Nearing two decades of watching sports, the one thing I've learned is to expect the unexpected. Although it should come as a surprise, Coach Mike Leach's firing from Texas Tech was not a surprise at all. What does surprise me, however, is the brevity of Texas Tech's investigation of the situation involving Leach and wide receiver Adam James.
First of all, I will be the first to readily admit I don't have all the factual knowledge of what happened. ESPN anaylst Trevor Mattich stated that the internet has said Leach trapped James in a shed-like compartment, and used someone to stand guard on the outside to make sure he couldn't escape. This seems to be a problem to me because if the entire team witnesses a teammate being treated in this manner, wouldn't the entire team have stood up on his behalf? A couple of players were outspoken in the fact that they were relieved to hear of Leach's termination. The question I pose is if a "teammate" and "brother" is treated in this manner, and they witnessed this atrocity, why didn't either of you step up to the plate in his defense? If played football and I saw a teammate being abused, I'd man up and say something.
Personally, I feel Texas Tech wanted to be off the hook concerning Leach's contract. ESPN reported that had he remained the coach on Dec. 31, he would've been owed an additional $800,000. I do think the relationship between Leach and the administration had reached a breaking point. The school knew they needed a good reason to fire him. They suspected Leach wouldn't be fielding a 4-8 team anytime soon. So, they had to find something to nail him with.
I find it hard to believe a coach who's won over 80 games in 10 years,and has battled with big dogs Texas and Oklahoma wasn't given the benefit of the doubt in this situation. The fact that the school failed to stand by him is further proof that this had more to do with his contract than anything else. Had I been in the administration's shoes, I would've appointed a committee of 8-12 people to interview every single player, manager, coach, and trainers. I would've told them to make out a detailed report with transcipts from every interview, statistics of those who saw nothing out of the ordinary, and statistics of those who saw something unusual. I would've wanted them to work as quickly as possible, but accuracy of the report is what mattered. I wouldnt've cared if the report had taken one week, two weeks, one month, or two months.
It's because of Leach that I'm a fan of Texas Tech football. Although I'm not as big of a Tech fan as I am of Florida, I still enjoyed watching "the mad scientist" roam the sidelines. It's interesting to note that a majority of the Techf ans on espn.go.com are in full support of Leach. Some fans are posting that the journalists in Dallas have reported that a majority of the players are in favor of Leach, and ESPN simply got a couple of quotes from a few of the players that wanted him gone. It'll be interesting to see who Tech gets as the new coach, if James remains on the team, and if Texas Tech football has been set back a decade with this awful, brash decision.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
ESPN...They've Done It Again
As Dr. Bellows put it on I Dream of Jeannie: "He's (Major Anthony Nelson) done it to me again." Well, ESPN has done it again. Once again, ESPN has decided to invade someone's property, and for the life of me, I just can't figure out why. To improve the Nielsen ratings? To make a quick buck or two?
ESPN felt it was their place to air Shelley Meyer's, Florida head coach Urban Meyer's wife, phone call to paramedics after he collapsed. Why force their family to relive something of this magnitude. His wife sounded terrified, and rightfully so. I understand ESPN has a job to do in terms of reporting and getting news out. It's their job to report Meyer had been admitted to the hospital. However, they were completely out of line airing the 9-1-1 call, and providing a transcript with it.
You'd think ESPN would be more sensitive to invasion of privacy after ESPN reporter Erin Andrews had her privacy violated when some jerk videotaped her without her consent. They're no better than those crazy tabloid reporters or Kevin Scarbinsky and the other biased Birmingham sports writers for that matter. Anything that gets ratings or a profit.
Believe me, I know this isn't the first time this has happened. ESPN has a track record of this. They did the same thing when Elin Nordegren called paramedics after her mother collasped. They aired her taped phone to paramedics and provided a transcript in case viewers couldn't hear a particular word or sentence. This is only one of many reasons I'm disguisted with ESPN, the alleged "Worldwide leader in sports".
ESPN felt it was their place to air Shelley Meyer's, Florida head coach Urban Meyer's wife, phone call to paramedics after he collapsed. Why force their family to relive something of this magnitude. His wife sounded terrified, and rightfully so. I understand ESPN has a job to do in terms of reporting and getting news out. It's their job to report Meyer had been admitted to the hospital. However, they were completely out of line airing the 9-1-1 call, and providing a transcript with it.
You'd think ESPN would be more sensitive to invasion of privacy after ESPN reporter Erin Andrews had her privacy violated when some jerk videotaped her without her consent. They're no better than those crazy tabloid reporters or Kevin Scarbinsky and the other biased Birmingham sports writers for that matter. Anything that gets ratings or a profit.
Believe me, I know this isn't the first time this has happened. ESPN has a track record of this. They did the same thing when Elin Nordegren called paramedics after her mother collasped. They aired her taped phone to paramedics and provided a transcript in case viewers couldn't hear a particular word or sentence. This is only one of many reasons I'm disguisted with ESPN, the alleged "Worldwide leader in sports".
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Sweet Home Alabama...Where the Skies are so Gray
A few years ago, I remember watching the WWF/WWE and listening to "Good 'Ol J.R." Jim Ross and others constantly refer to Kane (a wrestler in the WWE) as sick, twisted, and demented. Well, these terms now describes someone else or should I say a group of people...Alabama Crimson Tide football fans.
Never in my life have I heard as much classless rhetoric from a bunch of yokels in all of my life. I'm referring to their comments concerning Urban Meyer's resignation as the University of Florida football coach yesterday. Their shots are simply cruel and uncalled for. Meyer has a wife and three kids to think about. I wanted him to be the coach as much as the next fan, but I can certainly understand quitting and putting family first. It seems like no one around these parts (in the state of Alabama) has a concept of family first. Now, I know for a fact football in the state of Alabama is a religion and God takes a back seat to Alabama football (sad, but true).
The sportswriters such as Kevin Scarbinsky riling the fans up looks awfully familar. I'm talking about former Alabama governor George Corley Wallace making his infamous "Segregation now, tomorow, and forever" speech at the University of Alabama in 1963 to a roar of thunderous cheers and applauses. Granted, the context and timeframe are different, but the coldness and bitterness remains. Back in 1963, Alabama fans could've cared less about integration. They had "Bear" Bryant whipping teams every Saturday and adding to his folklore in the state. Fast forward to 2009, Alabama fans don't give a damn about a coach resigning due to health concerns. My point is Alabama fans simply don't give a damn about anything, but football. If they didn't care about integration, why in the world would they care about a man's life. It's so sad that football is the only thing that they care about. They don't care about Meyer's life being in danger if he continued on. They wouldnt've cared if the stress had gotten to him and killled him. They wouldnt've cared if his wife, two daughters, and son would've been left without a husband, father, and provider. These psychotic fans don't even care about the economy being in the worst shape since the Great Depression. Hearing sad things like this will put things in perspective. That's why I agreed with Tim Tebow after the team's loss in the SEC Championship game. He said as much as the loss hurt, football was not the most important thing. Try telling that to this group, Tebow.
The same classless fans who mocked Tebow for crying after losing, are now mocking Meyer for resigning. People seem to think Florida will be this terrible 4-8 team next year with the talent they're losing. These fans have said he's leaving because Tebow and Co. will be gone, and his fear of Nick Saban. That's absolutely ridiculous.
I should thank you Alabama fans for something, though. I seriously underestimated your coldness and thoughtlessness. I remember my mother talking about how bad Alabama fans were. I never believed her. I even defended the Alabama fans. I thought she somehow misinterpreted their behavior. I felt bad when the NCAA posed sanctions in 1993, and again from 2002-2003. I really felt bad for the program. I had no problem pulling for Alabama because my brother and father are die hard fans. But now, I see the true colors of these Alabama fans. I will never, ever pull for Alabama ever again. My disdain for Alabama now exceeds any disdain I have for Florida's rivals: Florida State, Tennessee, Georgia, and Miami. Yes, Georgia did the "Gator Stomp" two years ago. Yes, Florida State has danced on Florida's "F" at the 50 yard line at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Yes, Tennessee has been given games over Florida thanks to poor officiating (2004). Yes, Miami talks a ton of trash whenver they play the Gators. While I may not speak on behalf of these teams often, I've never heard their fan bases show the lack of class by ridiculing a coach who resigns due to an illness. I suppose these same Bama fans mocked the late Terry Hoeppner (former head coach at Indiana) as he courageously battled his brain cancer or (former walk-on quarterback at Florida) Michael Guilford for tragically dying in a motorcycle accident. I don't have an issue with the players or coaches, but I despise what Alabama football means to these fans.
By the way, I know and understand that all Alabama fans are not so arrogant and hideous. To those who are honorable, decent human beings, please disregard yourselves from this little diatribe. It's those deplorable, vile, pathetic freeloading bumpkins that I am referring to. I will laugh when (not if) Alabama gets caught cheating. This time the NCAA won't be so generous. Knock, knock. Who's there? Death penalty. Death penalty who? Death penalty on Alabama's program.
Never in my life have I heard as much classless rhetoric from a bunch of yokels in all of my life. I'm referring to their comments concerning Urban Meyer's resignation as the University of Florida football coach yesterday. Their shots are simply cruel and uncalled for. Meyer has a wife and three kids to think about. I wanted him to be the coach as much as the next fan, but I can certainly understand quitting and putting family first. It seems like no one around these parts (in the state of Alabama) has a concept of family first. Now, I know for a fact football in the state of Alabama is a religion and God takes a back seat to Alabama football (sad, but true).
The sportswriters such as Kevin Scarbinsky riling the fans up looks awfully familar. I'm talking about former Alabama governor George Corley Wallace making his infamous "Segregation now, tomorow, and forever" speech at the University of Alabama in 1963 to a roar of thunderous cheers and applauses. Granted, the context and timeframe are different, but the coldness and bitterness remains. Back in 1963, Alabama fans could've cared less about integration. They had "Bear" Bryant whipping teams every Saturday and adding to his folklore in the state. Fast forward to 2009, Alabama fans don't give a damn about a coach resigning due to health concerns. My point is Alabama fans simply don't give a damn about anything, but football. If they didn't care about integration, why in the world would they care about a man's life. It's so sad that football is the only thing that they care about. They don't care about Meyer's life being in danger if he continued on. They wouldnt've cared if the stress had gotten to him and killled him. They wouldnt've cared if his wife, two daughters, and son would've been left without a husband, father, and provider. These psychotic fans don't even care about the economy being in the worst shape since the Great Depression. Hearing sad things like this will put things in perspective. That's why I agreed with Tim Tebow after the team's loss in the SEC Championship game. He said as much as the loss hurt, football was not the most important thing. Try telling that to this group, Tebow.
The same classless fans who mocked Tebow for crying after losing, are now mocking Meyer for resigning. People seem to think Florida will be this terrible 4-8 team next year with the talent they're losing. These fans have said he's leaving because Tebow and Co. will be gone, and his fear of Nick Saban. That's absolutely ridiculous.
I should thank you Alabama fans for something, though. I seriously underestimated your coldness and thoughtlessness. I remember my mother talking about how bad Alabama fans were. I never believed her. I even defended the Alabama fans. I thought she somehow misinterpreted their behavior. I felt bad when the NCAA posed sanctions in 1993, and again from 2002-2003. I really felt bad for the program. I had no problem pulling for Alabama because my brother and father are die hard fans. But now, I see the true colors of these Alabama fans. I will never, ever pull for Alabama ever again. My disdain for Alabama now exceeds any disdain I have for Florida's rivals: Florida State, Tennessee, Georgia, and Miami. Yes, Georgia did the "Gator Stomp" two years ago. Yes, Florida State has danced on Florida's "F" at the 50 yard line at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Yes, Tennessee has been given games over Florida thanks to poor officiating (2004). Yes, Miami talks a ton of trash whenver they play the Gators. While I may not speak on behalf of these teams often, I've never heard their fan bases show the lack of class by ridiculing a coach who resigns due to an illness. I suppose these same Bama fans mocked the late Terry Hoeppner (former head coach at Indiana) as he courageously battled his brain cancer or (former walk-on quarterback at Florida) Michael Guilford for tragically dying in a motorcycle accident. I don't have an issue with the players or coaches, but I despise what Alabama football means to these fans.
By the way, I know and understand that all Alabama fans are not so arrogant and hideous. To those who are honorable, decent human beings, please disregard yourselves from this little diatribe. It's those deplorable, vile, pathetic freeloading bumpkins that I am referring to. I will laugh when (not if) Alabama gets caught cheating. This time the NCAA won't be so generous. Knock, knock. Who's there? Death penalty. Death penalty who? Death penalty on Alabama's program.
The Shock Heard 'Round The World
Yesterday, I learned that Urban Meyer, the head coach of my beloved Florida Gators, is retiring due to health concerns. First of all, let me thank Coach Meyer for everything is has done for the Gator program. He took a terrible program and turned it into gold with two national championships in five years.
As far as his decision is concerned, I agree with it 100 %. I'm not like some of these crazy Alabama fans (read the post on this later on today) who have nothing else better to do than to cheer for my team and poke fun at others. Meyer is a young guy (45) who has a wife and three kids. His health is top priority. He needs to make sure he is around to give his daughters away at their weddings and watch them grow up as adults. Tim Tebow said it best after the loss to Alabama a few weeks ago that despite the pain, football isn't everything. I've read that stress has played a great deal into his health. I would love for him to take as much time as he needs to recouperate.
Now, as far as his replacement is concerned. The guys I would love for the Gators to target as the new head coach are Steve Spurrier (South Carolina), Dan Mullen (Mississippi State), Charlie Strong (Louisville), and Kyle Whittingham (Utah).
Steve Spurrier's name is on the list for all the obvious reasons. He coached the Gators from 1990-2001, led them to six SEC Championships, a national championship, and coached a Heisman trophy winner. He might be a nice fit to coach at his alma mater a few years while Urban Meyer rests for a few years. Spurrier could retire with his family in Gainesville after retiring. He's already on record for saying he wants to coach maybe five more years. Plus, I think he'd welcome the opportunity to get back to Atlanta to contend for SEC championships and get another national championship to go with his 1996 national championship ring.
Dan Mullen is a strong possibillity because of his ties with Florida and Meyer. He was the offensive coordinator at Florida from 2005-2008, he won a pair of national championships with the team, coached a Heisman trophy winner, and coached a lot of the players on the roster. Also, he was Meyer's quarterbacks coach at Utah from 2002-2004 and at Bowling Green from 2001-2002.
Charlie Strong is a guy I'm not so sure about. Don't get me wrong. He has the stuff to succeed and pick up where Meyer left off. However, would he want to renege on a Louisville program that gave him his first coach opportunity just three weeks ago? Like Mullen, Strong's hire would ease the pain of losing Meyer due to his familiarty with the players. And also like Mullen, Strong has coached two national championship teams at Florida. His recruiting ties would remain strong as he's recruited several kids in Florida's 2010 class. In addition, Strong might have stronger ties to Florida than any other candidate, except Steve Spurrier. He served as a grad assistant at UF from 1983-1984, outside linebackers coach from 1988-1989, assistant head coach/defensive tackles coach from 1991-1994, and defensive coordinator from 2002-2009.
Kyle Whittingham could be seen as a curveball. Florida has already gone the Utah route to find a head coach once (with Meyer) and could catch ligtning in a bottle twice with the hiring of Whittingham. Whittingham served as the defensive coordinator under Meyer at Utah from 2002-2004. His team runs the same spread-style offense Florida runs. He coached an undefeated team last year that upset heavily favored Alabama in the 2009 Allstate Sugar Bowl. He's got the credentials, but would Florida Athletic Director Jeremy Foley pull the trigger?
Foley struck out with Zook as he made a quick decision following Spurrier's abrupt departure from UF in January 2002. Obviously, things are different this time around, but who will be the right man for the job. I feel the aforementioned candidates are strong candidates for the job. A couple of dark horse candidates for the job could be Oklahoma's Bob Stoops and Boise State's Chris Petersen.
Stoops was beaten by Meyer in last year's national championship game, and has seen Florida's program skyrocket with Meyer at the helm. With mounting displeasure about his team flopping in big games (2004 National Championship, 2005 National Championship, 2007 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, 2008 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, and 2009 BCS National Championship Game), would a change of scenery to the Sunshine State sway the former Florida defensive coordinator to return to the school he once coached at?
Chris Petersen is another interesting choice. Like Meyer, Petersen is a big fish in a small pond at Boise State. Petersen says he's committed to Boise State, but if Foley came a calling, would the allure of national championships and millions of dollars be too much to pass up? Stay tuned.
Lastly, I would like to reiterate my gratitude for what Meyer has done for Florida's program. He's turned Florida into a national powerhouse in a great conference like the SEC. (Note to the sadistic Bama fans: Meyer wins championships in the 21st century. Your "Bear" Bryant took advantage of hatred and racism to dominate a restricted conference 40 years ago. The "Bear" is dead...deal with it.) I would also like to thank the other assistants, Meyer's family, and the assistants' familes as well for allowing them to spend countless hours with the team instead of being at home. Meyer sacrificed so much to this program. He certainly shouldn't have been expected to sacrifice his life for the team. Coach Meyer and his family will remain in my prayers. Godspeed Coach Meyer and a job well done.
As far as his decision is concerned, I agree with it 100 %. I'm not like some of these crazy Alabama fans (read the post on this later on today) who have nothing else better to do than to cheer for my team and poke fun at others. Meyer is a young guy (45) who has a wife and three kids. His health is top priority. He needs to make sure he is around to give his daughters away at their weddings and watch them grow up as adults. Tim Tebow said it best after the loss to Alabama a few weeks ago that despite the pain, football isn't everything. I've read that stress has played a great deal into his health. I would love for him to take as much time as he needs to recouperate.
Now, as far as his replacement is concerned. The guys I would love for the Gators to target as the new head coach are Steve Spurrier (South Carolina), Dan Mullen (Mississippi State), Charlie Strong (Louisville), and Kyle Whittingham (Utah).
Steve Spurrier's name is on the list for all the obvious reasons. He coached the Gators from 1990-2001, led them to six SEC Championships, a national championship, and coached a Heisman trophy winner. He might be a nice fit to coach at his alma mater a few years while Urban Meyer rests for a few years. Spurrier could retire with his family in Gainesville after retiring. He's already on record for saying he wants to coach maybe five more years. Plus, I think he'd welcome the opportunity to get back to Atlanta to contend for SEC championships and get another national championship to go with his 1996 national championship ring.
Dan Mullen is a strong possibillity because of his ties with Florida and Meyer. He was the offensive coordinator at Florida from 2005-2008, he won a pair of national championships with the team, coached a Heisman trophy winner, and coached a lot of the players on the roster. Also, he was Meyer's quarterbacks coach at Utah from 2002-2004 and at Bowling Green from 2001-2002.
Charlie Strong is a guy I'm not so sure about. Don't get me wrong. He has the stuff to succeed and pick up where Meyer left off. However, would he want to renege on a Louisville program that gave him his first coach opportunity just three weeks ago? Like Mullen, Strong's hire would ease the pain of losing Meyer due to his familiarty with the players. And also like Mullen, Strong has coached two national championship teams at Florida. His recruiting ties would remain strong as he's recruited several kids in Florida's 2010 class. In addition, Strong might have stronger ties to Florida than any other candidate, except Steve Spurrier. He served as a grad assistant at UF from 1983-1984, outside linebackers coach from 1988-1989, assistant head coach/defensive tackles coach from 1991-1994, and defensive coordinator from 2002-2009.
Kyle Whittingham could be seen as a curveball. Florida has already gone the Utah route to find a head coach once (with Meyer) and could catch ligtning in a bottle twice with the hiring of Whittingham. Whittingham served as the defensive coordinator under Meyer at Utah from 2002-2004. His team runs the same spread-style offense Florida runs. He coached an undefeated team last year that upset heavily favored Alabama in the 2009 Allstate Sugar Bowl. He's got the credentials, but would Florida Athletic Director Jeremy Foley pull the trigger?
Foley struck out with Zook as he made a quick decision following Spurrier's abrupt departure from UF in January 2002. Obviously, things are different this time around, but who will be the right man for the job. I feel the aforementioned candidates are strong candidates for the job. A couple of dark horse candidates for the job could be Oklahoma's Bob Stoops and Boise State's Chris Petersen.
Stoops was beaten by Meyer in last year's national championship game, and has seen Florida's program skyrocket with Meyer at the helm. With mounting displeasure about his team flopping in big games (2004 National Championship, 2005 National Championship, 2007 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, 2008 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, and 2009 BCS National Championship Game), would a change of scenery to the Sunshine State sway the former Florida defensive coordinator to return to the school he once coached at?
Chris Petersen is another interesting choice. Like Meyer, Petersen is a big fish in a small pond at Boise State. Petersen says he's committed to Boise State, but if Foley came a calling, would the allure of national championships and millions of dollars be too much to pass up? Stay tuned.
Lastly, I would like to reiterate my gratitude for what Meyer has done for Florida's program. He's turned Florida into a national powerhouse in a great conference like the SEC. (Note to the sadistic Bama fans: Meyer wins championships in the 21st century. Your "Bear" Bryant took advantage of hatred and racism to dominate a restricted conference 40 years ago. The "Bear" is dead...deal with it.) I would also like to thank the other assistants, Meyer's family, and the assistants' familes as well for allowing them to spend countless hours with the team instead of being at home. Meyer sacrificed so much to this program. He certainly shouldn't have been expected to sacrifice his life for the team. Coach Meyer and his family will remain in my prayers. Godspeed Coach Meyer and a job well done.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
College Football Bowl Predictions
It's been a rough few weeks for my favorite teams. The Gators lose in the SEC Championship Game, the Cleveland Indians have not and (from what I've read) will not sign any key free agents to help the team, and the Gators basketball team is currently on a 3 game losing skid. Now, I can't predict a win in a bowl game to save my life. Every team I've picked so far has lost. I've gotten off to an 0-5 start, but could possibly change that. Here are my predictions for the remaining bowl games:
Hawai'i Bowl: Nevada over SMU
Little Caesar's Bowl: Ohio over Marshall
Meineke Car Care Bowl: Pittsburgh over North Carolina
Emerald Bowl: USC over Boston College
Music City Bowl: Kentucky over Clemson
Independence Bowl: Georgia over Texas A&M
EagleBank Bowl: Temple over UCLA
Humanitarian Bowl: Bowling Green over Idaho
Holiday Bowl: 23 Arizona over 19 Nebraska
Texas Bowl: Missouri over Navy
Armed Forces Bowl: Houston over Air Force
Sun Bowl: 21 Stanford over Oklahoma
Insight Bowl: Iowa State over Minnesota
Chick-fil-A Bowl: 12 Virginia Tech over Tennessee
Outback Bowl: Auburn over Northwestern
Gator Bowl: 17 West Virginia over Florida State
Capital One Bowl: 9 Penn State over 13 LSU
International Bowl: South Florida over Northern Illinois
Cotton Bowl: Mississippi over 18 Oklahoma State
Papajohns.com Bowl: South Carolina over UConn
Liberty Bowl: Arkansas over East Carolina
Alamo Bowl: Texas Tech over Michigan State
GMAC Bowl: Central Michigan over Troy
BCS Bowls
Orange Bowl: 11 Iowa over 10 Georgia Tech
Fiesta Bowl:3 TCU over 6 Boise State
Sugar Bowl:4 Cincinnati over 5 Florida
Rose Bowl: 7 Oregon over 8 Ohio State
BCS National Championship: 1 Alabama over 2 Texas
Hawai'i Bowl: Nevada over SMU
Little Caesar's Bowl: Ohio over Marshall
Meineke Car Care Bowl: Pittsburgh over North Carolina
Emerald Bowl: USC over Boston College
Music City Bowl: Kentucky over Clemson
Independence Bowl: Georgia over Texas A&M
EagleBank Bowl: Temple over UCLA
Humanitarian Bowl: Bowling Green over Idaho
Holiday Bowl: 23 Arizona over 19 Nebraska
Texas Bowl: Missouri over Navy
Armed Forces Bowl: Houston over Air Force
Sun Bowl: 21 Stanford over Oklahoma
Insight Bowl: Iowa State over Minnesota
Chick-fil-A Bowl: 12 Virginia Tech over Tennessee
Outback Bowl: Auburn over Northwestern
Gator Bowl: 17 West Virginia over Florida State
Capital One Bowl: 9 Penn State over 13 LSU
International Bowl: South Florida over Northern Illinois
Cotton Bowl: Mississippi over 18 Oklahoma State
Papajohns.com Bowl: South Carolina over UConn
Liberty Bowl: Arkansas over East Carolina
Alamo Bowl: Texas Tech over Michigan State
GMAC Bowl: Central Michigan over Troy
BCS Bowls
Orange Bowl: 11 Iowa over 10 Georgia Tech
Fiesta Bowl:3 TCU over 6 Boise State
Sugar Bowl:4 Cincinnati over 5 Florida
Rose Bowl: 7 Oregon over 8 Ohio State
BCS National Championship: 1 Alabama over 2 Texas
Friday, December 4, 2009
2009 SEC Championship Game Prediction
First off, I'd like to thank every single senior on their team for their contribution these past four to five years (two to three for JuCo transfers). They've transformed Florida from a good program to an elite program. Hopefully the trend will continue on Saturday.
With that being said, let's get to the prediction. Both team's have strong running games. The Tide has Ingram and Richardson. Florida has Demps, Rainey, and Tebow. I feel Florida could win by three touchdowns if they keep Mark Ingram under wraps. However, Glen Coffee had a big day last year in Florida's 31-20 win. Facing big time backs is nothing new to this team. They've faced Darren McFadden, Felix Jones, and Glen Coffee in the previous SEC Championships. I feel they'll do fine in terms of stopping him. However, I feel Ingram will be the best back (with all do respect to Anthony Dixon of Mississippi State).
Florida has a big edge over Greg McElroy in the quarterback department. McElroy has done a good job of taking care of the football. Tebow's numbers may not be as high as usual, but he's still the best player in college football. I feel Tebow's numbers are so low due to the conservative play calling. Most people rip Tebow for his arm strength and accuracy, but fail to realize he's completed just over 64 percent of his passes in his career.
The receiving corps is a toss-up. Florida has dependable targets in Aaron Hernandez and Riley Cooper, but have relative unknowns behind them. Alabama's Julio Jones hasn't played on the same level as he did as a freshman, but is still a threat nonetheless. Bama also has guys like Colin Peek and Marquis Maze. I think Florida's receivers will need to step up like last year when David Nelson, Carl Moore, and Riley Cooper stepped up last year.
Defensively, I think both teams are nearly dead even. I do think Florida's experience in playing in their third SEC championship in four years will be of an advantage. Losing Dunlap hurts Florida, but I have confidence in Justin Trattou to get the job done. If the defensive line stops Ingram, they will force Alabama to pass. This could work to Florida's advantage. However, if Alabama controls the game with the run the way they did in last year's meeting. We'll have another tough game on our hands.
I would love for Florida to come out and throw the ball their first six or seven plays. This will wear Mount Cody out, and make him less effective in stopping the run. The game plan against Georgia should be used in this game. Florida came out throwing often early and jumped out to a 14-0 lead. Jumping out on Bama will be important, but they will not abandon the run so easily.
As for special teams, Leigh Tiffin has the advantage over Caleb Sturgis. Chas Henry of the Gators has the edge over P.J. Fitzgerald. Javier Arenas has been more effective returning kicks this year than Brandon James. Florida is more dangerous blocking kicks and keeping tabs on big returns. I think special teams is dead even.
So, my final score will be a Florida 24-13 win. It'll be hard fought, but I like the Gators in this one. Anyone who knows me knows I stink at making predictions. Maybe I'm wrong, but maybe, just maybe I'll be right on this one. Go Gators. Beat Bama.
With that being said, let's get to the prediction. Both team's have strong running games. The Tide has Ingram and Richardson. Florida has Demps, Rainey, and Tebow. I feel Florida could win by three touchdowns if they keep Mark Ingram under wraps. However, Glen Coffee had a big day last year in Florida's 31-20 win. Facing big time backs is nothing new to this team. They've faced Darren McFadden, Felix Jones, and Glen Coffee in the previous SEC Championships. I feel they'll do fine in terms of stopping him. However, I feel Ingram will be the best back (with all do respect to Anthony Dixon of Mississippi State).
Florida has a big edge over Greg McElroy in the quarterback department. McElroy has done a good job of taking care of the football. Tebow's numbers may not be as high as usual, but he's still the best player in college football. I feel Tebow's numbers are so low due to the conservative play calling. Most people rip Tebow for his arm strength and accuracy, but fail to realize he's completed just over 64 percent of his passes in his career.
The receiving corps is a toss-up. Florida has dependable targets in Aaron Hernandez and Riley Cooper, but have relative unknowns behind them. Alabama's Julio Jones hasn't played on the same level as he did as a freshman, but is still a threat nonetheless. Bama also has guys like Colin Peek and Marquis Maze. I think Florida's receivers will need to step up like last year when David Nelson, Carl Moore, and Riley Cooper stepped up last year.
Defensively, I think both teams are nearly dead even. I do think Florida's experience in playing in their third SEC championship in four years will be of an advantage. Losing Dunlap hurts Florida, but I have confidence in Justin Trattou to get the job done. If the defensive line stops Ingram, they will force Alabama to pass. This could work to Florida's advantage. However, if Alabama controls the game with the run the way they did in last year's meeting. We'll have another tough game on our hands.
I would love for Florida to come out and throw the ball their first six or seven plays. This will wear Mount Cody out, and make him less effective in stopping the run. The game plan against Georgia should be used in this game. Florida came out throwing often early and jumped out to a 14-0 lead. Jumping out on Bama will be important, but they will not abandon the run so easily.
As for special teams, Leigh Tiffin has the advantage over Caleb Sturgis. Chas Henry of the Gators has the edge over P.J. Fitzgerald. Javier Arenas has been more effective returning kicks this year than Brandon James. Florida is more dangerous blocking kicks and keeping tabs on big returns. I think special teams is dead even.
So, my final score will be a Florida 24-13 win. It'll be hard fought, but I like the Gators in this one. Anyone who knows me knows I stink at making predictions. Maybe I'm wrong, but maybe, just maybe I'll be right on this one. Go Gators. Beat Bama.
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