator
July 24, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
Dawg fans…here is how Tebow’s injury impacted the game. HE COULD NOT RUN WITH THE BALL!!! He would not have been sacked if he could have. Georgia knew he could not run so they blitzed almost every play. If he was healthy, Tebow would have run right by them for about 15 yards each time, like he did against almost everyone before that. Florida would have still won the game if they had had any kind of defense at all, which they didn’t. They will this year…and a healty Tebow and a much improved defense will be the difference this year. The UG/UF game, without a doubt, is going to be much bigger than the OSU/USC game. It is going to be a mad house in JAX this year. Two great teams trying to destroy the other. It’s going to be a lot of fun to watch…and the CLASSLESS move by the UG coach is a big deal to every Florida player, every Florida fan, and especially to the Florida coach…who by the way has won a National Title at Florida is his first two years there. How many has the classless GA coach won?
By Cliff
July 24, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
By confused
July 24, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
i’m not a florida fan, so it wasn’t a loss on my schedule.
and “mr. college football” is a uga guy. anybody that would use those quotes from florida’s media day and then transform it into a story about uga is obviously trying too hard to make everything that occurs in the SEC about uga.
By GATOR CHOMP
July 24, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
RAMMER, JAMMER YELLOWHAMMER
5-10 IN THE SLAMMER!
PAROLE, TIDE, PAROLE !!!!!!!!
By Drago
July 24, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
TampaGator, I remember Tebow having a shoulder injury—did he have a leg injury too? What kept him from running instead of taking the sack? Richt is classless? The move was a master stroke. It got in Urban’s head and it still is. I will never forget seeing Tebow literally skip up and down trying to fire up the gators. Look at the film. But, he does have a passion for circumcisions.
By John Holmes
July 24, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
I guess Timmy was too scared to run with that arm injury, huh? Was he scared of a little pain? On the other hand, it’s kind of hard to run when you have a bunch of defenders in your face as soon as the ball is snapped. What was that sound?? Oh, it was Tebow getting sacked again.
By FLA DAWG
July 24, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
TampaGator,
Woulda, shoulda, coulda. Reading blogs from you and GatorBait are worse than watching Legends of the Fall.
I guess you’ll use the same excuse for the Auburn and LSU losses too.
Keep thinking about your loss to the Dawgs last season and the forthcoming UGA Game - after playing Miami, UT, OM, ARK, LSU & UK you’ll have alot more to think about.
By Ed
July 24, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
Tebow’s “injury” last year was a total nonfactor - he even said so himself. They just got beat, plain and simple. By the way, Tebow had a heck of a game. Despite being under constant pressure, he lit Georgia up when he had time to throw. We won because we lit them up even more. Florida’s loss had nothing to do with Tebow, if anything his presence prevented a blowout.
I don’t recall Tebow playing defense last year, so what’s the excuse for us hanging 42 points on them? Maybe they should have put him in on defense.
Tebow playing with a minor injury had a lot less to do with Florida’s 12-point loss than DJ Shockley missing the ‘05 game had to do with Georgia’s 4-point loss. Does anyone really think that Florida wins in ‘05 if a healthy Shockley is playing? They almost got beat by our inexperienced, ineffective backup.
By MoDawg
July 24, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
TampaGator, I can’t believe I am even addressing your “classless” remark with regard to Mark Richt, but that statement shows just how out of touch you really are. Anyone who does not realize what a class act Mark Richt is is just ignorant. The 6 sacks count as run attempts, correct? Tebow had 13 carries for -15 yards. This means that he actually tried to run 7 times second only to Harvin who had 10 rushes. Just look at the box score. Our defense dominated your offense. Our offense dominated your defense. I know it’s tough to take, but wake up and smell the bourbon…you lost. UGA was better that day. Get over it and move on. A Michigan team that lost to a bowl subdivision team beat you using the same gameplan. Stop Tebow and you stop the Gators. I guess he was still not 100% in that game? Hopefully, for you and Urban, you won’t have all of your eggs in one #15 basket this year. Urban won the NC with Zook’s players, that’s gotta sting a little, right?
By PlainTruth
July 24, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
I just love reading all of these lame excuses from the GayTurd fan base regarding the severe arse whipping that UGA administered in the 2007 WLOCP. It’s like they think that Tebow is their whole team and if he is only 90% then they will surely lose - even against a Conference USA team. Man, that’s funny stuff! Keep ‘em coming, jorts wearing trailer boys…..you’re killing me!!!! Ha ha!!!!
By who cares
July 24, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
TB, you are pathetic. Mr. College Football my a*. By the way, how much do you get paid by UF to continue to kiss Urban Liar’s a.. Why don’t you and Mr.Moore move to Fl. and take the bull you post on this blog with you. Anybody that knows anything about college football or football in general, knows that football games are won at the line of scrimmage. And if you didn’t have your head stuck so far up Urban’s a.., you would have seen that UGA dominated both lines for 4 qtrs, and it wouldn’t have mattered what Tebow did or didn’t do, UGA would have won. And maybe you can tell Mr.Meyer next time you have dinner with him that no matter how many running backs he has, that if he can’t dominate UGA’s defensive front,and offensive front, then he will be crying again this time next year. Wonder what his excuse was for losing to LSU, Auburn, and Michigan. You are a joke, and the only paper that would hire you or allow you to write such trash is the AJC or maybe the Gainesville Sun.
By Maggie
July 24, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Shane #1 - To clear something up a bit - UF only extended their existing TV agreement they have with Sun Sports but it’s not changing much in terms of the rights Sun Sports has in Florida to UF programming and it continues to be subject to conference TV mandates just as its always been. Read a couple news reports in Florida recently where the GM of Sun Sports was cited on that.
The reports said that the significance of that new UF marketing deal everyone read about recently is that for the first time, UF included and sold their multi-media rights to Sun Sports - radio, internet, signage in the buildings, corporate sponsorships, etc. and Sun Sports and IMG Sports will be teaming up to collectively sell those to advertisers/sponsors.
But it doesn’t really affect the viewers, since the TV portion isn’t really changing, only the advertisers as they now have one place to buy everything if they want to be associated with UF.
By PlainTruth
July 24, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
Maggie…..ummmm, thanks. That was very, very interesting. Please go on. I am anxiously watching my monitor for more of your exciting information.
By Ed
July 24, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
Georgia’s defense has sacked Tebow at least three times since this blog came online this morning.
By JP
July 24, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
As a Gator Fan, I had no problem with the UGA celebration. I mean didn’t UF score on the next drive? I don’t think the celebration won the game, it was Georgia’s offense that rolled all over UF’s defense.
Having Tebow healthy would have helped the UF offense, but it wouldn’t have saved the defense.
Hope it’s a good game this year.
By Greg
July 24, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
No one said a word when D.J. Shockley was not only injured, but did not play and we were stuck with Joe T and STILL almost beat the Gators, losing 14-10, ruining a perfect record.
By GatorFan
July 24, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
It’s funny that people call us Nouveau riche because our bravado comes from success that only started in 1990.
In UGA’s case, all this bravado comes from winning 1 gave vs UF and beating Hawaii? Wow, try winning something before being arrogant!
By DisneyDawg
July 24, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Maggie…how did you wind up on this blog? What are you talking about?
By GatorFan
July 24, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
Greg No one said a word? Are you freakin’ kidding me. The dawgs whined for months after that game/ “If we had DJ we would have won.” please.
By College Sports Fan
July 24, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
I honestly do not understand why the Gator fans put up with Urban. He was an outstanding coach in the WAC, but is a crybaby in the SEC. He won big one year with Zook’s recruits and now his run is about over.
He went 9-4 last year with a loss to a team Appalachian State beat.
If he doesn’t get 12 wins this year, he needs to go. Spurrier was much better.
By PTC DAWG
July 24, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
I’ll say again, it’s good to see the shoe on the other foot. Crying GATORS everywhere!!
By DisneyDawg
July 24, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
GatorFan, I think Greg was referring to the particular kind of whine that comes from coaches and players, not the fans. UGA fans did point to Shockley being out, but the coaches and players didn’t parrot, and thus legitimize, that excuse. Face it, your star player and HC are crybabies.
By Cuz
July 24, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
Excuses, excuses, excuses. When we lost in 2005 with Shockley out, I came on the blog and congradulated UF for winning with a better team. The key word was team. We played with what we had, and darn near pulled it off but in the end UF got the win. Injuries are part of football, it happens. You play with what you got and accept the consequences. That is called maturity. I hope Tebow is 100% this year and Stafford and Moreno also. And if Stafford and Morenon are not and we lose, no whining from me.
By MoDawg
July 24, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
GatorFan, Bravado = 47-37-2. Or 15-5 UGA through the 70’s and 80’s. If you are going to live in the past, let’s go all the way back. As far as whining about DJ, I do seem to remember some sour grapes about that from “our side”, but it went away after a couple of months, you lizards will be whining about last years’ game until this years’ game (and hopefully beyond). It was rather lucky for you that DJ was injured for that game in 05, though. Even you have to admit that…come on, I know you know it…I’m not whining, just stating fact!
By ES
July 24, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
Cuz, Glad we have some fans that have so much class like you.And I’m not being sarcastic either.But I should have the right to my opion,I think it was very fortunate for the gators for DJ to get hurt when he did,seeing how the back up had virtually no experience since DJ backed up David the year before.Having said all that I do think once a coach has had time to build a program like CMR now has I wouldn’t be as bothered by a injury .I still think without COX we lose to Colorado that year he came in.I believe and always have that its lucky and not skill on my teams part to play a team without their best player and just barely squeak by.
By Eric C.
July 24, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
TampaGator…Hmmmm, that makes a lot of sense. Tebow is hurting so let the Dawgs blitz the heck out of him. Tebow ran for a couple of TDs…he could run if we wanted to. The legs weren’t a problem. If he was really that hurt, do you think the coaches would mortgage his career and let him get run over by the def rush?
By KJ
July 24, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
LOL @ Gaytor fans still thinking a bruised shoulder cost them the game.
If we’re going to make excuses, how about this one: nobody has mentioned the godawful biased officiating by Penn Wagers (who should be bagging groceries, assuming he’s even qualified for THAT).
Why was the celebration penalty 30 yards? I understand one flag for the celebration, but another for “celebrating during a celebration”? Bullsht.
And how about Wagers standing over Mimbs after he was knocked down, threatening to throw another if he didn’t get up fast enough?
And this was just the tip of the iceberg. It’s as if Wagers took the celebration more personally than Coach Cryer.
Put in competent zebras, and UGA probably wins by 25.
By Jim
July 24, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
Tim T my boy what a ‘good’ athlete you are. Great? Nah , just a 4 time looser last year. Stats don’t seem to matter much when you loose that much. Maybe this year will be better since you don’t play Auburn. When Espn runs you down the throats of all sec fans it will be comforting to know you are still a ‘good’ athelte waiting to be crowned again as the bsst, 4 time looser w/great stats.
By ES
July 24, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
Other than the int for a fl TD.They stopped us only twice,and one of those times was when we were backed up deep in their end of the field and threw a pass complete to inside their 40 yard line that was called back for not enough men on the line.After that coach didnt ry much and punted it.The other time we had already made 3 or 4 first downs and tryed that crazy hid ball and lost about 15 yards.I do agree that without that bad call we probably from their side of the field score again.Their def was pathetic.Can’t wait till this year with them minus Dereck Harvey and the 4 DB’s they lost.Its going to be fun.We will prabably hang 50 on them and not have to do a halfback pass with a minute to go like classless SOS did.
By FL DAWG
July 24, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this
GA-FL will be a great game this year, regardless of their records at game time. Just reading the blogs above tells me there is a great rivalry. FL wants to rid themselves of the overall record, while GA wants to rid itself of the last fifteen years. The last four years are a split.
As for the teams playing this year, FL gets the edge at QB and WR, GA get the edge at RB and OL. GA gets an edge on Defense. However, the FL defense will be better than last year. GA QB will be better than last year. The questions for GA are how much better will Stafford be and how much better will their WR be. The questions for FL will be how much better will the D be and what about their D. I think significant improvements for both FL and GA. This equals another great game. Go Dawgs!!!
By FL DAWG
July 24, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this
SEC - West 1) LSU - Defense will be the key to winning the west for LSU. A new QB will take a little time to settle in and get clicking with the whole team. New D coordinator will not be a problem as the scheme will not change and the talent is there. 2) Auburn - A new qb and o coordinator will be an improvement. They will push LSU and possibly be in Atlanta in December
3) Alabama - Will improve over last year. Saban is in the process of bringing the tide back.
4) MS State - Croom is slowly improving the entire team.
5) Ole MS - Houston Nutt has some work to do.
6) Arkansas - The entire house is in a state of dis-aray. Pettrino, will have a lot of work to do over the next several years, if he stays around long enough, they will be back contending for the west.
By Ed
July 24, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
I agree with Gator fans who point to recent history. So here it is:
Georgia 42 Florida 30
By mike
July 24, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
The coach from Florida needs to build a bridge and get over last years game with Georgia.He reminds me of a kid not getting his way,and sounding lie a chatty cathy doll.
By S.E. Dawg
July 24, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
The fact of the matter that UF is looking so far ahead will bite them in the rear before they play UGA. By focusing so much on the dawgs someone will slip up a beat them.
By warhorse
July 24, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this
Richt showed today that he is more interested in protecting two thugs than he is in showing respect for a woman. No discipline (he calls it team discipline) for thug strangers who assault a pregnant female. Even UGA is rolling over with that disgraceful decision.
By RedDawg
July 24, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
I think that all of you FU fans need to just line up and pucker up on 11/1. What for, you ask? Well, it’s just a suggestion for an orderly way to afford every single one of you an opportunity to kiss UGA VII’s brown starfish as you leave the stadium after another humiliating loss to the Dawgs. Urban Crier has already set it up for you FU fans. Get ready for another beat-down, Gainesville trailer-trash rednecks.
By T
July 24, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
Florida will kick Georgia back to Athens this year. Get ready for an amazing underachieving season out of Athens
By AltamahaDawg
July 24, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
warhorse, tell us how you would have handled that situation.
By AltamahaDawg
July 24, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
T, coming from a fan of the team which is rated historically one of the top underacheiving team relative to preseason rankings, we are just not sure how to take that.
BTW, UF is prabbaly going to be ranked right at or above UGA going into the season. #1 in some polls. Are you telling me that anything short of a NC for Florida is going to be an amazing underachievement? Was last year?
By KJ
July 24, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
No discipline (he calls it team discipline) for thug strangers who assault a pregnant female
It was never determined exactly what happened, each side presented a different version.
Assuming the girl IS right, they “assaulted” her by rubbing her stomach. If you really think that constitutes criminal thuggery, you should probably never leave your mom’s basement.
By P Dawg
July 24, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
The belly rub “victim” wanted exposure and publicity to try to get money and fame. This is non-news. Anyway, if you don’t think UGA hasn’t been circled on uf’s calendar since last season’s BEATDOWN, you’re crazy! It will just make it that much sweeter though. Can’t wait CHUMPS! The receivers and the RB’s will have a field day with that sorry excuse for a defense. No stopping UGA this year either boys!!!
By P Dawg
July 24, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this
I just hope that CUM and TT can console each other and have a good cry with each other on national TV. Look for it by the middle of the third quarter.
By AltamahaDawg
July 24, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
Judging from warhorse’s comment, how he might handle things from a position of authority isn’t likely to be a big concern.
By warhorse
July 24, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this
Geez, I was just kidding with the earlier post. I don’t really think that these guys are thugs just because they rubbed a pregnant female. I was just kidding guys, I am not an idiot.
By Oledawg
July 24, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe that Meyer is so “wounded” that he thinks UGA will worry what he has in his egotistical mind or that we care! He doesn’t do his goodwill ambassador image a nickel after all that effort all summer by the UF media to dress his public image up. But to have the idiocy to tell the Bulldog Nation that he still remembers “the dance” is like Christmas in July to us all. And Teboe was not up to par. Well, maybe the Dawgs can lower his par a little more this year. Hell, thay got a pass on DJ’s injury. So in reality the smackdown finally occurred on a level playing field this last year and will occur again this year by the same players as last year, but with depth to outlast your miserable butts. But Crier hasn’t forgotten. This tingly, fuzzy feeling must be a major gloat coming on! He keeps remembering what we keep remembering. I wonder if he enjoys the remembering like we do? He said that he will never forget. Isn’t that about the greatest news anyone could give you to enjoy the rest of this summer and carry you on through the next wins? Who would have thought that the urban Crier could make my summer. Sleep well UGAVI for you carry our memories with you.
I can’t wait.
By Gator Nation
July 24, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this
Hold Everything People!
Nothing like Florida/Georgia talk of any kind to get folks all worked up. Lets talk about last year for a second:
Richt’s celebration was smart. His team needed it and he pulled out all the stops. I surely don’t respect him any less for the move. I think it was wiley.
Florida lost the game because our defense was unable to make Georgia punt. That is generally a bad thing for a football team. Georgia was the better team. If the defense is not significantly improved this year, we will be in trouble again.
Tebow played a heck of a game considering he was under severe pressure and hurt more than a little. Florida did score 30 on Georgia’s “vaunted” defense so I wouldn’t talk to much crap if I were a bulldawg fan.
As far as the overall head to head records. Lets take it by Era’s and remember the more recent the era, the more important. That’s the way life works: Anything before the 70’s doesn’t count (and Florida won more in the 50’s and 60’s)
70’s-Georgia 80’s-Georgia 90’s-Florida 2000-present-Florida
Where would you rather have your team listed? That should answer all questions about who is currently on top.
Its my favorite game and this year should be a barn-burner!
Go Gators!
By old gold
July 25, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this
Suspend Sturvidant ? Obviously, Richt just wants to keep him healthy for the big games. There are 5-6 players that are needed only for 4 big games. They will ride the pine in other games so they can stay healthy. Get with it.
By old gold
July 25, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this
As a Techster, I hope Stafford can stay for 5 more years.
By old gold
July 25, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this
As a Techster, I hope Stafford can stay for 5 more years.
By old gold
July 25, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this
As a Techster, I hope Stafford can stay for 5 more years.
By KJ
July 25, 2008 1:04 AM | Link to this
As a Techster, I hope Stafford can stay for 5 more years.
Why, are you looking to go 0-12?
By mexdawg
July 25, 2008 1:07 AM | Link to this
Hey gator bait and tampa gator you guys haven’t quite gotten over it yet have you.Too bad.It’s been awhile since you guys won one so I guess i can understand your frustration.Just remember 47-37-2, enough said.Oh and by the way it will be 48 after we take you to the woodshed this year.Whose that coming down the track….that’s right you know!!!!
By buckheaddawg
July 25, 2008 8:01 AM | Link to this
I’m getting sick and tired of people (Urban Legend, Terrence Moore) saying that Richt ordered the entire team onto the field. He has clearly stated that his instructions were for the 11 players “on the field” to celebrate after the touchdown. Why can’t these knuckleheads understand that?
By AltamahaDawg
July 25, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
Actually the way life works is “what have you done for me lately”. Let’s check that.
Bragging about winning x out of x only flies if you are actualy STILL CURRENTLY IN that streak. To bring it up after the fact just seems silly. BTW why just 17 yrs? thats seems such an oddball number? Why not 18 or 19, just wondering.
By MoDawg
July 25, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this
Gator Nation, with all due respect, the only years we should care about are this year, and possibly last year as it serves as fuel for this year. It is typically the Gators who bring up 15 out of the last 18, certainly not the Dawgs (we’d prefer to forget the 90’s, honestly). So when your group only wants to concentrate on the past 18 years, that’s pretty selective. If we are going to go back, let’s go all the way, that’s all I’m saying. For recent history’s argument, it should be pretty clear that the 2 teams are becoming more “evenly matched” which only adds to the rivalry. If you take the last 18 years out of the equation, it looks like 44-22-2, advantage UGA, so it makes sense that the Gators would want to be selective, but that’s not a fair assessment of the overall rivalry. It should be a great game. In the 2000’s, the games have been very competitive and this year should be no different.
By CHARLOTTE DAWG
July 25, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
Georgia fans could complain just as much not having Shockley for the Florida game in 2005. We could argue we would have won with him.
There was some whining. But not this much. Not even close. Shockley nor Joe T. was responsible for the first half defensive melt down. Cry me a river Gayturds.
By Villa Rica DAWG
July 25, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
DAM, I Can’t wait until August 30th!!!!!!
By YANKEEDAWG
July 25, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
Florida what is going to be your biggest loss for 09 season when they junp ship for the nfl your qb,wr,or the coach
By MoDawg
July 25, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
Gator Nation, one more observation regarding your post - UF scored 23 points on our “vaunted” defense. 7 of the points were a result of a TD from an interception on our 25 yard line. UF averaged 41 points per game for the year, scored 23 on us (you scored more on the eventual Nat’l Champs) and UGA’s defense averaged 16 (actual defense given) points per game. I’d say that pretty “vaunted”, wouldn’t you?
By PH Factor
July 25, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this
yankeedawg you can only hope they jump ship. UGA never needs to worry about that since you don’t have players that can go the NFL early. Oh and not too many people outside the Deep South would want Richt as their head coach. That guy makes me laugh.
By john
July 25, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
gotta love this article http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_bianchi/2008/07/sorry-georgia-f.html
By georgia
July 25, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
After reading all of these comments I am ashamed to be a georgia bulldog fan. The florida game will be a tough game and if we cant get it together it will be a long game.
By georgia
July 25, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
After reading all of these comments I am ashamed to be a georgia bulldog fan. The florida game will be a tough game and if we cant get it together it will be a long game.