Posts Tagged ‘Tim Tebow’

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Alabama gets revenge on Florida

Monday, December 7th, 2009

After suffering a crushing fourth quarter collapse during last year’s SEC Championship game, Alabama worked all year to make sure they did not face the same result. Billed as the game of the year, Alabama was truly dominant in a 32-13 dismantling of top-ranked Florida.

Mark Ingram rushed for 113 yards and three touchdowns, while Greg McElroy played the best game of his season against Florida’s top-ranked defense.

Alabama never trailed and got on the board early, taking the opening drive for three points. After a Florida punt, Alabama found the end zone on a 7-yard run by Ingram.

After trading field goals, Florida settled down and scored on a 23-yard pass from Tebow to David Nelson. Appearing to gain momentum, Florida needed to stop Alabama before the half but were unable to do so. Ingram took a screen pass 69 yards before eventually punching it in from three yards out.

The Gators trailed 19-13 at the half.

After failing to score on the opening possession of the second half, Florida punted. From there it was all Ingram and McElroy. Alabama marched down the field and finished the drive on a perfect 17-yard touchdown throw from McElroy to Colin Peek.

Ingram scored his third touchdown early in the fourth quarter.

As the SEC Champion, Alabama will meet Texas for the BCS National Championship in Pasadena.

Florida will settle for the Sugar Bowl against Cincinnati.

Notes

I took a lot of flack for predicting a 27-10 Florida victory in my game preview. However, I do stand by everything I said. I did not predict a Florida win because of any bias. I truly felt that the Gators were better on both sides of the ball.

Clearly, Alabama was the better team on this day and I give them all the credit that they deserve. However, I have to say that Florida was truly pathetic on both sides of the ball. We went away from the game plan that has worked so well all season and we were out-coached soundly on offense and defense. For Demps and Rainey to have three carries total is absurd, and to play so poorly on defense is hard to watch.

As a long time Gator I have never been a fan of Charlie Strong. Many feel that he is ready to be a head coach but this game should show how that is clearly not the case. He was unable to adjust to a simple Alabama attack, and some of our calls in crucial situations were awful. If he ends up being the next coach at Louisville or somewhere else, I know a lot of fans that will be happy.

I can only hope that we can regroup enough to not be the Alabama of last year. After a tough loss to us, they were pounded by Utah in the Sugar Bowl. I believe we will be favored against Cincinnati and I hope that we are healthy and excited to finish the season on a high note. We were certainly not ready to play yesterday.

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Article originally posted at isportsweb.com.

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SEC Championship – Does it get any bigger?

Saturday, December 5th, 2009

Two 12-0 teams. #1 vs #2. De facto national semifinal. A rematch of last year’s epic SEC Championship game. Does it get any bigger?

The Gators take on the Tide in what many have dubbed the game of the year. Rarely tested, both teams have been on a collision course for each other for most of the season. Saturday we will find out who can stake claim to being the best in not only the SEC, but most likely the nation.

With the winner playing for it all, emotions will certainly be running high. Alabama is coming off a hard fought, comeback win over Auburn, while the Gators blew out Florida State in Tebow’s home finale.

Despite the loss of Carlos Dunlap to a suspension, the Gators will bring a stellar defense to the table just as they have all season. On the other hand, Alabama will have a real test containing the speed of Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey. If the Alabama defense is unable to keep Demps and Rainey from getting to the edge, it will probably be a long day for them.

Both offenses have been up and down for the majority of the season. The Florida offense has been getting better over the last few games, while the Alabama offense has continued to struggle in the passing game. If McElroy is unsuccessful early, Alabama’s run game could suffer.

Prediction

As someone who watches and analyzes the majority of college football games, I honestly feel that Alabama is getting more credit than they deserve. The defense is solid but the offense is average at best, and that will pose serious problems on Saturday.

McElroy is lacking confidence and is still inexperienced. As the only explosive passing threat, Julio Jones will be shutdown by the best pure cover corner in the nation, Joe Haden. Unless McElroy is able to complete some passes early, Haden will play man on Jones while a safety plays up in the box to support the run.

With all the talk about Florida’s offensive struggles, many have forgotten that Harvin sat out last year’s game due to injury. The receivers that beat Alabama last year will be the same ones taking the field on Saturday.

A lot is on the line for both teams, but those looking for a back and forth slug fest might be disappointed. Florida should be in control from the start, thus marching towards a second consecutive national title with a 27-10 victory.

Notes

In addition to the national implications, this game also holds major weight on the Heisman race. Tebow and Ingram are certainly finalists and big performance by either could go a long way in determining the Heisman winner.

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Article originally posted at isportsweb.com.

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Winning streak at 21 as Gators destroy FIU

Monday, November 23rd, 2009

After a long SEC run, the Gators faced an over-matched FIU team in The Swamp. 35 first half points later, the Gators were able to rest their starters and start looking ahead to next week’s showdown with long time rival Florida State.
spikes-FIU

Florida scored touchdowns on 8 of 11 possessions and Tim Tebow had a big day running and throwing. Tebow completed 17 of 25 passes for 215 yards and two touchdowns and had 7 carries for 102 yards and one touchdown.

The game was never in question and Brandon Spikes made sure the rout started early. Spikes intercepted FIU Quarterback Paul McCall and took it 41 yards to the house to put the Gators up 7-0.

On the first offensive possession, Tebow struck with a 55-yard touchdown run, the longest of his illustrious career.

From here the Gators scored at will and the Gator defense continued to play lights out, only allowing a field goal.

The Gators will play Florida State this weekend in Tebow’s home finale.

Notes

Tim Tebow passed Kevin Faulk as the SEC’s all-time touchdown leader.

Backup QB John Brantley continues to be impressive in relief. He completed 9 of 13 passes for 146 yards and three touchdowns. Outside of the Gator Nation, Brantley continues to be a mystery. The future is bright and the Gators will be in great shape with Brantley at the helm next year.

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Article originally posted at isportsweb.com.

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FIU @ Florida

Friday, November 20th, 2009

After last week’s hard fought win against South Carolina, the Gators return to The Swamp to take on a Florida International team that lost 40-14 to Alabama earlier in the year.

With a perfect SEC regular season record secure, the Gators host FIU and rival Florida State before the SEC Championship showdown with Alabama.

At 3-7, FIU continues to be a program trying to improve. Since becoming a program in 2002, FIU has never had a winning season and will again be below .500 this season.

On paper this is nothing more than a scrimmage and the Gators will probably treat it as such. Expect the starters to be on the sideline shortly after halftime with a big lead.

Prediction

45-3 Gators

Notes

Tim Tebow needs one more touchdown to become the SEC’s all-time leader after tying the record at 53 last week.

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Article originally posted at isportsweb.com.

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Gator defense shines again in victory over South Carolina

Tuesday, November 17th, 2009

Early in the fourth quarter, with South Carolina at the Gator 22 trailing 17-14, the Gator defense made another game changing and possibly game saving play. South Carolina Quarterback Stephen Garcia dropped back and fired a quick slant out to the left. The ball was tipped at the line and was intercepted by defensive end Justin Trattou. Trattou raced 53 yards, deep into South Carolina territory. Four plays later, Tim Tebow punched in from 1-yard out, and the Gators now had a 24-14 lead.

From here, the Gators got after Garcia, sacking him four times in the fourth quarter and intercepting him with a few minutes left in the game.

A game that appeared to be in question in the fourth quarter turned into another victory due to the Gator defense.

On the Gators first possession, Tim Tebow found Riley Cooper on a slant that Cooper took 68 yards to the house. South Carolina would answer with an impressive 14 play drive, capped by Brian Maddox’s 1-yard touchdown run.

The Gators regained the lead on their next possession, as Caleb Sturgis was good from 32 yards. After a South Carolina punt, the Gator offense drove deep into South Carolina territory, scoring on a 17-yard run by Emmanuel Moody.

After a a 9-yard touchdown pass to Weslye Saunders right before the half made the score 17-14, the Gator offense bogged down and South Carolina had significant momentum. However, as they have multiple times this season, the Gator defense was stout in the second half, allowing zero points.

Notes

The Gators have clinched a perfect SEC regular season record at 8-0. This is the first time they have accomplished this since 1996, when Steve Spurrier lead the Gators to their first National Championship.

With his 1-yard run in the 4th quarter, Tim Tebow tied Kevin Faulk’s SEC career touchdown record at 53.

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Article originally posted at isportsweb.com.

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Vanderbilt @ Florida

Friday, November 6th, 2009

The Gators are riding high after last week’s destruction of rival Georgia, but will be taking on Vanderbilt without their defensive leader Brandon Spikes. Spikes will serve a one-game suspension for trying to gouge the eyes of Georgia running back Washaun Ealey during last week’s game.

Even without Spikes, the Gators shouldn’t have any trouble beating Vanderbilt for the 19th consecutive time. Vanderbilt (2-7) will be trying to avoid its sixth consecutive loss. Mackenzi Adams will start at quarterback for the Commodores after starter Larry Smith partially tore his hamstring in last week’s loss to Georgia Tech.

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow came to life last week, accounting for four touchdown’s in the win over Georgia. The Gators came out throwing early while attacking the edge with the run game. Look for much of the same this week, with Demps, Moody, and Rainey getting a handful of carries each.

Tebow has put up big numbers against Vanderbilt the past two seasons and will look to continue his push for a second Heisman Trophy on Saturday. Tebow’s numbers are nowhere near what they were when he won the Heisman in 2007, but he is certainly in the top 3 at this point in time.

Prediction

Tebow will have success throwing early and the running game will pound a defense that gave up 404 yards rushing to Georgia Tech last week.

42-7 Gators

Notes

Urban Meyer was fined $30,000 after criticizing officials for missing a late hit on Tebow during last week’s game.

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Article originally posted at isportsweb.com.

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Tebow comes to life, leads Gators to 41-17 rout of Georgia

Monday, November 2nd, 2009

The Florida Gators came into Saturday’s rivalry game against Georgia with a lot to prove, and as expected, pounded the Bulldogs to the tune of 41-17. This was the 17th win in the last 20 meetings for the Gators and the 18th straight Gator win overall.

Tim Tebow broke Herschel Walker’s SEC record for rushing touchdowns late in the first half on a 23-yard scamper up the middle. The Gators lead 24-10 at the half and never looked back after intercepting Joe Cox on the first possession of the second half.
cooper-onehanded

As expected, the Gator offense came out throwing early and often. Riley Cooper caught two touchdown passes from Tebow, including a beautiful one-handed catch on the back pylon to open a 14-0 lead early in the first quarter.

The Georgia offense responded with a 49-yard field goal by Blair Walsh and a 26-yard touchdown pass from Joe Cox to Aron White to narrow the lead to 14-10. The Bulldogs would not get closer. Tebow’s 23-yard touchdown run came after Caleb Sturgis hit a 56-yard field goal.

After intercepting Cox to start the second half, the Gators drove into the red zone, and Tebow scored on a 5-yard keeper. The final Gator score came on a Brandon Spikes interception of Logan Gray which he returned five yards for a touchdown.

Tebow finished the game with 85 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 18 carries. He also completed 15 of 21 passes for 164 yards and two touchdowns.

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Article originally posted at isportsweb.com.

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Florida/Georgia – The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party

Saturday, October 31st, 2009

The last two years have added a little spice to The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. The Gators have won 16 of the last 19 matchups, including last year’s 49-10 pounding. While the (4-3) Bulldogs are looking to play spoiler and get back on track in the SEC East, the Gators continue to chase their second consecutive national championship.

After back-to-back losses to LSU and Tennessee, Georgia responded with a 34-10 victory at Vanderbilt. Coming off a bye week, the Bulldogs have been preparing for the Gators for two weeks, and hope to continue to limit the Gator offense as Arkansas and Mississippi State have done the last two weeks.

After struggling against Arkansas and Mississippi State the last two weeks, the Gator offense looks to get back on track against the porous Georgia defense. Tim Tebow has thrown three interceptions in the last three games and gave more points to Mississippi State last week than he accounted for. No one puts more pressure on Tebow than himself, so expect the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner to come out and play well.

Prediction:

The game should be heated and physical, as these are two teams that truly do not like each other. Look for the Florida defense to continue to play well, stop the run, and keep A.J. Green from being a big factor. I expect the Gator offense to come out and throw the ball early, leading the offense to at least 35 points. Georgia will be hard pressed to score more than 10 points against the nation’s top defense.

Notes:

Tim Tebow is one rushing touchdown away from breaking Herschel Walker’s SEC record of 49.

Injury Report:

Jeff Demps (neck) is probable.

Brandon Spikes (groin) is probable.

Jaye Howard (knee) is probable.

Lawrence Marsh (ankle) is probable.

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Article originally posted at isportsweb.com.

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Gators continue to struggle, grind out win over Mississippi State

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

Another week in the SEC, another questionable call that decides the outcome of a game. Unfortunately, this is becoming a trend, and Saturday’s game between Florida and Mississippi State was not immune. Late in the fourth quarter, Dustin Doe intercepted a tipped pass but slowed down on his way to the end zone, allowing receiver Brandon McRae to catch him from behind and knock the ball loose. The play was ruled a touchdown on the field and was not overturned due to inconclusive evidence of the ball coming loose before crossing the goal line. Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullen was highly critical of the call and has already been reprimanded by the SEC for his comments. Lost in all this is the growing inability for Florida to score in the red zone and put away lesser teams. The Gators were held out of the end zone on four of five trips into the red zone and allowed Mississippi State to hang around until Doe’s interception late in the fourth quarter. Mississippi State’s Johnthan Banks returned two Tebow interceptions for touchdowns, including one of 100 yards right before half, making the score 13-10. After trading field goals in the third quarter, Dan Mullen took his chance on a fourth and 2 from the Mississippi State 27. He dialed up what appeared to be a successful fake punt until Robert Elliott slipped and fell before reaching the first down marker. This allowed the Gators to take possession deep in Bulldog territory and eventually create some cushion on an eight-yard Chris Rainey touchdown run. Doe’s touchdown made the score 29-13 with 8:25 left in the fourth, and the Gators would hang on to win 29-19.

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Article originally posted at isportsweb.com.

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Florida @ Mississippi State – Game Preview

Saturday, October 24th, 2009

The Gators look to extend the nation’s longest winning streak to 17 games when they travel to Starkville to take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs and former offensive coordinator Dan Mullen. Surprisingly, the Gators have not won in Starkville since 1985, and after last week’s turnover riddled performance against Arkansas, this game suddenly looks closer on paper than it should be.

Tim Tebow will be playing the Bulldogs for the first time in his career and will look to build on last week’s season high 255 passing yards. Opposing him will be the Bulldogs top threat and all-time leading rusher, Anthony Dixon. Dixon is averaging 5.2 yards per carry and has five straight 100-yard games. Mississippi State’s quarterback Tyson Lee is only completing 58% of his passes and has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns, thus putting the tempo of this game squarely on the shoulders of Dixon. If Mississippi State can run the ball early, it might open up the play-action passing game that was highly successful in their near upset of LSU.

Even though Mississippi State is much better than their 3-4 record shows, I feel that this game is pretty cut and dry. I expect the Gators to continue to play solid defense, step up on offense, and win this game soundly. The Gators control their own destiny for the National Championship game and are on a crash course with Alabama for the SEC Championship game.

Injury Report

–Jaye Howard (knee) and Lawrence Marsh (ankle) are doubtful.

–After re-injuring his groin last week, Brandon Spikes will be a game-time decision.

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Article originally posted at isportsweb.com.

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