Gator Clause

Five quitters in two weeks? My rant on transferring, Rivals.com and college-football hypocrisy!

GAINESVILLE -- Players are quitting Florida's football program at a remarkable rate. The count is up to three and folks inside the locker room think that number might increase. The guys already gone: Trent Pupello (DE), Jarred Fayson (WR) and Chevon Walker (RB). Two more players -- Bryan Waggener (QB) and Bo Williams (RB) –- will probably be gone soon as well. Williams (Oakland Park Northeast) told me yesterday that he's done at UF and Waggener also wants to transfer.

So many players jumping ship ... What's the problem, exactly? The head coach didn't get fired, did he? You usually only see this many players leave a program when the head coach gets canned or the NCAA infractions people come calling. The last time I checked, Florida should have one of the best teams in the country next season. Don't players want to win a national championship? Florida, of course, will tell you that it's no big deal that players are leaving and that the program is in good health. Kids these days...

Of course, Gator Clause is going to have to disagree with that, especially in the cases of Fayson and Williams. It is a big deal. They're both good athletes but that's not their best characteristics. Their best characteristics: Both are great kids. With so many players getting into trouble in Gainesville these days, UF should probably want to make an effort to keep around some of the moral leaders.

As for the kids-these-days perspective (that's the go-to cliché for programs in denial that there's an in-house problem), there might actually be some truth to that idea.

You could blame Florida for not retaining some of its up-and-comers (the buck stops with Coach Meyer, right?) but I'd much rather point the finger somewhere else. From Gator Clause's perspective, no one is really to "blame," but we will indict recruiting websites such as Rivals.com and Scout.com for filling high school football players' heads with an inflated perception of self and fostering a culture of play now or transfer.

High school players are nobodies when they show up to college. That's the reality. Internet recruiting websites, however, are telling these high school kids that they're "five-star talents" and "program changers" and "the greatest thing since bacon!"

Mr. Better Than Bacon then shows up to campus after signing his national letter of "intent to take over the world" and finds out quickly that he's one of the worst players on the team. A five-star rating on Rivals.com only means you're the shiniest lure in the tackle box. Never mind that they can't swim with the big fish, freshmen aren't even capable of swimming. They just float around and get eaten. No offense to freshmen, but you guys pretty much stink like 10 paper mills. (Give credit to Florida for winning nine games this season. They're team was made up mostly of freshmen and slightly-less-worse sophomores. Tim Tebow, Percy Harvin and Brandon Spikes are the exceptions, of course.)

It's like this: You're an ugly girl (freshman football player). Hideous, really. I mean zits, bad breath, fat ankles, mustache, all that. But you're whole life your dad (Rivals.com) has been telling you that you're the most beautiful thing in the world. And why shouldn't he, he's a good dad and in his eyes you're the next Angelina Jolie. Then, finally, on your 18th birthday, your big coming-out party arrives and you get to show everyone just how gorgeous you are. But SURPRISE!!! you get stoned to death for scaring children because your face looks like a half melted Mrs. Potato Head.

And it's no surprise that this comes as a major shock to most freshmen. This is what they were used to before the stoning: Being called on the cell phone 452,873 times a day by Internet recruiting websites for live-on-the-eights updates of their lives, being told at least 35 times a day at school that they're a five-star recruit and that means "you're going to play in The League one day" and, finally, being constantly doted on by college coaches.

Then those same college coaches -- the ones who make millions of dollars on the backs of (cough-cough) students -- immediately send you to the bench and tell you how pathetic you are, and what a waste and you'll be lucky to contribute on special teams. Because that's reality. Because that's what good coaches, motivators, bosses, drill sergeants do: tear you down to make you better.

The Catch-22 at Florida this season: With so many underclassmen, a freshman player's perspective of Florida's football program was slightly bent. There just weren't enough juniors and seniors to field a proper team. Many freshmen played and the ones that didn't thought they had been forgotten. Never mind that every freshman who graced the field this season pretty much played football like a one-handed deaf man plays piano. Sure, Maurkice Pouncey, Joe Haden and Major Wright got a few notes right now and then but mostly they just banged around clumsily.

Meanwhile, Florida accepted a transfer from USC (running back Emmanuel Moody) that absolutely screamed of hypocrisy. How in the world can you preach loyalty and patience to the program on one hand and then welcome a program deserter/gun for hire on the other. It makes no sense. And by that logic there is no possible way Florida can get upset when its players realize this whole college football fairytale is actually just like any other business (only the employees don't get paid) and they decide to leave for a better job to advance their careers.

And it should be noted that this whole transferring nonsense is partly fostered by a broken high school system. The Florida High School Athletic Association allows players to transfer schools throughout high school with no penalty. Elite high school players in Florida (South Florida in particular) grow up without the slightest notion of loyalty to a program. It should come as no surprise that those same players only care for themselves when they get to college. It’s not their fault. It’s what they’ve been taught.

-jo-

Tebow fractured bone during victory against FSU

GAINESVILLE — Florida quarterback Tim Tebow fractured a bone in non-throwing right hand on Saturday during the Gators’ 45-12 win against Florida State.

Florida sports information director Steve McClain described the injury as a non-displaced fracture on Sunday and said that the injury will require a cast for at least two weeks, meaning Tebow could be accepting a Heisman Trophy with one hand. McClain said Tebow should be healthy by bowl season. Florida (9-3) is eligible for the Bowl Championship Series but will likely play in either the Capital One Bowl in Orlando or the Outback Bowl in Tampa. Both bowls are on New Year’s Day.

Tebow accounted for five touchdowns on Saturday (three passing, two rushing). His season totals are staggering: 51 total touchdowns (29 passing, 22 rushing) and a school-record 3,970 yards of total offense.

Tebow injured his hand during his third-quarter touchdown run, which gave Florida a 31-12 lead. The sophomore quarterback showed no signs of the injury during his post-game press conference and neither he nor Florida coach Urban Meyer mentioned the injury. According to McClain, team trainers determined during the game that Tebow wasn’t at risk of further injuring his hand after suffering the injury. McClain said that the extent of the injury wasn’t known until after the post-game press conference.

-jo-

Where was Jarred Fayson?

GAINESVILLE -- Anyone besides me wondering where Jarred Fayson disappeared to on Saturday. The sophomore receiver didn't touch the ball once during Florida's 45-12 win against Florida State. Fayson was dressed and on the sidelines but he didn't contribute to the blowout. Perhaps he was injured, but Florida coach Urban Meyer never mentioned anything about Fayson in the week leading up to the game. Of course, it's not as if Meyer is going to volunteer that information before the Gators' biggest rivalry game.

-jo-

UF 45, FSU 12 (Final)

GAINESVILLE -- TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES DURING THE GAME FORCED ME TO QUIT BLOGGING AND TURN MY LAPTOP INTO A THROWING STAR!

Florida begins the second half with some power football. The Gators drove 81 yards on SIX SNAPS and they were all rushing plays. Tebow capped the drive with a five-yard run, giving him 22 rushing touchdowns on the season. That ties the NCAA record for rusing touchdowns by a quarterback in a season. Florida 31, FSU 12; 12:14.

Cismesia kicks a 60-yard field goal before the end of the half. Amazing.

Florida kicker Joey Ijjas makes a 35-yard field goal to give Florida a 24-9 lead with 22 seconds left in the half. If Florida State can't figure out how to get in the end zone at halftime, then this game is over.

Tebow finds Louis Murphy for a 14-yard touchdown pass to give Florida a 21-6 lead; 8:48 second quarter. FSU defensive back J.R. Bryant missed a tackle, allowing Murphy to walk into the end zone.

You know this Tebow guy? He's just a product of Urban Meyer's offense...laughable. What an amazing pass (32 yards) from Tebow to Louis Murphy to give Florida a 14-3 lead; 2:46 in the first. That might have been Tebow's best touchdown throw of the season. He now has 27 passing touchdowns and 21 rushing touchdowns on the year and has at least one rushing and one passing touchdown in 13-straight games. 

You know FSU's offensive line is bad if Florida can establish a pass rush. Florida's defensive linemen (Jermaine Cunningham and Justin Trattou) pressured Weatherford into two incompletions and the Noles had to punt away.

Tim Tebow just offered one of his most amazing runs of the season with 6:26 left in the first quarter. He rolled out of a tackle (FSU defensive tackle Justin Mincey) at the line of scrimmage and then out ran FSU's defensive backs up the middle of the field for a 23-yard touchdown. Florida 7, FSU 3.

Geno Hayes talks smack to Tebow after a Florida delay of game and then Tebow side steps Hayes for a 16-yard gain on the next play. This is going to be a good game. Tebow looked angry and then motioned to the crowd with waving arms.

Just an observation but Florida and FSU are both using receivers as running backs today. Parker for FSU and Harvin for Florida. The two players already have eight carries between them with 7:18 left in the first quarter.

A 21-yard field goal by FSU's Gary Cismesia gives the 'Noles a 3-0 lead.

Major Wright meet Preston Parker. Wright, Florida's freshman safety, just missed tackling Parker badly on a 12-yard Florida State gain. The two players know each other, of course. Wright's St. Thomas Aquinas beat Parker's Atlantic in a high school playoff game in 2005. (Parker was Atlantic's only offense).

Florida freshman cornerback Joe Haden isn't in the game. Jacques Rickerson and Markihe Anderson are in at cornerback and nickel. Wondy Pierre-Louis is the other starting cornerback.

Two FSU plays; Two Preston Parker carries. Will Parker start at tailback next season for FSU?

Joiner was apparently reinstated as a team captain this week. He's walking out to midfield right now along with Drew Miller, Derrick Harvey and Bubba. Joiner, of course, was stripped of his captaincy earlier this season when he attempted to break his girlfriend's car out of a towing service's impound yard.

The Gators are in all blue today for Florida State. Urban Meyer is greeting each senior at the 25-yard line before kickoff (today is senior day).

There's Tony Joiner. Meyer gave everyone else a handshake and he gave Tony Joiner a hug. Now Bubba Caldwell. Gotta love Bubba. He stops in the end zone and points to the capacity crowd. "I've been here for five long years. Now clap for me, people."

-jo-

POLL: Should Percy play on Saturday?

GAINESVILLE -- Florida receiver Percy Harvin is headache free and back on the practice field. But does that mean he should play against Florida State?

FINAL: UF 88, Rutgers 63

FINAL

GAINESVILLE -- That's all, folks. Florida beat Rutgers 88-63 and five players scored in double figures: Marreese Speights (18), Jai Lucas (15), Walter Hodge (14), Nick Calathes (11) and Dan Werner (10). Florida outrebounded Rutgers 43-28.

Dan Werner is having his best game as a Gator. With 1:50 left in the game he has 10 points and nine rebounds. Florida 85-61; 1:34.

The students are singing Paul Simon now (per tradition) and Florida leads by 19 with 6:54 left. Jonathan Mitchell is in and playing well. He swished a three-pointer with 8:42 left and then forced a turnover.

Country Boy Adam Allen is going to kill himself on the court this season. He just absorbed a charge a few plays after going hard to the court for an offensive rebound. Meanwhile, Marreese Speights with two pretty turnaround baby-hooks and a nice putback. Florida 65, Rutgers 48; 11:57.

Here's Chandler Parsons in a nutshell so far this season. He just swished a three-pointer but moments later failed to rotate over on defense and allowed an easy Rutgers lay-up. Like Parsons, Florida is pretty good but they still have a lot to learn. Florida 59, Rutgers 46; 14:43.

Florida is playing great transition basketball to start the second half. Calathes scored an easy lay-up on a fastbreak and Speights just dunked after a Dan Werner steal. Florida 56-42; 16:21.

One leg of the Gators' doubleheader down and one to go. Inside the O'Dome now following the Gators' football win against Florida Atlantic. The basketball Gators are leading Rutgers 48-33 at halftime thanks to a 17-2 run to end the period. The game was tied at 31-all with 5:51 left in the half before Florida's lead ballooned to 15. The flurry of points featured two three-pointers from junior Walter Hodge, another from freshman Jai Lucas and a sweet alley-oop from Nick Calathes to Marreese Speights.

UF'S HALFTIME LEADERS
Walter Hodge nine points (all on three-pointers)
Jai Lucas eight points (two three-pointers)
Mo Speights eight points (one alley-oop from Nick Calathes)
Nick Calathes seven points, three rebounds, two assists
Dan Werner six points, five rebounds

-jo-

Final: UF 59, FAU 20

GAINESVILLE -- Had to write my football stories for the newspaper. Now I'm inside the O'Dome watching the basketball team.

BELOW IS THE FOOTBALL GAME BLOG...

Defensive back-ups in now for Florida with nine minutes left in the game. Georgia leads Kentucky, which is bad news for Florida fans but good news if you want to see Florida play Ron Zook and the Fighting Zookers in a bowl game.

Cornerback Wondy Pierre-Louis appears to have injured his left hand with 2:40 left in the third quarter.

Florida freshman tight end Aaron Hernandez with a brillant one-handed catch in the end zone to give the Gators a 49-20 lead with 5:16 left in the third. Three touchdowns passing and a career-high 323 yards for Tebow.

Caldwell with 12 catches already today, a career high.

Florida's defense actually makes a stop, holding FAU on fourth-and-one at the UF 44. Urban Meyer screaming and cheering on his defense now. Way too much emotion for the FAU game, Urb. Gotta be SEC elitist cool when facing the Owls.

Florida Atlantic quarterback Rusty Smith threw for 247 yards in the first half but none of it was to Florida cornerback Wondy Pierre-Louis' side of the field. FAU is scared of Wondy.

Florida opens the second half with a quick scoring drive. Kestahn Moore caps the four-play sequence with a six-yard touchdown run. Moore with two rushing touchdowns on the day. Wondering if Tebow plays the entire second half. Probably, that's how badly Florida's defense is playing today.

Florida freshman defensive lineman Mike Pouncey injured and walking into the locker room with trainers.

Cornelius Ingram cathes everything...including his second touchdown of the half to give Florida a 35-20 lead with nine seconds on the clock.

Another catch by Caldwell and The Swamp gives the fifth-year senior a standing ovation for setting all-time receptions record.

Caldwell ties the all-time receptions record (172) with 1:02 left in the half.

Gritty FAU still clinging to hope here at Florida Field. Rusty Smith makes like Tim Tebow and rushes for a one-yard score. Florida 28, FAU 20; 1:13. This just in...Florida's defense has now allowed 51 points to Sun Belt teams.

Tebow rushes for his 20th touchdown, breaking the single-season SEC record. Tebow is now the only player in the history of the NCAA to rush and pass for 20 touchdowns in a season. Florida 28, FAU 13; 4:55. The scoring drive was set up by 40-yard pass from Tebow to Caldwell. Caldwell with seven catches now, or one away from tying Carlos Alvarez's record.

FAU not going away. Warley kicks a 43-yard field goal to make it 21-13.

More important than this game (no offense FAU fans), but Kentucky is beating Georgia 10-0...

Haden appears to have injured his shoulder making a tackle. Markihe Anderson in and FAU immediate throws to his side.

Terrible pass from Tebow. Intended for Louis Murphy but intercepted by Corey Small. That's the 18th consecutive game FAU's defense has intercepted a pass. Florida's Major Wright, the Tebow of the defense (according to Meyer) just missed a tackle...make that two tackles and Florida Atlantic scores its first touchdown, a 20-yard pass from Rusty Smith to Cortez Smith. Florida 21, FAU 10; 10:25.

Florida Atlantic gets on the board with a 40-yard field goal from Warley Leroy. Nice name. Florida 21, FAU 3; 13:00 in the second quarter.

Nice touchdown catch by Cornelius Ingram (four yards) to give Florida a 21-0 lead. This Tebow kid is pretty good.

Tim Tebow just got blown up a split second after a shovel pass to Aaron Hernandez. Cam Newton now in a quarterback while Tebow figures out where he is. Nice play by Tebow holding onto the ball until the last possible moment.

Florida's Joey Sorrentino (walk-on alert!!!) blocks an FAU punt and Markus Manson returns it 19 yards for a touchdown. Florida 14, FAU 0; 6:08. This is going to be a long game.

Florida freshman cornerback Joe Haden is having a great first quarter with three pass break-ups in two drives.

Florida takes the lead with a nine-yard run from Kestahn Moore. The scoring drive (85 yards in four minutes) featured four catches from Andre Caldwell, who is now four catches away from the record. Tebow is perfect (6-of-6) so far against the Owls. Hoot cares?!? Florida 7, FAU 0; 8:39.

Two Tebow passes. Two Andre Caldwell catches. Florida's all-time receptions record is only six catches away now.

Florida Atlantic's fight name is the Owls. That's a great name. Howard Schnellenberger hates that name. Can't imagine why. The Fighting Owls ... now there's a great name. In related news, the game is under way and there's a few line-up changes to report. Jarred Fayson just returned the Gators first punt for three yards. Where is Brandon James, the kick return extraordinary? Maybe's he's in trouble. That would explain why he didn't want to speak with any reporters this week...(and Markus Manson moved to running back.)

Noon game vs. Florida Atlantic? This is a recipe for disinterest. But never mind that, here we are in The Swamp in our favorite press box seat. Florida Field is freshly painted and Florida Atlantic is looking very oceanic. That made no sense but it does rhyme...Off to find Percy Harvin, I'll be back for kickoff. 

-jo-

What's this? Dixon hurt?

GAINESVILLE -- Watching the Oregon vs. Arizona game at my neighborhood watering hole (drinking water, duh) and it looks like Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon just injured his knee. Dixon is crying on the sidelines. Doesn't look good for the poor guy. Tebow's Heisman chances just got pretty serious.

-jo-

Meyer: Harvin won't play

GAINESVILLE -- Florida receiver Percy Harvin will not play on Saturday, according to Florida coach Urban Meyer.

Meyer said Thursday night that Harvin, the Gators' leading receiver, continued to experience migraine headaches throughtout the day and, for the fourth consecutive day, received treatment at a University of Florida medical facility. Harvin began experiencing headaches related to a sinus infection last week, according to Meyer, and the sophomore did not travel with the team to Columbia, S.C., for the Gators' away game against South Carolina.

"I went and saw him today," Meyer said. "He was in the infirmary all day."

Meyer said he had a former player at Utah suffer from migraines and "they shut him down for four days."

--Redshirt sophomore Marcus Gilbert, a Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas grad, could start at offensive guard in place of injured freshman Maurkice Pouncey on Saturday, according to Meyer.

"[Gilbert] has stepped in and is doing a very nice job," Meyer said.

Pouncey, who injured his ankle against South Carolina, is healthy enough to play, according to Meyer.

-jo-

POLL: It's simple folks, will Tebow win the Heisman?

GAINESVILLE -- The University of Florida has taken a cautious approach this season in marketing its sophomore quarterback, Tim Tebow, for the Heisman Trophy. UF brushed off Heisman talk earlier this season. The wait-and-see approach took a turn after the Gators' win against South Carolina when Florida coach Urban Meyer referred to Tebow's seven-touchdown performance as the best individual effort by a quarterback he had ever seen.

Ballots went out Tuesday morning for the Heisman Trophy and Florida's sports information office disseminated this press release today [Wednesday], alerting members of the media that Tebow will hold a national teleconference on Monday. Here's the press release, detailing Tebow's amazing season and comparing it to past winners of the Heisman Trophy and other current Heisman candidates...

WEDNESDAY'S PRESS RELEASE FROM UF...
The Gators have two remaining home games on the regular-season schedule, which has been ranked as the second- toughest in the nation according to the NCAA.

A couple of nuggets you might not know about Tim Tebow:

Tebow has already rushed for as many or more TDs (19) this season than the following did in their most productive year: Emmitt Smith, Herschel Walker, Shaun Alexander, Bo Jackson, Reggie Bush, Adrian Peterson, Ron Dayne and Archie Griffin.

Tim has accounted for an SEC single-season record 42 TDs. The total is more than 85 Division I-A teams, including 11 in the current AP top 25. The total is more than the following Heisman Trophy winning quarterbacks in the season they won the honor: Danny Wuerffel (1996, 41), Jason White (2003, 41), Carson Palmer (2002, 37), Matt Leinart (2004, 36), Chris Weinke (2000, 34), Troy Smith (2006, 31), Charlie Ward (1993, 31). Only two quarterbacks that won the Heisman have ever accounted for more: Andre Ware (1989, 49), Ty Detmer (1990, 45).

Of the 72 Heisman Trophy Winners, only 11 came from undefeated and untied teams. Of the 72, 35 came from teams with 2-or-more losses and nearly 20 percent have come from teams with three-or-more losses.

Tim has rushed for more TDs in 2007 than Darren McFadden (Tebow 19, McFadden 12). He has thrown for more TDs and rushed for more than twice as many TDs this year as Dennis Dixon (Tebow 23 passing, Dixon 20; Tebow 19 rushing, Dixon 8) and has thrown roughly a third of the interceptions as Matt Ryan has (Tebow 5, Ryan 13).

FAN RANT: So good we had to give him his own headline!

GAINESVILLE -- Every week or so or whenever Gator Clause gets a well-written comment from a Gators fan (theoretically this could happen every day if more people commented), Gator Clause will blog the comment, give it a headline and bow to its brillance out of respect to the well-informed fan. This week's rhetorical masterpiece comes from Adam Malley, a student attending the University of Florida. (Gator Clause has no idea where Malley is from.)

Malley writes in response to the idea of Kestahn Moore starting at running back this weekend:
"Moore should start, but only so he can get his fumbles out against an FAU team we have no chance of losing to. That way when an FSU team, that NEEDS its defense to make a big play to win, comes to town he will be benched and not have a chance to cost us the game.

*

"Moore reminds me of Tiki Barber from three or four years back before Tom Coughlin got there the way he always fumbled cause he held the ball like an a-hole. The only difference is UF has other people to touch the ball without the offense missing a beat whereas the Giants didn't and had to keep feeding Tiki.

Fixing the way you hold the ball can't happen during the season, so that's what Kestahn needs to do all next spring and summer. Urban needs to make him walk around campus in the spring holding a ball a la Omar Epps in "The Program". Let the other players try to knock it away throughout the day.

"Hey, it worked in the movies."

AUDIO: Listen to Goody and Mike-Mike rap about Florida hoops; Player interviews with Nick Calathes and Chandler Parsons

More free Florida Gators coverage that you couldn't find anywhere else even if you wanted to pay for it...

GAINESVILLE -- The basketball Gators pounded yet another opponent on Wednesday, beating North Carolina Central 105-51. Miami Herald writers Joseph "Goody" Goodman and Mike "Mike-Mike" McCall break down the game (yawn) but then laugh about Shane Payne's missed dunk at the end of the podcast. Shane Payne, a freshman walk-on from Broward County, is quickly becoming a fan favorite in the O'Dome (as I predicted). Yes, Shane did miss a dunk late in the game on Wednesday, but, hey, he did get rim...that's more than most guys can say.

-jo-

PODCAST: Postgame session from a park bench outside the O'Dome, featuting I-break-all-the-stories Mike McCall and the father of this muddy little boy.

_____________________________________________________________

AUDIO CLIPS OF TALKING PLAYERS
Marreese Speights had 19 points and nine rebounds. Florida guard Nick Calathes says Speights' inside presence will be important this season.

________________________________________________________________

Chandler Parsons had 22 points (including four three-pointers and a dunk), eight rebounds, seven assists, three steals in 18 MINUTES! And he still had time cure Percy Harvin of his sinus infection.

Exhibit A: Colt Brennan is not Tim Tebow

GAINESVILLE -- Further evidence that Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan, a Warrior, is not the Teebster. For the record, Gator Clause is a big Colt Brennan fan and Gator Clause wishes Brennan the best in his recovery from "the concussion heard throughout the islands."

POLL: Should Kestahn Moore start at running back on Saturday

GAINESVILLE -- Florida running back Kestahn Moore had a bad game against Georgia, fumbling twice. Unable to rely on Moore, the Gators' coaching staff inserted sophomore receiver Percy Harvin into the backfield against Vanderbilt and Harvin responded with over 100 yards rushing. But Harvin didn't play against South Carolina due to migraine headaches related to a sinus infection. Running backs Brandon James and Jarred Fayson both fumbled against the Gamecocks and Moore played well, rushing for 38 yards on six carries (6.3 yards per carry). Harvin hasn't practiced since last week and might not play against Florida Atlantic. The poll question is simple...

-jo-

Harvin goes to the clinic; More questions and less answers

GAINESVILLE -- Florida sophomore Percy Harvin didn't practice again on Wednesday. Florida's best player (no offense Tebster) missed his fifth practice because of, according to Florida coach Urban Meyer, more symptoms related to a sinus infection.

Meyer said that Harvin visited the clinic today for fluids and tests. When asked if "clinic" meant "hospital," Florida's sports information department said they didn't know and that they would find out. Florida's sports information department never got back to the Miami Herald and a request to speak with Harvin's physician was also met with ignorance.

According to Meyer and Harvin's mother, Linda Harvin, Percy Harvin couldn't play against South Carolina because of migraine headaches. Linda Harvin did not return phone calls on Wednesday.

-jo-

Heisman News: YouTube.com's best of Tim Tebow

GAINESVILLE -- You can find plenty of Tim Tebow highlights on YouTube.com. Here's one of the best, edited by Chrisleakfan4forlife.

-jo-

G3: Florida 105, N.C. Central 51

GAINESVILLE -- Chandler Parsons led the Gators with 22 points, eight rebounds and seven assists and Florida beat N.C. Central 105-51.

POST-GAME ANALYSIS
Me and Mike-Mike McCall could have beaten N.C. Central. Mike-Mike is laughing right now.

FINAL STATS
Florida (3-0)
Chandler Parsons 22 points, seven assists, eight rebounds, three steals
Marreese Speights, 19 points, two assists, nine rebounds, two blocks
Nick Calathes 16 points, eight assists, four rebounds
Alex Tyus 13 points, five rebounds, two blocks
Walter Hodge nine points, two assists, four rebounds, three steals
Adam Allen seven points, one assist, two rebounds

LIVE BLOGGING BELOW

Another timeout. (Just thinking aloud here: Why must we have timeouts?) Alex Tyus slammed home another DUNK and Florida leads 78-35 with 11:17 left. That's it, folks. This blog is done (40-point no-blogging threshold reached). Check back in a few for the final score and stats.

TIMEOUT. Monster alley-oop DUNK from Nicky Calathes to Alex Tyus. Tyus now with four points (all on dunks). Calathes with seven assists. Florida 73, NC Central 35, 13:32. Florida up by 38 points. Shutting down the live blog if no one is reading. Gotta write my game story for the newspaper. Please tell me if you're still reading.

Parsons having a career (three games now) night. He just scored a mid-range jumper after a Jai Lucas three-point miss. Parsons has 14 points. Why in the world is Lucas still shooting threes with a 34-point lead? Florida 66, NC Central 32, 15:08.

Starting to think Nicky Calathes can't dunk. He just had an easy breakaway and he opted for the lay-up. YOU GOTTA DUNK THAT, [expletive]. (To quote an Adam Sandler movie.) Florida 59, NC Central Eagles 26. Nearing the no blog threshold now. FYI: A 40-point Florida lead is the no-blogging threshold. 17:30

BREAKING NEWS: The Dazzlers changed from shiny orange tops to shiny blue tops at halftime. In other news, the second half started.

HALFTIME Florida 57, NC Central 25

FLORIDA
Speights 13 points, five rebounds and one assist.
Calathes 12, 1, 6
Parsons 12, 3, 5
Werner 5, 2, 4
Allen 5, 2, 0
Lucas 4, 0, 2
Hodge 4, 1, 0
Tyus 2, 2, 0
Mitchell 0, 0, 0 (But Mitchell does have two fouls!)

Florida freshman forward Alex Tyus DUNKS for his first points of the night. Nice no-look assist from Nicky Calathes. Calathes with six assists in the first half. KEY STAT: Florida is outrebounding NC Central 19-6. ANOTHER KEY STAT: NC Central couldn't beat Fort Lauderdale Dillard's or Hialeah Miami-Lakes' junior varsity teams. (OK, maybe HML.) Florida 57, NC Central 24, 30.6 seconds left in the half.

Parsons fouled while shooting a three-pointer. He made 2-of-3 (Florida's first missed free throw of the night; Gators are 6-of-7). Florida 55, NC Central 22, 1:45 left in the half.

Timeout now. Three Gators in double figures already: Speights (13), Calathes (12) and Parsons (10). Florida again playing unselfishly. The team has 16 assists. Calathes with five assists and Parsons and Werner with four.

Chandler Parsons is feasting off of his mismatch. He just went on his own little Parsons-mini-run (five points) and now has 10 points, including two three-pointers. Parsons has also tossed a pair of assists inside to a cutting Nicky Calathes. (Parsons has four assists total). The kid is having a great game. Florida 48, NC Central 20. 3:38 (What a terrible game! Makes you appreciate what's important in life, the Dazzlers.)

Everybody is always knocking Dan Werner but the guy is actually pretty good. He understands Billy's offense more than any other player and it is showing tonight. Werner has five points and four assists. And Speights just DUNKED Shaq style (knees lifting into the air towards the rim) to give Florida a 39-20 lead, 5:43.

Florida cruising now. Dan Werner three-pointer followed by Hodge (did he just get rim?) and Speights again inside. Florida 33, NC Central 16.

Country Boy Adam Allen gets on the board for the first time tonight with a nice baseline move. Florida 26, NC Central 12...No sign of Florida sophomore Jon Mitchell. Florida's nine-man rotation seems to be only eight tonight.

Timeout and time for some important blogging analysis. The dancers looks great in their shiny orange tops. The Dazzlers could probably beat NC Central inside. Mo Speights is dominating the paint with six points in less than eight minutes. Calathes has eight points, including a three-pointer. UF 21, NC Central 10. 11:42 

Chandler Parsons enters the game and immediately knocks down a three-pointer. Nicky Calathes adds a three-pointer of his own. These freshmen are fearless. UF 21, NC Central 9. 12:02

Lucas appears fine. Worthy was charged with an intentional foul and Lucas made both free throws. Florida 13, NC Central 9 (14:22). NC Central has made three three-pointers and turned the ball over five times.

Ouch! Florida guard Jai Lucas fouled hard going up for a fastbreak lay-up. NC Central's J'Mell Worthy, the offending party, collided with Lucas and both players crashed hard to the court. Lucas landed on his right side and smacked his head. The freshman guard is up and walking. Billy calls timeout so Lucas and remember who he is and where he's at (15:43). Florida 11, NC Central 6.

NC Central might be the smallest basketball team in Divsion I-A. These guys lost to Duke 121-56 to begin the season.

The blowout is underway, folks. Three minutes into the game here at the O'Dome and NC Central has only taken one shot (compared to three turnovers). Florida guard/forward Nick Calathes converted a three-point play to give the Gators a 5-0 lead (19:21).

UF Starters
F Dan Werner
C Mo Speights
G Walter Hodge
G/F Nick Calathes
G Jai Lucas

Reminder to all: Gator Clause blogging live tonight

Some of them try to rhyme but they can't rhyme like this...

GAINESVILLE -- Just a quick reminder to ALL of Gator Clause's loyal readers. We'll be blogging live from the Gators' basketball game against North Carolina Central. Tipoff at the O'Dome is set for 7 p.m. Like a trip to the DMV, everyone is obligated to join in the fun. It's the law.

-jo-

Bo Williams scored two touchdowns in practice

GAINESVILLE -- Hope y'all haven't forgotten about Bo Williams because Mr. Williams hasn't forgotten about y'all. He said "What's up?!?" to South Florida yesterday after the Gators' football practice and told Gator Clause that he is improving dramatically as the season progresses.

Williams, an Oakland Park Northeast grad (Go 'Canes!), scored two touchdowns (one was a long run) during Florida's practice on Tuesday. No word if Williams might see the field this week against Florida Atlantic. Florida played Western Carolina this time last year and the game served as a good opportunity for young players to get some playing time.

Gator Clause suspects Williams will not play this week against FAU. Florida coach Urban Meyer moved Markus Manson from defensive back to running back on Monday to add depth to the backfield after Chevon Walker quit the team. That means Williams is still in line for a redshirt.

When Florida offered Williams last winter the Gators' coaching staff (running backs coach Stan Drayton) told Williams he would need at least a year to develop into an Southeastern Conference running back. Florida is sticking by its words, it seems, although there have rumors that Williams could be moved to linebacker next spring.

Redshirting Williams might offer some glimpse into the Gators' future. Along with Williams, Florida will also redshirt freshman quarterback John Brantley and receiver Deonte Thompson.

-jo-

Heisman News: Spurrier won't reveal his Heisman vote

Rumors from the 305: Miami is already breaking down film of Tim Tebow for the 2008 season opener. The 'Canes even brought in Jimmy Johnson to help analyze the film and devise a proper defense. Johnson's best advise, "Heck, just don't ever give'm the ball."

GAINESVILLE -- Gator Clause spoke with Steve Spurrier today during the weekly Southeastern Conference coaches teleconference (that's a mouthful) and asked him who gets his Heisman Trophy vote. Spurrier offered no answer save "it's a private vote and I'm going to keep it private this year."

Gator Clause has a sneaking suspicion that Ol' Ball Coach is going to vote for Timmy. The reasons are obvious but I'll write them anyway:

1. Spurrier won a Heisman as a Florida quarterback.
2. Danny Wuerffel won a Heisman as a Florida quarterback.
3. Spurrier voted for Wuerffel.
4. Wuerffel is voting for Tebow.
5. Spurrier, Wuerffel and Tebow are all sons of preachers.
6. Amen

-jo-

Harvin misses his fourth practice; Gator Clause offers a few holistic cures for a stubborn sinus infection

GAINESVILLE -- Florida's dynamic sophomore receiver/running back Percy Harvin missed his fourth practice today due to migrane headaches, according to Florida coach Urban Meyer.

Harvin, who missed Saturday's game against South Carolina becaue of the same illness, attempted to work out with the team today but had to quit when his migrane headaches returned. Meyer said last week that Harvin was "under the weather" with a sinus infection.

In the spirit of Ricky Williams, here's a few folk remedies and holistic cures Harvin might consider this week with mighty Florida Atlantic looming...(from our friends at EarthClinic.com)

-jo-

1) APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar is our favorite remedy for stopping sinus infections. We wish more people knew about this amazing home remedy for sinus infections. The idea is to take apple cider vinegar before the sinus infection occurs, which for most people is at the start of allergies, colds, flu, etc.

2) SPICY TOMATO TEA
Apparently it works wonders! After drinking this recipe hot, your sinus congestion will disappear REAL fast. All these ingredients not only work on the immediate symptoms, but add plenty of vitamin C to fight a cold, and garlic to fight infection."

Recipe:

Add 1 cup tomato juice, 1 tsp chopped fresh garlic, 1/2 tsp of hot sauce, 1 tsp lemon juice, and a pinch or two of celery salt for flavor. Heat ingredients and drink hot.

3) TED'S REMEDIES
Ted writes, "My father once had a sinus problems for 20 years. He cured his sinus problems by taking large dosages of vitamin C for about 1-2 months. I had the same sinus problem and vitamin C did indeed work - it runs in the family, I guess.

Mayo Clinic some years ago did a study on sinus infections and its causes. It turns out that a large majority of people who have sinus issues had a fungus infection in their sinus areas. The cause turns out that it came from mildew and fungus of the carpets. If you clean the carpet or remove it that might just help the problem. Also, drinking diluted tea tree oil, thyme oil, might complement by clearing the blood area as well.

4) DIETARY CHANGES
Jerry from Clay Springs, AZ writes, "I've had chronic sinus infections all my life. I decided to follow Doug Kaufman's Phase 1 diet for a few months to see if that might make a difference. I have now been on this diet for a year this month. This has been the best winter for me ever, I'm 52 yrs old. I haven't had all the respiratory ailments that I normally experience every year. Just to test if the foods to avoid might be the culprit, I ate some off the diet at Christmas and the sinus came back. I took the herbs and supplements he suggests and it is all cleared up. I know now that my problem was fungus and all the antibiotics I've taken in the past, also sugar and corn was killing me."

5) AJWAI SEEDS
Mamta from Indiana writes, "i haven't taken any off the counter medicines for colds since 5 yrs !! and my condition was pretty bad when i came to the US. we got Ajwain seeds from an indian store or you will find it in the indian section of a chinese food store . Ajwain is indian oregano but very strong. every time i get a cold and chest is congested...i take one tsp of ajwain and roast it on a flat pan. once it starts to smoke , quickly put in a kitchen tissue and take deep inhalations, it makes you sneeze since all the nerve in the nose are raw from the cold....but in 5 minutes it all peaceful, no more colds. and RELIEF...esp. helpful in asthmatic attacks.....also have a strong concoction of ginger,black pepper, clove, basil and cinnamon...boil it in water for 5-10 min and after it cools a bit put a tsp of honey and have it hot. honey should not be heated. according to Ayurveda all these thing reduce phlegm in the body.... enjoy"

6) ACUPUNCTURE, PHELLOSTATIN AND CAYENNE PEPPER
Cherry from Cayman Islands writes, "Tried neti pot but that only facilitated the mucus to leave my sinuses. Tried acupuncture and that helped a lot, but when on a course of Phellostatin and that was my first real relief...along with one capsule of Cayenne pepper which took away the post nasal drip...this should not be taken too often as it moves the blood and really clears the system. Chronic sinusitis with digestive problems...it was felt by myself and my acupuncturist that fungus was my problem even though I had take Diflucan almost 2x a month.Acupuncture really helps me along with the Phellostatin and the Cayenne Pepper. Acupuncture assists the body to do the clearing and healing needed. Acupuncture was my final and last straw to try as I had tried most conventional medicine doctors and their treatments. Nasal sprays and prednisone. I do stay away from dairy products, but am now noticing that even if I have some I do not react with inflammation as I did before! I can eat cheese and not sneeze or get stuffy anymore. Wish I had gone this route from the beginning."

7) WILD INDIGO EXTRACT
Meth from Los Angeles writes, "I also have a question besides sharing my experience with the Wild Indigo herbal extract from Eclectic Institute. I have used it for the last two years, and it works better than the Grape Seed Extract (GSE) for me. I take 15-20 drops along with 10-12 drops of Echinacea/Golden Seal extract 3 times per day for 10-14 days. However, if you are a first-time user of Wild Indigo, start at a low dose of 5 drops and then increase it, otherwise you may vomit as I did on the second day when I first used it and I started at a high dose. I typically see definite improvement in my symptoms in 4-5 days. This remedy, however, treats the bacterial infection of sinus, not any fungal problem or the underlying cause. 

Chevon Walker we hardly knew ya'

GAINESVILLE -- Florida confirmed today what many thought to be true for several weeks: redshirt freshman Chevon Walker is gone. Walker asked for permission to seek a transfer this morning and Florida obliged.

Walker played in five games this season and rushed for 14 yards on four carries. He hasn't dressed with the team since the Gators' win at Kentucky on Oct. 20 and he hasn't practiced with the team for several weeks. Florida coach Urban Meyer has been vague when asked why Walker has been absent. Meyer recently said that Walker was dealing with "personal issues."

Florida redshirt junior Markus Manson moved from defensive back to running back on Monday. Manson told The Miami Herald on Monday night that he expects to carry the ball on Saturday against Florida Atlantic. Every running back on Florida's roster not named Tim Tebow or Chevon Walker has had trouble holding onto the ball this season. Perhaps Manson can provide some reliability in the backfield.

-jo-

Game Preview: N.C. Central (0-2) vs. Florida (2-0); Thoughts from John Wooden; It will get ugly tomorrow in the O'Dome

GAINESVILLE -- If you're hoping to watch a blowout by the Florida basketball team before Saturday's game against Rutgers, then Gator Clause suggests attending Wednesday night's game against North Carolina Central. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.

If you live in South Florida (as most people do) I suggest you return to Gator Clause at 7 p.m. Wednesday night because I'll be blogging live from the game. I'll be sitting courtside next to my wonderful friend, Adam Gorney.

Gorney, a staff writer for the best Internet website which covers the Gators, GatorBait.net, told Gator Clause today that his employer, Rivals.com, ranked NC Central as the worst basketball team in Division I-A. For the record, there are 340 teams in Division I-A hoops (and retired UCLA coach John Wooden told me last April that he wished all 340 teams could participate in the NCAA Tournament).

The Wizard of Westwood, by the way, is a huge Billy Donovan fan. Mr. Wooden explained to me last season that Coach D does a remarkable job of getting his teams to play unselfish basketball. Such was the case in 2005 and 2006 and such is the case so far this season. Seven Gators enter Wednesday's contest averaging at least six points per game, including six players with an average over 10 points per game.

WEDNESDAY'S PROJECTED STARTING LINE-UPS
FLORIDA (2-0)
F Dan Werner (4.5 ppg)
C Marreese Speights (13.0 ppg)
G Walter Hodge (10.5 ppg)
G/F Nick Calathes (18.0 ppg)
G Jai Lucas (10.5 ppg)
BENCH: F Adam Allen (11.0 ppg); Chandler Parsons (10.5 ppg); Alex Tyus (6.0 ppg); Jonathan Mitchell (1.4 ppg).

NC CENTRAL (0-2)
F Josh Worthy (5.0 ppg)
F Calvin Wright (4.0 ppg)
F Charles Furtrell (17.0 ppg)
G J'Mell Walters (1.0 ppg)
G Bryan Ayala (18.5 ppg)

-jo-

Five reasons why Tebow won't win the Heisman

Understand what you are witnessing people, Tim Tebow is Larry Csonka with an arm and good looks...That makes him the god of football.

GAINESVILLE -- In no particular order, five reasons why Florida sophomore quarterback Tim Tebow will not win the Heisman Trophy.

1. He's a sophomore.

2. He's a sophomore.

3. He's a sophomore.

4. He's a sophomore.

5. He's a sophomore.

-jo-

Shroud of Turin; Cleat of Columbia

Understand what you are witnessing people, Tim Tebow is Larry Csonka with an arm and good looks...

GAINESVILLE -- Anyone remember Tebow's touchdown run against South Carolina (one of the 78) when he crashed into a photographer on the sideline and then plowed into the sideline TV truck? I know that photographer. His name is Tim Casey and he works for a website that covers the Florida Gators. I'm happy to report that Mr. Casey did not die.

Coincidentally, I'm also happy to report another Tim Tebow tattoo sighting (sorta). Now, I've had a pretty tough time finding Tim Tebow tats -- I made this my personal mission about a month ago -- but Mr. Casey seems to have the next best thing in his possession: a piece of clothing soiled (blessed would be a better word) with the impression of Tim Tebow's cleat, the same cleat that rushed for five touchdowns and set a single-game school record. Some people would draw comparisons with the Shroud of Turin.

I'm hoping to display the Cleat of Columbia at the Heisman Trophy presentation ceremony, the one when Tebow gets jobbed out of the award for the best football player in the country.

In related news, the Tebster told me last night that the TV truck really hurt and it was probably the hardest hit he has taken all season.

-jo-

Tebow was named to the Walter Camp Award watch list today. Here's the press release:

NEW HAVEN, Conn. -– University of Florida sophomore quarterback Tim
Tebow (Jacksonville, Fla.) was named one of 15 semifinalists for the
Walter Camp Player of the Year Award on Tuesday by Walter Camp
Foundation. The honor is the fourth-oldest individual college football
award in the nation.

Tebow has rushed for 19 touchdowns on the campaign, a total tied for
the most by any player in Southeastern Conference history and is the
most by any UF player in a single year. It is also the highest figure by
any quarterback in SEC history. The 19 rushing touchdown total are as
many or more than 86 teams currently have combined in Division I-A.
Tebow is averaging 325.0 yards of total offense a game, which is higher
than the total of 13 teams in Division I-A.

His 27 career rushing touchdowns are already the sixth-highest total in
school history (36, Emmitt Smith, 1987-89). In addition, Tebow has
accounted for 42 touchdowns this season, which is the highest
single-season total in SEC history (the previous record was Danny
Wuerffel, 41, 1996 with 39 passes and two rushing touchdowns).

Tebow has rushed for at least one touchdown and passed for at least one
touchdown in 11-straight games. In research available dating back to
1989, no quarterback in the country has had a longer streak. His passer
rating of 177.1 is the second-highest in the nation and he has completed
67.8 percent of his passes, which is the 12th-highest mark in the
country and is the best in the league. Tebow has thrown 13 passes for
40-or-more yards this season, which is already eight more than UF did
all of last season.

The 2007 Walter Camp Player of the Year recipient, who is voted on by
the 119 Football Bowl Subdivision head coaches and sports information
directors, will be announced live on the 6 p.m. edition of ESPN
SportsCenter on Thursday, Dec. 6.  The winner will then receive his
trophy at the Foundation’s annual national awards banquet on Saturday,
Jan. 12, 2008, at the Yale University Commons in New Haven.

The “Players to Watch” for the 2007 Walter Camp Player of the Year
award:

Name    Yr.     Pos.    School
Colt Brennan    Sr.     QB      Hawaii
Dan Connor      Sr.     LB      Penn State
Chase Daniel    Jr.     QB      Missouri
Dennis Dixon    Sr.     QB      Oregon
Glenn Dorsey    Sr.     DT      LSU
Matt Forte      Sr.     RB      Tulane
James Laurinaitis       Sr.     LB      Ohio State
Darren McFadden Jr.     RB      Arkansas
Ray Rice        Jr.     RB      Rutgers
Matt Ryan       Sr.     QB      Boston College
George Selvie   So.     DE      South Florida
Kevin Smith     Jr.     RB      Central Florida
Aqib Talib      Jr.     DB      Kansas
Tim Tebow       So.     QB      FLORIDA
Pat White       Jr.     QB      West Virginia

   

Final: Florida 51, South Carolina 31; Will Tebow hold together?

FINAL...

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Two more years of Tim Tebow. Are you kidding me? If the guy holds together, then they're going to have to rename the Heisman the Tebow in his honor.

Tebow, Florida's supernatural quarterback, accounted for seven total touchdowns, including five rushing in the Gators 51-31 win against South Carolina. He did this all with a sore shoulder. Hoped everyone enjoyed the blog AND THE GAME as much as I did. Read the paper tomorrow for my game story and Miami Herald correspondent Mike McCall's sidebar on Andre Caldwell.

LIVE BLOGGING BELOW
South Carolina just scored trash points.

Tebow rushed for his FIFTH touchdown of the game. The sophomore tied Danny Wuerffel's 1996 SEC record for most touchdowns accounted for in a season (41.)

South Carolina Cory Boyd scored on a 65-yard touchdown drive capped by a three-yard run by Cory Boyd. Florida 37, South Carolina 24; 4:13.

Florida answers with a 34-yard Joey Ijjas field goal. Florida 37, South Carolina 17...blogging less frequently now. Gotta make deadline for the newspaper.

South Carolina gambled on fourth-and-five near midfield and it paid off. The Gamecocks converted with a 23-yard pass from Blake Mitchell to Cory Boyd. The drive ended in a 44-yard field goal from Ryan Succop. Florida 34, South Carolina 17; 9:10.

Florida scored quickly to start the third quarter. A 55-yard pass to freshman tight end Aaron Hernandez gave Florida the ball at the USC 25 and Tebow rushed for his fourth touchdown of the night three plays later. Florida 34, South Carolina 14; 12:42.

HALFTIME BELOW
There was a bit of confusion between Florida quarterback Tim Tebow and the Gators' coaching staff to end the first. Florida wasted about half a minute calling in difficult plays such as Tebow Run Right and Tebow Run Up the Middle. The drive ended with a nice interception by South Carolina cornerback Stoney Woodson.

A break in the action and I'm wondering...Is Percy Harvin waiting in the locker room to surprise his Gators?

An inspired effort from Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes just ended South Carolina's drive (2:39 left in first half) with a punt. In one series, Spikes deflected two passes and recorded a tackle for loss. Florida driving...

Two important things just happened (6:47 left in first half). 1. Florida's Brandon James just fumbled away a possession only eight yards from a Gators score. 2. Florida center Drew Miller appears to be out of the game with an injury. This raises the question: Will freshmen Mike Pouncey now play both ways? Pouncey was Miller's back-up at center before Florida coach Urban Meyer moved him to defensive tackle for the Vanderbilt game. USC driving...

Tebow scores his third rushing touchdown of the game (a career high). The touchdown drive was initiated by an interception from Florida strong safety Tony Joiner at USC 44. A 22-yard pass to Louis Murphy started the drive and Tebow then rushed three times on four plays. Florida 27, South Carolina 14; 10:13.

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow just entered his do-everything mode. A one-yard touchdown run by Tebow gives Florida a 20-13 lead with 12:32 left in the first half. Tebow now has 10 carries for 42 yards and two rushing touchdowns. Tebow now has 38 total touchdowns on the season. The school record for total TDs is 41 (Danny Wuerffel 1996).

Emanuel Cook meet Tim Tebow. Florida's quarterback just juked the Gamecocks' best defensive back (a sophomore from Palm Beach County) with an impressive open-field move. The play carried Florida to the USC 35 to end the first quarter. First-and-10 Florida.

Florida returned the fumble gift. Florida's Jarred Fayson fumbled at the UF 24 and South Carolina scored two plays later, a two-yard run by USC running back Cory Boyd. South Carolina 14, Florida 13; 2:21. The touchdown was set up by a 22-yard pass from Blake Mitchell to Dion Lecorn to the UF 2. Wondy Pierre-Louis and Tony Joiner were beaten in coverage. So much for my Wondy theory.

When does this happen? Tim Tebow needed two yards and had two plays to do it and he failed. South Carolina stuffed Tebow on fourth-and-inches and took over at the USC 32. Florida forced a three-and-punt thanks to nice pass break-up by Florida cornerback Wondy Pierre-Louis on third down. Told y'all about Wondy, didn't I?

South Carolina answers with a beautiful drive, exposing the Gators' secondary early. USC quarterback Blake Mitchell completed passes of 20, 19 and 23 yards in quick succession before throwing a five-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jared Cook. Florida 13, South Carolina 7; 9:00. Predicting at least 50 points before the half.

--Another gift. (And carrying over a theme from Florida 17, South Carolina 16 in 2006...another Florida block. Florida redshirt junior John Curtis blocks South Carolina Ryan Succop and the Gators recovered at the USC 22. Tebow only needed two plays, finding Jarred Fayson for a score. Florida kicker Joey Ijjas misses the extra point. Florida 13, South Carolina 0; 11:00.

--Florida started the game with a gift. South Carolina fumbled the center to quarterback exchange on the Gamecocks first offensive play of the game. Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes recovered (14:50). Florida scored five plays later when Tebow rushed for a five-yard score. Florida 7, South Carolina 0; 12:46. Tebow now holds Florida's single-season rushing touchdown record (15). Call this the you-don't-have-Percy-Harvin-so-we'll-spot-you-a-touchdown drive.

PREGAME
--Someone help me make sense of this: Florida goes from all blue last week to all white this week. That's right. Florida is wearing all white. Meanwhile, South Carolina is dressed in all black. And Georgia wore black today and is clobbering Auburn. 

--And does anyone remember the iconic scene from Adam Sandler's football movie, "The Waterboy?"
          "Remember that time Percy Harvin showed up at halftime of the Alternate Jersey Bowl and Florida beat South Carolina. Eh, remember that? Do, ya'? Do, ya?"

--Harvin, of course, didn't make the trip tonight. He's back in Gainesville recovering from a sinus infection...which raises a concern: What happened to quarterback Tim Tebow's ability to cure disease?

--If you're wondering about the scenarios by which Florida wins the East, basically, you just became a Kentucky fan. Florida needs Tennessee and Georgia both to lose to the Wildcats. But don't cheer for the Vols to lose two games. Two more Tennessee losses (Kentucky and Vanderbilt) would send Georgia to the SEC championship game.

--Ron Zook and Illinois just beat No.1 Ohio State. Is anyone out there secretly hoping Florida and Illinois meet in the Capital One Bowl or the Outback Bowl?   

-jo-

The confusion ends here (we hope): SEC East scenarios; get informed (we hope)

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- OK, directly from the Southeastern Conference's mouth, here are the most likely scenarios for the confusing SEC East Division...

Scenario No.1, Tennessee advances: If Georgia, Tennessee, Florida and South Carolina are tied at 4-4 in the SEC East, then Tennessee advances to Atlanta because the Vols will be 2-1 against the three opponents and Georgia, South Carolina and Florida will be 1-2.

Scenario No.2, Florida advances: If Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia are tied at 5-3, then Florida wins because the Gators will be 2-1 against Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky. Kentucky could also finish the season 2-1 against those teams but Florida would go to Atlanta by virtue of beating Kentucky.

Scenario No.3, Florida advances: If Florida, Georgia and Tennessee are tied at 5-3 in the SEC East then Florida advances by virtue of a three-way tie-breaker. Florida is 4-1 against SEC East opponents while Georgia and Tennessee have two losses in the SEC East.

Scenario No.4, Kentucky advances: If Florida loses tonight to South Carolina, then Kentucky controls its own destiny with games still remaining against Georgia and Tennessee.

Scenario No.5, Georgia advances: Georgia must win out to advance. It holds no tie-breakers.

Got that, people!?! Tomorrow I'll be explaining with Calculus how Shakespeare was Lady MacBeth's father and Hamlet's nephew.

-jo-

Pregame Gators vs. Gamecocks: Who will replace Harvin?

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- The leaves are already orange and red here. I searched this picturesque town this morning for a homespun eatery and happened upon Cafe' Strudels, a hipster hangout along Broad River and east of Williams-Brice Stadium. I'm sitting here with my laptop with mixed emotions. It's a beautiful day in South Carolina but Florida's SEC schedule is almost over. It seems like just yesterday the Gators opened conference play. A few thoughts and questions before I settle down in front of a TV for an exciting day of college football:

1. With Florida receiver Percy Harvin sidelined with a sinus infection, who will replace his productivity today against South Carolina?

1. Florida needs Georgia to lose to Auburn. Georgia spoiled the Tigers' 2006 season. Will Auburn return the favor today? Can the Tigers' defense shut down Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno the same way it stuffed Arkansas' Darren McFadden?

2. Florida also needs a loss from the Tennessee Volunteers. Can the Vols slow down McFadden and Felix Jones or will the SEC's best running back duo burn through Tennessee like it did last week against South Carolina?

3. Has Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon moved ahead of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow as the nation's best dual-threat quarterback?

4. Is Tebow's right shoulder healthy? If so Tebow's ability as a runner could be the deciding factor in today's game?

5. Is Notre Dame going to lose to Air Force today? Could it get any worse for the Irish? Does anyone south of Kentucky even care?

6. How many trick plays can Florida expect from South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier? Gotta think the Head Ball Coach's creativity will test Florida's young defense?

7. Is Florida's defense really that young anymore? The Gators played well against Vanderbilt. Can they remain consistent?

8. Does Mississippi State upset Alabama today? It could happen. State already has signature wins against Auburn and Kentucky this season. A win would make State bowl eligible, a major victory for State head coach Sly Croom.

Gator Clause will be blogging live from Williams-Brice Stadium tonight. Don't forget to join me. And don't forget to check out MiamiHerald.com on Sunday morning for coverage of tonight's game, including a post-game podcast.

-jo-

North Dakota State no pushover; Gators will be tested tonight

GAINESVILLE -- Don't expect another blowout win by the Florida Gators basketball team tonight. After opening the season with two easy exhibition games, Florida begins the season tonight against North Dakota State.

The Bison won 20 games last season and return four starters from that team. North Dakota State beat then-No.9 Marquette last season and played well against Texas Tech (lost by four) and Kansas State (lost by two).

North Dakota State (NDSU) is in the final year of a reclassification process to join Division I and is not eligible for postseason play. This is NSDU's first season to compete in the Summit League. The Bison are ranked behind IUPUI, Oral Roberts and Oakland.

While Florida will feature five new starters tonight, NDSU comes to Gainesville with four returning starters. The Bison are led by junior guard Ben Woodside and junior forward Brett Winkelman.

Projected Starting Line-up
FLORIDA
G-Jai Lucas (5-8, DNP last season)
G-Nick Calathes (6-5, DNP last season)
G-Walter Hodge (5-8, 5.7 ppg)
F-Dan Werner (6-4, 1.8 ppg)
C-Marresse Speights PICTURED (6-10, 4.1 ppg)
BENCH
F-Adam Allen (6-8); F-Alex Tyus (6-8)
F-Chandler Parsons (6-9); F-Jon Mitchell (6-7)

NDSU
G-Ben Woodside PICTURED (5-11, 16.4 ppg)
G-Mike Nelson (6-4, 15.7 ppg)
F-Brett Winkelman (6-6, 16.1 ppg)
F-Michael Tveidt (6-7, DNP last season)
C-Lucas Moorman (6-10, 4.9 ppg)

WHAT TO EXPECT
A close game. Don't be shocked if Florida loses this game. The Gators will need strong play from freshman guard Nick Calathes to stay competitive and help from its freshmen on the bench. Junior shooting guard Walter Hodge needs to assert himself and sophomore forward Dan Werner needs a strong game to help with his confidence. Shoot it, Dan! Shoot it!

BLOG
Sorry, guys. I won't be blogging live from the game tonight. I'll be in South Carolina for Saturday's football game.

GAMETRACKER LINK
http://livestats.www.collegesports.com/livestats/data/m-baskbl/615184/gt_index.html

WEB AUDIO LINK
http://sports.yahoo.com/top/collegebroadcast/teams/fak

-jo-

Exhibition Game 2: Florida 101, Lynn 65

GAINESVILLE -- A quick seven-point run (Tyus dunk, Hodge three-pointer, Jon Mitchell dunk) gives Florida a 33-point lead. 30-point-cushion/Jon Mitchell-dunk rule achieved: No more blogging live. Florida 79, Division II Lynn 47; 11:01. 

Falling in love with the games of Florida freshman Adam Allen and Alex Tyus. These players are ready to contribute right now. Allen just drained a three-pointer moments after a strong inside move. Tyus banks in a short turnaround. Florida 73, Lynn 43; 13:45.

Jai Lucas makes a three-pointer to give him five points tonight. Florida 61, Lynn 41; 17:52.

Werner must have read the blog. He hit a three-pointer to start the half, followed by a Speights dunk. Florida 56, Lynn 39.

HALFTIME Florida 51, Lynn 37. Halftime thoughts: Donovan's 2005 and 2006 recruiting classes were absolutely awful. Hodge is the only player left from 2005. Speights, Werner and Jon Mitchell from 2006. Play Speights and four freshman and bring Hodge off the bench.

Werner, no points, picks up his third foul of the half. Florida 49, Lynn 35.

Werner back in the game. Fans seated behind me screaming, "No, Werner, don't shoot!" Florida 43, Lynn 31; 3:54.

An eight-point run, including five points from Parsons, gives Florida 41-28 lead.

Florida freshman Adam "Country Strong" Allen swished a three-pointer. Lynn counters with a three-point play. Four three-pointers in last five minutes keeping Lynn in the game. Florida 25, Lynn 20.

Florida's 6-10 Marreese Speights dominating little Lynn now. Back-to-back inside buckets. Florida 19, Lynn 14; 11:54.

Lynn's Chris Hall of Lauderhill drains back-to-back three-pointers. Florida 17, Lynn 14. This just in, Tyus' forehead wound caused by freshman English.

All five freshman on the floor now. Alex Tyus has a large band-aid on his forehead.

I'm sitting next to a Herald columnist, who will remain nameless, and he's already hating on Dan Werner. Florida takes the lead on a Nick Calathes three-pointer. Florida 10-7, 14:41.

Florida's Dan Werner missed a three-pointer that's now being described as the worst three-point attempt in the history of basketball.

Lynn has the lead. 3-2, after a three-pointer. Florida's uniforms look like the Phoenix Suns.

Line-up change, BREAKING NEWS!!! Lynn is replacing Greg Boxell with 5-11 guard Luke Postorina, a junior. Someone call Vegas.

Florida plays Lynn University of West Palm Beach tonight. This is the Gators' second and final exhibition game before Friday's season opener against North Dakota State.

Florida's starting five
F Dan Werner, 6-7
C Marreese Speights, 6-10
G Walter Hodge, 6-0
G Nick Calathes, 6-6
G Jai Lucas, 5-11

Lynn's starting five
F Ed Miller, 6-6
F Greg Boxell, 6-6
C Hans Schur, 6-8
G Chris Hall, 6-2
G Randy Jones, 5-10

-jo-

Florida vs. Vandy: Blogging live...UF 49, Vandy 22: It's official Harvin sets record

Look at all this work I did for you. (1,471 words of blogging insanity.) Comment, people...

GAINESVILLE -- Percy Harvin just rushed for a 13-yard touchdown, placing him in the UF record books. He is the first Gator in the 101-year history of the program to rush for at least 100 yards and gain at least 100 yards receiving in a game.

Harvin has 113 rushing yards and 110 receiving yards. UF 49, Vandy 16; 12:05 left in the game. (I'M DONE BLOGGING LIVE; THERE'S NOTHING LEFT TO WRITE; Oh, wait, Florida cornerback Wondy Pierre-Louis just made an incredible interception. OK, that clinches it. I've written it all.)

--Brandon James with another amazing return (52 yards, seventh return over 50 yards this year, fourth return over 50 yards in last three games). The only thing that really matters in this game is whether or not Percy Harvin rushes for 100 yards. He needs five yards to become the first player in Florida history to rush for 100 yards and gain 100 yards receiving in a game.

--A lull in the action and I'm wondering: How did Vanderbilt beat South Carolina? And: Is the SEC overrated?

Vandy now trying desperately to ruin another potential scoring drive with mistakes: penalty, incomplete, interception by Florida freshman Joe Haden. That's Haden's second interception of the season ... Oh, wait, the interception is absolved thanks to a defensive holding call by Florida defensive end Jermaine Cunningham. First and goal now. Second and goal. Finally, on third and goal, Vandy, bless its little heart, scores. (Vandy's quarterback Mackenzi Adams appeared to fumble and Florida linebacker Dustin Doe appeared to return the play 100 yards for a touchdown, but the refs are apparently feeling sorry for poor Vandy and they signal touchdown.) UF 42, Vandy 16.   

Florida punter Chas Henry confuses Vandy with ... a punt. Vandy return specialist fumbles and the Gators' Mr. Special Teams (Brandon James) recovers the muffed kicked. (Who else would make a play on special teams other than James, right?) Tebow carries the ball three times and scores a one-yard touchown run. UF 42, Vandy 10;

--Press box voice tells reporters that Tebow's 14th rushing touchdown on the season ties Emmitt Smith and Buford Long for Florida's single-season rushing touchdown record. (And now I'm thinking, Emmitt Smith only rushed for 14 touchdowns in one season at UF? Guess the Gators have never known how to properly use a running back.) 

--Florida quickly gets the ball back. Vandy went four-and-out, turning the ball over on downs at the UF 38. Nice tip by Florida freshman defensive end Justin Trattou on fourth down.

--Tebow just tossed his fourth interception of the season. (Florida coach Urban Meyer will tell reporters after the game that it was not Tebow's fault.)

--Comeback alert! Just kidding. Vandy kicks a 31-yard field goal to start the second half. Vandy coverted a third-and-17 (Adams to Walker for 29 yards to the UF 14) to set up the score. UF 35, Vandy 17.

--Vandy with the ball to start the second half. A few changes to Florida's defense: Jackson back at free safety; Torrey Davis in at defensive tackle alongside Mike Pouncey.

HALFTIME BELOW
Hope you didn't step away for popcorn before the half. If you did missed the Percy Harvin drive. Florida scored with 37 seconds left in the half on a 12-play drive (84 yards, 2:46) that featured six consecutive plays to Harvin. (two carries for five yards; four receptions for 43 yards). Caldwell finished the drive with a 14-yard touchdown catch. UF 35, Vandy 7.

--Andre Caldwell (eight receptions) has already tied a career high for receptions in a game.

--Tim Tebow is having a pretty good day. He has completed 19-of-22 attempts for 262 yards and four touchdowns (one rushing).

--Percy Harvin's halftime stats: seven carries, 84 yards, touchdown; eight receptions, 105 yards 

--Tebow makes quick work of the short field. 12-yard pass to Harvin; four-yard touchdown pass to Caldwell. UF 28, Vandy 7; 6:28 second quarter. (Tebow is having a pretty good day: 12-of-13, 183 yards, three touchdowns (one rushing) in less than two quarters.)

Tip drill! Brandon Spikes tips a pass at the line of scrimmage and Jermaine Cunningham intercepts it. 18-yard return to the Vandy 16.

Jarred Fayson sighting. The forgotten Fayson catches a screen pass and dives into the end zone for an 11-yard touchdown. Nice downfield block by Andre Caldwell. Florida 21, Vandy 7; 9:34 second quarter.

(Press box voice now telling me some trivial information: With that touchdown pass, Florida has now passed and rushed for touchdowns in every game this season. The Gators are one of only two teams in the country to do such a thing. Houston is the other team.)

--Kestahn Moore getting jealous of Harvin now. He offers a 32-yard run. First down at the Vandy 12. (It should be noted that Tebow hasn't had to run the ball one time this half.)

--Leaving Percy Harvin in the backfield seems like a good idea. He has 79 yards rushing on five carries with 9:40 left in the first half.

Florida's defense showing its youth now. Was only a matter of time, I guess. Four Vandy first downs, two Florida personal fouls and a 35-yard pass to a tight end, giving Vandy a first-and-goal at the UF 1. One-yard touchdown run by quarterback Mackenzi Adams. UF 14, Vandy 7; 11 minutes left in the second quarter.

--Major Wright is in the game at free safety despite his marshmallow right hand. Vandy driving.

FIRST QUARTER BELOW
Harvin's brilliance is flushed down the toilet by a bad snap. The ball sailed over Tebow's head and instead of a possible first-and-goal situation, the Gators are facing third-and-33 from the Vandy 34. Good luck with that. Florida kicker Joey Ijjas misses the 38-yard field goal.

So, this Percy Harvin fellow is pretty good today. Harvin just broke 38 yard run moments after converting a third down with a 15-yard reception. Harvin's run--it appears that he's faster than everyone else on the field by five steps--goes to the Vandy 11. Harvin already has 57 yards rushing and 50 yards receiving in less than 15 minutes.

--Oh, Percy. Thanks for reminding us. You really are one of the most electrifying players in the country. (At least every other week.) Shortly after James' 53-yard punt return, Harvin made a diving catch for an 21-yard gain. He then weaved his way through Vandy's defense on the next play for an 18-yard touchdown run. This all took 44 seconds.

--(Press box guy is telling us that the drive was Florida's fourth in less than a minute this season.)

--Tim Tebow is this team's best player but return specialist Brandon James is a close second. His 53-yard punt return just gave Florida a short field at the Vandy 39. (Isn't James always busting a long return, you ask? Why, yes, actually he is. James leads the nation with six kick returns for more than 50 yards.)

--One drive in the books and Tim Tebow offers proof of his divinity. He completed all four of his passes for 78 yards and rushed for a one-yard touchdown to end the drive. The drive's highlight was a 40-yard bomb to Louis Murphy to the Vandy 3.

--The press box announcer informs us that Tebow, with 13 rushing touchdowns on the season, just tied the SEC record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback.

--This is how bad it's gotten for Florida. Mike Pouncey, a freshman offensive lineman, is starting at defensive tackle. Now he's jumping around after a key stop on second down.

--Amazingly, Florida's defense holds Vandy to a punt on the Commodores first possession. Even more amazing, Florida senior free safety Kyle Jackson made a tackle on third down.

PREGAME NOTES BELOW

Gator Growl weekend here in Gville. A few pregame notes:

1. Vanderbilt has the best helmets in the Southeastern Conference.

2. Florida wide receiver Riley Cooper did not warm-up with the wide receiver corps. Florida coach Urban Meyer told reporters this week that Cooper would likely play today. Guess not. Cooper broke a couple fingers against Kentucky. Kind of hard to catch footballs from Tim Tebow with broken fingers. (And, no, before you ask. Tebow and his mythical cannon for an arm did not injury Cooper's digits.

3. Major Wright is wearing the boxing glove again. "Hey, I'm Major Wright, Marshmallow Fist Man, give me some candy." This is a reference to MiamiHerald.com's Weekly Gators Report this week...Halloween special.

4. Vandy quarterback Mackenzi Adams appears fit. Looks like he's playing.

5. And now the kickoff...Major Wright and the Marshmallow Fist makes the tackle.

6. Mike Pouncey, the offensive lineman, is starting at defensive tackle.

Exhibition Game 1: UF 97, Flagler 51

GAINESVILLE -- It was a pretty good debut for the new-look Florida Gators basketball team. Florida beat Division II Flagler 97-51 in the Gators' first exhibition game of the season.

Freshman Nick Calathes, a two-time prep Mr. Basketball, was two assists shy of a triple-double and Florida's five freshmen scored in double figures.

"We don't have one guy you can key on, so that's going to help us," Calathes said. "I'm happy with the way our team played; everyone can knock down a three and everyone can do everything."

For one night--one exhibition night--Calathes did nearly everything. He finished the game with 18 points (two three-pointers), 13 rebounds, eight assists and one steal.

Sophomore Marreese Speights led the Gators with 22 points and 13 rebounds. Freshman Chandler Parsons, Calathes' high school teammate at Winter Park Lake Howell, scored 18 points, including 3-of-5 from the behind the arc. Adam Allen scored 10 points, Jai Lucas had 11 and Alex Tyus had 12.

"It felt like we had everything going," Parsons said. "We were hitting from every angle."

LIVE BLOG ACTION BELOW

Amazing play with 3:10 left. Quick passing from Calathes to Parsons to Speights for a lay-up. Florida 89, Flagler 50; 2:40.

Triple-double alert: Calathes has 16 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Florida 87, Saints 50; 3:43. Calathes is causing match-up problems for Flagler. Wonder if it will translate to Division I-A competition.

Hodge drives to the basket for a three-point play. Could have done without the post-play mocking, though. Flagler is Division II. Florida 83, Flagler 43; 6:06 after a steal and score by Nick "If You Got a Problem, Yo I'll Solve It" Calathes.

Parsons whips a pass inside to Calathes for an easy lay-up. These guys had pretty good chemistry before they even arrived in Gainesville. Annoying Florida cheer now during a timeout giving me a headache. But we do have dancers! Florida 78, Flagler 43; 7:29.

Gotta feel bad for Flagler's play-by-play guy this season with names like these: Bryan Borstelman, Lyndon Merthie, Ben De La Cruz and John Pietkiewicz. Speights is dominating the inside now (nine boards). He just scored four straight points. He now has 20. Calathes back in. Maybe he can get a triple-double in his first game, although it is only an exhibition game. Florida 75, Flagler 43; 8:39

Timeout. Hooray dancers. And my mouth is blue from this cupcake. Looks like I ate a smurf.

Parsons drains his third three-pointer of the game. Parsons The Skinny can shoot! Florida 66, Flagler 37; 12:13. Winter Park Lake Howell must have been pretty good with Calathes and Parsons.

Triple-double alert! Calathes has 10 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.

Alley-oop, Tyus from Calathes. Tyus screaming as he dunks it home. Pretty sure you're going to hear that call a few times in the next three years. Florida 63, Flagler 47; 14:20.

Allen follows Parsons' trey with a three-pointer of his own. Adam Allen, by they way, is the King of Panhandle Hoops. Florida 57, Saints of Flagler 34. Allen is from Milton, Fla. Not much in Milton but hay and horses.

Parsons scores the Gators' first three-pointer of the second half after a nice quick-out by Lucas. Florida doesn't have a Lee Humphrey this season but it seems they have more players as a whole whom can hit from outside.

The best thing about halftime? Cupcakes, of course. Chocolate with blue icing. In related news, Calathes is having his way with cupcake Flagler. Nice dish inside to Allen for a quick field goal. Florida 51, Flagler 31; 17:18.

Starting line-up for second half: Calathes, Lucas, Werner, Allen, Speights.

Quick halftime stats: Speights (14); Calathes (9); Chandler (8); Tyus (6); Lucas, Hodge, Allen (3).

Calathes running the point now just before the end of the first half...Calathes holds for the last shot...spinning, left-handed, missing...HALFTIME: Florida 46, Flagler 26; Yeah, more dancers!!!

Four freshman (Allen, Tyus, Parsons, Calathes) and Hodge on the court now. Allen for three, shaking away those "country" nerves. Florida 45, Flagler 21; 2:40.

This Parsons kid might be skinny but he's plenty tough. Parsons fakes from the outside and drives to the hoop for a three-point play.

Joining Parsons in the thin department is Marreese Speights, who lost about 20 pounds in the off-season. Pretty sure the extra quickness will do Speights well this season.

Parsons The Skinny now hits a three. This is getting ridiculous. Speights hits inside to give Florida a 16-0 run. Florida 39, Flagler 19; 3:58.

Calathes bangs down another three-pointer. Vanilla Ice is on fire...wait, that makes no sense. Florida 34, Flagler 17; 5:52. Calathes' calm demeanor on the court is a good sign for the Gators. They're going to need Calathes to contribute immediately this season. He has nine points in 15 minutes so far.

Calathes drains the first three-pointer of his career; followed by a Tyus block and a Walter Hodge three. Ah, the memories of last season...Florida 29, Flagler 17; 6:38.

Jai Lucas scores the first field goal of his career...and then hustles down the court to commit the second silly foul of his career. If Lucas is going to run the point this season, he's going to have to learn to conserve his fouls, a Taurean Green specialty. Florida 23, Flagler 16; 7:57.

This might be some kind of weird record: Flagler's five now features players with jersey numbers of 55, 22 and 33. Speights makes a lay-up, breaking a three-and-half minute scoring drought by the Gators; Florida 19, Saints 11; 8:36.

I just figured out who Nick Calathes looks like: South Florida's finest, Vanilla Ice.

Jai Lucas (5-11, 155) takes a charge. Terrible call but nice effort from your new point guard.

Allen misses two free throws, a little "country" nervous, I suppose: Florida 16-11; 11:02.

Florida freshman forward Adam Allen in the game now. They tell me he's "country strong." A lot of "country strong" guys in the game now: six by my count or three for each team. This might be a modern-day NCAA record. Checking the record books...yep.

Florida freshman Chandler Parsons in the game and he just scored a put-back, the first points of his career. Parsons might be the skinniest college basketball since Manute Bol, Florida 14-7; 13:19. (Did Manute even play college hoops?)

What's the best part about preseason basketball? There's a TV in front of me airing the Va. Tech vs. Ga. Tech football game. (The battle of the Techs!) In related news: Nice technical pass from Calathes to Alex Tyus for an alley oop! And now a dunk from Tyus: Florida 11-4.

Calathes scores two straight baskets, Florida leads 7-2 and now a timeout (Yeah, dance team!!!). Calathes looks pretty good but not as good as the dancers shaking it on the floor right now.

Trivia question: Who scored the first points of the exhibition season for the Gators: Marreese Speights, nice inside move, plus a foul.

Oh, yeah. Florida is playing...Flagler, whomever that is. Flagler's fight name is the Saints, as in, Saints need divine intervention to beat Florida.

Florida's staring line-up: Freshman swingman Nick Calathes, freshman point guard Jai Lucas, center Marreese Speights, sophomore shooting guard Walter Hodge and sophomore forward Dan Werner.

The season's first question: How long until Dan Werner is benched?

-jo-