Gator Clause

Alabama 32, Florida 13: Give me your thoughts on the game!

ATLANTA -- OK, I'm taking any and all explanations for Florida's complete meltdown on Saturday at the Georgia Dome. Alabama gained 490 yards of offense against a defense that entered the game ranked No.1 in the country. Florida's running backs combined for three carries!

What happened and was this season a failure after Saturday's loss?

-jo-

Florida down by nine in fourth quarter of SEC championship game.

ATLANTA -- The Gators are trailing Alabama 32-13 with 13:49 left in SEC championship game. If there's any magic left in Tim Tebow's career, now is the time to use it.

Bama took a nine-point lead on a masterful drive that extended into the fourth quarter. Ingram rushed for his third touchdown of the game.

-jo-

Key Gators injured after impressive first half by Alabama

ATLANTA -- Brandon Spikes and Major Wright were injured in the first half and were not on the field for Alabama's final possession of the first half. Florida trails Alabama 19-13 at halftime.

The Gators should feel lucky to only be trailing by six points. Alabama pushed the Gators' defense around in the first half, scoring nearly as many points in one half than Florida had allowed in a game entering Saturday. Arkansas scored 20 on Florida.

Alabama running back Mark Ingram has showed no signs of an injured hip suffered against Auburn. Ingram has rushed for 52 yards on 12 carries. Ingram also had a 69-yard reception from UA quarterback Greg McElroy, who was solid in the first half. McElroy threw for 189 yards in the first half. Entering the game, Florida's passing defense was allowing an average of 143.17 yards a game through the air.

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow has rushed for 49 yards on six carries and completed 9 of 17 attempts for 124 yards and a touchdown.

-jo-

Heisman contenders swap blows at the Georgia Dome

ATLANTA -- UF quarterback Tim Tebow made quick work of Alabama's defense to answer the Crimson Tide's field goal, but Alabama running back Mark Ingram answered with a 69-yard play to set up Alabama's second touchdown of the first half. Ingram scored one play later from three yards.

Alabama leads Florida 19-10 with 3:32 left in the first half at Georgia Dome. Huge effort by Ingram after Tebow led the Gators on UF's first touchdown drive of the game. Tebow had back to back carries of 24 and 15 yards and then found receiver David Nelson for a 23-yard touchdown to cut Alabama's lead to 12-10 with 4:31 left in the half.

-jo-

Florida Gators safety Major Wright injured on long gain; Alabama regains momentum

ATLANTA -- Florida Gators safety Major Wright appeared to injure his right knee after making a tackle on Alabama receiver Marquis Maze with 9:34 left in the second quarter. Maze reached the Florida 29 after a missed tackle by UF cornerback Janoris Jenkins. The 34-yard gain set up Alabama's third score of the game, a 34-yard field goal by Tiffin to give Alabama a 12-3 lead.

Florida announced that Wright's injury is a "contusion." Wright is expected to return, according to UF. Sophomore Will Hill replaced Wright at free safety.

-jo-

Gators answer Alabama's strong start with a 48-yard field goal

ATLANTA -- It took them awhile, but the Gators finally got on the scoreboard with 28 seconds left in the first quarter when kicker Caleb Sturgis drilled a 48-yard field goal. Alabama leads Florida 9-3 with 13:26 left in the second quarter.

Florida has gained some much-needed momentum since Alabama's impressive start. The Gators forced Alabama to punt on the Crimson Tide's first offensive possession of the second quarter. Brandon Hicks made up for his defensive holding penalty with an excellent tackle of Mark Ingram on 3rd and 5.

-jo-

Florida Gators in shock; Crimson Tide rolling over Gators in first quarter

ATLANTA -- Alabama is dominating the Gators in the first quarter of the SEC championship game. The Crimson Tide took a 9-0 lead on a touchdown run by Mark Ingram with 5:33 left in the quarter. Kicker Leigh Tiffin missed the extra point, pushed it right.

The missed extra point is all Alabama has done wrong in the game's first 10 minutes. Florida's offense has produced two yards and the Crimson Tide is playing well on offense. Excellent game so far by Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy and Alabama running back Mark Ingram.

A bizarre defensive holding penalty by UF linebacker Brandon Hicks hurt the Gators on Alabama's touchdown drive.

-jo-

Alabama fans outnumbering Gators fans in Georgia Dome

ATLANTA -- It's 20 minutes to kickoff here in the Georgia Dome. Alabama's Million Dollar Band is on the field. There seems to be more Alabama fans here than Florida fans. I'd say it's about 60-40 Alabama.

Alabama's crowd advantage is a function of the Southeastern Conferences ticket policy for the SEC championship game. The first SEC championship in 1992 was between Alabama and Florida at Birmingham's Legion Field. Naturally, more Alabama fans purchased tickets. Legion Field is only 45 minutes away from Tuscaloosa, Ala. Each year, the SEC allows the previous year's ticket holders to renew their tickets. Many Alabama fans have renewed their tickets every year since 1992.

-jo-

Florida Gators wearing white helmets; Proof Urban Meyer is superstitious

ATLANTA -- Want proof that UF coach Urban Meyer isn't above being one of those superstitious coaches? The Gators are wearing their white Nike helmets on Saturday for the SEC championship and not the traditional orange "Gators" helmets.

Florida wore the white helmets last week and defeated Florida State 37-10. The Gators' offense played so well, Meyer decided to stick with the new helmets.

-jo-

Gator Clause swaps questions with an Alabama beat writer ... and things get physical!

GAINESVILLE -- OK, things didn't physical, but I'm pretty sure there are a few Bammers out there today who would love nothing more than to tear my ears off. Oh, well. That's the price you pay when you work for The Miami Herald and someone asks you if people in South Florida still dislike Nick Saban. LINK! (No clue when my questions will be posted. Just keep checking, I guess.) 

Here are the five questions I posed to Gentry Estes of the Mobile Press-Register. Gentry is Mobile's Alabama beat writer and does fine work, darn fine work. Full disclosure, Gentry and I went to the same high school in good ol' Irondale, Ala., but we didn't get to know each other until last season around this time. 

GATOR CLAUSE: Getting pressure on Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy is the key to limiting Julio Jones. Little has change along Florida's defensive line since last season. (Suspended DE Carlos Dunlap has split time his entire career.) How does Alabama's offensive line this season compare to the one last year?

GENTRY ESTES: First off, last year's line was better. How could it not be with two NFL players on there and the Outland winner at left tackle? But Alabama assistant Joe Pendry deserves credit for taking a patchwork group of replacements and making a cohesive line good enough to produce a Heisman candidate running back. The Tide has played to this line's strengths. While last year's offense used more of direct running style, this year's line works more on the edges, pulling and trapping and using the fact that the current linemen -- while not as physical -- are a bit more athletic than the previous group.

Pass protection has been solid much of the season, but left tackle James Carpenter -- a JUCO transfer who committed to Iowa State out of high school -- is not Andre Smith over there. Auburn whipped him a time or two. And even without Dunlap, Florida certainly has the weapons to give him a hard time. Senior Mike Johnson is the best of the bunch at left guard, but he's been slowed recently by a few nagging injuries. This should definitely be a concern for Alabama, especially since the line struggled at Auburn. It's hard to see the Tide beating the Gators if that doesn't improve.

GATOR CLAUSE: Trent Richardson is a great back. Will Alabama lose anything if Mark Ingram is limited?

GENTRY ESTES: I don't think so. I've been saying all season that Ingram could win the Heisman and he might no be the most talented back on his own team. Richardson is a legitimate stud. He's fast enough to break one and strong enough to run through tackles. He has also improved over the course o the season in the little ares like pass protection. He's got fresher legs at this point in the season, and I think that was evident against Auburn. Florida will wind up seeing a lot of Richardson, whether Ingram is 100 percent or not.

GATOR CLAUSE: Will Nick Saban's head explode if he loses to Urban Meyer again?

GENTRY ESTES: Saban will explode if Alabama doesn't cover the opening kickoff properly, so that's guaranteed, win or lose. But there's no question that last year's SEC title game stung him and the team. It was different because, unlike the Utah game, Alabama couldn't really point to anything it did wrong to lose. The Tide did what it wanted to do in that game, which was force Tebow to beat them through the air. It's just that Tebow was good enough to do it anyway. A lot has been made about Alabama's inability to finish in the fourth quarter, but I'm not buying that. I think that was coaching rhetoric to get guys motivated this year. Truth of the matter is Alabama was beaten last year by one o the college game's all-time great quarterbacks, who made plays when they needed to be made.

GATOR CLAUSE: Alabama safety Mark Barron is one of my favorite players in the SEC. Is there something about him I don't know about that would make me like him even more?

GENTRY ESTES: Barron is a big-time athlete, who played about every position someone can play in high school. If he gets a pick, he's a very dangerous return guy. What you may not know is that he is extremely soft-spoken and shy of the field. He gave very few interviews as a recruit, and prep coaches predicted that he wouldn't talk at all when he got to Alabama. To his credit, Barron has met with the media on multiple occasions in Tuscaloosa and done well with it.

GATOR CLAUSE: Rolando McClain will be the best defender in the Georgia Dome on Saturday. Who wins in the open field, McClain or Tebow?

GENTRY ESTES: We'll find out soon enough, I guess. I know Tebow's the real deal, but so is McClain. Hes the throwback linebacker that's tough as nails and loves contact. But what separates McClain from most is his intelligence. In my opinion, he's the MVP of Alabama's team and it's really not that close.

-jo-

Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin takes a shot at Florida Gators coach Urban Meyer

GAINESVILLE -- Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin has a man crush on Urban Meyer. Seriously, every time Kiffin gets the opportunity, he tries his hardest to get the attention of Meyer. Here's the latest example.

Kiffin analyzed the SEC championship game during a radio interview on Tuesday. Here's what he had to say:

"It will be a real interesting match-up," Kiffin said. "Florida has better players, and Alabama has better coaches, so well see." [ZING!]

Watching Kiffin pester Meyer is like watching a second-grade boy tug on the pigtails of the cutest girl in class. Kiffin loves him some Urban Meyer.

As for Kiffin's prediction of the SEC championship game: "It's kind of hard to call," he said. "There's a bunch of great players on both teams. Florida has so much speed. I think you'll see Alabama will out-scheme Florida, and Florida has given up 28 sacks this year when a bunch of guys come free. [ZING!] But the problem is Superman (Tebow) is back there. It comes down to can you tackle him."

Tennessee lost to both Florida and Alabama this season. UT is one of seven teams to hold that honor.

-jo-

Alabama players react to news of Carlos Dunlap's arrest

GAINESVILLE -- The Florida Gators might not have much to say about the arrest of star defensive end Carlos Dunlap but guys up in Alabama sure are speaking out. Several Crimson Tide defenders commented about Dunlap's arrest on Tuesday.

Alabama senior defensive end Lorenzo Washington: "It's crazy. I know I was in the bed at 3:30 in the morning."

More from Washington: "We've been getting lectures from that that. We act right."

And even more from Washington: "I know it's going to hurt their defense, but they still have a lot of great playmakers on their defense. I know their coaches will do a good job of plugging people in."

Alabama running back Roy Upchurh: "I believe everybody was in their beds. The boss, he's not down with all of that."

-jo-

Florida Gators put the kibosh on questions

GAINESVILLE -- Crazy days in Hogtown. The University of Florida's sports information department made one player available for media interviews on Tuesday evening after star defensive end Carlos Dunlap was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence early Tuesday morning.

Florida coach Urban Meyer called Dunlap's arrest a distraction and "stunning" on Tuesday after practice and said that Dunlap will not play on Saturday against Alabama in the Southeastern Conference championship game. 

To limit the potential distraction for Florida's players, only fifth-year senior Ryan Stamper was made available for interviews on Tuesday and Stamper was only allowed to answer two questions before being whisked away by a UF media relations official.

Before Stamper's interview, the media relations official directed reporters to not ask Stamper questions about Carlos Dunlap. The Miami Herald explained to Stamper that "I know it's a sore subject but it's my job to ask the question: How big of a distraction is the arrest of Carlos Dunlap?" 

Before Stamper could speak, Florida's sports information director ended the interview and later informed reporters that no other players would be available. Don't expect any more player interviews this week leading up to Saturday's game. No.1 Florida (12-0) plays No.2 Alabama (12-0) a 4 p.m. at Atlanta's Georgia Dome.

Question for readers: How big of a loss is Dunlap for the Gators? Tom Luginbill of ESPN said that losing Dunlap is "almost the equivalent of Alabama losing Rolando McClain. It's that big of a deal. That's going to alter the game a little bit for Florida."

Now, we can debate all day the importance of Dunlap to the Gators' defense. My opinion: Losing Dunlap hurts but I think UF will be just fine with defensive ends Jermaine Cunningham and Justin Trattou. Trattou will be filling in for Dunlap and Trattou is probably better than Dunlap at stopping the run. Florida still has plenty of depth at defensive end. Duke Lemmens is a talented player and William Green has been waiting for his shot all season. It should be noted that Green, a Hoover, Ala., native, chose Florida over Alabama.

-jo-

Carlos Dunlap's DUI likely means extra work for Justin Trattou, Duke Lemmens and William Green

GAINESVILLE -- Florida star defensive end Carlos Dunlap was arrested for DUI early Tuesday morning. This is not a good way to begin championship week.

After reading the police report, Dunlap [PICTURED] is lucky to be alive. He was arrested while passed out at a red light around 3:30 a.m. at the 200 block of SW 34th Street in Gainesville, according to police. Police had to put the car in park and turn off the ignition. Dunlap was clearly impaired, according to police, and failed field sobriety tests. Gainesville police spokesman Keith Kameg said that Dunlap had trouble remaining awake while initially being questioned by police.

University of Florida sports information director Steve McClain released a statement on Tuesday morning indicating that Florida coach Urban Meyer is "aware of the incident and currently gathering more information."

An update from Meyer isn't expected until after Tuesday's practice, which is currently scheduled to end around 6 p.m.

Dunlap, a junior, was booked into the Alachua County Jail at 5:52 a.m. and, according to jail records, was still in jail around 11:50 a.m. Before Tuesday, Dunlap was projected as a top 15 pick in the NFL Draft. He has recorded 35 tackles, seven sacks and six pass defenses in 12 games. Dunlap was the most outstanding defensive player of the 2008 BCS national championship.

If Dunlap is unable to play in Saturday's game, then defensive ends Justin Trattou, Duke Lemmens and William Green will fill the void. All three players are quality defenders.

So, should Dunlap be suspended for the SEC championship game? Should he be checked into the Betty Ford Clinic? Where the heck were Dunlap's teammates last night when somebody needed to take away the keys?

-jo- 

Florida Gators begin championship week a five-point favorite against Alabama Crimson Tide

GAINESVILLE -- Las Vegas Sports Consultants, Inc., opened the betting line for the Southeastern Conference championship with the Florida Gators a five-point favorite against the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Only once during its 22-game winning streak has Florida defeated an opponent by fewer than 10 points (Florida 23, Arkansas 20). Florida defeated Alabama 31-20 in the 2008 SEC championship game. No.1 Florida (12-0) and No.2 Alabama (12-0) play at 4 p.m. on Saturday at Atlanta's Georgia Dome.

-jo-

Florida #Gators Tim #Tebow doing what he does best, dominating Florida State

GAINESVILLE -- Tim Tebow does a lot of things well, but one of the things he does best is dominate Florida State.

One day after Alabama's Mark Ingram stumbled against Auburn, Tebow is making his case for the Heisman Trophy during the first half against FSU. Entering Saturday's game, Tebow accounted for nine touchdowns in two years against FSU. Tebow has already accounted for three touchdowns on Saturday -- one rushing and two passing -- and UF leads FSU 24-0 at halftime.

Tebow gave UF a 17-0 lead with 7:44 left in the second quarter with an 18-yard touchdown run on another excellent read out of the triple option. UF went up 24-0 with 1:07 left in the half when Tebow found tight end Aaron Hernandez on a crossing pattern for a 37-yard score. Hernandez zig-zagged through FSU's defense like he was a receiver. One of the FSU defenders to miss a tackle on Hernandez: Greg Reid, the FSU freshman cornerback who spured UF on National Signing Day in February.

Tebow's halftime stats: 13 of 16 attempts for 154 yards and two touchdowns; 10 carries for 35 yards and a touchdown.

-jo-

Pair of sacks forces Florida Gators to settle for a field goal

GAINESVILLE -- The sacks are back. UF quarterback Tim Tebow was sacked twice on consecutive plays at the end of the first quarter. The combined loss of five yards forced UF to settle for a 37-yard field goal by Caleb Sturgis on the first play of the second quarter. UF leads FSU 10-0.

Florida's second scoring drive of the game -- 69 yards, eight plays, 3:41 -- was highlighted by a 45-yard run from Chris Rainey.

Tebow has been sacked 25 times this season.

-jo-

A little triple-option football for the Florida Gators gives UF a 7-0 lead

GAINESVILLE -- A beautifully designed triple-option play gave Florida a 7-0 lead against Florida State with 6:48 left in the first quarter on Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Quarterback Tim Tebow's shovel pass to tight end Aaron Hernandez went for a 17-yard score. Hernandez lined up next to right tackle Marcus Gilbert, went into motion and slipped through the middle of FSU's defense untouched for the score.

-jo- 

Unabashed Man-Love Day for Florida #Gators Tim #Tebow at The Swamp (With touching photographic tribute!)

GAINESVILLE -- Thousands of Florida Gators fans lined the front entrance of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Saturday for quarterback Tim Tebow's final Gator Walk. Five state troopers and two local policemen escorted Tebow through a mob of fans around 1:30 p.m. No.1 Florida (11-0) hosts Florida State (6-5) at 3:30 p.m.

In three years I have never seen a group of more passionate Gators fans than today for Tebow's final home game in The Swamp -- not even after the national championship game in 2008. My only point of reference for such a festive atmosphere (and congested atmosphere) is Mardi Gras in New Orleans. It's one big party and everyone --man, woman and child -- is here to say thanks to Tebow. Like these guys from Florida's Panhandle (Crestview, L.A.) who were brave enough to display man love for Tebow on their chests.

PICTURED, from left to right: Bob Wagner, 16; Blair Palko, 19; and Cody Hancock, 19 traveled to Gainesville from Crestview on Saturday to send UF quarterback Tim Tebow off in style.

 

-jo-

(HOOPS LIVE BLOG) Florida #Gators 68, Florida State #Seminoles 52; FINAL

GAINESVILLE -- Without question, the Florida Gators played their best basketball in over two seasons during the first half of Tuesday's 68-52 win against Florida State.

The Rowdies were rocking in the O'Dome after the Gators built a dominating 20-point lead in the first half against a team it hadn't defeated since 2005. FSU charged back in the second half, cutting UF's lead to five, but the Gators absorbed the Noles' best punch -- literally, almost, when Dan Werner stood his ground against FSU's Jordan DeMercy and drew a charge -- and roared back to life with an impresseive 18-3 run.

Seven Gators scored at least six points and Kenny Boynton Jr., Alex Tyus and Erving Walker led UF with 13 each. Check The Miami Herald on Wednesday morning for my game story. 

SECOND HALF LIVE BLOG BELOW
Make that a 16-2 run after a Chandler Parsons 3-pointer. UF 59, FSU 41; 6:00.

--Gators with a considerable momentum swing here in the second half with a 12-0 run. O'Dome went absolutely bonkers when Ray Shipman dished a behind the back pass to Erving Walker on a fast break to give UF a 49-38 lead. UF athletic director Jeremy Foley stood up on press row and pumped his fist in approval.

Moments later Florida forced FSU's 22nd turnover of the game and UF extended its second-half run to 9-0 with a free throw from Alex Tyus followed by an offensive rebound by Chandler Parsons. Parsons showed his newfound and found Tyus under the basket with a brilliant assist. Tyus finished the play to give UF a 52-38 lead. Impressvie stuff from UF, which was in jeapordy of losing its 20-point halftime lead.

--FSU on a 19-2 run in the second half. FSU guard Derwin Kitchen with eight points in the second half and 13 in the game to lead FSU in scoring. UF and FSU now with 17 turnovers each. UF 43, FSU 38 with 11:47 left in the game.

--Kenny Boynton Jr. with the Gators' only points of the half (four) after a nice 18-footer. Gators playing sloppily in the second half. UF now with 16 turnovers, compared to 17 for FSU. UF leading 43-35 with 13:11 left in the game after leading by 20 at the break. 

--FSU on an 8-0 run in the second half. Gators nearing FSU's mark of 16 turnovers. UF has 13 turnovers.

--UF's Kenny Boynton Jr. with his first points of the game on a runner in the lane. UF 41, FSU 21, 18:12 left in the second half.

--Hands down the best half of basketball Florida has played in two years. Wow! Incredible defense. Florida forced 16 first-half turnovers!

Ray Shipman and Alex Tyus lead the Gators in scoring with eight points each. And Shipman made his first 3-pointer of season. Tyus knocked down three mid-range jumpers after struggling from the field during UF's first three games.

The most surprising thing about the first half? Florida is up on FSU by 20 points and Kenny Boynton didn't score the entire first half.

FIRST HALF LIVE BLOG BELOW
--Dan Werner ends the half with a steal and 3-pointer. FSU with 16 turnovers. Werner with his second 3-pointer in four minutes.

--Gators on an 21-4 run after back-to-back 3-pointers by Ray Shipman and Erving Walker. Shipman playing well. Eight points for Shipman. FSU with 13 turnovers. Wait, spoke too soon. Poor turnover by Shipman. Shipman out. Gators shooting 11 of 25 from the field and 2 of 7 from the 3-point range. Shipman leads the Gators in scoring. Kenny Boynton still scoreless.

--UF held FSU scoreless for more than six minutes (13:50-7:21). FSU's Derwin Kitchen broke the skid with put back.

--Gators on 11-0 run after Vernon Macklin dunk (great pass Dan Werner) and Ray Shipman steal and free throw. UF's defense is once again playing incredibly tonight. UF has forced nine turnovers and leads FSU 17-10 with 7:50 left in the half. UF's leading scorer Kenny Boynton has not scored. UF is out-rebounding FSU 12-7.

--Alex Tyus with his second mid-range jumper of the half to give UF a 14-10 lead with 9:33 to play. 8-0 UF run. Gators force another FSU turnover. Noles with eight turnovers. Tyus leads UF with six points.

--Gators on 6-0 run after forcing two Noles' turnovers. Parsons scored a tough reverse lay-up followed by a breakaway basket for Ray Shipman. Vernon Macklin makes it UF 12, FSU 10 with another nice move in the paint; 11:40 left in the first half.

--UF forces the Noles sixth tunover in the game's first eight minutes and Gators reserve scores a n

--Noles Chris Singleton with another 3-pointer. Wow! He's really filling it up. All 10 of FSU's points and shooting 4 of 4 from the field. Chandler Parsons answers with a tough reverse lay-up. FSU 10, Gators 8, 12:44.

--FSU's Chris Singleton with all seven of the Noels' points, including a 3-pointer with 15:06 left. FSU 7, UF 6. Gators and Noles with four turnovers each.

--Alex Tyus with a nice 15-foot jumper to give UF a 6-4 lead. Vernon Macklin with a pretty hook over 7-1 Solomon Alabi. UF's full-court press is giving FSU fits early on. Noles have turned it over three times in the game's first four minutes.

STARTING LINE-UPS BELOW
Florida State is looking big. Here are your starting line-ups for tonight's men's basketball game between the Florida Gators (3-0) and the Florida State Seminoles (3-0).

FLORIDA STATE
F Chris Singleton (6-9) 9.0/10.0
F Ryan Reid (6-8) 10.3/7.0
C Solomon Alabi (7-1) 12.3/6.3
G Devidas Dulkys (6-5) 12.7/4.3 apg
G Derwin Kitchen (6-4) 7.7/3.7 apg

FLORIDA
F Dan Werner (6-8) 5.3/3.3
F Alex Tyus (6-8) 8.3/7.3
C Vernon Macklin (6-10) 10.0/7.0
G Kenny Boynton Jr. (6-2) 19.0/4.3 apg
G Erving Walker (5-8) 10.0/5.3 apg