Gator Clause

Major Wright really was wearing a boxing glove; P. Harvin has a "strained" shoulder

GAINESVILLE -- I wrote two days ago that it looked like Florida safety Major Wright was wearing a boxing glove wrapped in gauze bandaging during the Georgia game. Turns out he really was.

I spoke with Wright today after practice and he said he likely will wear the boxing glove again on Saturday against Vanderbilt. Wright (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas) broke his thumb while making a tackle against Kentucky. He played only on special teams against Georgia.

--The team seems to have adopted some kind of "us against the world" mentality and the disdainful attitude, apparently, is supposed to include reporters.

--Florida coach Urban Meyer indicated on Tuesday that the Gators' injury-depleted defensive line might switch to a three-man front at times against Vanderbilt. Also, freshman offensive lineman Mike Pouncey practiced at defensive line some today.

--Shelley Meyer, Urban's wife, will introduce her hubbie at Gator Growl. Should be entertaining.

--Florida receiver Percy Harvin practiced with a shoulder support today. He said he has a "strained" right shoulder. Meyer plans to use Harvin in the backfield more than usual against Vanderbilt to take some pressure off of quarterback Tim Tebow, who suffers from a sore shoulder.

-jo-

Is the SEC overrated?

GAINESVILLE — Florida coach Urban Meyer said on Monday that he has “never seen anything like what is going on in the SEC East.”

          Interpret that three ways: 1. Parity is allowing the conference to eat itself to death. 2. The SEC is just grossly overrated. 3. All of the above.

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THEORY ONE: Parity

          If you’re a diehard supporter of the Southeastern Conference, as most God-fearing Southerners are, this is your theory. You believe, unflinchingly, that the SEC is the best college football conference in the country. You believe this so passionately that your blood pressure spiked so quickly after reading these next words that your eyeballs started to burn and pulsate and your neck broke out in a rash: The best of the Pac-10 is better than the best of the SEC. This is hogwash, of course, and isn’t worth two squirts of your tobacco spit and you’ve just decided that the writer of this blog MUST be some kind of stardust-wearing, fish eater from Oregon. (Actually, I’m from Birmingham, Ala., home of the SEC.)

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Factual evidence proving THEORY ONE: Parity

1. A remarkable number of SEC teams (11), still have a fighting chance to win the SEC. The number will shrink dramatically after Saturday, but, for now, all teams not coached by Houston Nutt (Arkansas), who started the season with the BEST player (RB Darren McFadden), allegedly, in the BEST conference (SEC), allegedly, can still earn a BCS bowl berth.

2. Most teams are good enough to beat a good team. Proof: 10 of 12 SEC teams have wins against at least one Top 25 opponent.

3. The SEC is 32-5 (86 percent success rate) against non-conference opponents.

4. Seven SEC teams (most by any conference) are ranked in the Top 25 AP and coaches polls. By comparison, the Pac-10 has but three teams ranked.

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THEORY TWO: Overrated

          A Southerner’s take: This is your theory if you’re illogical and haven’t watched any football this season and just hate the SEC because the only thing you can really compare it to is the NFL.

          The take of anyone else not lucky enough to be a Southerner: If Mississippi State beat Auburn and Mississippi State lost to West Virginia and West Virginia lost to South Florida and South Florida beat Auburn but lost to Connecticut, then how could the SEC be considered the best conference in the country? And if Tennessee beat South Carolina and South Carolina beat Georgia and Georgia beat Florida and Florida beat Tennessee and Tennessee was demolished by California, how could the SEC be better than the Pac-10?

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Factual evidence proving THEORY TWO: Overrated

1. The SEC is 5-5 against BCS conference opponents.

---ACC (2-1, last season 7-1): LSU 48, Virginia Tech 7; Florida State 21, Alabama 14; South Carolina 21, North Carolina 15; Florida State at Florida; Georgia at Georgia Tech; Clemson at South Carolina; Wake Forest at Vanderbilt.

---Big East (2-1, last season 0-2): South Florida 26, Auburn 23 (OT); Kentucky 40, Louisville 34; West Virginia 38, Mississippi State 13

---Big 12 (2-1, last season 2-2): Auburn 23, Kansas State 13; Georgia 35, Oklahoma State 14; Missouri 38, Ole Miss 25

---Pac-10 (0-1, last season 3-1): California 45, Tennessee 31

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Opinions anyone?

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-jo-

Bad news: Miami native Javier Estopinan out for the year

GAINESVILLE -- Florida redshirt junior Javier Estopinan, a Miami native, is done for the season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. This is terrible news for the defensive tackle, who has now torn three ACLs in three years.

Estopinan (South Miami) injured his knee during the second quarter on Saturday against Georgia. He was in street clothes by the second half. Florida trainers initially hoped that Estopinan had only injured his meniscus but Florida coach Urban Meyer took one glance at the tough defensive lineman and knew by the look on Estopinan's face that the injury was more severe.

"He's a smart guy and he has been through it a couple of times," Meyer said. "There's no one better than Javier."

Meyer said on Monday during his weekly press conference that Estopinan has every intention of fully recovering from the injury and contributing to the team's 2008 season.

"He's coming back," Meyer said. "He's going to be one of our leaders next year. His family was here [Sunday]. I relate it to the day I sat in my office and (former defensive tackle) Ray McDonald got the phone call [confirming a torn ACL]. It is hard to see, especially for invested players."

The loss of Estopinan is a serious blow for Florida's interior defensive line. The Gators' other starting defensive tackle, redshirt senior Clint McMillan, is also nursing an injury. Florida will likely replace Estopinan with a combination of freshman Torrey Davis, redshirt freshman Lawrence Marsh and freshman Justin Trattou (a defensive end).

-jo-

Your chance to name UGA 42, UF 30 and other ramblings of a crazy SEC that took a long stinking time to compile

As newbie to all things Florida Gators, I'm not going to pretend to be an expert on the Georgia-Florida rivalry (I'm not going to pretend to be an expert on anything, for that matter. Give me another year, ha-ha!). So, let's open this lovely Sunday conversation to the real UGA-UF historians, you guys. Here's your chance to name Georgia 42, Florida 30.

My offerings...
1. Dance, Dawgs, Dance
2. Knowshon Fo'Show'Mon
3. Tebow: End of Innocence
4. Moreno Supremo
5. Meyer Loses Fire
6. Act'n a Fool in the End Zone
7. Fourth-and-Dumb II
8. Staffordshire, the new Dawg in Jville
9. Major Wright, The Marshmallow Fist Man
10. Tebow's Shoulder Bruise Game

GAINESVILLE -- No doubt UGA 42, UF 30 will be remembered forever for Georgia's end zone celebration in the first quarter. Sports Illustrated has apparently latched onto the bizarre happenings, evidenced by an SI writer asking Florida coach Urban Meyer his thoughts on the subject during today's weekly teleconference.
          Meyer: "The first thing is it's illegal ... You're being called out and you have to go as hard as you can. We had some silly penalties as well ... We have to keep them out of the end zone so they can't do that ... It's none of my business."

SEC TEAMS IN AP TOP 25
No.3 LSU (7-1)
          Can a one-loss LSU team leapfrog No.2 Boston College? Tigers won't have to; BC will lose at home to Miami on Nov.24. Ohio State will lose at Michigan on Nov.17.

No.10 Georgia (6-2)
          Do the Bulldogs got bite? Just ask Tebow, who was sacked six times on Saturday. Florida's quarterback entered the game having been sacked five times on the season.

No.17 Alabama (6-2)
          Bama jumps five spots and didn't even play a game? Only the Tide. Didn't this team lose to Florida State a couple weeks ago?

No.18 Florida (5-3)
          The highest ranked three-loss team in the Top 25.

No.19 Auburn (6-3)
          The Tigers ranked behind Florida? Further proof that most AP voters don't eat their vegetables. Auburn beat Florida in The Swamp, duh.

No.23 South Carolina (6-3)
          Hey Spurrier, feeling cocky?

No.24 Tennessee (6-3)
          Again, in the words of Pompano Beach Ely's world famous marching band: Hey AP voters, "Eat your vegetables...And your peas!" Tennessee beat South Carolina ON SATURDAY!

MOST SEC TEAMS STILL ALIVE
          Amazingly, 11 of 12 SEC teams still have chances (some theoretical miracles) to reach Atlanta and the SEC championship game. Here's an SEC breakdown of the current standings, including some highlights from kids that got away from Florida, a few hometown heroes, my predictions, several snarky comments (pretty much all I'm good for) and one request for LSU fans. And who said the SEC is a conference in constant flux? Looks like South Carolina, Kentucky and the Mississippi schools are at the bottom of the pile, as usual.

SEC WEST BREAKDOWN
Alabama (4-1)
          Last week: Bye. This week: LSU at Bryant-Denny (5 p.m.). Tuscaloosa might burn to the ground if the Tide beats LSU (Nick Saban vs. Les Miles) in Bryant-Denny on Saturday. And in a rare Saturday in The Beautiful state, the entire place will be cheering for Alabama to win. Auburn can't win the West without a little help from the pachyderms. Prediction: Alabama 17, LSU 10. What needs to happen for Alabama to reach Atlanta? Win out.

LSU (4-1)
          Last week: Bye. This week: LSU Les Miles' luck runs out this weekend. Side note: LSU fans, take some lessons on how to treat visiting football fans while y'all are in T-town. What needs to happen for LSU to reach Atlanta? Win out; convert 53 more fourth downs; continue consulting with New Orleans voodoo witchdoctors every week; meet at the crossroads one more time; etc...

Auburn (4-2)
          Last week: Beat Ole Miss 17-3, out gaining the Rebs in yards by 420-193. RB Brad Lester rushed for a career high 93 yards. One That Got Away: Sophomore defensive back Patrick Lee (Miami Christopher Columbus) had nine tackles and an interception. This week: Tennessee Tech at Jordan-Hare (2:30 p.m.). Prediction: Auburn 45, Tennessee Tech 10. What needs to happen for Auburn to reach Atlanta? Win out; two LSU losses.

Miss. State (2-3)
          Last week: Beat Kentucky 31-14. Congrats coach Sly Croom, you just earned another year as head coach of the Mississippi State Bulldogs. One That Got Away: Freshman quarterback Wesley Carroll (St. Thomas Aquinas) threw for 152 yards and two touchdowns. This week: Bye. What needs to happen for State to reach Atlanta? Win out; three LSU losses; Alabama loss at Auburn.

Arkansas (1-3)
          Last week: Beat FIU 58-10. Arkansas has scored 102 points in the last two weeks. Have the Hogs turned their season around in time to add more chaos to the SEC? One That Got Away: Sophomore tailback Michael Smith (Tallahassee Rickards) rushed for an 81-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. This week: South Carolina at Razorback Stadium (2 p.m.). Prediction: Arkansas 24, South Carolina 21. What needs to happen for Arkansas to reach Atlanta? A whole heck of a lot: Win out; three Alabama losses; LSU loss to Ole Miss. 

Ole Miss (0-6)
          Last week: Lost to Auburn 17-3. It's bad in Oxford these days but Rebs coach Ed Orgeron gets a pass this season and probably the next. One That Got Away: Freshman defensive lineman Lawon Scott (St. Petersburg High) was credited with 2.5 tackles behind the line for a total of minus-five yards. Next week: Northwestern State at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium (2 p.m.). Prediction: Ole Miss 20, Northwestern State 7. What needs to happen for Ole Miss to reach Atlanta? Get in your car; drive east; buy a ticket.

SEC EAST BREAKDOWN
Georgia (4-2)
          Last week: Beat Florida 42-30. Knowshon Fo'Show'Mon. One That Got Away: Sophomore defensive tackle Geno Atkins (St. Thomas Aquinas) assisted on a sack. Next week: Troy at Sanford Stadium (1 p.m.). Prediction: Georgia 30, Troy 27. What needs to happen for Georgia to reach Atlanta? Win out; Tennessee loss.

Tennessee (3-2)
          Last week: Beat South Carolina 27-24 (OT). Tennessee just won't go away. Left for dead after a 59-20 loss to Florida, Tennessee can now controls its own fate in the SEC East. One That Got Away: Freshman kicker Daniel Lincoln (Ocala Forest) nailed a 48-yarder moments (after missing a 43-yarder) to force overtime. The second chance came by way of a Tennessee penalty. Lincoln then made the game winner (27 yards) in overtime. Next week: Louisiana-Lafayette at Neyland Stadium (4 p.m.). Prediction: Tennessee 25, Ragin' Cajuns 10. What needs to happen for Tennessee to reach Atlanta? Win out.

Florida (3-3)
          Last week: Lost to Georgia 42-30. Tebow's Shoulder Bruise Game. Hometown Hero: Anyone see Major Wright's (St. Thomas Aquinas) marshallow fist, a white boxing glove of gauze bandaging to protect his broken thumb? He still managed to record a solo tackle on special teams. Dorian Munroe (Miami Coral Reef) subbed for Wright at free safety and had two tackles. Next week: Vanderbilt at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (12:30 p.m.) Prediction: Florida 33, Vandy 30. What needs to happen for Florida to reach Atlanta? Win out; two Georgia losses; Tennessee loss.

South Carolina (3-3)
          Last week: Just when you thought Spurrier was going to help out his old Gators, South Carolina lost to Tennessee 27-24 (OT). One That Got Away: Sophomore strong safety Emanuel Cook (Palm Beach Gardens) had 10 tackles, including one for a loss. Next week: South Carolina at Razorback Stadium (2 p.m.). Prediction: Arkansas 24, South Carolina 21. What needs to happen for South Carolina to reach Atlanta? Win out; two Tennessee losses.

Kentucky (2-3)
          Last week: Lost to Mississippi State 31-14. Get'n lucky in Kentucky no longer. Kentucky had six turnovers. One That Got Away: Sophomore defensive end Jamil Paris (Sebastian River) forced a fumble in the fourth quarter. Next week: Bye. What needs to happen for Kentucky to reach Atlanta? Win out; Florida loss; South Carolina loss.

-jo- 

UGA 42, UF 30: Gators lose to Georiga for third time in 18 years

JACKSONVILLE -- Just got back from the post-game press conferences. Florida quarterback Tim Tebow was emotional, fighting back tears when asked about how if feels to lose to Georgia. The Gators lost 42-35 on Saturday at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. Tebow was sacked six times. He entered the game having been sacked only five times.

More analysis later. Gotta write my stories for the paper now.

-jo-

UGA 35, UF 24: Florida's defense getting exposed

JACKSONVILLE -- One play after being flagged for a senseless personal foul, Florida cornerback Wondy Pierre-Louis found himself isolated in one-on-one coverage and allowed a 53-yard touchdown.

Georgia receiver Mikey Henderson made a nice play against Pierre-Louis, catching the ball over Pierre-Louis' back, before trotting into the end zone.

-jo-   

Florida losing the fight

JACKSONVILLE -- Raise your hand if you predicted this. Tim Tebow has rushed for minus-24 yards on 10 carries through three quarters.

Tebow just missed a long third-down conversion (19 yards) when he overthrew Cornelius Ingram and Knowshon Moreno is running through Florida's defense once again. Georgia is leading 28-24.

-Dorian Munroe (Miami Coral Reef) just replaced Kyle Jackson in the Florida secondary.

-jo-

UGA 28, UF 24: Tebow runs despite injury

GAINESVILLE -- Tim Tebow appears to be in pain after rushing for a two-yard score (7:22, third quarter) to cut Georgia's lead to 28-24. Sensing a Tim Tebow Heisman Trophy moment coming on.

-A 30-yard pass play to Jarred Fayson set up the touchdown.

-jo-

Harvin injured: Offensive options shrinking for the Gators

GAINESVILLE -- Tebow can't run the ball because of his sore shoulder and now Percy Harvin is walking off the field with an apparent shoulder injury (11:16, third quarter). Florida needs a big play to restore some momentum.

-jo-

UGA 28, UF 17: Gators can't stop Knowshon Moreno

JACKSONVILLE -- The second half is underway and Florida still can't stop Georgia freshman running back Knowshon Moreno.

Moreno carried the ball twice for 56 yards on the Bulldogs' first drive of the third quarter. The sliced through Florida's defense on his second carry -- an inside draw for 44 yards. Matthew Stafford finished off the drive with a one-yard play-action pass to Georgia fullback Brandon Southerland.

Moreno now has over 100 yards rushing for the second game in a row. He rushed for 157 yards against Vanderbilt two weeks ago.

-jo- 

UGA 21, UF 17: Georgia's Moreno one tough freshman

JACKSONVILLE -- Georgia is relying almost exclusively on its freshman running back Knowshon Moreno and the youngster is answering the challenge.

Moreno just scored his second rushing touchdown of the game to give Georgia a 21-17 lead. Moreno has 17 carries for about 65 yards and two touchdowns.

-jo-

UF 17, UGA 14: Tebow sacked for fourth time

GAINESVILLE -- Tim Tebow hasn't been pressured like this all season. Georgia just sacked Florida's quarterback for the fourth time, forcing the Gators to settle for a 43-yard Joey Ijjas field goal with 7:11 left in the second quarter.

Finally, a sound defensive series

JACKSONVILLE -- A developing situation here at the Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. Someone finally decided to play defense. Florida stopped Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno (he touched on every play of the six-play drive) and Georiga missed a 56-yard field goal.

-Florida took over at its own 39-yard line and Tim Tebow tossed a 25-yard pass to Jarred Fayson. What? Jarred Fayson? Who? That's right, Jarred Fayson sighting.

-jo-

UF 14, UGA 14: Jump, Wondy, Jump!

JACKSONVILLE -- We now have our 4,409 personal foul of the game after Florida cornerback Wondy Pierre-Louis flipped into the end zone to celebrate an interception and score. The 25-yard play is Pierre-Louis' first interception of the season and the second touchdown of his career.

-Matthew Stafford has now thrown two passes for two touchdowns (one to his team, one to Florida).

-jo-

Worst drive of the season for Florida

JACKSONVILLE -- Florida answered Georgia's 86-yard touchdown play with the Gators' worst offensive series of the season: K. Moore fumble, Tebow sack, Tebow sack.

Florida is now facing a fourth-and-37......and.......nice punt by Chas Henry to the one-yard line. Brandon James, Mr. Special Teams, downs the ball.

-jo-

UGA 14, UF 7: Bulldogs strike back; Nice angle, Tony Joiner

JACKSONVILLE -- Florida defensive breakdown alert: Florida strong safety Tony Joiner just got toasted by Georgia wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi for an 86-yard touchdown. This is turning into a wild one. That touchdown pass is a career long for quarterback Matthew Stafford and Massaquoi.

Georgia just got flagged for two more personal fouls. The Bulldogs now have six personal foul penalties in less than one quarter.

-jo-

UF 7, UGA 7: Gators answer quickly; Tebow beside himself

GAINESVILLE -- Tebow just spent about 15 seconds celebrating his 40-yard touchdown throw to Louis Murphy. Anyone else gets flagged for excessive celebration.

-Florida's scoring drive: three plays, 67 yards, one minute and 21 seconds. 

-Major Wright is on the field for Florida's kickoff with what looks like a marshmallow on his left hand. Wright broke his thumb against Kentucky.

-jo-

UGA 7, UF 0: Bizarre happenings on the Georgia sidelines!!!

JACKSONVILLE -- The press box is spinning right now (and I'm receiving about 52 text messages) after Georgia's entire team just rushed the field to celebrate the Bulldogs' one-yard touchdown.

Most bizarre. The press box actually erupted into laughter at this sight: Knowshon Moreno goes over the top and Georgia's entire team just rushed the field like Moreno hit a Little League home run or something.

-Georgia was flagged for 30 yards.

-jo-

Jackson hurt on first play; Munroe in; 'Dogs driving

Gainesville -- Florida senior defensive back Kyle Jackson is out of the game after the defense's first play after being trucked by Georgia freshman running back Knowshon Moreno. Munroe is in the game.

-K. Moreno with a 14-yard gain to the UF 3. The Bulldogs are punching Florida in the mouth right now.

-jo-

Moore fumbles, Georgia with a short field

Gainesville -- Florida running back Kestahn Moore fumbles, giving Georgia the ball at the UF 39.

That's Moore's second fumble of the season. Expect plenty of Tebow runs from here on out.

-Moore's fumble spoiled an impressive Florida drive, which included a third-and-15 throw from Tebow Bubba Caldwell.

-jo-

Georgia Gator chomp'n early; Tebow sacked

JACKSONVILLE -- Georgia starts the game with a bang, sacking Tebow for a nine-yard loss. Bulldogs defensive end Marcus Howard jumps up and gives Florida's half of Jacksonville Muni a few Gator chomps. When Florida Gator chomps they get flagged.

-jo-

PREGAME: UGA linebackers healthy; UF trick play alert!!!

JACKSONVILLE -- Georgia's ailing linebackers corps apparently got healthy during the Bulldogs' bye week. Marcus Washington (middle linebacker), Brandon Miller (strong-side linebacker) and Dannell Ellerbe are starting today, according to the press box announcer. Washington missed the last two games with a shoulder injury and Miller missed the Vandy game with a calf injury.

Ellerbe leads the team in tackles (53). Miller ranks sixth (24). Washington has 23 tackles.

-TRICK PLAY ALERT: Florida running back Jarred Fayson is passing with Tebow on the sidelines. I smell a trick play early!!!

-jo-

PREGAME: Medder stretching; predicting a Dorian Munroe breakout game

I'M BAAACK...been sick for a few days...

JACKSONVILLE -- Nothing like a nice rainy day on the St. Johns River.

The weather seems to be clearing up here at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium after a steady rain that lasted for about an hour. The field appears to be in good order, so soggy conditions shouldn't be a factor unless the rain picks up again.

-Florida offensive lineman Carlton Medder, who injured his heel last week, is stretching on the sidelines and appears ready to play. Medder did not practice this week and team doctors fitted him with a protective plastic cast. Medder said that he injured his heel during the preseason and the chronic injury finally took a turn for the worse against Kentucky. Medder is projected to start today but if his heel flares up again then redshirt freshman Marcus Gilbert (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas) will fill in at right tackle.

-Mississippi State is up on Kentucky 24-14 at the end of the third quarter. I kind of saw this coming. The Wildcats are due for a letdown game and State is improving weekly with freshman quarterback Wesley Carroll (St. Thomas Aquinas).

-Florida sophomore Dorian Munroe (Miami Coral Reef) will play plenty today with freshman free safety Major Wright (St. Thomas Aquinas) out with a thumb injury. I'm predicting a breakout game from Munroe (at least one pick). Wright broke his thumb against Kentucky and had minor surgery on Monday. Florida coach Urban Meyer said on Monday that Wright had an outside chance of playing today. Smarter heads have prevailed. Florida will allow Wright to rest his hand, giving Munroe and Kyle Jackson plenty of opportunities today. Jackson, who started at free safety for the Gators first four games, is projected to start. Munroe, the Gators' most versatile defensive back, will back-up both Jackson and strong safety Tony Joiner.

-The scene outside the stadium is pretty festive despite the icky weather. I ran into a couple of Georgia fans dressed up like Civil War generals. They were hocking tickets.

-The Gator Bowl/Alltel/Jacksonville Muni/is filling up now. Pretty neat seeing Georgia and Florida fans split down the middle.

-From UF's sports info department: Former Florida quarterback Doug Johnson and former Florida head coach Galen Hall were inducted into the Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame on Friday.

Hall was the head coach of the Gators from 1984-89, totaling a career record of 43-21-1 while leading Florida to three bowl appearances, including a win in the 1988 All-American Bowl over Illinois, 14-10. He became the first coach in Florida history to lead the Gators to back-to-back first-place finishes in the SEC (1984-85). Hall was named the SEC Coach of the Year by the AP in his first year at the helm, guiding Florida to a 9-1-1 record, the best regular-season mark in school history. He duplicated the feat in 1985, leading the Gators to another 9-1-1 season.

In 1998, Johnson enjoyed his biggest game against Georgia during his junior campaign. In his first start against the Bulldogs, Johnson became the second Gator player in as many years to throw, catch, and rush for a touchdown against Georgia. He was 25-for-34 passing for 292 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, adding a two-yard touchdown run and 10-yard touchdown catch from wide receiver Travis McGriff in the Gators’ 38-7 win. Johnson was 2-0 as a starter against Georgia in his career.

-jo-

A toast to Urban Meyer: Rebel without a cause

GAINESVILLE -- The University of Florida has long since advised its athletic department not to refer to the Georgia-Florida rivalry in Jacksonville as The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. This is probably a good thing (OK, it's probably a politically correct thing. Because what school is dumb enough to advertise a football game as a "Cocktail Party" when most of the college kids attending the "Cocktail Party" will be driving back to Gainesville after the "Cocktail Party.")

With that in mind, hats off to Florida coach Urban Meyer for going all Hans Solo today during the weekly SEC coaches teleconference and challenging UF's directive.

"I know we're not supposed to call it the Cocktail Party but The World's Largest Cocktail Party in Jacksonville," Meyer said. "I remember at an early age watching that."

Not a big deal, in my opinion -- Only three people have died in UGA/UF related partying in Jacksonville since 2004. -- as I am a supporter of breaking silly rules that aren't really rules but rather nonsense cooked up by people who think they're pretty important and have the power to make rules.

Meyer also spoke out against moving the Florida-Georgia game to Atlanta every other year. (Georgia fans are sick of driving through Florida after watching their team lose every year. Driving through Georgia every other year after watching their team lose is a much more pleasant thought.)

"I'd think it'd be a shame," Meyer said. "It's like the Red River Shootout (Oklahoma vs. Texas in Dallas' Cotton Bowl). There's only a couple of those and it would take away from the uniqueness of the rivalry."

-jo-

Tebow tattoo sighting!!!! Tebow tattoo sighting!!!

GAINESVILLE -- This picture was brought to our attention by Patrick Rutherford of Atlanta. It was uploaded onto AJC.com's personal photos gallery of the Cocktail Party.

For those unaware, Gator Clause is collecting photos of Tim Tebow tattoos for a comprehensive coffee book! Send your pictures to me at jgoodman@MiamiHerald.com.

Click ME to view the photo gallery. The photo is in the third gallery of pictures and is listed as the 10th picture. This is a must see for the mullet alone! Photoshopped? Who cares!

-jo-

LSU vs. Auburn: Dumbest call in the history of sports?

GAINESVILLE -- So I was listening to 850-AM in Gainesville about 15 minutes ago and former Florida quarterback Shane Matthews referred to LSU's play call to end the Tigers' game against Auburn as "the dumbest call in the history of sports."

In case you missed it, LSU coach Les Miles called for a pass to the end zone as time was expiring against Auburn. LSU receiver Demetrius Byrd (Miami Central) caught a 22-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matt Flynn with one second left in the game and LSU won 30-24. It was a bizarre call for two reasons: 1. The game clock was running when LSU lined up for the play. Only eight seconds remained on the game clock when LSU snapped the ball. 2. LSU didn't need a touchdown to win the game. Auburn had a one-point lead and LSU still had one timeout. Obviously, a safer play call would have been to run one more play, call timeout with two or three seconds left in the game and then kick a field goal.

Thoughts anyone?...

For my money, the dumbest call in the history of sports happened three weeks ago before the LSU-Florida game when a LSU fan called into a radio station and said that Matt Flynn was Tim Tebow but with an arm.

-jo-

FINAL: Florida 45, Kentucky 37

Joseph Goodman

jgoodman@MiamiHerald.com

LEXINGTON, Ky. — For all the wackiness of major college football over the last four weeks; for all the parity infecting (or invigorating) the Southeastern Conference; for all the commotion and demotion and promotion in the national polls; nothing has really changed for Florida.

The Gators, despite two losses, are in the same position today as they were before college football decided about a month ago to jump head first into a blender and hit frappe. Win out and Florida is in the SEC championship game.

The Gators knew as much before they even finished off Kentucky on Saturday. Florida beat the upstart Wildcats 45-37 but before the game was even over Florida’s SEC East Division rivals had already opened the door for another Florida run to Atlanta. South Carolina lost to Vanderbilt and Tennessee lost to Alabama. So, for one week anyway, Florida (5-2, 3-2 in SEC) is eyeing a straight line to it’s second straight BCS bowl game.

“We’re back,” Florida receiver Louis Murphy said. “I still feel like we shouldn’t have lost to LSU. I know that’s what’s in my head.

“We should have beat them and we came out today and showed that we could beat Kentucky. I think we’re bouncing back and we’re going to go on a nice big run.”

THIRD QUARTER: Florida 31, Kentucky 24

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Kentucky won't go away.

Two Kentucky touchdowns in the third quarter, including a 50-yard play by Dicky Lyons Jr. has the Wildcats within striking distance entering the fourth quarter.

-jo-

HALFTIME: Florida 21, Kentucky 10

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Jump pass alert.
     Tim Tebow revived the long-forgotten jump pass last season against LSU. The sophomore quarterback brought back The Jump at the end of the second half when he leaped at the one-yard line and completed a short crossing pattern to tight end Aaron Hernandez. Ijjas' extra point gave Florida 21-10 lead with 18 seconds left in the half.
     The scoring drive was set up by a 61-yard kickoff return by Brandon James, the champion of all little people.
------HALFTIME NOTES------
     Now I'm watching Kentucky's band perform "Bohemian Rhapsody" (Queen). (Hopefully it's the Wayne's World version.) Now the band is playing Bon Jovi's "Living on a Prayer." Fitting for these 'Cats, I suppose.   

-Kentucky receiver Keenan Burton injured his knee during the second quarter and was taken into the locker room before halftime for evaluation.

-In a flashback to the loss against LSU, Florida once again allowed an opponent to convert a ridiculous fourth down. This happened in the second half when Kentucky converted a fourth-and-9 to reach field goal position. Kicker Lones Seider booted a 27-yarder to cut Florida's lead to 14-10 with 2:38 left in the half.

-jo-      

FIRST QUARTER: Florida 14, Kentucky 7

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- The long ball is back.
     Florida quarterback Tim Tebow connected with Louis Murphy with 11 seconds left in the first quarter for a 66-yard touchdown play. Murphy ran past a pair of Kentucky defenders and caught Tebow's heave in stride. Kicker Joey Ijjas gave Florida a 14-7 lead with an extra point.
     The touchdown was Tebow's second of the quarter. The Gators tied the score at 7-all after Tebow connected with Cornelius Ingram for a 10-yard play with 4:41 left in the quarter. Tebow completed all five of his pass attempts on the drive and also rushed for 25 yards.
     Kentucky took a 7-0 lead when 'Cats quarterback Andre' Woodson found Dicky Lyons Jr. for a 33-yard touchdown. Lyons Jr. burned Florida cornerback Jacques Rickerson on the play.
     -jo-

PREGAME: Three thumbs up for Lexington...Florida, Kentucky control their own destiny

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- In a surprise turn of events, I'm falling in love with Lexington, Ky. This is a great town. Got to admit, when I first glanced at Florida's away schedule I frowned at the Kentucky trip. I was wrong. The people are SUPER nice, the nightlife is excellent, the town seems to be a Norman Rockwell painting come to life and they hand out 50-cent pieces at the concession stands.

Kentucky also had a moment of silence for Florida football player Michael Guilford in between God Bless and the National Anthem. Guilford passed away last Friday during a motorcycle accident.

I've asked around about this whole 50-cent thing and no one can give me an explanation. Theories anyone...

In related news, Alabama is having its way with Tennessee right now and it looks like Vandy is going to beat South Carolina. If all stays the same, Florida and Kentucky should know before kickoff that the winner of today's game will be in first place in the SEC East.

-jo-

Get to know your Gators: Basketball fan day this weekend

A quick note just in case anyone is interested ...

GAINESVILLE -- Not making the trip to Lexington this weekend for the football game? Then you might want to consider a trip to Gainesville for basketball fan day. The men's and women's basketball teams decided not to have a Midnight Madness this year but will instead give fans a sneak peek on Sunday at the O'Connell Center.

Doors open at 2 p.m. Players will sign autographs between 2:30 and 4 p.m. The men's team will scrimmage at 4:30 p.m.

-jo-

Recruiting: Gators get surprise commitment from Hallandale wide receiver

GAINESVILLE -- It only took one week for Florida to fall in love with Hallandale receiver Frankie Hammond Jr.

Hammond Jr. sent Florida a few highlight tapes last week and the receiver committed to the Gators tonight. Hammond, who chose Florida over Miami, told The Miami Herald that he called Florida coach Urban Meyer tonight and left a message on Meyer's voice mail.

According to Hammond Jr., Florida didn't even know he existed until last week. How could they? A relative unknown until this season, Hammond Jr. focused most of his efforts on track and field before dedicating himself to football his senior season. Hammond Jr. (6-0, 160), who runs a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash, won the high jump competition (six feet , 10 inches) this summer at the AAU Junior Olympics in Tennessee. In addition to football, Hammond Jr. hopes to compete in track and field for the Gators.

"I sent Florida my tapes and [assistant coach] Doc Holliday and [assistant coach] Billy Gonzales came down for practice and told me all that Florida had to offer," Hammond Jr. said. "I'll have more chances to be involved as a wide receiver at Florida."

Hammond Jr. didn't play football his sophomore season. Hallandale's football program then struggled in 2006 but the Chargers are 6-1 in 2007. Hammond Jr. had five catches for 117 yards and three touchdowns in a win last week. Hammond Jr. expects to graduate with a 3.7 GPA.

-jo-

Florida coping with loss of teammate

GAINESVILLE -- Prepartion for Florida's upcoming opponent, Kentucky, remained a side story here in Gainesville on Monday as the football team continued to cope with the loss of scout-team quarterback Michael Guilford.

Guilford, 19, died early Friday morning when he apparently lost control of his motorcycle and struck a median on Old Archer Road. Players attended an on-campus memorial service at 7:30 p.m. tonight (Monday) for Guilford and Ashley Slonina, who also died in the accident. Slonina, 20, was dating starting Florida freshman cornerback Joe Haden.

Joe Haden's mother, Zakiya, flew from Maryland this weekend to offer her son support.

-jo-

Florida football player dies in motorcycle accident

Thoughts and prayers go out to the families of Florida football player Michael Guilford and his friend Ashley Slonina. Both died early Friday morning in Gainesville, according to police, during a motorcycle accident. Guilford was 19 and Slonina was 20.

Guilford was a walk-on redshirt freshman and served as the Gators' scout-team quarterback. A Blountstown native known for his long hair and outgoing personality, Guilford was referred to by teammates as "Sunshine."

Florida coach Urban Meyer issued this statement on Friday: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Michael Guilford.  He was an outstanding, quality young man that was loved, respected and admired by all of us. His unselfish efforts on helping his teammates getting ready to play every week were only a glimpse of the person he was. We pray that God's blessing be with Michael’s family, friends and teammates during this sad and difficult time. Our condolences and blessings also go to the family and friends of Ashley Slonina who also passed away in this sad and tragic accident.”

-Joseph Goodman

A gator with sharp teeth; Ouch, my eye!

Off work until Sunday...

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Florida is off for a few days and so am I. Still can't get away from those Gators, though...(Before you ask, that's a real alligator. His name is Gizmo (rhymes with Tebow)!

Click on the picture to make it bigger. Those teeth are sharp. Spending the weekend in Birmingham with my family! I proposed to my beautiful fiancée, Sarah Goldman, last night (and she actually said YES! Can you believe someone is willing to marry this [quoting a Lakeland fan] "talentless amateur hack!?!").

I'll be blogging again on Monday. Oh, almost forgot, LSU is at Kentucky this weekend. (Florida played LSU last week and plays Kentucky next week.) Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. CBS will televise the game.

-jo-

Florida hoops: Adam Allen's dad smashed his Nintendo 64 with a baseball bat...and much, much more!

GAINESVILLE -- Florida forward Adam Allen is one of seven freshmen on the Gators' 11-man basketball squad. Those fresh faces met with the media today (Wednesday) during the Gators' preseason basketball media day. That's when I found out the REAL story behind Allen's non-video game upbringing.

I spoke with Adam's mom, Kelly, this offseason when young Adam signed with the Gators. Kelly Allen is great for stories. She told me all about how Adam (pictured) grew up on a farm in little Milton, Fla. He worked the land, fished the lake, rode tractors, mastered his jump shot ... you know, all the things a good kid from Milton does. Kelly Allen also told me that Adam and his brothers grew up without a video game system in their house. "Oh, the horror," I thought. No Contra or Double Dragon (probably before Adam's time), no Super Mario Brothers, no Sega, no Halo, NO NOTHING!

"That's right," Kelly Allen said.

Not exactly. Adam and his three younger brothers (I'm the oldest of four boys, too, by the way) did, for a short while, own a Nintendo 64. That all changed one day when father Randy Allen came home from work and caught his boys playing video games when they weren't supposed to.

"He took the Nintendo outside and smashed it with a baseball bat," Allen said.

Ahh, that's a classic story. Sounds like something my dad would have done.

If you're a casual Gators fans, then this is probably the first time you've ever read the name Adam Allen. Trust me, you're going to read it a lot over the next four years. Allen (6-8, 206 pounds) is a big star back home Milton way. So big, in fact, the Santa Rosa County Commission honored him with his own day in the spring. It was Adam Allen Day all day long back on April 23. Adam, who was originally recruited by former Florida assistant Anthony Grant, is Milton basketball's all-time leader in points (23,017), rebounds (12,000) and blocks (321). He was second only to Nick Calathes (another Florida freshman) in voting for last season's Florida Mr. Basketball award.

Calathes, a 6-6 swingman, and Allen are two of five stud freshmen. The group also includes forward Alex Tyus, guard Jai Lucas (pictured) and forward Chandler Parsons. In keeping with Florida coach Billy Donovan's penchant for recruiting sons of former professional basketball players, Allen, Parsons and Lucas' fathers all played professional basketball. Jai (pronounced Jay) Lucas' father is former NBA player and coach John Lucas. Jai's older brother, John, is currently playing with the Houston Rockets.

Parsons' father, Gary, was the Division I-AA national player of the year way back in 1977. Chandler Parsons' grandfather, Don, played for Rutgers and was drafted by the New York Knicks.

And that brings us to Randy Allen, the Nintendo smasher. Allen played professionally for the Sacramento Kings. Randy Allen played his college ball at Florida State. Adam Allen says it was a pretty big shocker to his family (his godparents live in Tallahassee) when he committed to Florida. As for the video games, well, Adam says he's making up for lost time. He and his roommates (Lucas, Calathes and Parsons) have an X-Box 360.

"We play it all the time," Allen said.

That is until Randy shows up one day with a baseball bat.

-jo-

Tim Tebow indecent book proposal; Gators midseason report

A young Tim Tebow once finished the Double Dare obstacle course in 12.8 seconds. He won a free trip to Space Camp but the Pentagon intervened, issuing Tebow this letter...

GAINESVILLE -- Lest we forget, Gator Clause wanted to let our loyal readers know that we would love their help with a new project. It's called the Document All the Tim Tebow Tattoos You Can Find Project and Let Me Know. We'll call it DATTTYCFPLMK for short.

If anyone hears of a person getting a Tim Tebow tattoo, then I want to know about it. Email me the person's phone number. Gator Clause has decided to make a coffee table book chronicling the collegiate career of Tim Tebow. The projected publish date for this "can't live without Christmas gift for every man, woman, child and inmate" is when Timmy either graduates, goes pro or ascends into heaven.

Since every college football writer in America is working on this very same book, Gator Clause's offering will have a slightly different twist. There will be no words (as words imply arrogance). Instead, the book's magnet aura will pulsate hope throughout the world using the power of art. That's right, folks. Prison tats are not only welcomed but encouraged. All proceeds for this book will be wasted on education and "medication."

BOOK YOUR TRIP TO NEW YORK NOW
Speaking of the Teebster, he probably won't win the Heisman Trophy this season (I write this only because he's a sophomore and a sophomore has never won) but it's safe to assume that Tebow will be making the trip to New York as a finalist. I've already reserved a room in New York. Seriously, I already did this. If Tebow doesn't make it to New York, then I'm going to be really upset. Don't think Tebow deserves a shot at the Heisman as a sophomore? Consider this: If Tebow continues at his current pace, then he'll finish the regular season with 2,910 passing yards, 1,000 rushing yards and 44 total touchdowns (passing and rushing combined).

THE TEEBSTER'S PASSING STATS:
-He's the SEC's most efficient passer, completing 65.5 percent of his throws.
-Only Kentucky's Andre' Woodson (1,536 yards) has thrown for more yards than Tebow (1,455 yards).

THE TEEBSTER'S RUSHING STATS:
-Tebow is ranked eighth in the SEC in rushing yards with 500 yards on 105 carries. That's just downright remarkable considering all of his passing yards.
-He has rushed for nine touchdowns. That's tied for first in the SEC!

THE TEEBSTER'S OVERALL STATS
-Tebow leads the SEC in total offense (1,955 yards, 325.6 per) and there isn't a close second.
-He's made more phone calls to the LSU student section than any other player in the conference.
-Tebow has had a hand (throwing or rushing) in 22 touchdowns.
-Seriously, if Tebow keeps this up his entire career, then the Downtown Athletic Club (or whomever sponsors the award these days) will need to remain the Heisman Trophy the Teebster.

MOST IMPRESSIVE
Dropping 59 points on Tennessee seems more impressive now than it did when it actually happened.

LEAST IMPRESSIVE
Tony Joiner's misstep with Watson's Towing and Recovery. To Joiner's credit, he handled the media scrutiny with class on Tuesday.

DO OVER
Florida wasting a year of Chris Rainey's eligibility is one of this season's biggest disappointments. See also, Jerimy Finch. Still sad for that kid.

MOST SURPRISING
Five underclassmen led Florida in tackles against LSU, including sophomore defensive end Jermaine Cunningham, who had 17.

HOW BIZARRE
Former Southern Cal running back Emmanuel Moody transferring to Florida still baffles Gator Clause.

MOORE CARRIES
Kestahn Moore has quietly turned into a good running back. He needs more carries in the second half of the season. He's averaging 5.4 yards per carry.

WONDY, WE LOVE WONDY!!!
Six games into the season and Wondy Pierre-Louis is still starting at cornerback. He wins the most improved Gator award. From henceforth, Gator Clause proclaims itself as the unofficial Wondy Pierre-Louis fan-club website. The Haitian born Pierre-Louis has 19 tackles in six games. He has also deflected one pass.

FAYSON FAYSOFF
Florida benchwarmer Jarred Fayson has only touched the ball on offense 11 times (nine rushing, two receiving) in six games. Problem?

CALDWELL DISAPOINTED
This was supposed to be fifth-year senior Andre Caldwell's breakout season, finally. It hasn't happened. He only has five receptions.

BEST FRESHMAN AWARD
Free safety Major Wright (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas) stepped in for faltering Kyle Jackson and made an immediate impact. He had 10 tackles against Auburn and 11 against LSU. Cornerback Joe Haden and offensive lineman Maurkice Pouncey are a close second and third on the freshmen list.

BEST GATOR CLAUSE PREDICTION
"If Florida doesn't score 20 points [against Auburn], then drink an Alabama Slammer, and then drink another and then drink another."

RECRUITING
The Gators have done well on the recruiting trail so far this season. Florida already has commitments from eight high school players, including three four-star defensive backs and five-star athlete Will Hill. (Pictured is Pahokee cornerback Janoris Jenkins, a Florida commitment who was at the Auburn game on an unofficial visit. I chatted it up with Jenkins, complimented his matching red shoes and then snapped this picture with my new camera phone.)

BOWL QUESTION
If Florida beats LSU in the SEC championship game, does a one-loss LSU team still play for a national championship? I'll make sure to ask SEC commissioner Mike Slive this weekend.

-jo-

Q & A with Florida freshman cornerback Moses Jenkins of Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson

Joseph Goodman

jgoodman@MiamiHerald.com

*

GAINESVILLE -- Gator Clause has been waiting a long time for the chance to interview Florida freshman cornerback Moses Jenkins. (Florida's sports information office does not allow reporters to speak with freshmen until they've played in a game.) Jenkins saw his first action of the season last Saturday against LSU. He played during Florida's defensive dime packages and finished the game with his first career tackle.

*

In his post-game press conference following the loss to LSU, Florida coach Urban Meyer said that he was forced to play Jenkins "out of necessity."

*

Jenkins, a Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson alum, was a signing-day surprise for the Florida Gators last February. I was covering Broward County high schools when Jenkins committed to Florida and remember glowing with pride inside Boyd Anderson's auditorium when Jenkins announced that he received a full-scholarship to play football in college. Jenkins, one of the most soft-spoken young men you're every going to meet, is someone Meyer likes to refer to as "a high-character individual."

* 

Here's my Q & A with Jenkins after today's practice:

*

Q: What were you feeling as you sprinted onto the field for the first time in your career?

*

A: “I was a little nervous but I’ve been going hard in practice so the coaches thought I was ready to go. The crowd was crazy, so that made me a little more nervous. But after my first play I was all right. But that first play, being in a big game, I was pretty nervous. That crowd was real pumped. They would never shut up. It was hard for us with the crowd."

*

Q: I thought for sure Florida was going to redshirt you this season. When did you find out that you had a chance to contribute?

*

A: “The whole week the coaches were telling me that [LSU] likes to go four and five wide, so we were going to go with our dime packages. I worked hard in practice all week so the coaches told me to be ready to play.”

*

Q: "Give a personal assessment of how much you’ve improved since the first day you arrived on campus?"

*

A: “From high school to now I’ve learned a whole lot. My first day of practice I had to adjust to everything and learn how to practice hard. But I’m doing good now and I’m hanging in there.”

*

Q: What did you say to yourself after you recorded the first tackle of your career?

*

A: “After I made my first tackle I was like, ‘Wow!’ because it was a real big college game. All my boys from back home were calling and texting me. It felt good to get my first college stat.”

*

Q: Did you ever think you were going to be redshirted this season?

*

A: “Not exactly. Coaches always told me to go hard to see if I could handle it. I’ve been waiting every game for my number to get called.”

*

Q: Can we expect to see you play in any more games?

*

A: "Most likely, yeah. Against Kentucky I should play because they go to that four- and five-wide set, too. So I’m going to keep on working hard and see what happens."

-jo-

Top 10: So that's who Tim Tebow was calling

GAINESVILLE -- It's an off week, so let's have some fun...

Top 10 conversations explaining Tim Tebow's end zone phone call against LSU. (In case you missed it, Florida quarterback Tim Tebow taunted LSU's student section after tossing a touchdown pass to Kestahn Moore. The quarterback punched three numbers on his palm and then placed his hand-turned-phone up to his helmet. So, since mocking an opponent seems totally out of character for Tebow...(Note: Scroll down to the bottom of this blog entry for the real reason.)

10. PRANK CALL THEORY I

Ring-ring------ring-ring----------click:

 "Gundy, here."

"Um, Mr. Gundy, is it true that you still nurse your quarterbacks six times a day?"

"What? Are you the mother of children, too?"

"No. I'm Tim Tebow and I'm placing you under arrest for impersonating a man."

9. PETA HOTLINE

Ring-ring------ring-ring----------click:

"Thank you for calling People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, Baton Rouge bureau. How may I direct your call?

"I need to speak with someone about animal abuse."

"Directing your call to animal abuse. Hold please."

Ring-ring------ring-ring----------click:

"PETA animal abuse division, where drinking milk is considered the original sin."

"Yeah, I'm down here at the football stadium and they've got a tiger in a cage. They're parading it in front of 93,000 people like this was some kind of sick circus. Oh, the horror. Oh, the barbarism. Oh, the blasphemy."

"Are you saying this is a pagan ritual, sir? Do they intend to sacrifice the tiger?"

"I can't be certain."

"Can you get close enough to the cage to release the tiger, sir?"

"Yeah, I think so. I'm Tim Tebow."

"Start the revolution, Mr. Tebow."

8. THE GOD THEORY

Ring-ring------ring-ring----------click:

"Timmy, why are you calling me during the game?"

"How did you know it was me?"

"Because I'm God, Timmy. I've personalized all of my ring tones."

"That touchdown was for you, Big Guy."

"Thanks, Timmy. Now get Jarred Fayson more touches before he transfers to South Florida."

7. THE NORAD THEORY

Ring-ring------ring-ring----------click:

"Yes, Mr. Tebow."

"Call off the North Korea missile strike. I repeat. Abort mission."

6. THE RECRUITING CALL

Ring-ring------ring-ring----------click:

"Hello...Hello...Hello?"

"Is this Patrick Johnson of Pompano Beach Blanche Ely, the No.3 rated recruit in the country by Rivals.com?"

"Yeah. Who is this?"

"It's Tim Tebow. How would you like to start at cornerback next season for the team that's going to win the national championship?"

"What's in it for me?"

5. WEIRD AL YANKOVIC THEORY

Ring-ring------ring-ring----------click:

"This is Weird Al."

"Weird Al, hey, it's Tim Tebow. I'm like your biggest fan. When are you going to cut a new single?"

"Soon, man. Quit bug'n. I told you that you were going to get the first official copy."

"Thanks, Weird Al, you are the illest."

4. THE PIZZA SITUATION

Ring-ring------ring-ring----------click:

"Thank you for calling 5-star pizza. How may I help you?"

"I like to eat the pizzas."

"Could you speak up, please, sir? It's a little loud in the background."

"I said bring me the pizzas!"

"Pick up or delivery, sir?

"Bring me the pizzas!!!"

"Your phone number, please?"

"Blue-48! Blue-48!"

"...OohKaay...Just a second while I look that ... Ah, yes, it's a pleasure to hear from you again, sir. And where would you like these pizzas delivered, Mr. Tebow?"

"Bring me the pizzas to my house!!!."

[She covers the phone, whispering loudly.]

"Hey, y'all! Hey, it's Tim Tebow again, y'all. Yeah, he act'n a fool again!"

[She returns the receiver to her ear and smiles.]

"Thin crust or deep dish, Mr. Tebow?"

"I want cheesy bread!"

"The address, please, Mr. Tebow?"

"My name is Tim Tebow!!!"

3. THE HOW-TIM-TEBOW-GETS-LIVE-SCORING-UPDATES THEORY

Ring-ring------ring-ring----------click:

"This is Tim. Start talking."

"Yo, Timmy. What it do, playa'?!? It's Stuart Scott at ESPN."

"Cut the crap, Stewie. What's the latest on the USC score?"

"It's a final, sir. Stanford 24, USC 23."

2. PRANK CALL II

Ring-ring------ring-ring----------click:

"Watson's Towing and Recovery."

"Yeah, this is Tony Joiner. Me and Tim Tebow are about to come and break into your impound yard. Could you tie up the dog for a minute? Tim is scared of dogs."

1. LAS VEGAS THEORY

Ring-ring------ring-ring----------click:

"Las Vegas sports gambling, where everybody is a winner, how may I help you?"

"College football division, please."

"Directing your call to our college football division, where everybody is a winner."

Ring-ring------ring-ring----------click:

"College football, where everybody is a winner. Do you want to place a bet?"

"Yes, $5,000 on Tim Tebow to win the Heisman Trophy."

********THE REAL STORY********
Tebow really was taunting the LSU student section. And why not? They deserved it. LSU students had been prank calling Tebow all week on his cell phone. And we're not talking about two or three prank calls. Tebow received hundreds of calls and text messages from LSU students. Tebow told reporters that his phone call to the student section during the game was just a way of playing along with the fun.

"That's what college football is all about," Tebow said.

-jo-

Florida at Kentucky game time in question

GAINESVILLE -- The Florida football team is off this week. The Gators return to action on Oct. 20 at Kentucky. CBS announced today that a decision has not been made on the game time. The network must choose between airing either Alabama vs. Tennessee or Florida vs. Kentucky.

The CBS game will kickoff at 3:30 p.m. The other game will be picked up by Lincoln Financial and will air at 12:30 p.m.

-Not that any Florida fans want to read this, but LSU fullback Jacob Hester was named the SEC offensive player of the week for his effort (23 carries, 106 yards) against the Gators.

-Players were unavailable to the media today, so that's all I got. Check back tomorrow for a Q&A with Florida freshman Moses Jenkins, a Broward County native who saw his collegiate first action on Saturday against LSU.

-Also, a Top 10 list might be in order. Topic: 10 reasons why the Gators will play in the Capital One Bowl.

-jo-

Final: LSU 28, Florida 24

BATON ROUGE -- For the second straight week Florida died in the fourth quarter. The defense couldn't stop LSU and the offense couldn't move the ball. It was that simple.

KEY STATS

-LSU converted five times on fourth down including a fake punt.

-Florida rushed for 156 yards and passed for 158.

-LSU rushed for 247 yards. Florida entered the game allowing opponents an average of 69 yards per game.

-For the first game this season, someone other than Florida sophomore quarterback Tim Tebow led the Gators in rushing. Running back Kestahn Moore had 79 yards on 12 carries. Tebow rushed for 75 yards on 16 carries.

-LSU was the first defense to limit Percy Harvin. The Florida wide receiver had four catches for 58 yards.

-LSU running back/fullback/bulldozer Jacob Hester rushed for 106 yards on 23 carries.

-jo-

Third quarter: Florida 24, LSU 14

BATON ROUGE -- It's getting close to upset time.

Florida added to its lead in the third quarter when Cornelius Ingram caught a 37-yard touchdown pass from Tim Tebow. LSU did not cover Tebow on the play.

-jo-

Halftime: Florida 17, LSU 7

Joseph Goodman

jgoodman@MiamiHerald.com

So much for a low-scoring game…

BATON ROUGE — You know it’s an important game when Tim Tebow taunts his opponent’s student section. Tebow mimicked dialing a phone and then put his hand-turned phone up to his ear after he tossed the Gators’ second-quarter touchdown, a two-yard pass to Kestahn Moore.

(Who was he calling and what was said? My guess: Watson’s Towing and Recovery.)

It was a nice shoelace catch by Moore, who wasn’t expecting the pass. Tebow appeared to be rushing for the end zone when he changed his mind at the last possible moment and lobbed a short pass to Moore. Joey Ijjas’ extra point gave Florida 10-0 lead.

The 12-play, 77-yard scoring drive spanned seven minutes and three seconds. The drive was helped along by an LSU pass interference penalty on a third-and-five near midfield. A 27-yard catch by Percy Harvin, who carried the ball to the LSU 2, was the drive’s highlight.

LSU answered with its own sustained drive on the Tigers’ ensuing offensive possession. The 80-yard, 16-play sequence lasted seven minutes and 37 seconds and ended with a fourth-down, one-yard touchdown by sophomore back-up quarterback Ryan Perrilloux. The gutsy play call cut Florida’s lead to three.

Moore continued to have one of the best games of his career on the next series when he caught a 19-yard pass from Tebow on the series’ first play.

Tebow did the rest. The quarterback absorbed a personal foul from LSU linebacker Ali Highsmith (hitting Tebow out-of-bounds), which moved to drive to the LSU 21. Tebow needed three rushing plays (9, 2 and 9 yards) to reach the end zone. Ijjas’ kick made gave Florida  17-17 lead.

-LSU’s Colt David missed a 43-yard field goal with 28 seconds left in the half.

-jo-

First quarter: Florida 3, LSU 0

BATON ROUGE -- Florida running back Kestahn Moore only had three carries in the Gators’ loss to Auburn. He had two carries on the Gators first scoring drive and his 15-yard run to the LSU 19 might have been the most impressive run of his career. He broke one tackle at the line of scrimmage and then carried two LSU defenders into field goal range. Joey Ijjas kicked a 31-yard field goal to give Florida a 3-0 lead.

Florida had 24 rushing yards on its first drive. LSU entered the game averaging 39 rushing yards per game. Moore had six carries by the end of the first quarter for 33 yards and Florida had 46 total rushing yards.

-Joe Haden’s interception to end LSU first offensive drive was the true freshman’s first interception of his career. Haden returned the play 10 yards.

-Florida freshman Moses Jenkins (Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson) saw the first action of his career with 8:06 left in the first quarter.

-Florida senior strong safety Tony Joiner sat out of the Gators' first defensive series.

-jo-

Pregame: Florida jumps on LSU 'Eye of the Tiger'

BATON ROUGE -- As if LSU wasn't pumped up enough for this game, Florida's entire team just met at midfield and jumped up and down on LSU's "Eye of the Tiger," which is painted at the 50-yard line. Remember when Miami did this last season at Louisville? Anyone remember what happened to the Canes?

-jo-

Pregame notes: Oh, what could have been...

BATON ROUGE -- Walking through the LSU's campus today was tiresome experience. LSU fans are C-R-A-Z-Y. I felt bad for the few Florida fans brave enough to wear Gators apperal. They were verbally (and sometimes physically) assaulted all the way into Tigers Stadium. Two female Florida students in dresses were doused with beer and pelted with beer cans as they walked down fraternity row.

Forty minutes to game time and Tiger Stadium is nearly full. The student section is already chanting, screaming, breathing bourbon fumes onto the field.

Three pregame questions to ponder?

1. Former Florida quarterback Danny Wuerffel will be on the sidelines tonight. Will he keep Tim Tebow calm in the sophomore's biggest game of his career?

2. Why didn't Florida bring its entire band? Basketball jazz bands are larger.

3. Tony Joiner is not warming up with the first-team defense. How long until Joiner enters the game?

The atmosphere is amazing here but just think what could have been had Florida not lost to Auburn. It would have been one of the biggest games in SEC history. LSU is ranked No.1 for the first time since 1959. That year, the Tigers beat No.3 Ole Miss 7-3 in Tigers Stadium.

-jo-

State attorney closes case against UF's Joiner; Anyone out there still think Joiner won't play

GAINESVILLE -- Florida safety Tony Joiner, charged with a felony on Tuesday, was cleared of any wrongdoing today, announced a spokesman for the state attorney's office.

Joiner was arrested early Tuesday morning and charged with burglary of a dwelling (a second-degree felony) when he allegedly broke into a towing service's impound yard and attempted to retrieve his girlfriend's car. Spencer Mann, chief investigator of the eighth judicial district, said on Friday that his office closed the case after reviewing the case report.

"Based on the information, we cannot sustain a criminal charge," Mann said. "The case is therefore closed."

Florida coach Urban Meyer said on Thursday that Meyer would not play if his star safety remained accused of a felony on Saturday. No. 9 Florida (4-1, 1-1 SEC) plays No.1 Louisiana State (5-0, 2-0 SEC) at 8:28 p.m. on Saturday.

Meyer said in a statement on Friday that Joiner would make the trip to the Baton Rouge with the team.

Meyer's statement: "Tony being out late on Monday is not consistent with the expectations of a leader and a team captain of our football program. Tony is no longer a captain of the Gator football team and he will pay a heavy price for his behavior internally for the next four weeks."

(Gator Clause called this outcome on Tuesday. Anyone out there think Joiner still won't play?)

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Joiner might not play; Miami's Munroe would start; Watson's Towing owner on the way to Baton Rouge for 'a football game'

GAINESVILLE -- Florida coach Urban Meyer said today (Thursday) that safety Tony Joiner will not play this Saturday if Joiner's felony charge for attempted theft hasn't been dropped or reduced by game time.

Joiner was arrested early Tuesday morning for allegedly attempting to break into an impound yard owned by Watson's Towing and Recovery. Joiner was trying to retrieve his girlfriend's car. The strong safety was charged with a second-degree felony and spent Tuesday morning in jail. He returned to practice on Wednesday.

The state attorney's office was scheduled to receive the case from the Gainesville Police Department late this week or early next week. Chief investigator Spencer Mann said the investigation could last up to 30 days, although Mann expects the matter to be resolved before then.

Meanwhile, the owner of Watson's Towing and Recovery drove to Baton Rouge on Thursday for the Gators' away game against LSU.

Joiner was arrested around 5 a.m. on Tuesday after he allegedly pushed open a the towing service's gated electric fence and drove his girlfriend's vehicle out of the compound.

Stan Forron, the property owner (lease holder) of the land where Watson's Towing and Recovery is located, said that the incident was a big miscommunication and that the business is "not interested in pressing charges."

Forron is the brother-in-law of Celeste Forron, the owner of Watson's Towing and Recovery, according to Ryan Williams, a company manager. Celeste Forron and her husband, Greg, were driving to Baton Rouge on Thursday.

Celeste Forron declined to speak with The Miami Herald on Thursday.

"She's driving right now," said Greg Forron, who owns a business called University Vending. "We're on the way to a football game. We're not interested in talking with any reporters." CLICK!

According to Stan Forron, Joiner called the towing service before he arrived and told Forron he was on the way to pick up the car. Forron told The Miami Herald he left the gate unlocked.

On his way to the Alachua County Jail, Joiner told police that he intended to pay for the tow but became impatient waiting for the company's dispatchers to arrive. Two dispatchers were on duty but, according to Stan Forron, they had either left the premises or "were in the back eating."

Stan Forron says the dispatchers returned to their posts to find a burglary in process. The dispatchers called the police. But Stan Forron says the dispatchers asked for their complaint to be withdrawn once the police arrived.

The police report of the incident and the dispatchers taped phone calls to the police tell a different story. (The phones calls were released to The Miami Herald on Thursday. They are unedited (names not omitted) by the police because the dispatchers did not call 911. They called an administrative phone at the police station. Only 911 tapes, apparently, must be edited.)

According to the police report, there is no mention of a complaint withdrawal and a Gainesville police department spokesman said that Stan Forron was never at the business that morning.

Forron told The Miami Herald that "the boys didn't know I was there because I was in the back." (The same "back" where the "boys" were eating?)

The dispatchers made two phone calls to the police. The first phone call identified the alleged car thief as "Tony Joiner, the Gator." The second phone call urged the police to hurry up because "they're getting up in our face and [expletive]. They already broke into the yard and I blocked them in."

Shouting can be heard in the background of the second taped phone call.

If Joiner is not allowed to play against LSU on Saturday night, then redshirt sophomore safety Dorian Munroe (Miami Coral Reef) will likely take Joiner's place in the starting line-up. Joiner ranks fifth on the team in tackles (20).

Munroe, who has played in every game this season, started at nickel back against Troy. He also filled in for Joiner for most of last season's SEC championship win against Arkansas when Joiner left the game with an injury.

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