Sports Columnists

By Ignatius

March 18, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

How ‘bout them VOLS?!!!!

By mike

March 18, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this

Is it spring practice yet?

By Mike

March 18, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this

I think with Texas losing, UNC has a clear path to the final four.

By GHunt

March 18, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this

I buy into the scenario that the championship game will match Florida-Georgetown. However, I believe Georgetown will win the national crown.

By jim Herrick

March 19, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this

Hey the Dogs are in the NIT!!!! And so are the Noles!!!! Yea and Whoopee!!!

By Gatorboy

March 19, 2007 12:52 AM | Link to this

If the Gators meet OSU in the finals, the score is going to be 41-14 !!!!

By Murph

March 19, 2007 4:58 AM | Link to this

I’m surprised that everyone is so enamored with Georgetown. North Carolina has the deepest team in the tournament, and the Hoyas have to get past them. They are very young (one senior with significant playing time; eleven players who are freshmen or sophomores in their top 13), but if they can maintain their peak level of intensity for a full 40 minutes, NOBODY—and I mean Florida, Georgetown, Kansas or Ohio State (who they’ve already beaten once)—can play with them.

I think Georgetown doesn’t make it past the Heels. Neither does Ohio State. The Gators get taken out by Kansas in the Final Four, and that sets up Roy Williams and his alma mater versus Bill Self and Roy’s former team.

Interesting?

Heck, yeah. It’s March Madness!

By Bill H

March 19, 2007 8:03 AM | Link to this

What would 32-3 Memphis have to do to get mentioned in the Atlanta fish wrapper? For 2 years running, they have been the dominant team in the south and the nation.

By JSS

March 19, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this

Hey Murph, the simple fact is that Carolina can not shot beyond 8 feet. They are a another GT collapse waiting to happen. I love big Big Byron through, he’s not Danny Ferry or the Big Overrated C. Laettnar. For all of you drinking the Kansas “Kool-aid” jump off that bandwagon quick… They finally finally meet a extend and defend team this week. Bill H, don’t sweat it man, slide under the radar, I have you penciled for a Zone 3 Party Saturday after next. If was not for that stupid Vandy I would have 600 points in the Tourney Challenge…

By Debra Thompson

March 19, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this

NOBODY IS TALKING ABOUT MY MEMPHIS TIGERS. THOSE KIDS ARE “THE TRUTH”

By Debra Thompson

March 19, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this

NOBODY IS TALKING ABOUT MY MEMPHIS TIGERS. THOSE KIDS ARE “THE TRUTH”

By Debra Thompson

March 19, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this

NOBODY IS TALKING ABOUT MY MEMPHIS TIGERS. THOSE KIDS ARE “THE TRUTH”

By sirrom

March 19, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this

Well, Vandy continues to be underestimated. We like that just fine. G’town remembers that they beat us the first game of the season. What they don’t know is this team is not the one they played earlier. They’ve forgotten that we beat them in their house last year, too. Sure we’ve messed up a lot of folk’s brackets but even more will be messed up after this weekend. BTW, that was a very good Washington State team that we just beat. They deserved their #3 seed. As for JSS, stupid and Vandy don’t go together in the same sentance. When someone says that they are the one that ends up being stupid.

By Matt

March 19, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this

SEC teams in tourney: 7-2; ACC teams in tourney: 6-6. Last year, SEC had Florida and LSU in the final four, and Florida won. When will the media (AJC included) admit that now the SEC is the best basketball conference, even better than the “beloved” ACC?

By bali

March 19, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

thanks for the comments concerning the sweet 16. very informative. also thanks for another frustrating year trying to create the perfect bracket in my quest to win the final four contest…………… maybe next year.

By JSS

March 19, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

S-t-u-p-i-d Vanderbilt!!! Congrads on finally showing up for more than ONE big game this year! That is my last word on the subject of the Cumberland River sailing club… See you on the Antioch Off-ramp, and get a new tin cup ;-) I just hated seeing the only lose of the ledger, smoke that Epilet…

By Scott

March 19, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

Hey Matt….relax. 2005 - North Carolina national champions. When will you remember a college basketball season more than a year old? Want to go back 10 years… SEC 2 Champs, ACC 3 Want to go back further? I’m sure it gets worse for the SEC…

By Matt

March 19, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this

Yeah, wins over Florida, twice over Kentucky, Tennessee, #3 seeded WSU in the tournament, second place in the stacked SEC East - Vandy hasn’t shown up for anything this year. JSS, you’re the definition of stupid - which is why you probably work for a Vandy grad.

By steve

March 19, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

Hey Debra, I’ve got Florida v. Memphis in final game. Florida prevails 78-73 in overtime.

By JSS

March 19, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

Matt, no one asked you to jump in to this but you did… I don’t care what conferenece, RPI, or what ya daddy’s did… That is why they call it a tournament… The only thing I care about is that ESPN and Bradley know where to send my hardware after Championship Monday… Now go back to having those regional turf wars with someone who actually cares what you think… Leave me out of it…

By GT Baby!!!

March 19, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

Just like Georgia Bulldog fans to talk about Football.Yes I agree UGA sucks

By Bulldog

March 19, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

Hey GT Baby!!! - and the Georgia Tech basketball team is sitting around the TV with Reg gie smoking and watching the good teams play.

By Matt

March 19, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

Fellas, notice that I said “now” in my comment. Maybe the SEC should have gotten more than 5 teams is all that I am saying…I think that they should at least get 6 like most major conferences.

By Vandy Nattie

March 19, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

JSS With your every comment about THE Vanderbilt University ,you display your ignorance. What year were you turned down for admittance?

By Don-Watkinsville

March 19, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

Gotta dig out “Hoosiers” from the VHS tapes. Butler versus Florida. Only thing missing is Gene Hackman in a lead role. Otherwise, it might blow your mind on similarities.

By Don-Watkinsville

March 19, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

Gotta dig out “Hoosiers” from the VHS tapes. Butler versus Florida. Only thing missing is Gene Hackman in a lead role. Otherwise, it might blow your mind on similarities.

By SouthGaRebel

March 19, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

Are you idiot sportswriters ever going to give the SEC its due? We put two teams in the Final Four this year and won the whole thing and we’ll put two teams in there again this year. Does the crow taste so good that y’all enjoy eating it?

By Edgar

March 19, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

The two teams I like are in the same bracket, Vandy and Memphis. The wild card of course is also in t6he same bracket and that’s Roy Williams team. I don’t see too many blowouts left from this lot of 16. They’re the best I’ve seen in a long time.

By m.m freak

March 19, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

ive read some comments on this page and i can understand the prediction of UNC going to the final four.. but in the south, ohio state. texas a.m memphis. and murph? was it? is saying kansas is gonna make it to the final four? kansas chokes. they ve been choking for a while. what makes u think they ll change now

i love arguing. man march madness is awesome

By JSS

March 19, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

All of you VANDY fans can K-I-S-S my 99.6%, 580 pts in my bracket BIG BLACK BEHIND (|) !!! I normally root for the little guy, but I wouldn’t pull for you unimaginative bunch crooks to save my own life… I can’t believe I actually told Eric Reid that Vandy would be a good place for him to go… No wonder he never improved to the next level…

By Big Jon and Taylor

March 19, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

What about Maryland? We picked them to destroy Butler

By James Adams

March 19, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

Dear Scott,

The SEC is now superior in all sports. This years NCAA tournament has only soilified that fact. I only wish you ACC apologists would look ever FARTHER back than 10 years. Since 1994…SEC 4, ACC 3. Oops, hate to bring up facts. Also, before you throw out ‘inettigence’, or ‘graduation rates’ let me offer up this little chant. “Thats alright, that’s OK, your wives will sleep with us someday”

p.s. Rick Barnes is a moron

By James Adams

March 19, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

I misspelled intelligence in the last post, I apologize.

By UF Wins

March 19, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

If Memphis was so dominant, they might make it to an occasional Final 4. They have tremendous athletes who can run with anybody and can get very hot shooting. They can get cold too. They look great against UAB, Southern Miss, Houston, Marshall… you get the idea. Remember Cincinnati in the 90’s? Same M.O. Don’t think they ever made a Final 4.

As for the strength of the SEC… I think some of you SEC fans (and i am one) are smoking some good stuff. This conference is horrible this year. I don’t think Arkansas should have been in the tournament. It has one really good team, 3 pretty good teams, and 8 average or worse teams including a couple of MAJOR underachievers. I think they threw Arkansas in there for sympathy. LSU and Alabama really blew it this year. (and i know that Alabama’s PG was injured, but come on). Maybe they end up having a couple of the best team in the country, but top to bottom, they don’t even come close to the Big East, ACC, and probably Pac-10.

It hurts me to accept that the SEC is not even close to the top conference in ANYTHING. But “it is what it is”.

Go Gators!

By Gus

March 19, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this

Vanderbilt just keeps on winning, just to spite you. Picking GW and WSU over Vanderbilt did nothing to bolster your “expertise.” What does Vanderbilt have to do to get any consideration? Heck, what do other SEC schools have to do to get any any respect from you?

By James Adams

March 19, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

I misspelled a lot of things. I still hope you guys get the point. Typical Florida fan. You guys aren’t even Southerners anyway. Enjoy your Jimmy Buffett concerts and denim shorts.

By antoine carr

March 19, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

UT will beat FLA to win in all. SEC is the BEST conference in the nation. VOLS are the only team w the atheltes to steal one from FLA whne it matters most. Bradley give some respect to UT

By UF Wins

March 19, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

I got a question for you…

Regarding the fact that most higher seeded teams have advanced.

Do you think maybe the selection committee just go the seeding correct?

I mean, you could still make an argument for parity… this is one of the best overall tournaments I’ve ever seen. Great competition. Only a few blowouts in the 1st round. Only 2 double-digit seeds advancing past the 1st round and none to the Sweet 16.

Just an observation that this could be one of the greatest tournaments ever. It is shaping up that way.

By UF Wins

March 19, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

James, where would the SEC be without Florida?

I guess UGA would have a few less losses.

My point was merely that the SEC is not a top tier conference this year. Typical that you have to get defensive and mildly abusive. That’s what I’ve grown to expect from living in Atlanta.

jacka$$

By Buck Strickland

March 19, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

UF wins… the only reason I pull for UF or any SEC school other than mine is to boost the strength of our conference. If I’m reading you correctly you’re saying UF is a strong team in a weak conference? ACC stinks, big eleven even worse. Thanks for making it even easier for me to root against the gators. This is why everyone hates the gators. You are what you are.

Also, last years tourney was much better… until the final four blowouts.

By JSS

March 19, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

The Huggins coached, Van Exel led U of C 91-92 team went to the Final Four.

By Bill H

March 19, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

Hey UF Wins: Memphis lost to UCLA in the Championship Game when Bill Walton was a senior, so yes, Memphis made it to a Final 4.

By James Adams

March 19, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

Dear UF Wins,

Im wasn't defensive at all, just stating facts. I have many friends who are UF graduates, and you people are the most obnoxious fans in the world. Unlike UT, Georgia Tech and Boston Red Sox fans, you guys have a right to be. My problem is, and it seems to be Universal with you guys, you have no conference loyalty. Where Kentucky, UT, Vandy, you name it, their fans usually root for Florida, or whomever it is playing against another conferences teams. Coming from a Carpetbagger state, however,I understand. Please don't talk about me living in the past either, the South deserved to lose the War. Its just a fact. By the way, when Urban Meyer gets 'his' people to run that girly offense, we'll see how they do. So before you call me another name, know that I am rooting for the Gators, Vandy, and UT. You low life moron.

By JSS

March 19, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

Memphis also made it with Don Sutton look-a-like Dana Kirk’s team led by one of Billy Packard’s 5 great hype players: Keith Lee…

The List of 5 great hype players created by BP are: Sam Bowie - UK Mel Turpin - UK Keith Lee - Memphis Danny Ferry - Duke and Byrant “Big Country” Reeves

By James Adams

March 19, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

damn. Im still hungover from Saturday.

By James Adams

March 19, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

Sam Bowie was a good college player. And I would have taken Big Country over Eric Albatross…..errrr….Montross any day of the week. Other than Fairy, more ACC bias from Packer.

By UF Wins

March 19, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

Good God! Can I not have an opinion without being ridiculed? Do you think it is impossible for the SEC to NOT be the best in every sport, EVERY year?

I thought a discussion could ensue, but you rosy-glasses-wearing-optimists make it impossible. The SEC is not the best basketball conference this year. Period. (I think they definitely were last year) If it were, Florida wouldn’t have run roughshod through the season until it clinched the title. Vandy has great potential, but is VERY inconsistent. Tennessee has great athletes and perimeter game which is the Gator’s biggest weakness (peremeter defense). That’s why they can consistently run with them. Kentucky? Arkansas? Please!

It’s called reason. Try it sometime. It comes across much more intelligently than insults.

Florida can be beat, but only by a team with great guard play. Kansas, Oregon, Tennessee, Memphis (on a good day) maybe Texas A&M are the only ones IN MY OPINION. I think Ohio State is bounced by Tennessee. At least i hope so as I DO always pull for the SEC.

Gotta go, my wife beater is starting to get dirty after 3 days. And i need to go polish my gold chain, bracelet, and hoop earring.

By UF Wins

March 19, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

I’ll reneg my Cincy claim. (which i said “I think” they never made it to a Final 4). Good work. Thanks for not bringing up Oscar Robertson, as i was trying to be topical (current or recent).

As for Memphis… again, being topical. I’m talking about their team now. Someone claimed they were have been the dominant team in the South. That’s just laughable. Definitely good, but not definititively dominant.

By UF Wins

March 19, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

JSS,

Does “Great Hype” mean that they just didn’t pan out in the pros? because they were all pretty darn good college players, in my opinion. but i bet that is what he was getting at. Bowie has to top the list for being drafted before MJ!

By nate

March 19, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

The sweet 16 presents some interesting storey lines and scenario’s as for as match-ups in the elite 8, final four and championship. first, in the West Region, Kansas and UCLA, two storied programs with rich traditions meeting for a trip to Atlanta. Second, in the South Region, Tennessee and Memphis meeting for the battle of Tennessee, which would be A first in the tournament for a trip to Atlanta. Third, in the East Region, UNC and Georgetown can renew their vows from the 1982 finals that featured some players that turned out to become great pros. Fourth, in the Midwest Region, Lon Kruger can face his old college team (Florida) for a trip to Atlanta where he once coached the Atlanta Hawks. Talk about redemption. And finally, this would be NCAA history, someone correct me if I’m wrong. But Florida and Ohio State could meet for the National Championship in Atlanta. This would be the first time that two universities will play for the National Championship in two different sports (Football and Basketball) in the same year (2007). No big deal, but INTERESTING!!!

By nate

March 19, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

One more storey line and scenario. Kansas vs UNC for the title. (Roy Williams) need I say more.

By Buck Strickland

March 19, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

UF - nobody’s ridiculing you or asking you to not have an opinion. You just come off as being very conceited - basically a Gator snob. Where would the SEC be without the gators you ask? Maybe you should run off and join another conference if this one isn’t tough enough. Without bama and uga, UF would have A LOT less losses. Enjoy it while it lasts buddy.

By Johnny Prescott

March 19, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

Did this article have a point?

By UF Wins

March 19, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

If this is intended for you, you will know it. if you don’t know what I’m talking about, don’t be offended.

If you choose not to understand the context of what I am saying (basically that I was replying to a slap by another poster), then i can’t really respond to your retort effectively.

And, Gator Snob? Hilarious. I lived through the 70’s and 80’s. I guess Georgia fans were just gracious and humble. Think again. If you think about it, opinion of ones fans generally has a lot to do with overall perception of the success, or lack thereof. Example: I grew up hating Miami fans in the 80’s. Another example: Does anyone really dislike Vanderbilt fans? Florida is the premier sports program… if not in the nation, then certainly in the conference. I WILL enjoy it while it lasts… PAL.

I’ll at least say I’m impressed that I didn’t read “Gaytor” or “Gayturd” from anyone today. That’s usually what I end up reading.

In general, some still can’t handle opinions that don’t represent your own, though. I would have loved if someone would have actually discussed my initial post that the SEC is not a good basketball conference this year. instead i got… (paraphrased) “You typical Gator fan! That’s why the SEC hates you! Go join a different conference! I normally pull for the SEC, but i DEFINITELY hope Florida loses now! How dare you feel that the SEC is not all-powerful in every sport!! (and my personal favorite) You’re not a southerner anyway!!”

Enjoy sports without being a d!ck. My UGA friends don’t feel the same as you do about me.

GO GATORS!!!!!!!!! GO SEC (all of it)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Another Gator

March 19, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

Hey Buck,

45-37 (53.6% of games won by UGA)

That’s the UGA-UF record. This series advantage that Georgia fans hold onto so dearly is getting pretty close. Have you thought that in a decade, if the status quo holds true, we could be all tied up… or worse…. UGA might not have the lead?

15 of 17 ate up a good chunk of it. Enjoy that lead while it lasts, buddy.

And Alabama is 20-13 (.613). 50 fewer games and the margin is almost the same. That’s domination.

By Matt

March 19, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this

Continuing with statistics, I think it’s a well-known fact that 78% of Florida Gator students, alumni and fans wear jean-shorts, 67% have mullets and 50% have both.

By Kenneth Noteboom

March 19, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

GO ‘DORES So you don’t know how Vandy can hang with “beef Georgetown”? Maybe you think those beefy guys will be guarding the 3 point line instead of the base line. Bombs Away! Vandy led against Florida (your num 1) for 1.5 games this year. Do you think Georgetown could have gone 2.0 against the Gators? —- To end with, the ACC has shown just how weak their conference really was this year.

By rsb

March 19, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this

why is the BIG 12 better than the ACC,really they sure have 7 teams from the big 12 than the acc, because the big 12 has better teams

By Brian H

March 19, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this

Thank you for picking Long Beach St in the first round. After the Vols hung 121 on them, don’t you feel stupid?

By James Adams

March 20, 2007 12:41 AM | Link to this

This is a serious question. Why does it feel like being an obnoxious Florida fan is like owning a ‘compensation’ car? They constantly talk about how dominant they are now and how they feel they are above the SEC. I think Ive come to realize why. They are the dorky, denim short wearing, bathed-in-Stetson-cologne, rum drinking kid in high school and college who got picked on and got the crap kicked out of him in the 70’s and 80’s. Then Mommy remarried a rich man (Steve Spurrier), and all of a sudden they think money (recent wins), has made them ‘cool’. They never want to bring up Galen Hall or Charley Pell or Georgia ending Emmitt Smith’s Heisman chances every year. They stand out in the lawn screaming about how great they are from the top of their cameros, while the UGA graduate is showing the guys wife what a real man is. One more thing. When Urban Meyer finally gets his ‘people’ in , to play his girly offense, we’ll see about mr. Meyer. Florida fans were to drunk on Pina Coladas in the second half of the Georgia games the last two years to see Urban Meyer’s expressions on the sidelines. Whenever it would show his face, you could read the,”Thank God we built a big lead early because I am SO getting outcoached by a real man”, look on his face. Tim Tebow is a joke. UF Fan, what part of Long Island did you grow up in, seriously?