AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2009 > January > 08 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USGators will win it all, 35-31
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.—We’ve been talking about this game since Dec.7 and now it is finally time for No. 1 Oklahoma and No. 2 Florida to play for the BCS national championship. I can’t wait for the kickoff to finally get here.
Check back right before kickoff and I’ll give you some of the sights and sounds at Dolphin Stadium along with some final thoughts. During the game I’ll be blogging live so jump on if you have questions or comments. It should be fun.
But for now, here is my final breakdown of the game:
OFFENSE
Oklahoma: There has never been an offense in college football quite like the one Oklahoma put on the field in 2008. The Sooners led the nation in scoring with an average of 54.0 points per game. They scored 702 points, which is another NCAA record. Quarterback Sam Bradford won the Heisman Trophy after a spectacular season when he completed 302 of 442 passing attempts (68.3 percent) for 4,464 yards and 48 touchdowns. Only twice this season was Oklahoma held to under 49 points. The Sooners had two runners to go over 1,000 yards but one of them, DeMarco Murray, will not play because of an injury. Murray was their best big-play man.
Florida: The Gators have had a pretty strong offense since their 31-30 loss to Ole Miss on Sept. 27 in Gainesville. Florida, which faced 10 defenses ranked in the top 39 this season, scored 42 or more points in seven of their last eight regular season games. Quarterback Tim Tebow was incredible down the stretch as Florida finished fourth in the nation in scoring at 45.2 points per game. Tebow threw only two interceptions the entire season. If wide receiver Percy Harvin is as healthy as advertised and can go the whole game, the gap between these two offenses is not as wide as some would think. Tebow has a vast array of big plays guys like Louis Murphy, Jeff Demps, Chris Rainey and others who can take a short pass and turn it into a touchdown. That puts a tremendous amount of pressure on a defense.
ADVANTAGE: OKLAHOMA.
DEFENSE
Oklahoma: The Sooners finished tied for No. 58 (with Georgia) in scoring defense, giving up 24.2 points per game. The Sooners struggled against some of the better offenses in the Big 12, giving up 45 points to Texas in their only loss and 41 in a 61-41 win over Oklahoma State. But some of those stats are misleading. Because of the fast-paced offense Oklahoma plays, the defense was on the field a lot. And because they dominated opponents, the second unit got a lot of playing time. Oklahoma’s defense had 42 sacks on the year and forced 32 turnovers. They will get after Tim Tebow on every play.
Florida: Florida had a young defense that only got better with each game. The Gators are much improved in the secondary, which was the weak spot a year ago, as safety Ahmad Black had six interceptions and cornerback Joe Haden had three. The emergence of freshman Janoris Jenkins as a big time corner has allowed Florida’s defense to be much more creative. Florida had 24 interceptions on the season. Florida has a big-time linebacker in Brandon Spikes who is the emotional leader of the defense. If he plays well early, the rest of the defense will feed off of his energy. Remember the big hit he put on Knowshon Moreno in the Georgia-Florida game? Look for one of those in the first quarter.
ADVANTAGE: FLORIDA.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Oklahoma: Oklahoma’s weakness all season has been special teams. The Sooners have had to kick off a lot and have given up four touchdowns on kickoff returns. The kickoff return average (24.0) is ranked 106th nationally. Field goals (8 of 12) have sometimes been an adventure. The net punt return average (33.8) is one of the worst in the country. There is a lot of hidden yardage in special teams and Florida will be able to exploit this weakness.
Florida: Coach Urban Meyer is obsessive about the special teams. Here is where I think the Gators have the biggest advantage in this game. Brandon James is one of the top punt return men in the country (14.4 average) and has taken two back for touchdowns this season and four over the past two seasons. Look for Oklahoma to be creative with its punts in order not to give James a full head of steam with the ball. That sometimes causes bad kicks and lost field possession. James, by the way has also broken several long kickoff returns this season. If is as high scoring as everybody thinks, James will get a bunch of touches on kickoffs. Florida has blocked eight kicks this season. Look for them to try to get another one tonight.
ADVANTAGE: FLORIDA
COACHING
Oklahoma: This is the fourth BCS championship game for Oklahoma’s Bob Stoops. Oklahoma beat Florida State in the Orange Bowl for the 2000 national title. Oklahoma lost to LSU in the Sugar Bowl after the 2003 season and to Southern Cal after the 2004 season. Stoops comes into tonight’s contest having lost four straight BCS bowl games. The pressure is clearly on because many believe that this is his best team.
Florida: Florida coach Urban Meyer won a national championship in his second season (2006) as the head Gator. After dropping to 9-4 last season because a young defense, he rallied his team after a 31-30 loss to Ole Miss. Down the stretch the Gators dominated SEC competition like they used to do under Steve Spurrier. Meyer is one of the best in the country when it comes to preparing a game plan and accounting for all the little details that can mean the difference in winning and losing. But there is an X-Factor. Dan Mullen, the Florida offensive coordinator, was named the head coach at Mississippi State back in December but stayed on to work this game. A game like this can come down to the slightest edge. Is Florida less efficient on offense because Mullen has been distracted? We’ll see.
ADVANTAGE: EVEN
THE X-FACTORS
Tim Tebow is motivated: Tebow is one of the most competitive football players I’ve seen in my 30 years of covering the sport. Yes, he laughed it off when Oklahoma’s Dominique Franks said that Tebow would be, at best, the fourth best quarterback in the Big 12. Privately, he can’t wait to get on that field tonight.
SEC Pride: There is a lot on the line for the SEC tonight. The league was hyped as the best at the beginning of the season but then Tennessee, Auburn, and LSU fell apart. Georgia started at No. 1 and did not meet expectations. The SEC has won two straight national championships and a third would allow the league to still call itself the best in college football. If Oklahoma wins, the Big 12 gets to pound its chest in the offseason.
Home Field: The tickets are supposed to be divided evenly, but there are a lot of Gators down here and on the Orange Bowl committee. Florida, which has 13 Miami area players and hopes to get more, should have something of a home field advantage.
Heisman Jinx: The Heisman Trophy winner is pulled in a lot of directions in December and all of that traveling can be a distraction. Some Heisman winners have a tough time coming back from the award and playing well when the national championship is on the line. We’ll see tonight if it has affected Sam Bradford, who very likely will be playing his last game for Oklahoma
FINAL ANALYSIS
With all due respect to Texas and Mack Brown, these were the two most dominating teams in college football at the end of the season. Both have Heisman Trophy winners at quarterback. Both are filled with future NFL talent. They are the championships of the best two college football conferences in the country this season.
These are the best two teams in the country when it comes to taking care of the football. Oklahoma has only nine turnovers this season to lead the nation. Florida had only 11 turnovers. So to me, the game will absolutely come down to which team makes the crucial mistake at the most critical period of the game. I believe that with Florida’s overall team speed, which is the best in the country, Oklahoma will make that critical mistake and Tebow, who was magnificent in the final quarter of the SEC championship game, will take advantage of it.
If you’re watching at home tonight, don’t leave your television set because something big may happen. This has a chance to be a game for the ages.
FINAL SCORE: FLORIDA 35, OKLAHOMA 31
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Comments
By RC
January 8, 2009 8:35 AM | Link to this
Utah is undefeated. Texas, USC, Florida and Oklahoma have all lost.
The argument that the Mountain West Conference is not a premier conference does not hold up. In 2008, the Mountain West Conference as a whole has out performed the SEC and Big 12 vs. Automatic Qualifier teams; and the MWC plays far fewer home games.
The Mountain West Conference has won 72.2% of its regular season games out of conference. This is a very high winning percentage that I believe exceeds the winning percentage of the conferences of former BCS National Champions. The SEC at 77.1% and the Big 12 at 79.2% had slightly higher winning percentages this year. However, they played more favorable (weaker) Out of Conference schedules.
The Mountain West played 38.9% of its games vs. Automatic Qualifier BCS teams vs. 31.3% by both the SEC and Big 12.
Here is the Big One: The Mountain West won 64.3% of its games vs Automatic Qualifier BCS teams. Compare that to 40% by the SEC; and 46.7% by the Big 12.
The Mountain West Played 58.3% of their Out of Conference games at home. Compare that to 72.9% by the SEC; and 75% by the Big 12. The big name conferences enjoy a huge home field advantage.
In the regular season the Mtn. West went 6-1 vs. Pac-10, which won 100% of their bowl games.
Non Automatic Qualifier teams have won 3 out of 4 BCS bowls.
Utah is #1.
By RC
January 8, 2009 8:39 AM | Link to this
If the gators win, it will be a great victory. But they will not be national champs. They will share a three-way title of the “First Place Loser”.
Texas, USC, Flordia and Oklahoma have all lost; and are therefore Losers. Utah is undefeated; and is the #1 team in all the land.
The Mountain West Conference has out-permormed the SEC and Big 12 on the field of play; and the BCS appologist refuse to recognize this. The Mountain West won 64.3% of its games vs Automatic Qualifier BCS teams. Compare that to 40% by the SEC; and 46.7% by the Big 12.
Verify it Elizabeth! Verify it!
By SEC Rules
January 8, 2009 8:49 AM | Link to this
Utah? What a joke—-if they played in the SEC, they’d have 3-4 losses. UF, Bama or even UGA would blow them out. Get in a real conference boys, play a real schedule, before you whine about not being national champion
By Mikey
January 8, 2009 8:49 AM | Link to this
Something tells me that despite all the analysis, a late turnover will be costly.
Oklahoma over Florida.
By GO SOONERS
January 8, 2009 8:50 AM | Link to this
BOOMER SOONER!!
By RC & a moonpie
January 8, 2009 8:54 AM | Link to this
Get over it RC. Your “stats” are a little decieving. Remeber that when a SEC or Big 12 team plays their conference schedule, all those games are against “automatic qualifiers”. Utah is a really good team, but there is no way they run the table in the SEC or Big 12.
UF 38 - OU 27
By RC
January 8, 2009 8:56 AM | Link to this
SEC Rules.
The facts speak for themselves. The SEC is not a “real conference”. Sabin tried to assert that; and was beat down.
Wa Wa!
Utah beat a storied program with top recruits; a National Champion coach; and they played them in the heart of SEC country.
All you SEC fans said there is no way Utah could have won. But they did; and was not even close.
And, last I checked, Alabama’s O-lineman does not play defense.
The SEC teams refuse to travel; and when they do they typically lose.
40% against other Automatic Qualifiers. Wow! That stinks. The MWC won 64%.
When the SEC starts playing out of conference teams on a home & home basis; and wins the games. Then I will respect them.
I will give you all this, you have the best fans; and the greatest game day atmosphere. But, not the best on-the-field product. Last year, yes (undisputed). But not this year (40% is lousy).
If you check the stats you will find that the SEC rarely wins more than 50% of its games against other Automatic Qualifiers (2007 was the exception).
What you guys do is pack the house; play a lot of games agaist low-level teams at home; pad your schedule; and then claim that you have to play weaker teams “because we beat up on each other”. Just because you sell-out your games does not mean you have the best teams.
Good luck to Florida.
But regardless of the outcome, Utah is #1.
And no, I am not a Utah alumni or fan. I just despise the BCS cartel and how an amature sport is run by big money.
By TO SEC RULES
January 8, 2009 8:57 AM | Link to this
I do believe that Utah beat the brakes off of the bammers in the Sugar Bowl. Dumb@ss
By RC
January 8, 2009 8:58 AM | Link to this
Oh yea,
The SEC’s tradional powerhouse, Tennessee lost to a low-level Mountain West team (Wyoming); AT HOME!!
The MWC is 2-0 vs. the SEC
By Will
January 8, 2009 9:02 AM | Link to this
Big Tone,
I like your pick but something tells me deep down inside you really think that the Gators are going to win by a larger margin. Possibly 21 or 28 points. Urban is going out there to embarrass the Big 12 tonight and it will get ugly. There are far too many clowns on this blog giving the sooners too much credit. Their schedule is a joke and the proof will be on full display in front of the entire nation. Just like it has for the past several years when OU is involed in a BSC game. 45-17.
By Sooners A Joke
January 8, 2009 9:03 AM | Link to this
SOONERS DON’T DESERVE TO BE IN THE TITLE GAME, THEY’RE ONLY IN BECAUSE STOOPS IS A WHINER. GAYTORS 41 WHINERS 30
By RC
January 8, 2009 9:06 AM | Link to this
Moonpie,
All confereces play each other in a fishbowl. If there were no out of conference games, The SEC overall record would be 0.500.
The only way to judge a conference is by their out of conference record; and the SEC plays weaker teams, 72% of the time at home, to pad their schedule.
2007 was an exceptional year for you guys; and you proved it on the field. But not this year. The 2008 SEC is a below average conference; and the facts show that you are inferior to the Mountain West Conference.
Moonpie or Spin it as you will; but you cannot ignore the facts.
Take a look at the wins and losses of the SEC. Unimpressive!
By JenniferUGA
January 8, 2009 9:06 AM | Link to this
GO OKLAHOMA!!!!!! I am so sick of the Gators I could puke, I really in truly hope OKLAHOMA wins! Yes, I am I bona-fide, bleeds red and back UGA fan and SEC fan but when it comes to the Gators and who ever team Steve Spurrier is coaching, you can forget it! Their Fans and when Spurrier came on board got me to this point. Obnoxious, whiners and sore losers.
By RC
January 8, 2009 9:07 AM | Link to this
Mom, quit bugging me!
I’ll look for a job as soon as I finish blogging & my game of Warhammer!
By JenniferUGA
January 8, 2009 9:09 AM | Link to this
Oh Yeah Utah is the No. 1 team they are undefeated!
By azcat225
January 8, 2009 9:17 AM | Link to this
RC, give it a rest. You’re getting almost as tiresome as m, in a much shorter period of time. Yes, we all hate the BCS scheme. Yes, Utah is a great team with great coaching. If I were an AP voter, I probably would put the Utes in the top spot on my ballot. But the topic today is Florida vs. Oklahoma.
This game is one of those fascinating “dang, I hope the game lives up to the hype” contests. Emotion will, as always, play a huge part in the outcome and in that category, I have to give Florida the edge, because of Mr. Tebow and also because of Coach Meyer. Meyer has always given me the impression of a calm exterior with a raging volcano just under the surface. I think we got a tiny glimpse of that with the timeout shenanigans in Florida’s whomping of Georgia.
Looking forward to settling in tonight for a truly outstanding game and to steal the line (again) from Atlanta Gator, may the best team win—-they usually do.
By larry
January 8, 2009 9:24 AM | Link to this
All the teams mentioned are deserving of becoming number one. The current system will not allow but 2 teams. We do not have to like it but we are being forced to accept it. There will never be a true champion under the system in place.
By RC
January 8, 2009 9:27 AM | Link to this
azcat225
Point taken.
Enjoy the game.
Go Gators!
By GO SOONERS
January 8, 2009 9:29 AM | Link to this
Where are the predictions SEC fans?
By inveniojacket
January 8, 2009 9:33 AM | Link to this
TO SEC RULES: Are you a dumb@$$??? You say Bama would blow out Utah if they placed in the SEC???
Correct me if I am wrong, but Utah beat the snot out of Bama in the Sugar Bowl a few days ago…
Stupid SECers….
By JIM
January 8, 2009 9:38 AM | Link to this
RC-
Playing Utah was the equivalent to playing Tulane for Alabama. While Utah stated it was the biggest game in their history. Give Utah credit they won a game against the 2nd place SEC team but they would never go undefeated in the SEC, Big 12 or any other BCS conference.
I think the BCS should only have BCS conferences represented otherwise we will get these stupid arguments every year from teams that no one cares about.
By reality check
January 8, 2009 9:47 AM | Link to this
There is a 100% chance this Utah talk is crazy. Only a 1% chance of any reality coming from all those percentages. The SEC rules week in and week out. Bama beat Bama because of injuries and lack of focus. I will admit that the Big12 was loaded this year with high powered scoring but had no defense. The SEC top to bottom is the best. Utah wins only one of ten times and they got the one. So there is a 10% chance of that. Go DAWGS!
By Ryno
January 8, 2009 9:51 AM | Link to this
Let’s put this Utah over Bama thing to bed (and I hate Bama as much as I hate Fla.). Bama didn’t give a rat’s a* about playing Utah after they lost their chance to play in the BCS Championship game and losing to Fla.
Utah is a great team, and given how down the SEC is this year, they might have only lost two games with a SEC schedule. BTW, using Wyoming over UT this season hurts your cred. The Vols fired their long time coach that week, and he and his staff were too stunned at being held accountable for their godawful season to care about that game. Tennessee was like, oh, Wyoming this year….putrid.
Utah’s cool, and no one in this area probably loves Boise St. like I do, but you get too many weeks off in the MWC or the WAC to seriously be considered #1 even if undefeated. Join the Pac 10 and run the table and we’ll talk.
By Bamafan
January 8, 2009 9:51 AM | Link to this
Tony, You have done your homework on this football game!! I have a good friend that is a big sooner fan and we talk about college football all the time. I would pull for the sooners if Florida was not playing in the game. Being a sec fan you have to pull for the conference and say GO GATORS!!!
By azcat225
January 8, 2009 9:53 AM | Link to this
RC took the high road. I suggest the rest of you do, too.
By Red Elephant
January 8, 2009 9:54 AM | Link to this
As an Alabama alumnus and fan let me congratulate Utah on their stunning win. Utah played one heck of a great game. Utah was motivated and we were not. If you play that game 10 times I still believe we SHOULD win 9……but we lost, no excuses.
As an SEC fan I will naturally pull for Florida to beat Oklahoma, but Oklahoma is a great program as well.
With all of that said, Utah deserves a shot at the title. I don’t think they could hang around with either Florida or Oklahoma, but they earned a shot to play for it all. It is a shame that Utah and their fans get left out of the picture this year.
By BCS=Total Joke
January 8, 2009 9:54 AM | Link to this
The most alarming thing about this year’s BCS mess is that nobody seems to care. Its just the norm now. Its a foregone conclusion every year that somebody is going to get screwed over. Ho hum. No big deal. What I don’t understand is this: The media tells us this system is so great because “every game counts”. What a load of bull**. How does every game count when Texas BEATS OU, finishes with the same record, but gets to sit and home and watch the Sooners play for it all? I guess that little game they played in Dallas back in September didn’t count so much, eh?
And who in the hell has the time or energy to stay up until midnight on a Thursday watching this game? Most of us have to get up in the morning and go to work. Why is this game being played on some absolutely random Thursday night in the middle of January? The holidays are over. College football is supposed to be played on Saturday. I do not understand this.
This is the most anti-climatic finish to any season in all of sports. It is a total joke. Please join me in boycotting this farce of a “championship game” tonight. I’d rather watch 30 Rock.
By Georgia Fan
January 8, 2009 10:02 AM | Link to this
I’m a raging SEC homer but I was very impressed with Utah. Its not like Bama was making a bunch of stupid mistakes and giving the game to Utah. They actually played pretty well to come back from a 21-0 deficit and make a game of it. They just got physically beat and out-coached. Give credit wear credit is due.
By Actually, Jim...
January 8, 2009 10:05 AM | Link to this
Playing Utah was the equivalent of playing LA Monroe for AL - they lost to both!
By G8R GRAD
January 8, 2009 10:05 AM | Link to this
UF 42
OU 20
GO GATORS!
By Go Sooners
January 8, 2009 10:07 AM | Link to this
BCS=Total Joke, TX lost to TX Tech, that is why they aren’t playing in the NC? Why is this so hard for everyone to understand?
By GatorG
January 8, 2009 10:07 AM | Link to this
RC,
As I pointed out yesterday, you talk about the SEC’s out-of-conference scheduling and record, and then hold it against Florida.
Florida plays FSU every year home-and-home. This year it was in Tallahassee. We also played Miami at home. We beat the snot out of both.
I like Utah. They’re like a little stepbrother because Urban came from there, and they’re still using his system. There’s no doubt in my mind that if Utah was in the SEC, they’d have a good record. They would NOT, however, be undefeated.
It’s one thing for MWC teams to play the “big boys” (your term from yesterday) once in a while. Try playing them for 10 games in the year, though.
You say, “When the SEC starts playing out of conference teams on a home & home basis; and wins the games. Then I will respect them.” Well, when Utah starts playing decent in-conference teams on a home & home basis, and wins the games, then I’ll respect THEM.
By your own “big boy” definition, Utah has had a cake walk of a schedule this year. Congratulations on the undefeated season, but don’t whine that you’re not getting the respect of the “big boy” conferences.
By JB
January 8, 2009 10:10 AM | Link to this
I’m a Dawg fan, but if Florida played in their conference, they would average over 60 a game. If the Sooners played in the SEC, they would not average 54 a game. Nuff said, Gators win big.
By Anonymous
January 8, 2009 10:16 AM | Link to this
JenniferUGA:
Who’s whining now, you pathetic juvinile?!!!!
Here’s a novel idea:
How about rooting for a fellow SEC member defending your conference’s reputation and recruiting ability?
By Anonymous
January 8, 2009 10:23 AM | Link to this
Go Sooners:
One more time, let’s recap:
UT beat OU by 10 on a neutral field;
TTU beat UT with a last second prayer of a pass in Lubbock; and
OU beat TTU in Norman.
Can you really look yourself in the mirror and unflinchingly assert OU’s supeiority in the Big 12?
By Anonymous
January 8, 2009 10:26 AM | Link to this
JB:
Hands down the most economically accurate distillation of tonight’s match-up.
Well sais, my friend.
GO GATORS!
By Last Word
January 8, 2009 10:28 AM | Link to this
Gators 49
Sooners 28
By Bo Sooners
January 8, 2009 10:30 AM | Link to this
Anonymous, Dude this is not a difficult concept:
Big 12 South - 3 1 loss teams (Best of those 3 teams goes to the NC)
OU scored over 60 points in the past 5 games in Big 12 play, YES they are superior in the Big 12
Tx barely beat OK ST
By G8R GRAD
January 8, 2009 10:33 AM | Link to this
JB:
Many thanks my friend.
Good game against the Big (Little) 10.
And good luck in ‘09.
By Miles
January 8, 2009 10:33 AM | Link to this
Mr. Barnhart, your analysis is virtually perfect. However, the Sooners won’t score 31 points. Against the powerful Florida defense, I suspect 24 points will be the very most they’ll get. As you’ve said throughout the season, the turnover margin will be crucial as will the play of special teams. As for watching the game from the television, the only downside to this game will be that FOX is broadcasting it. Other than that, let’s hope that it is “a game for the ages.” Let’s go Tebow!
By GoTex
January 8, 2009 10:33 AM | Link to this
TO Go Sooner: Yes Texas lost to Tech and ou lost to Texas. So what’s your point? Anyone of the those schools would have won the Big 12 Championship and anyone of those schools QB’s would have won the Heisman. No offense to Florida but I cannot watch the Fake BCS Championship game.
By Go Sooners
January 8, 2009 10:34 AM | Link to this
Anonymous, i missed your above post about UGA fans cheering on FL, ARE YOU STUPID?
UGA fans despise FL, you can’t hate them during the regular season, and then all of a sudden cheer them on.
What lowly SEC team are you a fan of?
By AJ
January 8, 2009 10:38 AM | Link to this
This MWC talk is insane. They win a Sugar Bowl and all of a sudden they are one of the premier conferences in the land? Are you kidding? Utah had a nice year, and yes they beat Bama, but it is amazing to see people actually think they should win the AP crown over tonight’s winner. UF or OU would take them to the shed. Stop throwing out all these meaningless numbers, when your conference consist of Colorado State, New Mexico, Wyoming, San Diego State, UNLV, TCU (especially these guys, they think they are a top 10 team, please), etc. you have to play out of conference because the conference blows. Someone in the conference win on a consistant basis and maybe someone will take a look…
By Utah Utes National Champs
January 8, 2009 10:39 AM | Link to this
Is there a class all SEC students must take that teaches them how to make one excuse after another? Because all SEC fans repeat the same embarrassing nonsense over and over. The SEC argument theorem, as taught in all SEC schools: 1) SEC football is supreme; 2) if the SEC loses, then insert excuses x, y, z (and usually focused on the psychology of the players); 3) if 1 and 2 are not supportable, then that team would have lost 4-5 games in the SEC. And the rubes of the South truly believe this. I know this because I live here.
Utah got screwed because they had to play this year’s Hawaii in the sugar bowl. They should have been playing for the title.
As far as injuries go — Utah’s backup linebacker sacked JPW 3 times. A meager 1-2 star player by the way. I thought Alabama replaced injured players and graduating players with nothing but 4-5 star players. Further highlighting another flaw — the recruiting process. You sign with a BCS school, you get a default rating of 3-5 stars. Sign with a non-bcs school, you get 1-2 stars.
Utah Utes, National Champions 2008-2009
By Anonymous
January 8, 2009 10:40 AM | Link to this
Go Sooners:
Hate is such an ugly word. Unchecked emotion is the first sign of immaturity.
By Utah Utes National Champs
January 8, 2009 10:44 AM | Link to this
Who exactly are the big boys of the SEC utah would be afraid of? Miss St? Sucks. Tennessee? Sucks. LSU? Sucks. S.Carolina? Sucks. Kentucky? Sucks. Vanderbilt? Sucks. Auburn? Sucks.
Utah beat as many or more Top 25 and Top 10 teams than any team in the SEC. Their schedule was stronger than Alabama’s. Step away from perception and media hype, and take an objective look. There is no objective argument thaat supports any other team than Utah as the national champions.
By Go Sooners
January 8, 2009 10:46 AM | Link to this
You people are stupid.
Everyone here is stupid except me.
I don’t know why I waste my time with all you stupid people.
By Go Sooners
January 8, 2009 10:48 AM | Link to this
Utah Utes National Champs, SEC fans only have enough brain power to repeat themselves, don’t expect much else out of them.
Great year and Great win over Bama, as a sooner fan, I believe Utah should be #1!
By DBCOOPER
January 8, 2009 10:51 AM | Link to this
RC….The National Championship Trophy will be in OK. or FL. after tonights game. You can go and look at it anytime you want.
Wyoming beat TN so that makes Utah National champ? MWC was 2-0 vs SEC so let’s declare Utah National Champ!? Florida and Oklahoma and all the teams in the SEC and Big 12 operate within a system.
Auburn went undefeated (in the hated SEC) won their bowl game and didn’t play for the championship. Did they get a trophy? Hell No! Utah in the Sugar Bowl was about as good as their going to get …..in this system.
Man you can declare anybody you want to champion. But at about Midnight the 2008 Champ will not be Utah. Face it.
By AJ
January 8, 2009 10:51 AM | Link to this
Utah and MWC, just some quick numbers since you are living by them these days: 6 in the last 13 years, yes the number of National Championships after UF wins tonight. You need to thank the BCS because if it didn’t exist you would be playing the CUSA champ in the Liberty Bowl.
By G8R GRAD
January 8, 2009 10:52 AM | Link to this
Go Sooners:
While I personally believe Texas deserves to be playing tonight, I have to say that I also believe that Oklahoma was playing the best football in the Big 12 at the end of the season, especially after the disappointing showing by Texas against a mediocre Ohio State Monday night.
Good luck tonight.
By Cynic
January 8, 2009 10:55 AM | Link to this
I think “Go Sooners” has been highjacked!
By Bulldog Dad
January 8, 2009 11:02 AM | Link to this
Go Sooners……are we having a moment? Texas should be playing Florida. You had your chance.
By Mark C.
January 8, 2009 11:06 AM | Link to this
I have no doubt Florida wins tonight. Why? The Falcons lost, Knowshon and Stafford are leaving and now John Smoltz is headed to Boston. It’s just one of those weeks. I hope I’m wrong.
By GatorG
January 8, 2009 11:06 AM | Link to this
Utah Utes National Champs,
You’re just like RC. You compare Utah to almost every SEC school but Florida.
Nobody’s claiming that Miss St., Tennessee, et al, should be National Champions. It’s down to Florida and Oklahoma.
Tell us why you think Utah would beat both of those teams.
By Cynic
January 8, 2009 11:06 AM | Link to this
Hey DBCOOPER:
Where ya been, man? Those artist’s renderings don’t do you justice. How’s the money holding up?
By Go Sooners
January 8, 2009 11:06 AM | Link to this
I am the first Go Sooner, yes i have been hijacked!!
I think conference competition is stupid, cause its not up to the teams who all is in their conferences, don’t blame the teams!!!
Good Luck FL, i know we will need some as well!!!
By m
January 8, 2009 11:08 AM | Link to this
How the helle can floriDUH win it all when they are not playing for it all. This bcs game is a BOGUS game. floriDUH and oklaHOMO were chosen to play in this game by IDIOTS like Tony Barnyard. floriDUH lost to ole miss….oklaHOMO lost to Texas. Utah is undefeated and literally stomped alabammer up and down the field…by a bigger margin and more dominating fashion than floriDUH did. This game is BOGUS and doesn’t represent a true national champion. Only complete IDIOTS and homers like Tony Barnyard think otherwise. And if you truly want to know what an IDIOT Tony really is, read his back columns of this season and how often he was completely wrong. It is remarkable. And, as always, Thank God and Greyhound that the Tony Barnyard of coaches, Chan Gailey, is gone forever.
By G8R GRAD
January 8, 2009 11:13 AM | Link to this
Hey Mark C:
Sometimes “it” comes down so heavily, you need a helmet!
Hang in there.
By FunnyBone
January 8, 2009 11:15 AM | Link to this
What does marijuana and oklahoma have in common?
Both get smoked in a bowl.
By G8R GRAD
January 8, 2009 11:15 AM | Link to this
m:
Enough, already!
By Utah Utes National Champs
January 8, 2009 11:17 AM | Link to this
Gator G:
I’m saying based on the system in place, Utah has a better argument than UF. They have one common opponent — Hawaii err, Alabama. Utah whipped them on the road. UF trailed the entire game at a neutral. Utah also doesn’t have a loss. UF lost at home. The only way anybody can say UF is more deserving is the “just because” or the “i think they are better” test. That doesn’t hold up to objective facts.
By Anonymous
January 8, 2009 11:22 AM | Link to this
Hey m, try decaf!
By **The Blog Referee**
January 8, 2009 11:26 AM | Link to this
Penalty on Blogger RC——Fifteen yards and half the distance to the goal line for cut-and-pasting the same posts for the three consecutive days.
Now take a seat on the blog bench, and let the scholarship bloggers play.
By G8R GRAD
January 8, 2009 11:29 AM | Link to this
FunnyBone:
LM( ! )O!
By PTC DAWG
January 8, 2009 11:29 AM | Link to this
I suspect FU will win. It really doesn’t matter who I “pull” for. I HOPE OU wins.
By GatorG
January 8, 2009 11:32 AM | Link to this
Utah Utes National Champs,
Remember, unfortunate as it is, college football IS a “I think they are better” system - it’s called the polls.
That aside, though, tell me how you think Utah would match up against Florida.
By Bulldog Dad
January 8, 2009 11:34 AM | Link to this
Lets get a grip on reality. If you’re a true college football fan you understand two things: A. Strength of schedule is a vital statistic and UF has it hands down B. When you’re looking for a shot at the title (national) a loss puts you out. No more guesswork please. To He## with polls. Play ball.
By G8R GRAD
January 8, 2009 11:35 AM | Link to this
Utah Utes National Champs:
Utah’s strength of schedule ranked:
64th, 87th, 36th and 70th
Florida’s is ranked:
20th, 13th, 6th and 19th
I’m not sayin’ … … … … . .
I’m just sayin’
(Thanks to Atlanta Gator for the above research)
By andy in WR
January 8, 2009 11:39 AM | Link to this
Knew m would have to show his stupidity sooner or later. If Tony voted it would have been in the media poll the AP. The AP is not used by the BCS. the coaches poll—USA Today is. So your man, Paul Johnson, helped do this. not Tony And yes M, you techmite, I would like fries with that!
Dr. Andrew J. Hammack
By GatorG
January 8, 2009 11:44 AM | Link to this
Bulldog Dad,
Using your logic, then the polls would be ranked purely on record. Then, teams with the same record would be ranked by strength of schedule.
Personally, I want a playoff. I think it would multiply today’s excitement by 10. But, I actually think the current poll system (writers and coaches making educated guesses on who would be whom) is better than just lining them up by their record.
By FunnyBone
January 8, 2009 11:45 AM | Link to this
TO Bulldog Dad:
So Florida is out with there loss and everyone else expect UTAH right? SOS well that could be toss up because your out of conference games are scheduled 5 years in advance and those teams you schedule 5 years ago where a joke with a nice payday for the other school. Take OU and Texas Tech both of those school had Division II school on there schedule you should not get credit for that.
By gt4ever
January 8, 2009 11:45 AM | Link to this
RC, Just relax, this is not about a true number 1 team. It’s about MONEY! Take a breather man, your going to have a stroke….
Imagine Mr. T picking a SEC team to win… Wow, what a surprise. What a SEC HOMER… Florida is a very good football team, but I will bet that there is a little more parity playing tonight. Oklahoma could surprise us all! In the end we still don’t have a national champion. Texas should be playing instead of OK, and Utah should probably be playing instead of UF. Oh well, here is to hoping its at least a good game to watch…
Go Jackets and THWG
By G8R GRAD
January 8, 2009 11:45 AM | Link to this
Is it gametime yet?!!!!
I can’t concentrate.
The anticipation is killing me!
GO GATORS!
By jaxdawg
January 8, 2009 11:47 AM | Link to this
I’m a huge dawg fan and I despise the gaytors, but when bowl season comes along the SEC sticks together. It’s hard for me to say this, but Go Gaytors! After watching Texas Tech and Texas I have come to the conclusion that the Big 12 is a joke. They play no defense and they have no team speed. Ole Miss ran circles around Texas Tech and Ohio State (of all teams) nearly beat Texas with a QB who probably couldn’t complete a pass in a pop warner game! And we all know Ohio State is a joke, that goes without saying. I think Oklahoma keeps it close until halftime but the gaytors will pull away in the second half and win by at least 20 pts.
By Hmmmmm
January 8, 2009 11:48 AM | Link to this
Utah would BLOW UF off the field….
By AJ
January 8, 2009 11:49 AM | Link to this
Hey Ute-
Do some research, 11/12 SEC teams have highest SOS than any team in MWC (the highest rated team in the conference is New Mexico). Utah has an SOS in the 70’s and for all your Boise people, play someone yours is in the 90’s. You guys really are like a bad rash that just won’t go away.
By CBrad
January 8, 2009 11:52 AM | Link to this
Why does a playoff work for lower divisions in college football but not the big division? I mean, besides money dictating everything that’s done- why doesn’t it work?
About Utah being NCs- build you a bridge and GET OVER IT! Every year there’s a whiner and this year, it’s Utah. You don’t play with the big boys. Yes, you beat Alabama but I doubt Alabama got real fired up about playing you. We would have seen a different Alabama team had they played Texas or OSU or somebody like that. Utah, quit being the “Jan Brady” of the NCAA.
By BCS=Total Joke
January 8, 2009 11:52 AM | Link to this
“BCS=Total Joke, TX lost to TX Tech, that is why they aren’t playing in the NC? Why is this so hard for everyone to understand?”
That’s a good point. Texas had one loss at the end of the season so they definitely do not deserve to play for…..oh, now wait a second. OU had a loss too. Now I’m really confused. I wish there was some way we could distinguish between these two teams. I am racking my brain and I can’t think of anything….I’ve got it!!! Lets type bunch of bull** numbers in to a computer and have it tell us who is best!!! I’m a freaking genius. Its really the only fair way to do this. If somebody has a better idea I am all ears.
By Go Sooners
January 8, 2009 11:53 AM | Link to this
Bulldog Dad, You aren’t the sharpest tool in the shed are you? First of all, TX was not the best team in the Big 12 South, we can argue that all day, but fact is fact.
FL toughest SOS? What college football have you been watching, FL’s SOS is much weaker than OU’s, again fact.
By Fictional National Championship
January 8, 2009 11:56 AM | Link to this
The Texas Longhorns and Ole Miss Rebels are better than both of these losers! We need- **PLAYOFFS—not BCS dictatorship….
By G8R GRAD
January 8, 2009 11:57 AM | Link to this
jaxdawg:
“It’s hard for me to say this, but Go Gaytors!” (emphasis added)
Er, thanks , I think!
By Father of 5
January 8, 2009 11:58 AM | Link to this
Because every week is a playoff, UF got eliminated when it lost at home to Ole Miss. OK got eliminated when it lost on a nuetral field. Utah is the only true champion — as soon as they completed a perfect season by crushing a former #1 ranked team that was “division champ” of the best conference on the planet. I also happen to believe that neither of tonight’s teams could beat USC or Texas on a nuetral field, but Utah is the only proven champ.
By TexEx
January 8, 2009 11:59 AM | Link to this
Do you think if a lot of these bowl games where maybe played 2 weeks after the conference championship games that we would have seen been different outcomes in those games? Because a month is a long time to scout a team.
By G8R GRAD
January 8, 2009 11:59 AM | Link to this
I suspect the performances of both Texas and Alabama were a result of their not wanting to be playing where and whom they were playing.
By Go Sooners
January 8, 2009 12:02 PM | Link to this
BCS=TotalJoke Great point my friend, but we are forced to have these stupid converstations about why one team is better than the other, as opposed to actually having the teams play for it.
By TexEx
January 8, 2009 12:03 PM | Link to this
To GO Sooner: So who was the best team in the Big 12 South?
By G8R GRAD
January 8, 2009 12:05 PM | Link to this
I’m out!
Good luck to both teams tonight!
Cheers!
And … . GO GATORS!
By Gator Nation
January 8, 2009 12:07 PM | Link to this
If we didn’t have this crock of &%$! called the BCS I would love to see the winner of Florida/Oklahoma play in a four team playoff with Utah, USC, and stupid ole Texas. All of those teams are worthy of consideration for the national championship.
As for tonights game.
GO GATORS!
I think the game will be very close (I would take Oklahoma and the 5 points) with Florida winning.
And when we win we will have had the best decade that any college sports program has ever had!
GO Gators
By reebok
January 8, 2009 12:11 PM | Link to this
Gators will win by 10.
Utah is the legitimate National Champ.
By The Truth
January 8, 2009 12:42 PM | Link to this
Tonight, we determine who the NATION’S BEST 1-Loss team is! Congrats to the winner.
But for my money, the Utah Utes are America’s NATIONAL CHAMPIONS. Don’t care about ‘if this’ and ‘if that’. UTAH is UNBEATEN and NOBODY else can say it.
By Peadawg
January 8, 2009 12:50 PM | Link to this
This game means as much as the International Bowl meant. Let’s all watch Florida and Oklahoma play for No. 2 in the country.
UTAH is the National Champion.
By Tim Tebow
January 8, 2009 1:00 PM | Link to this
I have been listening to G’N’R ‘s “Dont Cry Tonight” as a reminder to myself to stop shedding tears on national television.
Chuck Norris’ daughter wants to have my baby!!!
By Tim Tebow
January 8, 2009 1:02 PM | Link to this
I had Ute on my pe pe once. I went to the doctor and he gave me a shot of penicillin and told me to use a condom next time!
By Tim Tebow
January 8, 2009 1:06 PM | Link to this
Utah’s entire football team could not carry my enormous jock strap. The weight of my left testicle is what keeps Earth on its proper axis!!!
Let the streets flow with the blood of the penis’s I circumsized in the Phillipines this offseason!!!
By Supes
January 8, 2009 1:06 PM | Link to this
Any real UGA fan will NOT be rooting for FLA tonight. Simple as that. Enough of this SEC “conference” pride sh*t.
I bleed red and black and I say GO SOONERS tonight! Hope they lay the wood on FLA and I see Cryer turn 3 shades of red, his eyes popping out of his sockets mad b/c FLA is getting spanked by Sam Bradford and the Sooners.
Final Score: OU 41- FLA 31
By Atlanta Gator
January 8, 2009 1:13 PM | Link to this
Utah Utes “National Champions” & others——Utah had a fine season, but you substantially overstate your case in their favor. The Mountain West is not even close to being the best Division I football conference, and only one computer rating service even ranks Utah’s strength of schedule (“SOS”) in the top 50% of the most difficult college football schedules. Quite simply, a 12-0 regular season record in the MWC is not the equivalent of a 12-1 record (including a conference championship game) in the Big XII or SEC.
Here are the current computer rankings from Anderson & Hester, Colley Matrix, Massey Ratings and Jeff Sagarin:
Utah SOS ranked 64th, 73rd, 36th & 70th
USC SOS ranked 68th, 33rd, 20th & 38th
Florida SOS ranked 20th, 8th, 6th & 19th
Oklahoma SOS ranked 5th, 7th, 4th & 8th
Texas SOS ranked 6th, 2nd, 3rd & 10th
These SOS may differ slightly from others posted over the last week because they are the most updated SOS ratings now available (checked within the last 30 minutes).
Before you start blowing smoke again, please understand how these SOS are calculated. They include the win-loss record of the rated team, the win-loss records of the rated team’s opponents, and the win-loss records of the opponent’s opponents. Each rating service has a slightly different formulas, but I’m certain you can comprehend the concept. These SOS formulas were not designed to penalize Utah, but are objectively determined by a mechanical, unthinking computer program. Objective win-loss records in, objective SOS ratings out.
These SOS ratings are also borne out by the computer rankings of the major conferences, none of which ranks the MWC in the top four conferences. For example, Massey Ratings ranks the top 7 Division I football conferences as follows:
(1) ACC
(2) SEC
(3) Big XII
(4) Big East (!)
(5) Mountain West
(6) Pac-10
(7) Big Ten
Massey Ratings
Not one rating service ranks the MWC ahead of the SEC or Big XII. If you can find one, post it——good luck with that.
So, you say statistical SOS ratings are meaningless in this debate? Well, then, do you really believe that a 14-0 Division I-AA (FCS) record is better than a 13-1 Division I (FBS). If you believe that, there is nothing left to say; I am not talking to a rational person.
Repeating your argument over, and over, and over again, rephrasing it, restating, or writing in Latin, will not make a difference. No one——not the media pollsters, not the coaches, and not the players themselves——believes it. Thank you for playing, but I will not answer this argument again. There is nothing left to say to those who will not listen.
By Dawg44
January 8, 2009 1:20 PM | Link to this
**If anyone’s feeling down over Moreno and Staff leaving, just think “38-3”…it’ll cheer you up!
And to any DAWG fans who want to make fun of me for trying to live vicariously thru LSU’s win, KMA!!! 45-42 was bad enough! Then the nerds kick our a$$ in both women’s AND men’s hoops! Sorry, but my frail, dementia-riddled psyche can’t take much more. CLINGING TO LSU’S WIN IS ALL I’VE GOT!!!**
By father of Five wares Magic Underware
January 8, 2009 1:20 PM | Link to this
Now hold on there father of five. Utah played two decent teams all year besides Alabama; they were clearly more motivated for that game than Alabama was. Shame on Alabama. Utah wouldn’t be undefeated if they played in a tougher conference; they wouldn’t beat Florida, they wouldn’t beat Oklahoma and they wouldn’t beat USC. They are at best #4.
By Gen Neyland
January 8, 2009 1:25 PM | Link to this
Dear Utes,
Shootfire, my nephew’s 6-7 year old Midget Mighty Mites were undefeated too…Your Ute flute is out of key so quit blowing it. The big boys play tonight, so get over it…Go Gators, Go SEC.
By tjs
January 8, 2009 1:31 PM | Link to this
The SOS ratings are a joke, try making a living out of betting their ratings every week.I think USC can beat any of the teams mentioned, with Utah’s team of transplanted Californians second. FLA and OKLA have very obvious defensive weaknesses. We can all run our mouths about what would be, but until our wonderful college presidents,the bowl guru’s, and gutless atheletic directors settle on a real playoff format. College football leaves me feeling unfulfilled, and cheated out of a valid champion.Tony I have been hard on you in the past as a SEC “blowhard”, but your column above certainly is one of your best and makes sense.
By Tim Tebow
January 8, 2009 1:38 PM | Link to this
We are Sparta!
By King Gator
January 8, 2009 1:40 PM | Link to this
Dawgs celebrate touchdowns - Gators celebrate National Championships! Go Gators!
P.S. Utah needs to quit hitting the crack pipe if they think they’re #1… average conference, average out of conference schedule, no SEC or Big 12 championship game to play against a top 10 opponent and a bowl victory over a beaten up and demoralized Bama (yes, the loss to the Gators had some effect on that). Nice season Utah, now shut your piehole!
By GT student
January 8, 2009 1:41 PM | Link to this
SEC fans are insane…RC there is no point in arguing with people who are supremacists. Logic and facts will never persuade their opinion so dont even bother. All i know is the SEC was 6-6 versus the ACC 2-0 versus the MWC. They had a good bowl record though…but still the SEC had a down year. Watch the ACC next year…say what you will but I see a period like the late 90s coming about in Talahasse, Atlanta, and Blacksburg. Talent will start moving into Paul Johnson’s program just as it has been at Beamer’s and Bowden’s. Also keep an eye on UNC…who has the coach that assembled the Miami teams from the early 2000’s butch davis……….the 2001 team was the best of all time if you dont remember. I also think Clemson will thrive under dabo and BC will continue to be solid and you never know but NC state has gotten alot better under Tom OBrien. Im telling you the ACC is on the rise. But never the less im ready for the game tonight…idk who i want to win.
By Atlanta Gator
January 8, 2009 1:44 PM | Link to this
Gentlemen all——The time for smack talk has concluded. The game remains to be played by those 18 to 23 year-old young men who give their blood, sweat, tears and toil for the joy of the game and the approval of their fans. It is to the players, not the alumni and fans, to whom all glory accrues.
Never lose sight of the fact that no fan ever won or lost a football game, no fan’s career ever ended with a torn ACL, and no fan ever had to live with the might-have-beens of a dropped pass or a missed block. Regardless of who wins or loses, the fleeting glory of the moment belongs to the players of these two teams, not their fans. We fans are lucky, win or lose, to be able to share this moment with our players.
We can argue about the merits of the BCS system, but the 200+ players on the Sooners and Gators squads have earned the privilege of representing the universities of Oklahoma and Florida in this BCS title game. Take nothing away from either team. Cheer for your own team, but credit the great play of your team’s opponent. There is dignity in acknowledging the worthiness of your rivals.
Good luck to the Gators AND the Sooners, may God protect y’all from injury, and may the best team win (it usually does).
By Go Sooners
January 8, 2009 1:45 PM | Link to this
With respect to the USC Trojans (which i have alot) I don’t get how people think they should be in the same discussion as OU and FL because of their loss to Oregon St., and the PAC 10 is very weak this year. I know, I know USC killed OU in 2004 55-19, but this isn’t 2004!
By bob
January 8, 2009 1:48 PM | Link to this
WTF is an “automatic qualifier”????
By bama12titles
January 8, 2009 1:51 PM | Link to this
RC,
Some of my fellow posters on here may remember throughout the season I had posted several times about the Mountain West as a really good conference and I had noted that on top of their 6-1 record against the Pac10 this year they were also 5-0 or 6-0 against the Pac-10 last year. I’ve been thinking for awhile that if the Big East is a bcs conference then there is no reason why the MWC shouldn’t be also. And no, it didn’t taking a Utah loss for me to come to realize how underrated the MWC is.
Here’s an idea. If Boise left the WAC and joined the mwc then you would have 2 5 team divisions with several good teams and at that point a great argument for bcs status. If you could then raid a couple more good teams like perhaps Fresno State, and possibly Hawaii or maybe Fresno and a pac 10 team like WAZZU then maybe you could a good 12 team league and get a bcs slot. Just some ideas.
While you have an argument for promoting the MWC you don’t need to try to tear down the SEC to do it. As I’ve said I think the MWC is superior to the Big East but if you want to make a top to bottom comparison between the sec and the mwc over a reasonable 5 or 10 year time frame its not even close. The SEC is superior in every unbiased statistical measure.
Your assertion that the sec does not travel for big time home and home games is without merit. If you don’t believe me I’ll send you a list of big time bcs opponents every team in the sec has played since 2000. If you’re talking about traveling for the bowls its because most of the bowls are in the deep south for the weather and because we’re have tie-ins. Not a lot of choice on where you travel to for your bowl.
Lastly, congrats on the big win over us. I won’t make excuses about missing the 2 oline starters. You beat us fair and square.
But 2 points of order. Its just one game. If you really want to build a rep you have to do it over a number of big time games not just one.
Secondly, one of our most prominent players was whining in the locker room after the Fla. loss and upon learning that Utah was going to be our opponent he stated “Man, who cares. We might as well not even go down there”.
That one statement epitomizes the Bama players excitement or lack thereof over getting paired with Utah. No offense to Utah but you can’t honestly believe Alabama players were focused on playing the utes after blowing a chance to play for the whole shabang. Do you honestly think that Alabama gave you their wholehearted best shot? Probably not.
By 007 Dawg
January 8, 2009 1:54 PM | Link to this
Wrong Anthony! Sooners 44 Gayturds 38
By Go Sooners
January 8, 2009 1:55 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah, I forgot that the Pac-10 has by far the best bowl record this year.
I also forgot about that lobotomy I had before I started posting here.
By Go Sooners
January 8, 2009 1:55 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah, I forgot that the Pac-10 has by far the best bowl record this year.
I also forgot about that lobotomy I had before I started posting here.
By Tim Tebow
January 8, 2009 1:58 PM | Link to this
I am an automatic qualifier to tap your mom’s a$$
By FLA DAWG
January 8, 2009 1:59 PM | Link to this
Utah should already be crowned National Champs. They played by the rules and have gone undefeated. They won their bowl game to cap it off.
Tony’s assessment is on target in my opinion but I’m hoping Oklahoma will win this one. I always cheer for an SEC Team except Florida.
Go Sooners!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But Utah is already The National Champion Team in my book. Congratulations Utah - Great Win & Great Season!!!!!!!!!!!
By BILLY JACK
January 8, 2009 2:00 PM | Link to this
RC- THE MOUNTAIN WEST SUCKS GET OVER IT-YOUR PROBABLY BELOW THE ACC IF TRUTH BE TOLD.GEEZ GIVE IT A REST.FLA55 OK28
By WTF???
January 8, 2009 2:01 PM | Link to this
Here’s the REAL deal. Florida could go undefeated for the next 50 years & win every SEC Championship, National Title & Heisman Trophy & they still would suck monkey balls. That’s just the way it is. I hope OU gives them a beatdown, but I don’t think they can. Florida’s D is way too good, OU is gonna be in some deep sh#t by halftime.
However, I refuse to boost BCS game’s TV ratings, as I’ve not watched the first one this year. I will not watch it tonight, I’ll read about the beatdown while I’m taking my morning gator fan (aka - take a sh#t)….
By Tim Tebow
January 8, 2009 2:01 PM | Link to this
Does anybody know how to stop a bulldawg from masturbating?
You paint it’s pecker blue and orange, that way he’ll only beat it once every 7 or 8 years!!!
By leland
January 8, 2009 2:11 PM | Link to this
Dear Mr. CF—thanks for reminding me about the game tonight. I’ll be watching. It starts about eight, I think. The Lord is on our side. We’ll win for sure. Your pal, Leland
By PAC 10
January 8, 2009 2:13 PM | Link to this
How come we are never as good as the SEC or Big XII???? I mean isn’t 1 great team (USC) all you need to be considered the best??
By King Gator
January 8, 2009 2:29 PM | Link to this
Gators 38 Sooners 27! Go Gators!
By The Voice
January 8, 2009 2:31 PM | Link to this
I’m an SEC guy but not a Florida guy. Boomer Sooner tonight!!
By GatorG
January 8, 2009 2:33 PM | Link to this
Ok, ok, Utah fans. So, are you going on record that any team that finishes undefeated should be named the National Champion, no matter what their strength of schedule was, and no matter what conference they play in?
For instance, if Ball State had won its last two games, and Utah lost to Alabama, would you name Ball State the NC?
Or, do you only use this argument when it benefits you?
We’re dyin’ to know!!
By hair-lipped dog
January 8, 2009 2:39 PM | Link to this
hop the sec wins…what else can we root for? I’m still stinging.
mark mark
By King Gator
January 8, 2009 2:47 PM | Link to this
Utah Guy - pls go back to your powdered ski slopes, your eight wives, your non-alcohalic beer, the Jazz, the one cheeseburger away from a heart attack baseketball coach, the Osmands, that kidnapped blonde cellist, annoying door to door religion salesman, the Mailman’s children, “Big Love” and that sour puss Jon Stockton.
Nothing for you to see here, this is a BCS National Championship football game. Stop by Gainesville the next time your in Florida with your 23 kids on a “mission” to Disney World or my front door. We’ll let you see the trophy, maybe two after tonight.
Regards - Gator Nation!
By Utah Utes National Champs
January 8, 2009 2:47 PM | Link to this
Gator G, I realize you live in the South, and therefore you more than likely are not that smart, so rube, here is your response to that last idiotic comment.
Ball St. didnt play or beat a top 25 team all year. Their best win was Indiana. Utah beat 4. Utah beat two top 10 teams. They cocksmoked Alabama (insert excuses now).
Please SEC fans, for the love of God, stop talking. You only embarrass yourself.
By Steve
January 8, 2009 2:54 PM | Link to this
WTF is an “automatic qualifyer” I can’t agree or disagree with your rant until I understand what that is. TIA
By Consumer taste test
January 8, 2009 2:55 PM | Link to this
A Utah analogy.
RC is a tasty cola.
But the public buys much more Coke and Pepsi.
Therefore, Coke and Pepsi duke it out for the championship.
Oh, the power of advertising.
By Bull Gator
January 8, 2009 2:55 PM | Link to this
Hey Jennifer time for you to get with the present… Spurrier left Florida eight years ago. The coach at Florida is Urban Meyer.
By to WTF???
January 8, 2009 3:01 PM | Link to this
I see that you have brought your intelligence back today. Why don’t you try to converse like an adult on this thing like everyone else?
No one cares if you watch the game tonight. But true to form I am sure you will talk sh!t about it tomorrow no matter who wins!
Grow Up!!
GO GATUZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!
By GatorG
January 8, 2009 3:20 PM | Link to this
Utah Utes National Champs,
Thanks for your answer! So, what you are saying is that the quality of opponents matters, not just an undefeated record, right? To paraphrase, “Sure, they would have beat everyone they played, but look who they played!”
Excellent point! I fully agree with you!
Let us know, by the way, when you beat some teams in the top 2 or 3. In a championship game.
Thank you for playing. Goodbye.
By Anonymous
January 8, 2009 3:22 PM | Link to this
Hey, SEC fans, did you read Utah Utes National Champ’s disclosure above? He’s not a fan or alumni of the University of Utah, according to his own statement. Read what he writes. He wants to knock the worthiness of Oklahoma and, especially here, Florida. Don’t rise to the bait. He isn’t a Ute or even a Ute fan. This guy is a troll with an agenda, and it ain’t getting Utah a slice of the AP pie … it’s all about sticking it to two teams he doesn’t want to win.
Here’s a prediction: the winner of the Florida-Oklahoma will be a consensus national champion, as selected by the AP, USAToday/Coaches, and every other major poll or publication in America. So sorry, phony Utah Ute, ATL Gator had it exactly right, and you just tried to ignore him. Nice try, buddy!
By GatorG
January 8, 2009 3:23 PM | Link to this
And, by the way, Utah fans:
Ask last year’s Patriots team if there’s a difference in playing in a “doesn’t matter” game and playing in a championship game.
By SAV'H DAWG
January 8, 2009 3:41 PM | Link to this
Should be a great football game. No doubt Tebow should be remembered as top 2 or 3 college football players of all time. He raises the play of his teammates similar to that of Michael Jordan in his prime. As for the game itself. Florida has not played against a qb the quality of Bradford. Stafford stunk it up against FL. I believe the FL defense will finally be exposed against the best offense in the country. Check out the qb’s that Florida played against this year. Below avg. at best.
By bama12titles
January 8, 2009 3:44 PM | Link to this
King gator,
Your reply to utah utes national champs above was just too funny. I never knew the Osmonds were from Utah. But I don’t even think this guys if from utah. I think he’s just an sec hater and for that matter probably hates OU also.
By WTF???
January 8, 2009 3:47 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah, one more thing. I may possibly stop spewing forth my hatred of the Florida Gators if we win in Jacksonville next year. I actually kind of liked some Gator fans until this year’s beatdown….
By Les Miles
January 8, 2009 3:57 PM | Link to this
LSU IS GONNA BE BACK IN 2009
FEAR THE LESTICLES!!!
By anotherdawg
January 8, 2009 3:58 PM | Link to this
Hey Utah guy. Congradulations on a great season and a great win over Alabama. Don’t be too hard on the SEC fans. After all, the BCS left Auburn out of the big game a few years ago. Unfortunately, it will always be flawed because there is no way to be completely fair. Do you go by record alone. If so, why schedule any hard games? Why have a conferance championship game? If you go by nothing but won/loss record, a weaker conferance has a distinct advantage. They only have to get up for one or two games a year. I mean it’s hard to even beat the same team twice in one year - see “Wake Forest- Navy” or “Houston-Air Force” However, I would love to see some type of system that would allow the top teams a chance to determine a champion “on the field” instead of a “voting system”
By Otto
January 8, 2009 4:04 PM | Link to this
As a UGA fan I want every SEC team win and most of all win the title game. Until the SEC champ doesn’t win the big game they deserve to go when there is any debate.
Utah congrats on the great season but they would not have a perfect record if they played in the SEC or Big 12 every week. MWC is as good as the other BCS conferences.
By FLA DAWG
January 8, 2009 4:05 PM | Link to this
Utah played by the rules all teams play by and they won EVERY GAME. Florida lost to Ole Miss. Even if UF wins tonight Utah should be The National Champions.
But UF will likely win tonight and be given the gift of the title.
By WTF???
January 8, 2009 4:06 PM | Link to this
haha.. Sorry anotherdog, but congradulations? Damn it boy…
By to WTF???
January 8, 2009 4:17 PM | Link to this
You just got back what all you loudmouths dished up until the Jax game. UGA fans guaranteed victory. Said they would stomp a mudhole in Tebow. Said UF wasn’t tough enough. Said it wasn’t a matter of if UGA wins, but by how much. All the while, most Gator fans laid low. Then after the game, let the floodgates open.
Sorry, but you guys set yourself up every year for this with all of the preseason hype.
By WTF???
January 8, 2009 4:22 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah, my predictions for the game.
1Qtr - Tebow throws for a td, rushes for two more
Brandon Spikes delivers a hit that makes everyone think Sam Bradford is dead (see Reggie Brown vs Auburn a few years back)
2Qtr - Florida rushes for 300 yds & 3 more td’s
Brandon Spikes delivers a hit that makes Sam Bradford $hit in his pants, he comes out a series to change uniforms.
Halftime show - Jay-z does a freestyle rap about Brandon Spikes making Sam Bradford $hit in his pants, names it “$hit Heisman, you kiddin me right?”
3qtr - Tebow is talking on the phone with his pads off, Percy Harvin is taking direct snaps & running off tackle for 80 yards/carry
Brandon Spikes hits Sam Bradford again, and he $hits his pants again.
4qtr - More of the same, Orson Charles is on the sideline cuz he said he was bustin that other damn crystal football too. Tebow & Harvin leave with Jay-z. Bradford leaves holding Spikes hand & carrying his shoulder pads to the bus for him.
Final - Gators: 150, OU: 0, negative 103 yds
By WTF???
January 8, 2009 4:24 PM | Link to this
Act like a damn Gator fan ain’t the same way? Please, that is what makes SEC football what it is. The fans.
By Les Miles
January 8, 2009 4:27 PM | Link to this
I don’t know why you Gaytor and Bullpuppies argue so much. LSU OWNS the SEC. We had a down year because I had to boot that dumb a* Perrilloux off my team. But now we have our replacement. We will be back next season to take what’s rightfully ours!
Have fun fighting for 2nd place!
Sincerely,
Les “Big Lesticles” Miles
By Utah Utes National Champs
January 8, 2009 4:31 PM | Link to this
If [insert any SEC team] played in the MWC, they wouldn’t go undefeated. I said, it therefore must be true. I sort of like arguing like SEC fans. It doesn’t take brains, just a pulse. But that statement is actually supportable here — Utah crushed Alabama; and Wyoming beat Tennessee. Both on the road.
Now, please resume spewing out excuses for both losses.
Last word — let’s rearrange the order of the games played. Say OU played Tech last week, and UF played Ole Miss last week. After both losses, nobody would be talking about them as champs. Why are we now then? Reverse the order of games for Utah — we are still talking about them as champs.
Utah Utes, National Champions 2008-2009
By Utah Utes National Champs
January 8, 2009 4:31 PM | Link to this
edit my previous comment: insert Texas for Texas Tech.
By Tim Tebow
January 8, 2009 4:44 PM | Link to this
Please see my previous post.
I had a ute once on my pe pe and the doctor cured it with penicillin and told me to use a condom.
Utah could not bare the weight of my left testicle, much less the 4 qtrs of pounding they would take from me!
Utah had a fine season, and they deserve a title shot. But they do not belong above me!!!
By GatorG
January 8, 2009 4:44 PM | Link to this
Utah Utes National Champs,
You’ve already admitted that quality of opponents matters, not just an undefeated record.
So, I’ll ask you once again (since you ignored me the first time): Tell the the reasons you think Utah would beat Florida head-to-head. And don’t say, “because Utah is undefeated.” My highschool team is undefeated, too. I want to know how you think the two teams match up.
Thanks.
By Utah Utes National Champs
January 8, 2009 4:50 PM | Link to this
GatorG, I answered it before.
By Joe Pesci
January 8, 2009 4:52 PM | Link to this
Da Utes are National Champs…
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
That’s a good one!
Watch the big boys play tonight son, you might learn something.
Utes national champss, man that’s funny!
By anotherdawg
January 8, 2009 4:52 PM | Link to this
Congratulations WTF! Sorry for the typo
By John
January 8, 2009 4:53 PM | Link to this
Florida or Oklahoma would literally destroy the Utes. Utah gets the best situation they don’t have to play Florida so they can tell their many grandkids and multiple wives how they should have been nat’l champs. BS…Florida would beat them by 50.
Go Gators show em how it’s played.
By GatorG
January 8, 2009 4:55 PM | Link to this
And, remember Utah Utes National Champs, that since we don’t have a playoff (and I wish we did!), that’s exactly what the AP voters will be doing late tonight: Trying to decide in their minds whether Utah could beat Florida head-to-head.
There is nothing in the BCS or AP “system” that says undefeated teams are awarded the NC!!
By Like Last Year
January 8, 2009 5:00 PM | Link to this
The Gators will lay an egg like last year’s bowl game. After all, that is what reptiles do. Afterwards, they will crawl back into the swamp and disappear. Gator fans are good at hurling insults and tend to demean fans of the opposing school. I have yet to read a single Gator fan entry that gave the opposing team much chance of beating them. No, Gator fan, the college football world does not revolve around Florida. Sorry, but the gators will become the next edition of the swamp thing. BTW, Gator fan, please keep in perspective this is just a football game. Alligator tears just won’t cut it.
By GatorG
January 8, 2009 5:06 PM | Link to this
No, Utah Utes National Champs, you haven’t answered it.
I want you to make a case as to why Utah would beat Florida head-to-head.
If you want an example of such an analysis, go back and look at Tony’s article above. He used facts, not, “well, they beat the team that beat the team that beat the team that beat them!”
You don’t have to go into as much detail as Tony - just tell me what aspects of Utah’s team are better than Florida’s team.
Like I said, that’s exactly what the AP voters will be doing.
Go ahead - don’t be afraid!
By Lilburn Dawg
January 8, 2009 5:33 PM | Link to this
Ok 35 - Fla 27
By Sautee Dawg
January 8, 2009 5:36 PM | Link to this
Tony
Gators win this matchup on paper and on the field, Tebow probably the best team leader and manager of offense in several years, Urban Meyer coaches his own special teams so i look for them to make a big difference. Also don’t see Kirby Smart’s defence giving up the big plays that Oklahoma has been coming up with all year long. I’m guessing Gators 42- Oklahoma 20. with a couple of gator scores coming from turnovers and special teams play. Just my opinion though.
With all the Utah talk on here, didn’t Utah and their conference have a chance to join the BCS brotherhood when it first started out?
By Edugator
January 8, 2009 5:42 PM | Link to this
There seems to be a lot discontent thta Utah will not be the MNC. Let them play with the big boys and I for one will support that. Go Gators.
By DOC
January 8, 2009 5:42 PM | Link to this
UTAH should schedule a game with USC and FLORIDA in 2009. Each school is willing to cancel one of their games.
By ES
January 8, 2009 6:06 PM | Link to this
Oklahoma has no defense.Texas is the only team with somewhat of a defense in the big 12.Texas had Ark 31-3 at the half,while Fl had Ark 17-7 with 12 minutes to go in the 4th quater!Utah beat Ala alot worse than the score while Fl just barely beat Ala.Its only your opinion Tony that these are the two best teams,BTW Texas did beat Okl by double digits on a neutral field!Its what it is til we have a playoff!Its called MYTHICAL NC!PS who give NY Giants a chance in the Super Bowl last year??????Its a shame that we don’t get atrue champion and take opions out of it.Texas with some defense is better than Oklahoma with NO DEFENSE.
By ES
January 8, 2009 6:11 PM | Link to this
By DOC, Have you seen Fl’s pitiful out of conference shedule next year?Charleston Southern,Florida Atlantic,Troy.I doubt they would scedule Utah.
By westcoast techie
January 8, 2009 6:42 PM | Link to this
Who’s No. 1 and who has the best conference? One thing this bowl season demonstrated is that the ACC was way overrated and the Pac 10 was way underrated. I say this as a Yellowjacket alum. Also, the SEC and Big 12 aren’t as dominate as they would have you believe.
All of this talk about Fla, OU or Utah being No.1 (Texas was really lucky to even win their game) makes me laugh. Hands down, the best team in the country is the USC Trojans. None of the above teams would want any part of that defense. I didn’t believe it when I was going to school in Atlanta, but since I moved to the left coast I definately see an east coast bias in the media. Most east coast fans don’t stay up late enough to see the good football played out west. Just wait until the NFL draft and see how many Trojans get drafted. They are so deep they have positions where 5-star high schoolers are playing second and third string.
By DBCOOPER
January 8, 2009 11:58 PM | Link to this
UTAH IS DECLARED NATIONAL CHAMPS!!!!
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
That looked like a Florida Jersey to me!
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!