Gator Clause

ULTIMATE PREVIEW: Healthy Tebow could make all the difference

Expanded version of the Ultimate Preview this week...

LINK: Florida Gators aiming to stop Georgia's Moreno
LINK: X's and O's: Tebow studies how they work, by NY Times college football writer Pete Thamel

GAINESVILLE -- UF quarterback Tim Tebow dropped a bombshell on Gators coach Urban Meyer earlier this week. His knee is back to 100 percent.

That's right, folks. Tebow has been playing a little dinged up this season ever since throwing and interception against Arkansas. Tebow hyper-extended his knee on the play but didn't tell anybody, apparently not even his own coach.

"He was just sore and he never tells you anything," Meyer said. "I would ask how he feels and he would say, 'Fine.' Then the other day he said, 'Boy, my knee is feeling really good. I said, 'Your knee? What are you talking about?'"

For what it's worth, several reporters noticed the difference in Tebow's running style against Arkansas. I asked Meyer after the Arkansas game if Tebow was injured and Meyer said that Tebow didn't let on about an injury. I even asked Tebow and he smiled and said he was fine.

"[Tebow] doesn't come to me with anything," Meyer said. "He just told me the other day in the training room. I walked by and said, 'How do you feel?' He said, 'Great. My knee is finally feeling better.' I said, 'Your knee?'

"He told me last year he was 100 percent before we played Georgia and I later found out he couldn't pick his arm up."

It's hard to believe that Meyer didn't know Tebow was injured against Georgia last season. After all, Tebow was receiving pain-reducing injections in his right shoulder by that point in the season and was limited in practice before the Georgia game. I bring all this up because Tebow's injury certainly played a major role in the outcome of Georgia 42, Florida 30. Meyer admitted earlier this week that Tebow's lack of mobility contributed to Georgia's six sacks.

Tebow is apparently healthy for Georgia this time around and it could make all the difference. Of course, Tebow's health isn't the only upgrade to UF's offense at this crucial point in the season when compared to 2007, but it is the most important difference.

THE 'GATOR-STOMP' EFFECT
The biggest question on the eve of UF-Georgia: How will last season's end-zone celebration from Georgia affect Saturday's game? It's an unquantifiable question but one I attempted to answer earlier this week with an in-depth look at two of college football's most important intangible emotions: motivation and momentum. ESPN picked up on this angle today with a story by college football writer Mark Schlabach.

Will the "Gator-Stomp" effect play a role? Miami coach Randy Shannon believes it will. He chimed in with his opinion earlier this week: "Something will happen in that game. I can guarantee that. You better go to that game. You would get a great story. Don't come to ours. I'm serious. Something is going to happen after what happened last year. You can book that."

STOPPING MORENO
You can also book UF's defense relying on its linebackers to limit UGA redshirt sophomore running back Knowshon Moreno. Moreno rushed for 188 yards against UF in 2007. Limiting Moreno was the topic of my story in today's Miami Herald.

UF's defense does not feature a single senior but experience could be one advantage for the Gators' linebackers. Georgia's offensive line is composed entirely of underclassmen, including two true freshmen and one redshirt freshman.

WONDY'S REDEMPTION
Georgia's play-action passing game took advantage of the Gators' young secondary in 2007. Quarterback Matthew Stafford tossed a career-high three touchdowns against the Gators. Stafford returns and so does Georgia senior receiver Mohamed Massaquoi, who had had his way with UF cornerback Wondy Pierre-Louis in 2007. Pierre-Louis entered this season as the returning starter but was benched earlier in the season in favor of true freshman cornerback Janoris Jenkins.

In an interesting twist of fate, Jenkins injured his shin against Kentucky last week and Pierre-Louis returned to the starting line-up. Jenkins was limited this week during practice and had a brief practice session on Friday in the hopes of gaining his form before Saturday, but if Jenkins is unable to return then Pierre-Louis will get another shot at stopping Georgia's receivers. Pierre-Louis did have an interception against Georgia last year and returned it for a touchdown. Anyone remember "The Flip?"

Massaquoi has 28 receptions, including four touchdowns this season but he is not the Bulldogs first option downfield. Georgia freshman receiver A.J. Green (6-4, 190 pounds) has emerged as one of the best young playmakers in the country. Expect a battle between Green and UF cornerback Joe Haden. Green leads the Bulldogs in receptions with 39 and is averaging 82.8 receiving yards per game with five total touchdowns.

HARVIN POISED, READY
After touching the ball just three times last week against Kentucky, UF's most dynamic offensive playmaker, junior receiver Percy Harvin, wants to the ball in a bad way on Saturday. Harvin rushed for 97 yards on 10 carries against UGA in 2007 and caught two passes for 41 yards. With UF running backs Jeffery Demps and Chris Rainey relieving Harvin of his backfield duties, the junior will have more chances to make an impact as a receiver.

THE DETAILS
No.5 UF (6-1, 4-1 in SEC) vs. No.8 Georgia (7-1, 4-1)
Where: Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. Saturday's game marks the 76th time UF and Georgia have played in Jacksonville. The two teams have played 86 times total.
The series: According to UF, Georgia leads the series 46-37-2. According to UGA, Georgia leads the series 47-37-2. Georgia's records show a 52-0 Bulldogs win in a game played in Macon, Ga., in 1904. Florida did not field an official team until 1906.
Recent history: UF has won 15 of the last 18 meetings between the two schools and 17 of the previous 24 contests.

THE NUMBERS
--UF's offense leads the SEC in scoring with an average of 42 points per game.
--UGA's offense is ranked second in the SEC in scoring, averaging 34.2 points per game.
--UGA leads the SEC in total offense with an average of 431.2 yards per game.
--UF's offense is ranked third in the SEC behind UGA and LSU, averaging 410.3 yards per game.
--UF's defense leads the SEC in defensive scoring, allowing an average of 11.9 points per game.
--UGA's defense is ranked eighth, allowing 20.2 points per game.
--Florida's offense is ranked second in the SEC in rushing behind Alabama, averaging 196.0 yards per game. Florida is ranked sixth in the SEC in passing offense (214.3 yards)
--UGA is ranked first in the SEC in passing offense (258.8 yards) and ranked fourth in the SEC in rushing (172.5 yards per game).

TURNOVERS
--UF has not turned the ball over in five of its last nine games.
--UF's six turnovers are tied for the lowest total in the nation with UNLV and Central Michigan.
--Florida's plus-10 turnover margin this season is tied for third nationally.
--UF is one of only three schools to throw only two interceptions this season. Baylor and Penn State are the other teams.

RED ZONE SCORING
UF is second nationally and first in the SEC in red zone offense. The Gators have scored on 28-of-29 trips inside the red zone and have been perfect in six of seven games. UF has scored on its last 18 trips inside the red zone, which is the longest streak ever under UF coach Urban Meyer.

MORE NOTES!
--UF quarterback Tim Tebow needs one rushing touchdown to set the school career touchdown record. He has 36 and is currently tied with former UF great Emmitt Smith.
--UF running back Jeffery Demps is averaging 11.9 yards per carry, which leads the nation. He is averaging 47 yards on touchdown runs.
--Over the last three games, Demps and fellow running back Chris Rainey have carried the ball 52 times for 487 yards (9.4 yards per carry) and four rushing touchdowns.

TO CONSIDER...
--UF is 27-1 under Meyer when the Gators score first.
--UF is 11-0 under Meyer when the Gators block a punt.
--UF is 29-1 when they hold an opponent to less than 100 team rushing yards.

UF INJURIES
Probables
DL Torrey Davis (undisclosed), CB Janoris Jenkins (shin), OL Jim Tartt (shoulder) and Emmanuel Moody (ankle).
Questionables
NONE
Doubtfuls
DL Omar Hunter (ankle)
Out
OL Jim Barrie (knee), TE Cornelius Ingram (knee), S John Curtis (knee), S Dorian Munroe (knee), LB Brendan Beal (knee)

UGA INJURIES
Probables
TE Tripp Chandler (shoulder), LB Dannell Ellerbe (knee),
Questionables
WR Tavarres King (ankle)
Doubtfuls
NONE
Out
S Quintin Banks (knee), OL Vince Vance (knee), LB Akeem Hebron (knee), WR Tony Wilons (ankle), OL Chris Little (foot), LB Marcus Washington (shoulder), LB Chris White (Achilles), DT Trinton Sturdivant (knee), DT Jeff Owns (knee)

PREDICTIONS
Florida by three pumpkins. That's my prediction. Thoughts?

-jo-

Heritage guard Boynton Jr. commits to UF

GAINESVILLE -- Plantation American Heritage senior guard Kenny Boynton Jr. committed to Florida and Gators coach Billy Donovan on Thursday. Boynton Jr. announced his decision on ESPNU.

Boynton Jr. (6-2, 187 pounds) made official visits to UF, USC and Georgia Tech. He visited UF last weekend for the homecoming festivities. Boynton Jr. attended Gator Growl and the football game. He's rated as one of the top recruits in the country for the 2009 recruiting cycle, according to both Rivals.com and Scout.com. He is ranked No.13 in the nation in the ESPNU Top 100.

"I took numerous visits to all the schools that were recruiting me and on my Florida visit I was very comfortable," Boynton Jr. said. "Me and Billy Donovan, we have a great relationship and we just clicked."

Boynton Jr. is an excellent shooter, great perimeter defender and can drive to the basket with authority. Most of all, Boynton Jr. is a ferocious competitor and the importance of that addition to the current Gators' basketball roster cannot be overstated.

"Next year I feel I'm going to be a big piece of the team and we're going to try to get to the Final Four," said Boynton Jr., who joins fellow 2009 UF commitments Erik Murphy (6-10 forward of Southborough, Mass) and Deshawn Painter (6-9 forward of Chatham, Va.).

Boynton Jr. began his high school career at Pompano Beach Ely, winning a state championship with the Tigers in 2007 before transferring to American Heritage. Along the way, Boynton has played AAU basketball for Team Breakdown, a powerhouse hoops program in South Florida.

Current UF freshmen Ray Shipman (Miami Monsignor Pace) and Eloy Vargas (Plantation American Heritage) played with Boynton for Team Breakdown.

"We're real cool friends," Shipman said during UF's preseason basketball media day. "I talked to [Boynton Jr.] when he came up here just to visit. Me, Kenny and Eloy all played together so it'd be crazy if all of us get to reunite."

According to Boynton Jr., Donovan used a creative technique during the early stages of the recruiting process. The coach traveled to Fort Lauderdale equipped with a dart gun for a home visit with Boynton Jr.

"He laid a dart gun down and he said he wanted me to shoot him if he was talking recruiting," Boynton Jr. said. "Unfortunately by the end of the night I didn't shoot him with a dart gun, so I guess he did a good job."

-jo-

Kenny Boynton Jr. Highlight Video

UF vs. UGA, by the numbers

Displayed on the sports front this morning: MO-MENTOUS OCCASION: Momentum and motivation could decide Florida vs. Georgia
Gators defense healthy for Georgia game, by wunderkind Mike-Mike McCall.
Breaking down the end-zone celebration, by St. Pete Times writer Antonya English
The UF men's basketball team is ranked No.19 in the preseason coaches' poll. CLICK ME! UF was unranked in last season's preseason coaches' poll.
One of my favorite college football writers, Ray Glier, on UF vs. UGA. CLICK ME!

GAINESVILLE -- This post to balance today's article on momentum and motivation. Because statistics are important, or in the words of UF coach Urban Meyer, only losers say stats don't matter.

6 The number of turnovers allowed by UF this season, tied with UNLV and Central Michigan for the lowest total in the nation. UF's plus-10 turnover margin is tied for third nationally. UF turned the ball over (fumbles) twice last season against UF. Does Kestahn Moore get a carry on Saturday?

5 The number of times No.5 Florida (6-1, 4-1 in SEC) and No.8 Georgia (7-1, 4-1) have both been ranked in the AP Top 10 for this rivalry game. The other four years: 1976, 1983, 1984 and 1999. Georgia won the first two match-ups of top 10 teams. Florida won in '84 and '99. Saturday's game is the 31st time in series history Florida has faced a ranked Georgia squad. UF is 12-17-1 in those games but has won eight of the last 10 meetings against ranked UGA teams.

78 The number of points Florida has scored during fourth quarters this season. According to UF, no other UF team has scored more during the final period of games through seven games. Will UF run it up against UGA?

6 The number of points UF is favored by against UGA as of noon Thursday, according to one offshore sports book.

31 The number of points UGA allowed against Alabama earlier this season before getting on the scoreboard.

9 The number of underclassmen currently starting for the UF defense. Florida is currently the only defense in the SEC that does not start a senior on defense. UGA starts four underclassmen on defense and three seniors.

75 The number of yards UGA running back Knowshon Moreno needs to reach 1,000 yards rushing this season. Will he reach 1,000 against UF? Moreno rushed for 188 yards against UF in 2007.

TEBOW VS. STAFFORD
Who's better?

36 The number of career rushing touchdowns for UF quarterback Tim Tebow entering Saturday's game. One more and he's UF's all-time leader in career rushing touchdowns. (Tebow is currently tied with Emmitt Smith for the school record.) In other words, Sir Timmy only needs 13 more rushing touchdowns in his career to tie UGA all-time great Herschel Walker, considered one of the greatest college running backs of all time. Walker's career rushing touchdown total of 49 is a Southeastern Conference record. Will Tebow pass Walker if Tebow returns to UF for his senior season?

A side note here, directed to the UGA sports information staff: This season's UGA media guide incorrectly states that former Bulldogs running back Garrison Hearst holds the SEC record for rushing touchdowns in a season with 19. Tebow rushed for 23 in 2007.

0.2 The difference between UGA quarterback Matt Stafford's yards per completion, compared to UF quarterback Tim Tebow this season. Many critics believe UGA quarterback Matt Stafford is a better passer than Tebow. Stafford is a better downfield passer, according to some. Well, according to this season's stats, it's a pretty weak argument. Stafford is averaging 13.8 yards per completion while Tebow is averaging 13.6.

10 The number separating UGA quarterback Matt Stafford's career passing touchdowns (38) and career interceptions (28). Stafford tossed a career-high three touchdowns in the Bulldogs' 42-30 win against UF in 2007.

40 The number separating UF quarterback Tim Tebow's career passing touchdowns (49) and career interceptions (nine).

-jo-

Ronnie Wilson's status uncertain

GAINESVILLE -- Florida coach Urban Meyer indicated on Wednesday that UF lineman Ronnie Wilson has been suspended from the team. Asked if Wilson was still on the team, Meyer said, "I don't know."

"He's just got to take care of some business," Meyer said. "We just have some expectations and he has to meet them."

A former Pompano Beach Blanche Ely standout, Wilson was reinstated to the team this season after being suspended from the team and the University of Florida for one year after being arrested for discharging a firearm in public after a confrontation at a Gainesville nightclub.

The charge was originally a felony but was reduced and later dropped. Upon returning to Gainesville in January after successfully completing his community service -- He was an assistant line coach for the Ely football team in 2007. -- Wilson was arrested for misdeamnor possession of marijuana. That charge was also dropped despite Wilson being on probation for his original arrest.

Wilson did not respond to a cell phone text message on Wednesday evening.

MEYER ON CLOWNS, CHILDREN AND MATURITY
Clourophobia: An exaggerated fear of clowns.
Pedophobia: Fear of children or infants or childhood.

"You like to be around professionals," Meyer said. "I like to be around media people who are professional. I like to be around coaches who are professional. I like to be around players who are professional. It's the clowns and the children -- it doesn't interest me. Right now I don't have too many of those guys on my team."

Seriously, Meyer offered this response to a question about the maturity on his team this season compared to last season's squad.

TEBOW'S MOBILITY
UF quarterback Tim Tebow played injured during the Gators' 42-30 loss to UGA in 2007. I asked Meyer on Wednesday if Tebow's injury led to Georgia's six sacks.

"No," Meyer said. "Tim has an unique ability to get out of a bad play, so I don't know that. It's all speculative. I think probably it did. I don't know that. He was limited. He was not as elusive as he normally is."

INJURIES, AVAILABILITY
Meyer said that offensive lineman Jim Tartt (shoulder) and cornerback Janoris Jenkins (shin) will be available for Saturday's game. Meyer also said that defensive lineman Torrey Davis will also be available for action. Davis did not dress last week against Kentucky.

-jo-

UF silences Brandon Spikes' political voice

GAINESVILLE -- Beginning this blog today with something that might slightly annoy those among us who have a stake in the First Amendment.

UF linebacker Brandon Spikes has been outspoken about his political interests. In recent weeks, Spikes has worn T-shirts advertising one of the large-party Presidential candidates. On Tuesday evening following the Gators' practice, Spikes was asked why he supports that candidate. Spikes' political voice was silenced by the University of Florida.

He replied "I can't really comment on that" to the initial question and when asked if UF instructed him to do so, Spikes said yes.

No big deal, right? Spikes is just a college football player, right? He's just supposed to play football, make millions for UF and keep his mouth shut, right?

Well, if you believe college football is something more than just a business then it is certainly wrong. Why would UF instruct Spikes to refrain from giving his opinion? I'll let you guys answer that question. But in muzzling Spikes, UF has set an unfair double standard. UF quarterback Tim Tebow has been using his fame and his First Amendment rights for several years.

SPIKES: STOPPING THE RUN IS KEY
While Spikes has been instructed by UF coach Urban Meyer to not speak about Georgia or UGA running back Knowshon Moreno, Spikes did say on Tuesday that stopping the run is the key to the game, in UF's opinion.
"I think if we play great up front, we're going to win this ballgame," Spikes said.

MEYER: UF 'BETTER PREPARED'
On Wednesday, Meyer said that Florida is better prepared for Georgia this season than in 2007. UGA beat UF 42-30 last season.

"LSU up to date was our biggest [challenge] and our guys answered that," Meyer said. "We've got a better group this year. From try hard to play hard to guys on the field, we feel better prepared this year."

STAFFORD IMPRESSED WITH UF SECONDARY
UF's secondary is currently ranked first in the SEC in passing efficiency, holding opposing quarterbacks to a completion percentage of 56 percent. UGA quarterback Matt Stafford has taken notice.

"They're playing well," Stafford said. "They're doing a good job of getting after the passer, which always helps. They're just playing well within their scheme and letting their guys make plays."

Stafford completed 11-of-18 throws against UF in 2007 for three touchdowns. He threw one interception and was sacked one time.

MORENO'S RESURGENCE
Against Alabama, UGA running back Knowshon Moreno rushed for just 34 yards on nine carries. In the three games since then (Tennessee, Vanderbilt and LSU) Moreno has exploded for an average of 145.3 yards on 23.7 carries. During Wednesday's teleconference with Stafford, I asked the quarterback about the difference between Moreno now compared to the beginning of the season.

"Wow. I think the biggest difference for him is our offensive line," Stafford said. "We settled on a group of guys that are really doing a good job of opening holes and just getting the job done for him. I don't know if his running style has changed or anything like that. I just think it's the experience around him."

-jo-

NOTEBOOK: Gators split over Presidential candidates

Lengthy notebook today...

GAINESVILLE -- Florida's football team stands divided during the most important week of the season. It's political.

Some UF football players don't care one iota who wins the Presidential election on Nov 4. Back-up quarterback John Brantley didn't even know who was running a few months ago. Many Gators, however, are civic-minded and quite passionate when the topic turns to the Presidency.

Sen. John McCain or Sen. Barack Obama? Democrat or Republican? Elephant or donkey? Blue or red?

Linemen Phil Trautwein and Javier Estopinan favor the Republican candidate, Sen. McCain. Defenders William Green and Moses Jenkins support Sen. Obama, the Democratic Presidential hopeful.

UF's team leaders are strongly divided. Linebacker Brandon Spikes [PICTURED] has been publicizing his interest in politics by wearing shirts advertising Sen. Obama. On Saturday, quarterback Tim Tebow indicated he leads locker room debates in favor of Sen. McCain.

"We talk about it and sometimes debate about it and sometimes joke about it," Tebow said. "Some guys have pretty strong opinions."

When asked who wins the debates between Tebow and Spikes, the quarterback said, "Tie."

MIAMI'S SHANNON PREDICTS FIREWORKS
Seems like everyone is excited about the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party this season. Even Miami coach Randy Shannon chimed in with his take on the rivalry this week. Georgia's end-zone celebration in 2007 apparently made a major impression on Shannon, who is no stranger to on-field melees.

"Something will happen in that game," Shannon said. "You can guarantee that. You better go to that game. You would get a great story. Don't come to ours. I'm serious. Something is going to happen after what happened last year. You can book that."

Dually noted, Mr. Shannon.

BOYD ANDERSON SAFETY COMMITS TO UF
High school junior Demar Dorsey of Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson committed to play for Florida coach Urban Meyer over the weekend. Dorsey, the fourth 2010 commitment for the Gators, hails from the same school as UF cornerback Moses Jenkins, Auburn linebacker Josh Bynes, Tennessee lineman Vladimir Richard and Miami safety Joseph Wylie.

Dorsey (6-2, 190 pounds) has three interceptions in his last three high school football games.

Should Florida seek commitments of high school juniors? Seems like a risky recruiting strategy, in my opinion.

AWARDS, HONORS
Florida quarterback Tim Tebow has been named a semifinalist for the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award. Tebow won the award in 2007.

--UF freshman Jeffery Demps was named SEC special teams player of the week for his effort against Kentucky. Demps blocked a punt in the first quarter, which led to a UF touchdown.

"The fact that [Demps] takes so much pride in special teams tells you what a special player he is," running backs coach Kenny Carter said. "It doesn't surprise me at all what he's accomplished in such a short time."

Demps leads the Gators in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns.

UF HOOPS: INJURIES ABOUND
Florida has been practicing for a week and already the team is suffering from some substantial injuries. Sophomore forward Adam Allen recently sprained his knee, according to UF coach Billy Donovan. Georgetown transfer Vernon Macklin (6-10 forward, ineligible this season) is sitting out with a high-ankle sprain. Eloy Vargas is behind due to his offseason ankle injury.

"We've had to battle some injuries, which I'd like to see practice a little more competitive and guys battle through fatigue a little better but a lot of that is our shortness of numbers," Donovan said.

-jo-

My All-Florida college football ballot revealed

GAINESVILLE -- As promised, here's a look at my All-Florida ballot as it stands after the eighth week of the college football season. The annual Miami Herald All-Florida College Football Team will be published after the regular season. The Herald's All-Florida Team is voted upon by a collection of college football writers and editors at The Miami Herald.

OFFENSE
QB Tim Tebow, Florida junior, PICTURED: USF quarterback Matt Grothe was on my initial ballot but Tebow moves into the top spot among in-state quarterbacks. Tebow has been consistent over the past four weeks while Grothe played erratically in losses to Pittsburgh and Louisville. Grothe threw one interception against Pitt and two against Louisville on Saturday. Meanwhile, Tebow has tossed 12 touchdowns and only two interceptions in seven games. (OK, maybe that's not much of a difference.) Tebow has one loss and led the Gators to a win over LSU, a team ranked in the AP top 5 at the time.
QBs to consider: Matt Grothe, USF junior (14 touchdown passes and 1,896 yards passing, three rushing touchdowns). Curtis Pulley, Florida A&M junior (Exploded in last two games with 424 yards passing and six touchdowns and 219 yards rushing). Christian Ponder, FSU redshirt sophomore (Impressive rushing performance in win against Miami...Completed 11-of-19 attempts and a touchdown on Saturday in win against Va. Tech).

RB Antone Smith, FSU senior: Smith has 11 rushing touchdowns in seven games. He had 540 yards rushing on 109 carries.
RBs to consider: Charles Pierre, FAU senior: Pierre leads in-state FBS running backs with 589 yards on 99 carries and four touchdowns). Rudell Small, Jacksonville sophomore (Leads all in-state running backs with 825 yards on 154 carries. Small has rushed for seven touchdowns.

WR Percy Harvin, UF junior, PICTURED: Despite sitting out the season opener, Harvin is third among in-state FBS receivers for the most receptions (26). He is tied for the lead among all in-state receivers in touchdown catches (six). He has 429 receiving yards. Harvin's effort in the Gators running game puts him over the top, though. On the ground, Harvin is averaging 6.8 yards per carry (212 yards on 31 carries) and has three rushing touchdowns.
WR Kevin Elliott, Florida A&M freshman: We can't ignore Elliott anymore. He has been solid all season and now leads all in-state receivers with 40 receptions for 535 yards and six touchdowns.
Cortez Gent, FAU junior: 31 receptions for 474 yards and three touchdowns, including a game-winning score last week.

TE Jamari Grant, FAU junior: Grant (6-5, 210 pounds) leads all in-state tight ends with 26 receptions for 380 yards and a touchdown.
TEs to consider: Aaron Hernandez, Florida sophomore (Hernandez began the season as a catch-first tight end but has grown into a respected blocker over the last three games. He has 15 receptions for 145 yards and two touchdowns. Eric Kirchenberg, FIU senior (A dedicated team leader, Kirchenberg is an excellent blocker and has nine receptions for 94 yards and one touchdown.

OT Jason Fox, Miami junior: While the 'Canes offense struggled earlier this season, Fox was a mainstay and continues to be a player the team's players and coaches rely on for leadership.
OT Patrick Brown, UCF junior: Could be the Knights' most highly drafted player in school history in April.
OG Rodney Hudson, FSU sophomore: Continues to prove himself as the best lineman in the state. Had his way with the Miami defensive line.
OG Mike Pouncey, UF sophomore, PICTURED: This pulling guard has been a key to Florida's option attack, which has launched the stardom of UF running backs Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey.
C Maurice Pouncey, UF sophomore, PICTURED: An important leader and offensive line captain of the Gators' offense.
OLs to consider: Andy Leavine, FIU junior tackle (Leavine is coming into his own). FSU freshman tackle Andrew Datko (This Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas alum is making a major impact). UF senior tackle Phil Trautwein, Miami junior tackle Chris Rutledge, Miami sophomore guard Orlando Franklin, FAU senior tackle John Rizzo, Jacksonville sophomore tackle Leonard Payton.

ATH Jeff Demps, UF freshman: I really wanted to find a way to leave Demps off my ballot because he's a freshman. But, alas, he's just too stinking good. Demps only has 30 carries this season but he leads the Gators in rushing (357 yards). He's averaged 11.9 yards per carry and has scored four rushing touchdowns. Last Saturday he carried a screen pass for a 61-yard score. In addition to his offensive contributions, Demps has blocked two punts, which led to nine UF points.

DEFENSE
DL Everette Brown, FSU redshirt junior: Proving to be one of the best defenders in the state. 11 tackles behind the line, six sacks, forced fumble.
DL George Selvie, USF junior, PICTURED: USF's bye week did Selvie good. He was back to his old form against Louisville with seven tackles, including four tackles for losses and two sacks. Selvie has 32 tackles this season with 10 tackles for losses and five sacks.
DL Jermaine Cunningham, UF junior: Cunningham leads UF linemen with 30 tackles, including 4.5 tackles for losses and three sacks.
DL Lawrence Marsh, UF redshirt sophomore: Believe it or not, Marsh is having an All-Florida type of year. He has 19 tackles to go along with 5.5 tackles for losses and three sacks. Florida's defense is only allowing 102.7 yards per game (ranked third in the SEC) and Marsh is big reason for the success.

LB Brandon Spikes, UF junior: The Gators' defensive leader, Spikes has 52 tackles, 1.5 sacks and two interceptions.
LB Frantz Joseph, FAU redshirt senior: Joseph leads all in-state defenders with 96 tackles, including eight tackles for losses.
LB Tyrone McKenzie, USF redshirt senior: Leads USF with 62 tackles, including seven tackles for losses. Also has seven pass break-ups. He also has one interception and one sack.
LBs to consider: FSU senior Derek Nicholson (Leads FSU's resurgent defense with 41 tackles, including nine behind the line. He also has forced a fumble and recovered a fumble.) Miami senior Glenn Cook (50 tackles).

CB Joe Haden, UF sophomore, PICTURED: Haden leads all in-state cornerbacks with 40 tackles. He also has a sack, an interception (returned 24 yards), a forced fumble and fumble recovery.
CB Tony Gaitor, FIU sophomore: A break-out season for Gaitor is turning into an All-Florida season. The former Miami Northwestern star has three interceptions (returned for 98 yards) to go along with 33 tackles. He also has seven pass break-ups and a fumble recovery (returned 20 yards).
CBs to consider: Miami junior Chavez Grant (19 tackles, six pass break-ups). FSU redshirt senior Tony Carter (Carter has two interceptions and four pass deflections to go along with 16 tackles.)

S Travis Roland, Bethune-Cookman senior: Roland is having an amazing season and it's not going overlooked. (At least not by Gator Clause.) Roland leads his team in tackles (56), tackles behind the line (10.5), sacks (6.5). He has one interception for a 47-yard return, two forced fumbles, two pass break-ups and he has also recovered two fumbles.
S Ahmad Black, UF sophomore, PICTURED: Once an emergency fill-in at strong safety, Black has risen to greatness quickly. He leads UF with three interceptions with 120 return yards to go along with 29 tackles. He has also forced a fumble and blocked a field goal.

ATH Scott Bryant, FIU junior: This Lakeland native leads FIU with 59 tackles, including 5.5 tackles for losses. He also has a sack, a pass break-up and two forced fumbles. 

SPECIALISTS
ATH Brandon James, UF junior: James leads Florida with 860 all-purpose yards and most of those yards came by way of amazing returns. He has 374 return yards on kickoffs (28.8 yards per) and 363 return yards on punts (20.2 yards per). James has scored five touchdowns, including two on punt returns. James has also recovered a fumble on punt coverage and converted a fake punt for a first down against Arkansas.

K Graham Gano, FSU senior: Gano has made 13-of-14 field goals and 14 PATs for 53 points.

P Chas Henry, UF sophomore: Henry is averaging 43.8 yards per punt while UF's punt coverage unit is only allowing an average five yards per punt return.

Here's the breakdown of my All-Florida ballot by school:
UF 12, FSU 4, FAU 3, FIU 2, USF 2, UCF 1, Miami 1, Bethune-Cookman 1, Florida A&M 1 

ALL-FLORIDA POWER RANKINGS
1. Florida (6-1, 4-1 in the Southeastern Conference): The Gators are now playing like one of the best teams in college football. Georgia looms.
2. Florida State (6-1, 3-1 in the Atlantic Coast Conference): Don't look now but the 'Noles are sitting atop the ACC standings and their young quarterback is building confidence.
3. Miami (5-3, 2-2 in ACC): The Canes are surging behind their duo of underclassmen quarterbacks. A collection of talented freshmen have Miami on the fast track.
4. USF (6-2, 1-2 in the Big East Conference): The Bulls fall behind the 'Noles and 'Canes in the All-Florida power rankings after a loss to Louisville.
5. FIU (3-4, 2-1 in the Sun Belt Conference): The Golden Panthers travel to La.-Lafayette for a huge conference game this Saturday.
6. FAU (3-5, 1-2 in Sun Belt): Dramatic win for FAU on Saturday night against La.-Monroe.
7. UCF (2-4, 1-1 in Conference USA): Central Florida enjoyed a bye week. Hope the Knights are ready for undefeated Tulsa.
8. Florida A&M (6-2, 2-2 in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) Have the Rattlers found a star in freshman receiver Kevin Elliott? Yes.
9. Bethune-Cookman (5-2, 2-2 in MEAC)
10. Jacksonville (5-3, 3-1 in Pioneer Conference)

Discussion topics:
--You, the loyal reader, can lobby for one player that's not on my ballot. Let me read your take and I'll consider it.
--Are 12 Florida Gators too many for my ballot. I realize I cover the Gators and might be slightly swayed towards nominating players I see every day, but as of right now I think the state's balance of power is about this proportional.
--Is there another defensive lineman out there better than Lawrence Marsh? I didn't want to put him on the team but I analyzed each team's best defensive linemen but still kept coming back to Marsh. Did I overlook somebody or is Marsh the guy?
--Is Miami only worthy of one All-Florida spot? They've got some good young players but every time I stacked them against the competition the 'Canes fell short.
--FAU with three picks? It seems a little off but those three players are excellent and could star for any team in the state, in my opinion. Perhaps Miami tight end Dedrick Epps?
--Welcome to the conversation, FIU. Last season, I didn't nominate a single Golden Panther. Bryant (a close friend of Ahmad Black's, by the way) and Gaitor are serious playmakers on FIU's defense.
--Should I give Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman this much love on my ballot?
--Should Ahmad Black be on my ballot? What about FSU's Myron Rolle or USF's Nate Allen or UF's Major Wright, for that matter? Wright has two interceptions this season and 35 tackles.
--Should Grothe be on my ballot instead of Tebow?

-jo-

Why Florida lost to Georgia and how to prevent it, according to Meyer

GAINESVILLE -- Florida coach Urban Meyer deflected questions today about Georgia's end-zone celebration on Monday during his weekly press conference. He did, however, offer a reason for last season's loss to the Georgia. The Bulldogs beat Florida 42-30.

"I think we lost that game because we didn't tackle very well," Meyer said. "We were very soft, very selfish outfit a year ago. And we didn't protect the quarterback and we dropped the ball twice. That's how we lost that game.

"That's why Tuesday and Wednesday were going to practice so hard. We're going to have really hard practices Tuesday and Wednesday and make sure those same things don't happen again."


JENKINS HURTING BUT PROBABLE
Florida cornerback Janoris Jenkins did not practice on Sunday, a day after Florida coach Urban Meyer said Jenkins is probable for Saturday's game against Georgia despite a leg injury.

Jenkins limped off the practice field with an extensive wrap around his right leg. (It looked like it really hurt.) According to Meyer, Jenkins bruised his shin in the 63-5 win against Kentucky. Jenkins left the game in the first quarter and sat on the trainer's table for most of the first half. He stayed inside the Gators' football facility for the second half.

The good news here is that Jenkins' right knee wasn't wrapped and he wasn't using crutches. This means the trainers want him to use his leg to help with the recovery process.

While Florida has several veteran cornerbacks who could take Jenkins' place in the starting line-up against Georgia, the coaching staff would prefer to face Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford with Jenkins on the edge. Cornerback Wondy Pierre-Louis started last season against Georgia. He had and interception return for a touchdown (Anyone remember the flip?) and was this season's initial starter. Coaches benched him during the Tennessee game.

Here's a link to my story in today's paper: Publicly ignoring 2007 end-zone celebration doesn't mean Gators aren't thinking about it.

-jo-

Mark Richt, motivational genius, tells his secrets ... we fill in the blanks

GAINESVILLE -- Like Urban Meyer, Georgia coach Mark Richt isn't answering questions about last season's end-zone celebration. Richt had his weekly post-game teleconference on Sunday and he told one reporter: "In terms of the celebration question, no matter how you phrase it, you can just refer to the SEC Media Days. I think that's really old news and I'm not going to comment on it."

While Richt wouldn't speak about the end-zone celebration he did offer Gator Clause an exceptional answer on the importance of motivation as it relates to winning football games. Obviously, the end-zone celebration was a brilliant motivational strategy.

"I think it's very important to have a great plan -- maybe not even a great plan but a good, sound plan and good fundamentals," Richt said. "And then when you add some energy to your execution then you've got a chance to play at a higher level. So I think emotion does matter. I think if you can find a way to bottle it and start the game with it and sustain it through the entire ball game then you've got it made but no one has figured that out yet.

"If you add some enthusiasm to a plan, then normally you get better results."

As in, Georgia 42, Florida 30.

-jo-

Urban Meyer's attempt at revenge is here

LINK: My game story on UF 63, UK 5. CLICK ME!
LINK: Block party results in three touchdowns CLICK ME!
LINK: 'No comment' the company line for Gators this week CLICK ME!

GAINESVILLE -- Florida coach Urban Meyer said on Sunday that Georgia's now-famous end zone celebration last season against the Gators will not factor into the motivation of Saturday's game.

"It's old news and it has no bearing on this year's game," Meyer said. "Two teams battling for the SEC East. It has no bearing on it whatsoever."

Is Meyer losing his grip on reality? Should team physicians examine his brain? If Meyer believes that UGA's end zone celebration will have "no bearing" on Saturday's game and its preparation, then perhaps ... OK, I think everyone gets the point. This is all bologna.

Clearly, what Meyer says publicly and what he tells his team are two different things entirely. Florida has been thinking about UGA's end zone celebration for nearly an entire year. Before the season even started, the Gators had a large photo of "Gator Stomp" on their motivational bulletin board in the team weight room.

MEYER'S REVENGE
The question I have is this: Is it a good idea for Meyer to ignore last season's full-team end-zone celebration by the Bulldogs during the first quarter of their 42-30 win? In ignoring the obvious, is Meyer actually making a bigger deal out of the end-zone celebration than what it's worth? Is Meyer acting cowardly or smartly? (Yes, I'm fully aware Meyer is no coward.)

After all, Meyer did say this about "Gator Stomp" in his biography, Urban's Way, released this season: "That wasn't right. It was a bad deal. And it will forever be in the mind of Urban Meyer and in the mind of our football team. So we'll handle it. And it's going to be a big deal."

And that's what Meyer really thinks.

-jo-

UF 63, UK 5: Serious post-game analysis

GAINESVILLE -- In conclusion...

4th Q: Style points, anyone? UF 63-5

GAINESVILLE -- Florida coach Urban Meyer said after the game that UF freshman cornerback Janoris Jenkins bruised his right shin and is probable for next week against Georgia.

LIVE BLOG BELOW
Will the Gators' blowout of Kentucky help the Gators much in the BCS standings? Off to the locker room for post game interviews.

UF 63, UK 5
UF's walk-ons allow a safety in the final minutes of the blowout. UF 63, UK 5.

UF 63, UK 3
UF back-up receiver David Nelson (aka Tiger Woods) just gave UF a 63-3 lead with a 38-yard touchdown reception from back-up quarterback Jon Brantley. That's Brantley's first touchdown pass of his career.

--Florida's 63 points is a record against an SEC opponent under Meyer.

BRANTLEY ENTERS GAME
Redshirt freshman quarterback Jonathan Brantley is in the game. No Cam Newton? Is Cam Newton getting the shaft?

--Announced attendance 90,589.

THIRD QUARTER BELOW
UF 56, UK 3
It's probably time UF coach Urban Meyer took Tebow out of the game. UF just scored with 2:59 left in the third quarter to give the Gators a 56-3 lead on a one-yard rush by senior Kestahn Moore. The drive featured two fourth-down conversions inside the five-yard line. Talk about pouring it on for the homecoming crowd.

After Moore's touchdown, Tebow jogged near the Kentucky sideline and swung his arms in the air to get some cheers out of the Gators' student section. Back-up quarterbacks Cam Newton or Jon Brantley should finish the game.

AHMAD BLACK'S PICK-SIX PARTY
Ahmad Black returned a UK interception for a 40-yard touchdown on the Wildcats' first offensive play of the second half. That's Black's third interception of the season and UF leads 49-3 with 14:51 left in the third quarter

HALFTIME STATS AND NOTES
-UF's three blocked kicks in the first half tied a school record for blocked kicks in a game.
-Demps had six carries for 45 yards rushing and two receptions for 60 yards and a score.
-UF's defense held UK to nine rushing yards in the first half and 70 passing yards.

SECOND QUARTER BELOW
UF quarterback Tim Tebow's three-yard touchdown run gave UF a 42-3 lead with 26 seconds left in the first half. Florida's offense finished the first half with a methodical drive of 80 yards, which featured hand offs and option pitches to four different running backs (Jeff Demps, Chris Rainey, Kestahn Moore and Brandon James).

--With the 36th rushing touchdown of his career, Tebow ties former UF running back Emmitt Smith with the most rushing touchdowns in Florida history.

MR. TWO-BITS WE SALUTE YOU!
George Edmondson, UF's 86-year-old cheerleader known as Mr. Two-Bits, is giving up his pregame "Two-Bits" routine after the Gators' final home game of the season against The Citadel, coincidentally Edmondson's alma mater. Mr. Edmondson attended The Citadel before World War II broke out. He joined the Navy and was trained as a night-ops fighter pilot.

He flew night missions in the South Pacific during WW II from the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Saratoga. He has cheered at UF games for 60 years. The first Florida game he attended was in 1949, a home opener against The Citadel.

COBB AT QB FOR UK
Randall Cobb now in at quarterback for UK with 5:08 left to play in the half. Cobb led UK on a 76-yard drive, ending with a 27-yard field goal by UK kicker Lones Seiber. UF 35, UK 3

--Will Hill continues played strong safety the entire drive. Giving the freshman some experience is a good idea.

UF 35, UK 0
Jeff Demps has the ability to turn a simple drag route into a 61-yard touchdown. He did this with ease in the second quarter with 11:26 to play.

--Will Hill in the game at strong safety for Florida. Wondy Pierre-Louis at cornerback for an injured Janoris Jenkins (right knee). Safety Ahmad Black on the sideline with his helmet off but he doesn't appear injured.

UF 28, UK 0
Percy Harvin is back in the end zone. This time catching a 33-yard touchdown pass from Tebow. Beautiful throw by Timmy. The route is on.

--Most points ever scored by an Urban Meyer coached team in the first quarter.

--Most point given up in a game this season by UK. AND THE FIRST QUARTER ISN'T EVEN OVER.

A.J. JONES ANKLE WRAP
The strong-side linebacker was on the training table getting his ankle tapped.

JANORIS APPEARS DONE FOR THE DAY
Janoris Jenkins, freshman cornerback has an ice pack on the knee. Javier Estopinan walked up to Jenkins on the sideline and patted the freshman on the back of the helmet. Markihe Anderson is playing cornerback.

ANTWINE MAKES TACKLE
For those who know the story of UF defensive tackle Brandon Antwine, then you probably got a little teary eyed when he entered the game on UF's fourth defensive series and slammed UK running back Alfonso Smith for a one-yard gain. Congrats on your recovery, Brandon.

UF 21, UK 0
Percy Harvin scored on a 16-yard with 6:44 left in the first to give UF a 21-0 lead. The drive took four plays and spanned 61 yards. The drive's highlight was a 15-yard option run by Jeff Demps.

SHARP SECONDARY
UF's defense holds UK to its third consecutive three-and-out. UF secondary is sharp. Joe Haden nearly intercepted a pass intended for Randall Cobb and Major Wright deflected another UK pass attempt on third and long.

--Matt Patchan has played defensive tackle for two consecutive series.

JANORIS JENKINS ON TRAINING TABLE
Jenkins was spotted on the training table after UF's third defensive series. Right knee. He's up but limping.

DEMPS BLOCKS PUNT
Another UK three-and-out and another UF blocked punt. Simply amazing. Ben Hill Griffin is going bonkers after Jeff Demps squeezed through the UK punt formation and blocked the kick. UF doesn't even need its play offense today, apparently. Deonte Thompson recovers at the UK 1 and Brandon James scores one play later. UF 14, UK 0. 9:22 left in first quarter.

--Fourth blocked kick of the year and second today. That's Demps' second block of the season. He blocked a punt in the end zone against Miami for a safety.

GREEN BLOCKS PUNT
Florida freshman defensive end William Green (Hoover, Ala.) breaks through Kentucky's punt formation and blocks a kick in the red zone. Chris Rainey recovered the fumble at the UK 3. Tebow scores on a QB keeper on first offensive play. UF 7, UK 0. 11:01 in first quarter.

-That's the third blocked kick this season for the Gators as another UF freshman gets involved on special teams.

-Tebow's fourth rushing TD of the season.

--UF's first series of the game...eh. Kentucky safety Matt Lentz nearly picks off a terrible pass by UF QB Tim Tebow on first offensive play of the game. Tebow overthrows a receiver on third and long. Chris Rainey bobbles an option pitch.

--UF RB Jeff Demps started the game at tailback.

PREGAME BELOW
--UF running back Emmanuel Moody's ankle is not tapped. Either he has been cleared to play or he's not going in today.

It's rainy in Hogtown today. Does a wet field favor Kentucky or Florida? Will it even matter?

I'll be heading to the field shortly (just finished my morning bagel and coffee) but I wanted to let everyone know that I'll be blogging live today from Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

I present a few links to get everyone ready for a great day of college football...

My UF-UK game preview in today's Miami Herald...CLICK ME!
UK perspective (kentucky.com)...CLICK ME!
UGA vs. LSU game preview (ajc.com)...CLICK ME!
UGA's key stretch has arrived (Mark Bradley, ajc.com)...CLICK ME!
LSU vs. UGA game preview (NOLA.com)...CLICK ME!
UA vs. UT game preview (al.com)...CLICK ME!
UT vs. UA game preview (govolsextra.com)...CLICK ME!
Texas vs. Oklahoma State preview (austinstatesman.com)...CLICK ME!
Ohio State vs. Penn State preview (cleveland.com)...CLICK ME!
Michigan vs. Michigan State preview (freep.com)...CLICK ME!

IN-STATE PREVIEWS
Miami vs. Wake Forest (miamiherald.com)...CLICK ME!
FSU vs. Va.Tech (miamiherald.com)...CLICK ME!
USF vs. Louisville (tampabay.com)...CLICK ME!

Sniff any upsets out there?

-jo-

ULTIMATE PREVIEW: UF must impress voters this Saturday; Plus an SEC debate...

GAINESVILLE -- Florida coach Urban Meyer says he respects Kentucky's defense. Meyer is apparently the only one.

The betting line on Florida's homecoming against Kentucky has risen from 19.5 to 26 this week. Two things have contributed to the large swing in points. 1. Florida's surging offense. 2. Kentucky's battered starting line-up. At the beginning of the week, 10 Kentucky Wildcats appeared unable to play on Saturday due to injuries.

While a few of Kentucky's hobbled starting defenders have been upgraded to probable, the team will still be competing without its two best offensive weapons. Senior wide receiver Dicky Lyons Jr. is out for the season and so is leading rusher Derrick Locke.

AVOIDING THE UPSET
Florida is the heavy favorite but it doesn't take a historian to recall the last time a heavily favored Florida team was upset at home. Ole Miss, which was a 23-point underdog, beat Florida 31-30 earlier this season. All week the Gators told reporters that they learned from that mistake and that the attention to detail that was lacking against Ole Miss has not been overlooked in the preparation for Kentucky.

"We've just got to stay focused and think about taking it one game at a time," safety Ahmad Black said. "[Coaches] make sure we worry about Kentucky and Kentucky only -- not last week, not next week. It starts out with the players, though. We've got to worry about Kentucky."

Florida has had two weeks to prepare for Kentucky.

THE STREAK
Florida has beaten Kentucky 21 consecutive times. The streak dates back to 1986 when UF lost to Kentucky 10-3 in Lexington.
"Beat a team that many times, that's incredible," Demps said.

JANORIS JENKINS' WORDS OF WISDOM
On his success:
"I just go out and ball."

On Kentucky freshman receiver Randall Cobb:
"I really don't know him but they say he's about 6-6. Like I said, go play."

Jenkins, UF's starting freshman cornerback, will certainly be tested on Saturday. Keep an eye on the match-up between Jenkins and Cobb.

IMPRESSING THE BCS
The initial BCS standings came out last Sunday and Florida has got some work to do. The Gators are ranked No.10. Since the BCS was created, only one team outside the initial top six teams has gone on to play in the BCS national championship game (LSU was ranked No.12 in 2003).

Style points are recommended this week against a hobbled Kentucky squad. Voters will be watching.

THE JEFF DEMPS SHOW
The young Jeff Demps enters Saturday's game riding the momentum of back-to-back 100-yard rushing games. Demps will likely get a shot at another 100-yard effort against Kentucky. Redshirt sophomore running back Emmanuel Moody (high-ankle sprain) is questionable for Saturday's game and so is Chris Rainey (shoulder).

Expect Florida's coaches to keep these players out of the line-up (Rest up for Georgia, guys.) if Demps and senior Kestahn Moore can handle the backfield responsibilities.

"I knew coming in that I would get a couple carries but I didn't think I would have this many carries and leading the team in rushing," Demps said.

THE LINKS
Putting the option back in the spread-option offense, by me. CLICK ME!

Janoris Jenkins slaughters rabbits, by me. CLICK ME!

Jeff Demps, fastest man to play football, by the New York Times. Comparing Demps to other speedy football players of the past. CLICK ME! Is Demps actually a better college running back than Auburn's Bo Jackson or Georgia's Herschel Walker in any way? Seems absurd when you think about it that way.

Seven SEC players named to Sporting News midseason All-America team. Find out which Gators made the list. CLICK ME!

MR. TWO BITS
The lovable old man is calling it quits after this season. He's 82, so it's probably time to pass the torch to another two-bit cheerleader. UF is honoring Mr. Two Bits before Saturday's homecoming game. Be in your seats by 12:10 to clap for Mr. Two Bits. Or just stay in the parking lot and shoot whiskey.

THE PARTICULARS
What: A college football game. UF's homecoming.
Who: UF (5-1, 3-1 in SEC) vs. Kentucky (5-2, 1-2)
Where: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, E University Blvd, Gainesville, Fla., U.S.A., Earth
When: 12:30 p.m. Saturday
TV: Raycom (Oh, joy!)

FOR DEBATE
Is the SEC the best conference this season? Most seasons I wouldn't even have to ask this question but this time around doesn't seem like the SEC's best effort. Many people thought at the beginning of the season that this would be the best year in the history of the league. People thought this for several reasons but mainly because the league has more high-profile coaches than ever before and the SEC is being taken over by ESPN and therefore the SEC is on TV all the time. But the SEC hasn't lived up to the hype, in my opinion. Through eight weeks, the Big 12 seems to be the toughest league.

Let's take a look at the SEC from top to bottom.

No.2 Alabama...The Crimson Tide (7-0, 4-0) has surprised many and is now considered the best team in the SEC. Considering the Tide is less than one season removed from losing to La.-Lafayette, is this actually a good sign for the SEC?

No.5 Florida...The Gators (5-1, 3-1) lost to Ole Miss at home and murdered LSU, which was supposed to be a good team.

No.9 Georgia...The Bulldogs (6-1, 3-1) haven't lived up to their hype, get arrested too much, aren't very good along the offensive line and have a coach with a bad haircat. Other than that, the Dawgs are great.

No.11 LSU...The Tigers (5-1, 3-1) have problems at quarterback...Speaking of LSU quarterbacks, did anyone see Ryan Perrilloux on ESPNU last night playing for Jacksonville State? I have it on good authority that no university east of the Mississippi smokes more weed than JSU.

Vanderbilt...When the Commodores (5-2, 3-2) are the fifth-best football team in your conference, that's not a good thing.

Kentucky...The Wildcats (5-2, 1-2) are already looking forward to basketball season.

South Carolina...The Gamecocks (5-3, 2-3) are on their third quarterback and Stephen Garcia is a knucklehead.

Auburn...The Tigers (4-3, 2-3) are absolutely terrible, yet they're the third-best team in the SEC West.

Ole Miss...The Rebels (3-4, 1-3) are an excellent bad team!

Arkansas...The Hogs (3-4, 1-3) beat Auburn.

Tennessee...I don't care what anyone says. When the Vols (3-4, 1-3) are one of the worst teams in the SEC, it's not a good year for the SEC.

Mississippi State...The Croomers (2-5, 1-3) are back at the bottom.

LINKS OF THE WEIRD
Waffle House freeloaders unit! CLICK ME!

-jo-

Tebow a no show in initial NFL Draft projection

GAINESVILLE -- Shortly after his sophomore season, Florida quarterback Tim Tebow told Gator Clause that he would play four seasons for the Gators. He changed his stance slightly this season and now says he will wait until his junior season is complete before he makes a decision on whether or not to turn pro.

On Thursday, Tebow might be leaning towards returning to school for his senior season. Scouts Inc. released its first-round NFL Draft projections today (CLICK ME!) and Tebow isn't on the list. Junior quarterbacks on the list: Oklahoma's Sam Bradford, No.1 pick; Georgia's Matt Stafford, the No.5 pick; USC's Mark Sanchez (redshirt junior), the No.12 pick.

While Tebow isn't listed in the early NFL Draft projections, other Florida juniors are among Scouts Inc.'s Top 32. Percy Harvin is No.22, the third-ranked wide receiver. Brandon Spikes is No. 26, the fourth-rated linebacker.

Other instate notables: South Florida junior defensive end George Selvie is No.24. Florida State defensive end Everette Brown is No.21. Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas alum Geno Atkins is No. 16 and the fifth-rated defensive linemen. (Note: ESPN lists Atkins as playing for Texas but Atkins actually plays for Georgia.) Clemson running back C.J. Spiller, a Lake Butler, Fla., native, is No.32.

It should be noted that Scouts Inc. does not project any Miami Hurricanes in the first round. At least one Miami Hurricane has been drafted in the NFL first round each of the past 13 seasons. That streak is in jeapardy this season.

URBAN MEYER/PERCY HARVIN HATE SPEECH
This from The Miami Herald's own Dolphins columnist Armando Salguero. Mr. Salguero analyzed some Dolphins NFL Draft projections today and he apparently couldn't help himself by adding this zinger to his biting prose:

"Also: I know Florida faithful will shout from the rooftops that Percy Harvin deserves mention here as a top receiver prospect. But the guy has had some injury issues this year, is not a big guy per se at 5-11 and 195 pounds, and I just don't like Urban Meyer. So there."

Say it ain't so, Armando! Say it ain't so!

For what it's worth, Gator Clause believes Harvin would make a great addition to the Dolphins' line-up.

BILLY DONOVAN FROM SEC MEDIA DAYS
When Billy speaks, you should listen. Click the play button. Live from Birmingham, Ala.



-jo-

With Election Day nigh, Brandon Spikes gets political

GAINESVILLE -- Florida quarterback Tim Tebow has made a point to not speak publicly about the upcoming election. (Raise your hand if you assume Tebow is a left-winged liberal.)

Tebow's apolitical stance hasn't stopped other team leaders from trumpeting their favorite Presidential candidate. Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes has created a little buzz around campus by wearing a Barack Obama shirt to football practice. Spikes is a North Carolina native.

Florida coach Urban Meyer welcomes his players' involvement in the political process.

"I love when our guys talk about that stuff," Meyer said. "I actually hear them a little bit this year. I just think that's great and that's very mature. When I was 18 years old, that wasn't at the top of my list."

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
If you're making the trip to Gainesville on Friday for Gator Growl, then make sure to pack a raincoat or umbrella. According to weather.org, Friday's forecast calls for rain/thunder/wind. Things should be cleared up by the 12:30 p.m. kickoff on Saturday, but pack a poncho just in case.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Atlanta Journal-Constitution college football columnist Tony Barnhart wrote earlier this week that UF should be ranked No.4 in the BCS. Here's an excerpt from Mr. Barnhart's column:

"Bottom line: After watching Ole Miss take Alabama to the limit in Tuscaloosa, the Gators’ 31-30 loss to the Rebels should be viewed in a different light. They have a scary collection of fast players. If Florida finishes 12-1 and beats Alabama in Atlanta, the Gators should be considered the best one-loss team in the mix."

Barnhart has Florida ranked ahead of Oklahoma. Gotta disagree there based on what I've seen from both teams so far this season.

Should one-loss Florida be the nation's top-ranked one-loss team?

COLLEGE FOOTBALL'S GRAND FINALE
Just got an email that the annual Army-Navy game will be moved back an additional week next season. The game will now be played on the second Saturday of December and be the final regular-season college football game of the year. (One week after the SEC championship game.)

Question: Does anyone care? Who out there actually watches the Army-Navy game?

-jo-

Janoris Jenkins eyeing Brandon James' job

GAINESVILLE -- Not much news to report today other than linebacker Dustin Doe performing better in practice than trainers and coaches expected. Doe had surgery for sports hernia a few weeks ago but he is still questionable for Saturday's game against Kentucky.

One interesting thing that caught my ear was a statement made by freshman cornerback Janoris Jenkins. The Pahokee native says he would like to return kicks and punts once Brandon James graduates. Jenkins was a big-play threat in high school and has performed well as a freshman starter at cornerback. (Check tomorrow's paper for a feature story on Jenkins.)

MAJOR WRIGHT'S $1 MILLION BET
Florida strong safety Ahmad Black and free safety Major Wright are close friends now that they're teammates but they still have somewhat of a rivalry when it comes to high school football. Black is from Lakeland and Wright is from Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas.

The two schools met in the Class 5A state championship three years in a row from 2004-2006 and Lakeland won every time. St. Thomas won the Class 5A state championship last season but didn't have to go through Lakeland. Black and Wright are already talking about St. Thomas and Lakeland meeting up in this season's state championship game. Both teams are currently undefeated.

"We've got a $1 million bet," Black said. "I don't know how we're going to get the $1 million but we have a $1 million bet."

REDSHIRT ALERT
Meyer said on Wednesday that freshman cornerback Jeremy Brown was competing evenly with freshman cornerback Janoris Jenkins during fall camp. Brown aggravated his back and hasn't sniffed the field. Jenkins is now a starter. Expect Brown to redshirt this season and enter the 2009 season as one of the Gators' best young cornerbacks.

Defensive tackle Omar Hunter is another redshirt candidate. At one point during the offseason, Meyer believed Hunter could contribute immediately but injuries have set back the big Georgia native.

"We'd like to play him," Meyer said. "He's just been banged up since he got here and that ankle sprain was pretty significant."

GATOR GROWL
The Steve Miller Band is playing on Friday night in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium as part of Gator Growl, UF's annual homecoming celebration. True story: Lynyrd Skynyrd played Gator Growl last season. Meyer was asked if he wanted to meet the band and UF's coach said, "Sure. Which one is Lynyrd Skynyrd?"

-jo-

Meyer: Gators healthier right now than ever before

This is when you know you live in a rural college town: An owl almost ate my cat tonight. No kidding. Swooped right down from the tree, talons and all. OK, on with the show...

GAINESVILLE -- Florida coach Urban Meyer agreed on Tuesday after practice that his team is healthier right now than it has been all season.

"Couldn't ask for much better than where we are right in the middle of the season," Meyer said. "I'm pleased with where we're at."

A few Gators are suffering from minor injuries but UF's health concerns are nothing compared to Kentucky, which travels to Gainesville this weekend with eight starters either out for the season or injured. That list includes the Wildcats' two most consistent offensive players, wide receiver Dicky Lyons, Jr. and running back Derrick Locke.

While the Gators are healthy at nearly every position, a few running backs remain limited this week. Emmanuel Moody (high-ankle sprain) is practicing again but he is continues to favor his injured ankle, according to Meyer. Moody's status remains questionable.

Running back Chris Rainey (shoulder) returned to practice this week but his shoulder still seems to be a concern. Rainey, who has had surgery on both of his shoulders, separated his right shoulder against LSU.

"It was out," Rainey said of his shoulder. "I had to wait until one of the trainers put it back in and I felt fine when they put it back in."

Kestahn Moore (ankle) is listed as the Gators' starting running back against Kentucky, according to UF's most recent depth chart. With Moody and Rainey still sore, UF running back Jeffery Demps is expected to receive additional carries against Kentucky.

HICKS, JOHNSON REMAIN STARTERS
UF back-ups Brandon Hicks (weak-side linebacker) and Carl Johnson (left guard) appear to be making the most of their chances in the starting line-up. Weak-side linebacker Dustin Doe (hernia) returned from his surgery this week and left guard Marcus Gilbert (ankle) is also listed as available but neither player is back in the starting line-up, according to UF's game notes.

Johnson showed drastic improvements against LSU and Hicks (15 tackles in six games) appears to be a reliable option. Doe, a second-year starter, has only appeared in four games this season.

MEYER GETS HAIRCAT...Names it Mr. Bigglesworth
The coach got a haircut this week. It's nice and neat for homecoming. Meyer is looking a little thinner these days, especially in the face. I asked him if he has lost weight and he said, "Not that I've noticed." Maybe it's just the haircut.

-jo-

Kentucky injuries make UF 24.5-point favorite

GAINESVILLE -- Despite Kentucky's impressive defensive numbers, Florida is a 24.5-point favorite against the Wildcats, according to some Las Vegas casinos.

Florida's defense is allowing a league-best average of 10.5 points per game but untimely injuries to several Wildcat starters have contributed to the large point spread. Even an optimistic outlook for Kentucky is bad. The 'Cats will be without its best receiver (Dicky Lyons, Jr.) and best running back (Derrick Locke) for the rest of season. Here's a list of ailing Kentucky starters, their status for Saturday's game and their contributions on the field this season:

-DB David Jones (elbow) questionable: Played in seven games, 17 tackles, five pass deflections and one interception
-FS Marcus McClinton (knee/sprained MCL) questionable: Played in seven games, 28 tackles, four interceptions, one forced fumble
-RB Derrick Locke (knee) out for year: Led Kentucky RBs in rushing (303 yards on 63 carries).
-DT Myron Pryor (high-ankle sprain) questionable: Played in seven games, 3.5 sacks, 20 tackles, 7.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage
-LB Micah Johnson (high-ankle sprain) questionable: Played in seven games, second on the team with 44 tackles.
-RT Justin Jeffries (knee/sprained MCL) doubtful: Started in five games
-WR Kyrus Lanxter (shoulder) doubtful: Played six games, seven receptions for 89 yards
-WR Dicky Lyons, Jr. (knee) out for year: Played in six games, tied for SEC lead in receptions at time of season-ending injury

The injury bug has certainly taken a major bite out of the Gators' starting line-up but Kentucky is really hurting right now. Anyone with a hint of a conscience must feel bad for Kentucky. The Cats have to face UF with as many as eight starters out or playing injured.

"We hope we can have a good week of practice," Kentucky coach Rich Brooks said. "We know how good of a team Florida is. They put a whipping on LSU a few weeks ago and they are coming off a bye week to face us."

EMAILS I GET
Gator Clause occasionally publishes the emails that fill our inboxes. This quality email comes to us from Mark U. of origins unknown. Referencing this morning's blog post about ESPN college football analyst Jesse Palmer, Mark writes (Mark's email in blue font):

The BCS poll has USC ranked No.5 ... how shocking. Apparently, the computers and everyone has already forgotten that the Trojans were down by 3-4 touchdowns at halftime and lost to the Beavers from Oregon State.

I suspect what [Jesse Palmer] found shocking was that a team ranked No.5 in the AP poll (Florida) found itself at No.10 in the BCS. I don't believe any other teams found such a disparity. Actually, it's way too early to worry about rankings -- still so much football to be played.

-Mark

Great take, Mark. Thanks for the email and thanks for visiting the blog. Don't forget that some BCS polls don't take into account head-to-head match-ups. Also, the writer's poll no longer factors into the BCS standings. We writers decided a few years ago that we wanted nothing to do with the BCS and the AP poll was replaced in the BCS formula by the Harris Interactive poll.

-jo-

NOTEBOOK: Consistency key against 'Cats, says Meyer

GAINESVILLE -- In the spirit of this week's World Series, I offer a baseball metaphor to describe the match-up between Florida's offense and Kentucky's defense: The Gators' offense is filled with home run hitters while the Kentucky Wildcats feature a group of steady pitchers and several gold glovers in the outfield.

In other words, the Gators' offense is designed for the big play and Kentucky's defense has been pretty good at limiting big-play offenses. According to UF coach Urban Meyer, all but two of Florida's scoring drives this season have included plays of 15 yards or more. Big plays have helped the Gators maintain the SEC's highest scoring offense (38.5 points per game). Meanwhile, Kentucky leads the league in scoring defense (10.5 points per game).

Many defenses the Gators have faced this season have shown creativity in the hopes of limiting quarterback Tim Tebow and UF's playmakers. Meyer doesn't expect that from Kentucky. Meyer says Kentucky's defense is talented enough to play Florida straight up.

"A lot of guys throw the kitchen sink at you," Meyer said. "These guys don't. They're very fundamental."

With that in mind, Meyer says his offense is focusing on consistency this week. While the Gators' have broken many big plays, UF's offense also stalled plenty during the first half of the season, turning the ball over on three or fewer plays 15 times.

"Kentucky doesn't give you the shots," Meyer said. "They're going to play how they play coverage-wise and force you to methodically work the ball down the field, which is something we haven't been great at. So it's a heck of a challenge."

JESSE PALMER 'SHOCKED'
Former Florida quarterback turned ESPN talent Jesse Palmer said on ESPN College Football Live that he was "shocked" Florida was only ranked No.10 in the initial BCS standings. Apparently Palmer has already forgotten about the Gators' lost to Ole Miss. The computer formulas used to help determine the BCS standings certainly have not.

WEEKEND WARRIOR WILBUR HACKETT
Wilbur Hackett Jr., weekend referee, played football at Kentucky from 1967-1970. He was a linebacker. Last Saturday he rekindled the glory days and dropped the hammer on South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia.

TEXAS QB COLT MCCOY PIMPS DRUG STORE
Straight from the archives of the Abilene, Texas, television station KTAB (circa Dec. 2003) , it's the video of Colt McCoy you've probably never seen. Did McCoy really get a needle stuck in his arm for this commercial? Ouch! Hope that scene only had one take.

-jo-

HOOPS: Writers predict strong season for Gators

GAINESVILLE -- Reporters covering Southeastern Conference basketball picked Florida to finish second to SEC East rival Tennessee this season. Tennessee received 172 votes compared to Florida's 143.

Florida received five first place votes from a panel of 30 writers. The Vols received 23 first place votes. Two writers voted Kentucky No.1.

The Gators return four starters and seven of eight of their leading scorers from a team that won 24 games in 2007 but the Gators must replace a pretty important player, NBA lottery pick Marreese Speights.

Vols junior Tyler Smith was voted SEC preseason player of the year. Patrick Patterson of Kentucky, South Carolina's Devan Downey and UF guard Nick Calathes also received votes.

Link to the SEC press release. CLICK ME!

UF returns four starters and the Vols only return two. Predictions anyone? Full disclosure: I was not one of the 30 media members who voted in the preseason basketball poll. This poll is pointless and means absolutely nothing.

What matters then? Making the Tournament is all that matters in basketball. Last season, I predicted that the Gators would not make the NCAA Tournament. Will they make the Big Dance this season? I'll offer my prediction as the season nears.

What's your gut prediction, Dance or NIT?

-jo-

Tebow's Heisman vote might be for Colt McCoy

GAINESVILLE -- Florida quarterback Tim Tebow indicated on Monday that if he had to cast his Heisman Trophy ballot right now, then his No.1 spot might be for Texas quarterback Colt McCoy.

Tebow hasn't spent much time following the accomplishments of other quarterbacks this season but what he's seen from McCoy has been impressive. McCoy has completed 81.2 percent of his throws (160 of 197) for 1,894 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Tebow watched plenty of football during the Gators' bye week, including Texas' dismantling of Missouri. Tebow was impressed by McCoy's performance. The Texas quarterback completed 29 of 32 pass attempts for 337 yards and three touchdowns.

"He's doing a great job handling everything," Tebow said. "His interviews after the game, I watched that too just getting to know him a little bit I was very proud. He represents college football really well and his faith extremely well, never ashamed of that, which I really respect. He's done a great job with everything he's going through.

"Being smart and looking at the guys who are having a good year, he'd probably be my top guy on who I'd vote for right now. He's playing extremely well. He's doing a great job leading his team and he handles himself with a lot of class as well. I don't think you could say two. I haven't seen everybody so I don't know but I don't think there's anybody who's above him right now."

TEBOW NOT PHASED BY BCS POLL
Tebow didn't seem to care much on Monday about the Gators' No.10 ranking in the initial BCS standings. The top two teams at the end of the season play for the BCS national championship.

"I don't care," Tebow said. "That's fine. Nothing really matters too much now. That's really what my attitude was. It doesn't matter to me. I don't care. That's fine that other teams are ahead of us. We still have an opportunity to hopefully play some of them. That's fine.

"It doesn't matter because we still have an opportunity if we take care of business to be in a position that we want at the end of the year so we're fine."

Florida coach Urban Meyer ignored a question about the Gators' BCS rankings and instead pointed out the Gators next opponent has a pretty good defense.

"Here we go," Meyer said. "Kentucky is ranked No. 1 on defense. Thanks guys."

INJURIES
Meyer said that running back Chris Rainey (shoulder) practiced on Monday and that running back Emmanuel Moody (knee) is ahead of schedule but is still questionable for homecoming on Saturday. Running back Kestahn Moore (ankle) is ready for a full return, according to Meyer.

"Rainey should be back today, Kestahn is doing very well and Moody is going to try to practice, maybe not the full practice, but try to practice today," Meyer said.

Freshman kicker Caleb Sturgis (hyper-extended knee) is probable, according to Meyer. 

-Correspondent Mike McCall contributed to this blog post.

-jo-

UF, FSU, USF: Which one-loss team is better?

GAINESVILLE -- There are two schools of thought right now regarding the BCS-member football teams in the Sunshine State.

1. UF, one of the top-ranked teams in the nation, is clearly better than everyone else.
2. Boil away the hype and UF (5-1) has one loss just like two other BCS-member teams in this football-mad state. Florida State is 5-1 and USF is 6-1.

UF is ranked No.5 in the Week 8 Associated Press poll. USF is ranked No.14 (up six spots) and FSU is back in the AP poll at No.23.

Comparing the three teams' defeats, UF's 31-30 loss against Ole Miss at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium now seems to be the worst loss of the three one-loss Florida teams. Ole Miss is 3-4 and the Rebels have lost two straight (South Carolina and Alabama) since upsetting the Gators.

USF lost to Pittsburgh at home but Pitt is now 5-1 and ranked No.17 in the country. It's too bad USF doesn't play UF, FSU or Miami this season.

FSU's only loss came on the road to Wake Forest (4-2), which was ranked No.19 in the AP poll last week. Wake Forest dropped out of the AP Top 25 on Sunday after losing to Maryland 26-0 on Saturday. Is Wake Forest turning out to be just another overrated ACC team?

While UF's loss to Ole Miss could be considered the worst defeat among the three one-loss BCS Florida teams, the Gators' 51-21 blowout of LSU is certainly the most impressive win of any team in the Sunshine State. FSU's best wins have been against a pair of three-loss teams (Colorado and Miami). USF's best win was against No.19 Kansas (5-2).

This much we do know:

1. Both UF and FSU have knocked off Miami.
2. Similar to UF's loss to Ole Miss, FSU's loss to Wake Forest was made possible by mistakes. FSU had seven turnovers in its loss to Wake. UF had three turnovers and several other defensive and special teams errors in the Gators' only loss of the season.
3. Of the three one-loss BCS teams in the state, only UF has beaten a team ranked in the AP Top 5.
4. Of the three one-loss BCS teams in the state, only UF has lost to a four-loss team.

This sounds crazy right now but it is conceivable that both UF and FSU could be ranked in the BCS Top 5 by the final week of the season. UF is already No.5 in the AP poll and a win against Georgia would further boost the Gators' resume. FSU ends the season against Va. Tech (home), No.21 Georgia Tech (away), Clemson (home), No.23 Boston College (home), Maryland (away) and UF (home).

Can UF run the table and be 10-1 going into the final week of the season?
Can FSU run the table and be 10-1 going into the final week of the season?
Will UF at FSU determine which team plays in a BCS bowl?
Are there any scenarios out there pitting UF and USF against each other in a bowl game?

-jo-

Urban Meyer spotted at St. Thomas Aquinas

GAINESVILLE -- Florida football coach Urban Meyer attended the South Florida heavyweight high school match-up on Friday night between Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas and Deerfield Beach. Florida is recruiting players from both schools, including Deerfield Beach quarterback Denard Robinson.

Robinson has been offered a scholarship by Florida and he would likely be converted to a defensive back if he committed to the Gators.

Meyer arrived near the end of the first half, according to Miami Herald writer Bob Emanuel Jr., and stood on the St. Thomas sideline. Florida's coach has built a pipeline of sorts from St. Thomas to UF. Redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Marcus Gilbert and sophomore free safety Major Wright are St. Thomas grads.

CALATHES CLEARED TO PRACTICE
The Florida men's basketball team's medical training staff cleared sophomore guard Nick Calathes for practice on Friday, the first day of preseason basketball practice.

Calathes injured his hip several weeks ago during a training drill. Florida coach Billy Donovan said on Wednesday that Calathes could be limited for as many as three weeks.

That's all I've got today. In Birmingham, Ala., this weekend visiting family. Attending a Hoover Bucs youth football game on Saturday. Just had Thai food in Montgomery, Ala. This was a bad idea.

-jo- 

Miami's Ray Shipman enjoying early success at UF

GAINESVILLE -- Florida went 18-3 to begin the 2007-08 basketball season but didn't make the NCAA Tournament. That's tough to do, especially for a two-time defending national champ. Watching from afar, UF freshman guard Ray Shipman knew exactly what the Gators lacked -- toughness.

The Miami Monsignor Pace guard says he committed to UF coach Billy Donovan because Shipman knew he possessed something in his game last season's Gators desperately needed, an athletic perimeter defender who can shut down opposing scoring threats.

"That's a big reason why I chose to come here," Shipman said. "I felt what I could offer to the table was lacking a little bit."

In his first few months on campus, Shipman has done just that. The 6-5 swingman appears to have found a niche. UF coach Billy Donovan said on Wednesday that Shipman is already one of the Gators' best perimeter defender. Shipman and Florida's basketball team begin preseason practice on Friday.

If Shipman's intensity level remains high and he continues to improve, don't be surprised if the freshman is used this season as a defensive specialist against some of the SEC's best scorers.

"Ray comes in here a lot further along than most freshman defensively," Donovan said. "I think he has a good understanding of what we're trying to do."

Florida had one of the worst defenses in the Southeastern Conference last season. The Gators ranked 11th in field-goal defense (47.5 percent) and 10th in three-point defense (37.2 percent). Ray Shipman credits Miami Monsignor Pace coach Mark Lieberman for preparing him to be an immediate asset when Shipman arrived in Gainesville. Shipman says Lieberman forced him to become a quality defender and convinced Shipman that defense was his key to early playing time at UF.

"[Lieberman] used to get on me because I didn't play enough defense in high school and he used to say that with your body and your quickness you can be a real great defender," Shipman said. "He told me, 'If you want to get on the floor when you go to Florida, defense is what is going to get you out there."

At 6-5, Shipman is just as quick and fast as UF 5-9 sophomore point guard Jai Lucas. In a shuttle run competition held on Tuesday, Shipman clocked a 3.1 seconds while Lucas ran the team's second best time at 3.2 seconds. At Miami Monsignor Pace, Shipman was named the state of Florida's "Mr. Basketball" in 2008 after leading his team to a Class 4A state championship. Pace beat Lakeland Kathleen 80-76 in the title game and Shipman had 17 points and eight rebounds.

"[Shipman] has played well and I think there's no question Ray is going to be someone who is going to give us some size, some athleticism and I think there's no question that right now he is one of our better defenders on the perimeter," Donovan said. "And we desperately need that -- a physical wing type of player who can play defense and I think Ray can provide that type of value to our team."

-jo-

Mon Williams to seek transfer, according to report

GAINESVILLE -- Florida linebacker Mon Williams plans to transfer after this semester, according to a report in the Gainesville Sun by writer and blogger Edward Aschoff.

According to the report, Williams is upset with his move to linebacker and wants to seek a transfer to a school closer to home. Williams was the No.12 ranked running back in the nation for the 2006 recruiting cycle, according to Rivals. Williams tore his ACL prior to the 2007 season and has been an afterthought ever since.

If Williams indeed transfers, he will be the third running back in less than a year to leave the Gators. Last offseason, South Florida native Bo Williams transferred and so did Chevon Walker. Of course, Mon Williams could always change his mind and stay put, a la offensive lineman James Wilson. Does anyone see that happening after Mon said that UF running backs coach Kenny Carter ignores him? Here's what Mon said about Kenny Carter:

"I feel like since we got this new coach, everything's been downhill," Williams said. "We never talk. Even when he comes around, we never talk. He'll only comment when something bad goes down."

In case you haven't noticed, Florida's offense is trending towards using small and speedy running backs compared to more traditional duel-threat backs. Scatbacks Jeffrey Demps (true freshman) and Chris Rainey (redshirt freshman) both weigh about 175 pounds. Mon Williams, a hulking running back with an imposing physique, doesn't fit that mold.

You know those measuring sticks at amusement parks that determine whether short kids can ride rollercoasters. The entrance way of the Gators' locker room should have one of those red lines next to the door. The sign would read, "Running back recruits taller than this red line not wanted."

Seriously, UF does not want a running back that isn't in the mold of Jeff Demps or Chris Rainey. This is why I can almost say with a certainty that Miami Northwestern junior Corvin Lamb (5-10, 180 pounds, 4.31 seconds in the 40) will consider committing to Florida next season, which will be a major coup for the Gators.

UF coach Urban Meyer has made it clear what he wants in a running back -- small and fast people.

"I talked to a high school coach today of a young guy like that," Meyer said on Wednesday during the weekly SEC coaches teleconference. "We had a staff meeting, about a two-hour recruiting meeting this morning. I'd like somebody to put a plan together without Rainey, Demps, Brandon James and Percy Harvin. Let me see that game plan, it probably wouldn't be very dynamic.

"Size doesn't matter. Part of our staff's reason and part of my reason for taking this job is the ability to recruit some of the finest athletes in the country. The game has changed a little bit. Our way of playing is we believe in space, we believe in speed and we believe in big plays."

-jo-

HOOPS: Donovan not too happy with Calathes

GAINESVILLE -- UF guard Nick Calathes might be the Gators' best player but he's no leader, according to UF coach Billy Donovan. Not yet anyway.

Donovan, straight talker extraordinaire, said on Wednesday that his basketball team lacks a leader right now. He did say, however, that several players have leadership tendencies.

What exactly does that mean? It means UF's coach isn't too happy at present with guard Nick Calathes. Calathes has been injured for several weeks with a hip flexor. The sophomore suffered the injury two weeks after returning from Greece, where he spent more than a month training with the Greek national basketball team. Calathes tried out for Greece's Olympic team but didn't make it. (Never had a chance is what I heard. Not a knock on Calathes. Greece just had a good point guard.)

ANYWAY, Donovan pointed out on Wednesday during the Gators' preseason media day that Calathes hasn't been available for 12 weeks due to the Greece trip and the hip injury. Donovan went on to say that being unavailable has prevented Calathes from establishing himself as a leader.

"It's very, very difficult to turn into a leader when you're not around all the time," Donovan said.

Ouch. Apparently Donovan doesn't have the same love for the Motherland as Calathes, whose grandfather was Greek. In Calathes' defense, he did train constantly while in Greece. According to Calathes, he practiced three times a day while overseas. Some speculated that Calathes injured his hip while in Greece but the guard said on Wednesday he injured it upon returning to Gainesville.

Basketball practice begins on Friday and Calathes says he expects to participate. Meanwhile, Donovan said that Calathes' injury with limit the player for possibly three more weeks.

-jo-

UF hoops media day is a laugher ...

GAINESVILLE -- The Florida men's basketball team had its preseason media day today. It was great fun. From Chandler Parsons to Walter Hodge, there are some real characters on this season's team. The funniest player, however, gets laughs without even trying. His name is Erving Walker, he's a freshman guard from New York City and he looks and speaks just like former Saturday Night Live star Tracy Morgan.

Good thing for you, Gator Clause has the audio to prove it. Warning: this is pretty funny. Click the play button.


Like me, UF senior guard Walter Hodge noticed the similarities between Walker and Morgan the first time Hodge met the freshman guard. This audio interview of Walter also has a pretty funny reference to UF quarterback Tim Tebow.


More on hoops (including an interview with Miami Pace guard Ray Shipman) and football coming later. Sitting outside the football stadium right now waiting for practice to end.
















-jo-

NOTEBOOK: Tebow back in the Heisman hunt?

GAINESVILLE -- Can Sir Timmy climb back into the hunt for the Heisman Trophy with a strong second-half of the regular season? That's THE question I want answered.

If you think Tebow is out of the Heisman race never to return, you're wrong. Here's why. The Heisman Trophy is voted upon by human beings. And every human being I've ever met likes Tebow. Even fans of Florida's rivals -- the people who hate UF more than dirt hates soap -- come clean when it comes to admitting they like Timmy.

So, no. I'll answer my own question before anyone else does. No, Tebow is not out of the Heisman race. What does Tim need to do during the second half of the season to find himself back in New York come December? Tebow needs to reach Atlanta and the SEC championship game to get another free vacation to Times Square. (Just a prediction.) To actually win the award, Tebow needs to do something special in the final six games of the Gators' regular season. And by special I mean toss about 25 more touchdowns and beat Georgia by 25.

PUNT YOUR BOSS IN THE FACE
Plenty of people are honoring Brandon Spikes this week for punting a ball into the south end zone seats at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Saturday. After the SEC named Spikes its defensive player of the week, Spikes was named national defensive player of the week by the Army. Spikes is also up for another national defensive player of the week award.

Maybe more people should start punting things to get recognized and praised? Maybe I'll punt my laptop out of press row in two weeks after I finish writing my UF-Kentucky game story. Maybe you should punt your boss right in his dirty face when you go into work tomorrow. Do it. You'll get a raise.

GAME TIMES
Kentucky vs. Florida is set for 12:30 p.m. and will be televised by -- Oh, joy! -- Raycom. Florida vs. Georgia is scheduled to kickoff at 3:30 p.m. and be televised by CBS.

HARRIS POLL
Florida is ranked No.6 in the Harris Poll, which serves as one-third of the BCS rankings. The Gators are ranked No.5 in the writers' poll and No.7 in the coaches' poll. The Harris poll, the coaches' poll and an average of six computer rankings combine to make up the BCS standings, which will be released on Oct. 19.

PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Florida did not practice today, according to Florida sports information office. The Gators will resume practicing on Wednesday.

-jo-

MIDSEASON: Gators grade out at 91.9 percent

GAINESVILLE -- This is a midseason edition of the weekly report card. (So, I guess it's a six-week report card.) Before we begin handing out grades and awards, here's some food for thought. Florida was ranked No.4 in the country before losing to Ole Miss. The Gators are now ranked No.5.

That "devastating" loss doesn't seem like a very big deal now, does it? Oh, how quickly the voters forget. OK, let's award and grade the Gators.

OVERALL FIRST HALF MVP
BRANDON JAMES, JUNIOR, SPECIAL TEAMS
On a team that includes the best player in college football (Percy Harvin) and a Heisman Trophy winner (Tim Tebow), the first-half overall Most Valuable Player award goes to a guy that doesn't even start on offense or defense. Special teams standout Brandon James is Florida's overall MVP for averaging 131.7 all-purpose yards per game for the Gators. That's amazing, considering he's not an offensive starter. James ranks 42nd in the country in all-purpose yards but second in the SEC behind Arkansas starting running back and return man Michael Smith. James is ranked fifth in the country with 20.88 yards per punt return and 13th in the country with 29.25 yards per kickoff return.

In addition to his skills as a return specialist, James recovered a key fumble against Arkansas. Ironically it was Michael Smith who fumbled. James also successfully ran a fake punt.

OFFENSIVE FIRST HALF MVP
TIM TEBOW, JUNIOR, QUARTERBACK
Tebow continues to adjust to his role this season, which is considerably more limited than in 2007. Despite his reduced statistics and touchdowns, he remains the Gators most valuable offensive player. Take him away out of the Gators' starting line-up and, in the words of Urban Meyer, that would "be a bad deal."

DEFENSIVE FIRST-HALF MVP
BRANDON SPIKES, JUNIOR, MIDDLE LINEBACKER
He leads the team in tackles with 47 and had two interceptions against LSU. Not a very good punter, though.

QUARTERBACKS 92 percent
Tim Tebow doesn't have the same numbers as last season but he is still having a great year. Tebow has thrown 10 touchdowns and just one interception. He also has a quarterback rating of 152.8.

RUNNING BACKS 94 percent
Overall, the Gators are averaging 5.3 yards per carry. Hard to ague with that number.
After watching the replay of Chris Rainey's injury against LSU several times, it appears he injured his right shoulder when his elbow hit the ground. Imagine cradling a football, extending your arm away from your body (my shoulder actually pops out slightly when I do this) and then landing square on your elbow behind the weight of your body. This is what caused Rainey's shoulder to apparently dislocate. Just watch the replay in slow motion and see for yourself. (By the way, UF's official word on Rainey's shoulder injury as of Tuesday afternoon was "Continues to be evaluated. Will know more tomorrow.")

Rainey, a redshirt freshman, was one of two running backs for the Gators to emerge as playmakers during the first half of the season. Rainey has rushed for 286 yards on 42 carries (6.8 ypc) and a pair of touchdowns. True freshman Jeffrey Demps leads the Gators with 307 yards on just 23 carries (13.3 ypc). He also has four touchdowns. Percy Harvin is averaging 6.6 yards per carry with two touchdowns.

Emmanuel Moody, a redshirt sophomore, has been a disappointment thus far. He showed glimpses (5.2 ypc) of his ability in two games this season but missed the season opener, didn't play against Miami and hasn't seen the field since injuring his ankle against Ole Miss.

Kestahn Moore, a redshirt senior, isn't being asked to carry the ball much this season but his downfield blocks have almost been as impressive as his leadership and dedication to the team. This should not be overlooked even if he is.

RECEIVERS 91 percent
Percy Harvin (25 receptions for 396 yards and five touchdowns) is Tebow's favorite target and one of the best receivers in the country. Senior Louis Murphy is second on the team with 18 receptions for 294 yards. Taking over for injured tight end Cornelius Ingram, UF sophomore tight end Aaron Hernandez has 15 receptions for 145 yards and two touchdowns. Receivers Riley Cooper, Deonte Thompson and Carl Moore have been impressive in spots. The ability of the receiving corps to get downfield and make important blocks for the Gators' tiny running backs, especially on option plays, is an important facet of UF's offense.

OFFENSIVE LINE 83 percent
This might seem like a harsh grade, but the Gators' offensive line has made some critical mistakes this season, particularly in the loss to Ole Miss, the win against Arkansas and the win against Miami. Against Ole Miss, the Gators failed to convert on fourth and 1 at the end of the game but that mistake was magnified because experienced linemen allowed a blocked extra point during the fourth quarter. Against Arkansas, the offensive line was flagged eight times and UF coach Urban Meyer referred to the Gators' offense as "awful" at times.

To their credit, the Gators' offensive line responded against LSU and played with focus, executing consistently throughout the game. Third-string left guard Carl Johnson has filled in nicely for injured guards Jim Tartt and Marcus Gilbert.

PLAYCALLING AND STRATEGY 90 percent
Increasing the space between linemen against LSU gave the Gators a decisive offensive edge. Offensive linemen normally line up about two feet apart but against LSU the Gators' O-linemen were split apart by three or four feet. This allowed the Gators running backs to run between the tackles more effectively.

Florida's most consistently productive play this season has been an option pitch to Jeffrey Demps, Percy Harvin or Chris Rainey. Credit the Gators' offensive play callers for recognizing this and giving the Gators' running backs room to use their speed.

Subtract points for the loss to Ole Miss. Florida should have kicked a field goal in the first quarter instead of pass on fourth and 3.

DEFENSIVE LINE 91 percent
Defensive end Carlos Dunlap might not technically be a starter for the Gators but is definitely the team's best pass rusher. He leads the team in sacks through the Gators' first six games with 3.5. Defensive tackle Lawrence Marsh has emerged as the lines biggest surprise, though. He has 5.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and three sacks. Jermaine Cunningham leads the Gators' defensive linemen with 27 tackles, including 4.5 behind the line and three sacks for minus-22 yards. Subtract points for the absence of Torrey Davis and John Brown.

LINEBACKERS 95 percent
Middle linebacker Brandon Spikes, who leads the team in tackles with 46, had a remarkable performance against Ole Miss despite the loss. He was named SEC defensive player of the week for his two interceptions against LSU. Career reserve Ryan Stamper (redshirt junior) has emerged as a pleasant surprise. The same goes for Brandon Hicks, who filled in when Stamper suffered an ankle injury. A.J. Jones (26 tackles) is quietly becoming one of UF's best defenders.

SECONDARY 93 percent
Safeties Major Wright (34) and Ahmad Black (28) and cornerback Joe Haden (37) are among the Gators' leaders in tackles. Black is the model of consistency while Wright turned in one of the best performances of his career against LSU. Haden is in line to be an all-SEC defender. Meyer named freshman cornerback Janoris Jenkins (22 tackles) the team's defensive player of the game against LSU. Subtract points for Wondy Pierre-Louis' demotion.

STRATEGY 98 percent
Benching cornerback Wondy Pierre-Louis was a necessary move and the Gators' coaching staff didn't hesitate to send Pierre-Louis to the bench when it appeared the cornerback lost his confidence against Tennessee. Freshman cornerback Janoris Jenkins has the look of a future super star. Starting Ahmad Black at strong safety has also turned out to be a great decision by the Gators' defensive coaches. Black (5-9, 185 pounds) has played nearly mistake free in the Gators' first six games.

SPECIAL TEAMS 96 percent
Kicker Jonathan Phillips is 9 of 9 on field goal attempts and punter Chas Henry is having an all-SEC season. Meyer is 2 of 2 on fake punts this season and opposing teams are averaging 5.4 yards per punt return compared to 20.2 yards per punt return for Florida return specialist Brandon James. James is a special teams dynamo. He leads the team in all-purpose yards (131.7 per game). That's a remarkable statistic considering he is not an offensive starter. Subtract points for the blocked extra point against Ole Miss.

HEAD COACH 88 percent
The Gators' loss to Ole Miss hurts the overall numbers considerably. Florida should have creamed Ole Miss and the loss is Meyer's fault. The team wasn't prepared mentally for the Rebels and proof of this were the myriad mistakes, which cost the Gators the game. I counted 12 critical errors that led to the defeat.

The loss to Ole Miss aside, Meyer has done an excellent job this season. The Gators are ranked No.5 in the AP Top 25 and still have a chance to play in the SEC championship game, if not the BCS title game. The offseason hiring of assistant coaches Dan McCarney (defensive line) and Vance Bedford (cornerbacks) cannot be overstated. The Gators' defensive line is playing well. Joe Haden appears to be an all-SEC cornerback at midseason and freshman cornerback Janoris Jenkins is playing like a freshman all-American. Florida is tied for third nationally in turnover margin (+1.67).

Lapses in focus aside (ie Ole Miss), the Gators' season now comes down to one regular-season game: the Nov.1 rivalry game against Georgia. Tim Tebow wasn't healthy for that game and it cost the Gators. Meyer's change in philosophy, reducing Tebow's role in the offense to preserve his health for a full season, appears to be going according to plan.

-jo-

Chris Rainey's weak shoulder a concern

GAINESVILLE -- I'm no doctor but I have dislocated my shoulder a couple times. It's a bizarre feeling. Imagine actually thinking that your arm might fall off at any second while enduring a pain that can only be described as a hot knife being wedged between the joint connecting your arm to the rest of your body.

Worst of all, if you dislocate your shoulder once or twice, there's a chance it will continue to happen the rest of your life.

After watching UF running back Chris Rainey writhe in pain on Florida Field on Saturday, I'd bet a Heisman that Rainey dislocated his right shoulder when he fell awkwardly during the second half. If so, this is upsetting news for Rainey, who arrived at Florida as damaged goods and had surgery last season to correct his shoulder problems. Florida officials said that Rainey injured his shoulder against LSU but didn't comment on the severity of the injury.

Recovery time for a dislocated shoulder depends on the extent of the injury and the pain tolerance of the player. For Rainey, recovery time might be longer than most.

Rainey, who has a history of dislocating his shoulders, was overused as a high school running back and should have sat out either all or part of his senior year of high school football. Unfortunately, Lakeland High coach Bill Castle didn't see it that way and now Rainey's weak shoulder will be a chronic problem for the remainder of not only his football career at UF but the rest of his life.

Just my opinion, but it might be time for UF's coaches and trainers to make an important decision regarding the long-term health of Rainey's shoulders. Obviously, a bum shoulder for the rest of your life is not a life-threatening injury but chronic pain could permanently alter Rainey's quality of life.

If you think I'm over exaggerating, think again. According to Meyer, Rainey was non-functional last season because of his shoulders. Rainey had his first shoulder surgery before his senior season of high school football and during his senior season Rainey dislocated his shoulder several times and still played. I saw it happen once (2006 state championship game).

How much more damage can Rainey's shoulders take?

-jo-

Gators back in title hunt? Not yet

A few things to take away from UF 51, LSU 21...

GAINESVILLE -- Is it just my idiot brain that thinks this, or is the most successful play in the Gators' offensive playbook that option sweep to [fill in the name of a UF speedster here]?

Seriously, every time the Gators run that play -- you know the one -- UF picks up huge chunks of yards. Like last night when Jeffrey Demps raced for a 42-yard score. The receivers always block downfield, the pulling guard always finds his man and Florida always seems to gain at least a first down but usually much more.

WE LOVE STATS
Want a ridiculous stat? Demps is averaging 47 yards per touchdown run this season.

STILL IN THE HUNT
Are the Gators back in the national title hunt? Not yet. Florida still needs a few more undefeated teams to lose before the Gators can once again be considered one of the top two teams in the country. But after three Top 5 teams lost this weekend, it only seems like a matter of time before a one-loss team is vaulted back into the national title race.

Speaking of one-loss teams, are the Gators the best one-loss team in the country? Let's take a look.

Florida jumped from No.11 in the AP Top 25 to No.5 on Sunday. The Gators are ranked No.7 in the coaches' poll. One-loss Oklahoma is ranked No.4 while undefeated teams Texas, Alabama and Penn State are ranked 1, 2 and 3. Florida still needs a one or two more teams to stumble to get back into the national title game.

Assuming UF doesn't vomit all over itself again like it did against Ole Miss, the Gators' season now comes down to two games. Nov.1 vs. Georgia and Nov. 29 at Florida State.

MOST IMPORTANT
Here's the most important thing Urban Meyer said in his post-game press conference on Saturday: "We all know what happens when you're not ready."

Meyer was talking about not overlooking Kentucky like the Gators did three weeks ago when UF overlooked Ole Miss. Florida is off this week before a home game against the Wildcats.

According to UF officials, Florida is not practicing on Sunday and will also take Monday off.

-jo-

P.S. Told you Vanderbilt was a fraud and that LSU would get smoked.

LIST: Plenty of talented recruits in Gainesville today

GAINESVILLE -- Anyone online this Saturday morning? If so, here are a few UF-related links for y'all (or you guys, depending on where you're from.) Plus some other fun stuff.

FIRST THINGS FIRST
Here's my official prediction. I've crunched the numbers, studied the trends, consulted the mystics and drank a cup of coffee to come up with this: UF 36, LSU 28.

THE RECRUITS, ACCORDING TO RIVALS.COM
Four high school recruits are in Gainesville this weekend for their official visits, according to Rivals. Florida already has 11 commitments, so spots are filling up fast. Here's the list of recruits attending today's game on official NCAA visits:

DE NICK KASA (6-7, 245 pounds) Broomfield (Colo.) Legacy High
Kasa is a four-star recruit, according to Rivals, and nation's fifth-ranked strong-side defensive end. In the mold of Matt Patchan. Florida already has one commitment from a defensive end and are pursuing several other pass rushers.
OL KYLE KOEHNE (6-6, 290 pounds) Indianapolis Cathedral
Another Steve Addazio special. Koehne is a three-star recruit, according to Rivals, and the nation's 34th-ranked offensive guard.
CB BRANDEN SMITH (5-11, 171 pounds) Atlanta Washington
A battleground recruit, Smith is the No.3-ranked cornerback in the nation, according to Rivals, and a four-star recruit. He is also interested in Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Georgia and Tennessee.
ATH MARSALIS TEAGUE (5-10, 170 pounds) Paris (Tn.) Henry Co.
The No.49-ranked athlete in the nation, according to Rivals, and a three-star recruit. Also considering Miami and Vanderbilt.

THE CENTER OF UF'S INTERNET WORLD
Here's the link to the center of the UF Internet world. Click the link and bookmark this page! CLICK ME!

GAME DAY PREVIEW
Florida Gators plan to be tough against LSU

LSU TALK'N SOME NOISE
Pair of South Floridians playing for LSU at center of pregame chatter

JEAN-FRANCOIS OUT
LSU DT and Miami Carol City alum Ricky Jean-Francois didn't make the trip to Gainesville for today's game, according to USA Today.

SPECIAL TEAMS
UF, LSU return specialist are key

-jo-

PODCAST: Questioning the manhood of the Gators

GAINESVILLE -- In this week's podcast, Gator Clause weighs in on the absurdity of one writer's claim that the Florida Gators' offense isn't man enough. Click the play button ... if you dare.


-jo-

Les Miles vs. Urban Meyer: Who has more street cred?

Oh, the things these coaches will do to impress recruits. LSU coach Les Miles says he likes "a couple" Snoop Dogg songs ... Maybe this is one of them? ... "Cause it's 1-8-7 on a [expletive] cop."
That's an excerpt from the hit single "187" that put Snoop Dogg on the map way back in 1992. Of course, Les knows all about that. It's his ring tone. PICTURED: Snoop Dogg let's everyone at the Baton Rouge Rotary Club meeting know how many times he has smoked out former LSU quarterback Jamarcus Russell, now a Raider. The woman in the picture doesn't seem very starstruck. Then again, who cares. She can't run a 4.2.
_________________________________________________________________

Les is down with Snoop but Urban is, well, Urban

GAINESVILLE -- It is in the spirit of Les Miles' affinity for West Coast gangsta' rap that Gator Clause presents this week's Ultimate Preview. If you didn't know already, "you better axe somebody."

Les Miles has been "down from Day One" when it comes to the hippest ways to lure recruits into Baton Rouge, La. He met up with Snoop Dogg (Can someone say, "Photo opp!") a few months back in Baton Rouge, La., and even had the rapper speak at a Rotary Club event. (Can someone say, "Honorarium!") Tigers fans, witness your booster club dollars hard at work.

After passionately addressing Baton Rouge's civic-minded audience, Snoop Dogg broke out one of his most famous rhymes, And now you hookers and [rhymes with jos] know how I feel. 'Cause that's realer than Real Deal Holyfield.

And then Snoop politely said, Hey, yo, Miles. Creep to the mic like a phantom.

We kid, of course. (And if you don't recognize those Snoop Dogg lyrics, then you're too old.) But, on the fo'-shizzle tip, why would Snoop entertain some crusty Deep South college football coach? The answer is simple. Because the rapper understands what nobody else in this world seems to be able to comprehend. That Les Miles is the "O.G." (That and if Pete Carroll won't give Snoop's son a spot on USC's roster, then maybe Miles will pony up.)

Florida coach Urban Meyer (Tupac guy) isn't very impressed with Miles' budding friendship with Snoop Dogg. "Good for him," Meyer said.

That's coach speak for "jive turkey."

But seriously, though. It's no surprise that Meyer disrespected Miles for the LSU coach's obvious attempt to, well, be like Meyer. Everyone knows Florida's coach is the one with all the street cred. His name says it all.

THE DETAILS
NO.4 LSU (4-0, 2-0) at NO.11 FLORIDA (4-1, 2-1)
Where: Gainesville, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (88,548)
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
TV: CBS
What's at stake: You mean besides this rivalry's annual trophy? Well, a Florida loss would pretty much end the Gators' chances at a national title. LSU, meanwhile, can probably bounce back from a road loss to the Gators if the Tigers win the rest of their games.

FACTOID
When Florida and LSU meet on Saturday it will be the first time since 1990 that the two most recent national champions have played during the regular season (see Notre Dame 29, Miami 20). Florida, of course, won the BCS national title in 2006 and LSU won it last season.

THE INJURY REPORT
N0.11 FLORIDA
PROBABLE
SS Will Hill (hamstring)
RB Kestahn Moore (ankle)
LB Ryan Stamper (ankle)
QUESTIONABLE
WR Percy Harvin (ankle)
OG Jim Tartt (shoulder)
OG Marcus Gilbert (ankle)
DT Brandon Antwine (back)
OG Ron Wilson (ankle)
DOUBTFUL
RB Emmanuel Moody (ankle)
LB Dustin Doe (hernia)
OG Maurice Hurt (neck/shoulder)
DT Omar Hunter (ankle)
SS Bryan Thomas (knee)
OUT
SS Dorian Munroe (knee, year)
LB Brendan Beal (knee, year)
TE Cornelius Ingram (knee, year)
SS John Curtis (knee, year)
OL Jim Barrie (knee, year)
DT John Brown (wrist, year)
S Cody Worton (knee, year)
NO.4 LSU
PROBABLE
LB Darry Beckwith (knee)
QB Andrew Hatch (head)
OL Lyle Hitt (undisclosed)
DT Ricky Jean-Francois (leg)
DT Charles Alexander (ankle)

THE STARTING LINE-UPS
NO.11 FLORIDA
OFFENSE
WR 1 Percy Harvin (Jr., 5-11, 195)
WR 9 Louis Murphy (Sr., 6-3, 205)
WR 6 Deonte Thompson (RFr., 6-0, 195)
LT 75 Phil Trautwein (RSr., 6-6, 310)
LG 57 Carl Johnson (RSo., 6-6, 330)
C 56 Maurkice Pouncey (So., 6-5, 312)
RG 55 Mike Pouncey (So., 6-5, 312)
RT 77 Jason Watkins (RSr., 6-6, 310)
TE 81 Aaron Hernandez (So., 6-3, 255)
QB 15 Tim Tebow (Jr., 6-3, 240)
RB 33 Kestahn Moore (Sr., 5-10, 212)
DEFENSE
DE 94 Justin Trattou (So., 6-3, 265)
NT 90 Lawrence Marsh (RSo., 6-5, 305)
DT 92 Terron Sanders (RSo., 6-2, 300)
DE 49 Jermaine Cunningham (Jr., 6-3, 250)
SLB 16 A.J. Jones (RSo., 6-1, 225)
MLB 51 Brandon Spikes (Jr., 6-3, 245)
WLB 41 Ryan Stamper (RJr., 6-2, 232)
or NB 14 Markihe Anderson (Jr., 5-10, 182)
CB 29 Janoris Jenkins (Fr., 5-10, 185)
CB 5 Joe Haden (So., 5-11, 185)
SS 35 Ahmad Black (So., 5-9, 190)
FS 21 Major Wright (So., 6-0, 200)
SPECIALISTS
PK 38 Jonathan Phillips (Sr., 5-10, 210)
KO 19 Caleb Sturgis (Fr., 5-11, 192)
P 17 Chas Henry (So., 6-4, 215)
LS 43 James Smith (RSr., 6-2, 240)
HLD 37 Butch Rowley (RSr., 6-1, 195)
KR/PR 25 Brandon James (Jr., 5-7, 186)

LSU
OFFENSE
WR 1 Brandon LaFell (Jr., 6-3, 209)
WR 2 Demetrius Byrd (Sr., 6-3, 200)
WR 80 Terrance Toliver (So., 6-5, 194)
LT 70 Ciron Black (Jr., 6-5, 325)
LG 79 Herman Johnson (Sr., 6-7, 375)
C 74 Brett Helms (Sr., 6-3, 278)
RG 65 Kyle Hitt (Jr., 6-2, 289)
RT 78 Joseph Barksdale (So., 6-5, 315)
TE 18 Richard Dickson (Jr., 6-3, 246)
QB 12 Jarrett Lee (RFr., 6-2, 216)
RB 32 Charles Scott (Jr., 5-11, 233)
or FB 45 Quinn Johnson (Sr., 6-2, 262)
DEFENSE
LE 93 Tyson Jackson (Sr., 6-5, 290)
LT 91 Charles Alexander (Sr., 6-3, 310)
RT 90 Ricky Jean-Francois (Jr., 6-3, 289)
RE 49 Kirston Pittman (Sr., 6-4, 257)
SLB 56 Perry Riley (Jr., 6-1, 240)
MLB 48 Darry Beckwith (Sr., 6-1, 232)
WLB 11 Kelvin Sheppard (So., 6-3, 237)
or NB 44 Danny McCray (Jr., 6-1, 212)
or DiB 3 Chad Jones (So., 6-3, 214)
CB 29 Chris Hawkins (Jr., 6-1, 184)
CB 4 Jai Eugene (So., 5-11, 191)
SPECIALISTS
PK 6 Colt David (Sr., 5-9, 172)
KO 30 Josh Jasper (So., 5-11, 165)
P/HLD 38 Brady Dalfrey (Sr., 6-0, 213)
LS 85 Alex Russian (RFr., 6-4, 239)
KR 8 Trindon Holliday (Jr., 5-5, 164)
PR 3 Chad Jones (So., 6-3, 214)

THE BETTING LINES
bodoglife.com: Florida minus-6
sportsbook.com: Florida minus-6
Vegas: Florida minus-6

THE PERCY SITUATION
Florida coach Urban Meyer says he expects Florida receiver Percy Harvin to play on Saturday but Meyer also says he won't know for sure until Friday. Harvin sprained his ankle against Arkansas and had three carries and three receptions against the Hogs. Harvin practiced on Wednesday for the first time this week but was limited. My gut feeling: After watching Harvin walk off the practice field on Wednesday with no sign of limp and no ankle brace, I'm going to have to say that Harvin will see the field on Saturday night.

MOST IMPORTANT
Florida quarterback Tim Tebow said that Saturday's game is going to feature "speed, speed and more speed." That might be true, but the contest will likely be won at the line of scrimmage. At question: Can Florida's defensive line limit LSU running back Charles Scott? Scott will be running behind an enormous offensive line, which features a powerful left side. LSU junior left tackle Ciron Black (6-5, 325) and senior left guard Herman Johnson (6-7, 375) will look to clear a path for Scott, who is averaging and SEC-best 7.5 yards per carry. Can Florida defensive tackles Lawrence Marsh, Terron Sanders and Matt Patchan free themselves from Black and Johnson? Expect Florida defensive tackle Torrey Davis -- no longer in the doghouse -- to help out.

On offense, Florida's interior running game will have to get creative if scatbacks Chris Rainey and Jeffrey Demps are the best options. A key match-up: LSU defensive tackle Ricky Jean-Francois vs. UF left guard Carl Johnson. If Johnson can't hold his own against one of the best defensive lineman in the SEC, the Jean-Francois just might get his wish, a clean shot at UF's quarterback. Note to Carl Johnson: CLICK ME, Carl, for an important message.

LSU RECEIVERS VS. UF SECONDARY
Everyone expects Florida's receivers to have a big day against LSU's secondary but what about UF's secondary. LSU's receiving corps rivals the Gators in talent and the Tigers have several tall receivers who could give the Gators some problems in one-on-one situations. Keep and eye on LSU junior Brandon LeFell (6-3), senior Demetrius Byrd (6-3) and sophomore Terrance Tolliver (6-5). These receivers will be searching for weaknesses in the Gators' secondary after after watching Arkansas gain 220 yards through the air against Florida last week. Tolliver only has one catch on the season but if he finds himself matched up against UF strong safety Ahmad Black (5-9), Tolliver could see more action.

5 KEYS TO UF VICTORY
5. Force LSU redshirt freshman quarterback Jarrett Lee to pass on third and long.
4. At least five receptions for UF tight end Aaron Hernandez.
3. Keep giving Chris Rainey the ball.
2. Settle for the field goal.
1. Do the words "LSU fourth down" meaning anything to you?

-jo-

Harvin still limited; UF lands major commitment

GAINESVILLE -- Florida receiver Percy Harvin practiced on Wednesday afternoon for the first time this week but was limited, according to UF coach Urban Meyer. Meyer says he thinks Harvin will be able to play on Saturday against LSU.

Other injury updates to report: Meyer said that redshirt junior linebacker Ryan Stamper and freshman safety Will Hill are both "good to go" for Saturday's game. Stamper missed the Arkansas game with a sprained ankle while Hill played sparingly against Arkansas with a sore hamstring.

--Left guard Jim Tartt (shoulder) and Marcus Gilbert (ankle) both practiced on Wednesday but were limited. Meyer said that redshirt sophomore Carl Johnson will start at left guard on Saturday night.

--Freshman defensive tackle Omar Hunter (ankle) did not make the trip to Arkansas last week and has not practiced this week. (Sounds like a typical medical redshirt situation to me.)

--I watched Harvin and running back Emmanuel Moody walk off the practice field on Wednesday. Harvin appeared healthy but Moody had a considerable limp.

ANOTHER 2010 COMMITMENT
Florida picked up its third commitment for the 2010 recruiting cycle on Wednesday and it was a big one. West Palm Beach Dwyer athlete Matt Elam (6-0, 205) orally committed to attend the University of Florida. Elam is projected to be the top recruit in the state of Florida next season.

Oral commitments are non-binding and Elam won't sign with Florida until February of 2010. According to Rivals.com writer Adam Gorney, Florida is the only program in the country with three commitments for the 2010 recruiting cycle.

Not too long ago, Meyer did not like to receive early commitments. His philosophy is changing slightly, he said on Wednesday. Florida's 2010 oral commitments include Elam, Venice quarterback Trey Burton and Fleming Island lineman Ian Silberman.

"It's risky," Meyer said. "You're talking about taking them off of sophomore tape and they're playing their junior year right now. I'm not a big fan of it but like I said if you already know them, know their families and know what they're all about."

Elam, a two-way star for Dwyer but projected as a safety for UF, first met Meyer 10 years ago when Meyer was an assistant at Notre Dame. Elam's brother, Abram, was recruited by Meyer as a receiver for the Fighting Irish.

"I do remember him then," Elam told Rivals.com. "[Meyer] actually taught me a wide receiver's stance then. After that we didn't talk at all. Then I heard he was at my high school my freshman season to recruit a teammate of mine. So I found him and introduced myself. Coach Meyer remembered me and the rest is history. That's when I really starting liking Florida."

MEYER DENIES LSU PATRICK PETERSON'S CLAIM
Back in January, former Pompano Beach Blanche Ely cornerback Patrick Peterson (at the time his name was Patrick Johnson) caused a stir when he told reporters that Florida had alerted the NCAA of problems with Peterson's ACT score. Peterson called Florida "cowards" at the time. On Wednesday, Meyer said Florida never contacted the NCAA about Peterson's ACT scores.

-jo-

Can UF beat LSU with limited Harvin? (with poll)

Little known fact: When UF running back Chris Rainey [PICTURED, NO.8] was a true freshman, he refused to play in shoes. (Much like a young Pele.) UF coach Urban Meyer is a big shoe guy (free trips from Nike), so the coach protested Rainey's no-shoe antics and redshirted the former Lakeland High running back. Now you know why Rainey wears shoes. Here's a picture from Rainey's rebellious days a true freshman, refusing to lace up his Nikes during a game.

_________________________________________________________________

With Moody, Moore and Harvin nursing ankle injuries, will RBs Demps and Rainey be enough to balance the Gators' offense

GAINESVILLE -- Percy Harvin didn't practice on Tuesday, Kestahn Moore is doubtful for Saturday's game against LSU and Emmanuel Moody is unable to play. All three players are suffering from ankle injuries.

If you're counting, that's three potential Florida running backs who are either questionable, doubtful or out for Saturday's game against No.4 LSU (4-0, 2-0). On Tuesday, Meyer said that he thinks Harvin's ankle should be healthy enough to play. Of course, if history is any kind of guide, when Meyer's players don't practice until Wednesday, that usual means they will play a limited role on game day. Assuming Harvin is an exception to the rule, expect the Gators to at least limit his backfield carries and focus Harvin's efforts at slot receiver.

Can No.11 Florida (4-1, 2-1) upset LSU with a limited Percy Harvin? The gambling establishment certainly believes so. News of Harvin's practice status on Tuesday did nothing to the betting lines. According to one offshore betting service, Florida is favored by six points.

With Harvin [PICTURED, NO.1] limited, Moore either out or limited and Moody out, the bulk of the Gators carries will fall to quarterback Tim Tebow, junior return specialist Brandon James and underclassmen running backs Chris Rainey and Jeffrey Demps. (Where are Mon Williams, Bo Williams, Chevy Walker and Jarred Fayson when you need them?)

ANYWAY, Tebow's rushing yards are down this season while Rainey and Demps just turned in the best games of their young careers. Rainey is a redshirt freshman and Demps is a true frosh. They combined for 206 rushing yards and three touchdowns against Arkansas. James, the return man, has performed well in spots as a running back but hasn't had any significant success out of the backfield.

Rainey's and Demps' performances against Arkansas provided hope for this week, but is anyone out there really convinced Rainey and Demps can run the ball effectively against LSU based on the Arkansas game? Arkansas ranks last in the SEC in average rushing defense (208.4 yards per game). Meanwhile, LSU is ranked third and only allowing an average of 69.0 yards per game. The Tigers have allowed just three rushing touchdowns this season.

Rainey and Demps [PICTURED, NO.2] had touchdown runs of 75, 48 and 36 yards against Arkansas but, according to Tebow, long touchdown runs by those players would only be a bonus against LSU. Tebow says Rainey and Demps must help establish the Gators' short-yardage running game.

If the long run isn't there, Tebow says it's important that Rainey and Demps "get us two or three yards and keep us in a good down and distance."

More to the point, Tebow was asked directly if UF needed big games from Demps and Rainey to win.

"I think so," Tebow said. "Do they need to make 80-yard runs like they did last week? I don't know. That would be nice -- be extremely nice -- but just manage the ball; get us in good down and distances; if they're in pass protection, make sure they pick up their blocks: those types of things first to keep the offense going and then, when they get in the open field, if they make somebody miss, that's just a plus."

-jo-

Florida responds to take-out-Tebow rhetoric

GAINESVILLE -- UF quarterback Tim Tebow's official response to LSU's Ricky Jean-Francois: Bring it.

We're paraphrasing, of course. Timmy didn't say "bring it," but in so many words Tebow let it be known he isn't scared of a little trash talk from LSU's underclassman defensive end. Jean-Francois said last week that LSU wanted to take out Tebow.

"I don't think it's ever really a good thing to talk trash because all it does is fire your opponent up. At least that's how it is for me," Tebow said. "Whatever you can use as motivation."

On Tuesday, LSU's sports information office issued this clarification to Ricky's trash talk. Apparently, Ricky sat down and wrote this (In other words, LSU's sports information office wrote this.):

"We never go into any football game trying to hurt a player from the other team. My comments in regard to Florida quarterback Tim Tebow were misinterpreted and were intended to reflect the style of football that we play at LSU. We have great respect for Tim as a player and a competitor. By taking him of the game, I meant as a defense we are going to try to make him ineffective. I'm sorry my initial comments were interpreted another way."

Well, you're in luck, Ricky. Tebow knew what you meant.

"I'm a competitor, so I think he wasn't meaning it like a lot of people took it," Tebow said. "You try to use anything as motivation, too, but I don't really think he meant everything he said. But part of it was true, we do have a good training staff."

Florida coach Urban Meyer wasn't as understanding about Jean-Francois' comments.

"There's no place for that. If you hear one of our guys say something, we just take him out the media. You know what I think happens, and I don't know this guy, but I think people just say 'Give me something.' Our players have told me that. That someone says 'Give me something,' and they stick a microphone in a 19-year-old's face and say, 'Give me something to say to this guy.' I don't care, but I wish that stuff wouldn't happen."

Urban, you're in the minority on this one. We love smack talk here.

-jo-

HOT TOPICS: Why does LSU out-recruit UF in Miami?

GAINESVILLE -- Here's a good question to discuss in the days leading up to this Saturday's game: Why does LSU out-recruit UF in Miami?

Florida hasn't landed a recruit from the 305 area code since Dorian Munroe of Miami Coral Reef signed with the Gators in February of 2005. Some of LSU's best players are from Miami. What's the deal? Miami is loaded with high school talent and the University of Florida is a major state university with a great football program. Shouldn't UF be able to land at least one or two players from Miami-Dade every February?

And don't give me the line about Miami and UM coach Randy Shannon shutting everyone out. Other SEC schools have had success in Miami. The team Florida is playing this week, LSU, is one of those teams. LSU routinely raids Miami-Dade for some of its best players. Defensive lineman Ricky Jean-Francois of Carol City is a star at LSU and so is receiver Demetrius Byrd [PICTURED, NO.2] of Miami Central.

And what about Patrick Peterson -- formerly Patrick Johnson -- of Pompano Beach Blanche Ely? Peterson claims that UF coach Urban Meyer was so upset that Peterson [PICTURED, NO.7] chose LSU over Florida that Meyer alerted the NCAA Clearinghouse of Peterson's low ACT test scores. The NCAA flagged Peterson's academic record last year.

Here's what Peterson told the New Orleans Times-Picayune about the incident: "I'm not upset. Florida made an issue about the ACT score. They're cowards. They had to go behind my back. But that's OK. We play them this year."

Some blame former UF assistant Doc Holliday for Florida's lack of recruiting success in Miami. I'm not buying that. Why? Because Holliday left for West Virginia this offseason and he already has one commitment from Miami-Dade (Miami Northwestern running back Daquan Hargrett).

Can somebody give me a rational reason why LSU has success recruiting Miami-Dade County and Florida does not?

HEAD HUNTING WITH RICKY JEAN-FRANCOIS
Jean-Francois apparently told the Orlando Sentinel last week that he is going to try his best to take UF quarterback Tim Tebow out of the game on Saturday.

"If we get a good shot on [Tebow], we're going to try out best to take him out of the game," Jean-Francois was quoted as saying. "With his size and his heart, it's hard to get a clean shot. I think every lineman wants to get a good hit on a Heisman Trophy winner."

Does anyone have a problem with Jean-Francois [PICTURED, NO.90] saying this? LSU apparently does. They have made Jean-Francois (and for that matter Demetrius Byrd) off limits to the media this week.


-jo-

No.4 LSU is the Rodney Dangerfield of the SEC

PICTURED: Two men underappreciated in their time ... LSU coach Les Miles and comedian Rodney Dangerfield.

GAINESVILLE -- Those LSU Tigers must be feeling like the Rodney Dangerfields of college football this week. Like Dangerfield used to say, the Tigers "get no respect."

No.4 LSU (4-0, 2-0) has been dissed every way possible so far this season and now the Tigers are considered underdogs for Saturday's away game against Florida (4-1, 2-1), a team that lost to Ole Miss at home. No respect, I tell ya'.

Florida is a five-point favorite against the defending national champions, a team the Gators lost to 28-24 last season. Adding to the insults, LSU has been leapfrogged in the national AP Top 25 twice in the last two weeks. None other than Alabama (coached by former LSU man Nick Saban) moved ahead of LSU last week and this week Missouri -- MISSOURI! -- jumped the Tigers.

"I really, honestly, don't know what that's all about," LSU sophomore linebacker Kelvin Sheppard told reporters on Monday. "I don't know what we have to do to prove ourselves.

"What do we have to do to get some attention? Well, I guess going down [to Gainesville] this weekend, I think me and my team, we've definitely got something to show everybody."

-jo-

REPORT CARD: Gators grade out at 91.8 percent

Changing up the weekly grades a bit. I'm sure everyone will enjoy...

GAINESVILLE -- Florida junior Brandon James is Gator Clause's player of the week for his contributions against Arkansas. James had a two-yard touchdown catch, executed a fake punt for a first down and recovered a fumble on special teams. And, if not for a blocking penalty, James would have also had a punt return for a touchdown. Player of the week runners up include sophomore strong safety Ahmad Black (blocked field goal), sophomore cornerback Joe Haden (interception), freshman running back Jeffrey Demps (two touchdowns).

QUARTERBACKS 90 percent
Junior quarterback Tim Tebow, competing with a sore back, tossed his first interception of the season in the third quarter against Arkansas. He made up for the error, however by leading an impressive touchdown drive to begin the fourth quarter. Tebow has missed on a few deep passes the past two games but he leads the SEC in passing efficiency with a league-best completion percentage of 61.7 percent. He also has the highest quarterback rating in the SEC (148) and leads the league in touchdown-to-interception ratio (plus-seven).

RUNNING BACKS 94 percent
Underclassmen running backs Chris Rainey and Jeffrey Demps combined for 206 yards rushing. Demps scored a 36-yard touchdown on first down-and-30 in the second quarter, bailing out his penalty-prone offensive line. He also scored with a minute left in the game. Rainey rushed for a 75-yard score in the fourth quarter to put the game away. Some say Rainey and Demps rushing yards were deceiving because many of the yards came in the fourth quarter. Another way to view it, these speedy backs are serious weapons in any fourth quarter when opposing defenses are slower.

RECEIVERS 92 percent
Senior Louis Murphy (five catches, 70 yards) turned in his best game of the season and junior Percy Harvin had a touchdown catch. Junior Carl Moore and redshirt freshman Deonte Thompson got involved. They had two receptions each for a 68 yards combined.

OFFENSIVE LINE 89 percent
Take away the penalties and Florida coach Urban Meyer said on Monday that the offensive line played its best game of the season. Florida had two 100-yard rushers for the first time since 1997. Eight penalties and one sack subtract from the total.

PLAY CALLING 94 percent
Florida scored every time it reached the red zone (3-for-3) and scored a touchdown on a first down-and-30 situation. Also, the Gators converted 3-of-3 fourth-down chances.

SPECIAL TEAMS 97 percent
Aside from the blocking penalty on Brandon James' would-be punt return for a touchdown, the Gators were at their best on special teams. Chas Henry averaged 46 yards per punt and placed two inside the Arkansas 20. James successfully faked a punt and also recovered a fumble on punt defense. Ahmad Black blocked a field goal.

DEFENSIVE LINE 88 percent
The Gators registered four sacks but allowed Arkansas running back Michael Smith to gain 133 yards on 20 carries (an average of 6.7 yards per carry). UF freshman Matt Patchan recorded his first career sack.

LINEBACKERS 89 percent
Arkansas' crossing patterns caught the Gators' linebackers by surprise as Arkansas quarterback Casey Dick threw for 220 yards. A.J. Jones forced a fumble and Brandon Hicks, making his first career start, had six tackles.

SECONDARY 93 percent
Defensive backs Major Wright and Joe Haden led the Gators in tackles (11 each). Haden had an interception at the goal line to end a scoring threat. Ahmad Black made several touchdown-saving tackles.

OVERALL 91.8 percent
These days the Florida Gators' toughest critics are their own fans. But despite what you might read on a message board, Florida is playing like one of the best teams in the Southeastern Conference. No.11 Florida (4-1, 2-1 in SEC) is leading the league in scoring average (36 points) and is ranked third in average scoring defense (11.4 points). The Gators played above both of those averages against Arkansas.

-jo-

NOTEBOOK: Ma. Pouncey, Demps honored by SEC

GAINESVILLE -- Florida sophomore offensive lineman Maurkice Pouncey and UF freshman running back Jeffrey Demps were named SEC players of the week by the league office on Monday.

Pouncey, the Gators' center, was named offensive player of the week after UF piled up 278 yards rushing. That total is the most against an SEC opponent under Florida coach Urban Meyer.

Ummm, just a quick question. Did the SEC watch UF 38, Arkansas 7 or just look at the stat sheet? Florida's offensive line made several major mistakes on Saturday. The O-line was flagged eight times. Well, for what it's worth, Maurkice Pouncey was never penalized and, according to Florida, graded out at 94 percent.

Demps rushed for 103 yards on seven carries and scored on touchdown runs of 48 and 36 yards. The true freshman combined with redshirt freshman Chris Rainey (10 carries, 103 yards) to become Florida's first 100-yard-rushing tandem since 1997 and the first freshmen duo in school history to accomplish the 100-100 feat.

GATORS NOW NO.11
The Gators moved up one spot in this week's AP Top 25 poll. No.11 Florida (4-1, 2-1 in SEC) is now the highest ranked college football in the state of Florida after USF lost to Pittsburgh. USF dropped from No.10 to No.19. Florida is the third-highest ranked one-loss team in the AP poll behind No.8 USC (3-1, 1-1 in PAC-10) and No.10 Georgia (4-1, 1-1 in SEC).

VANDY SMACK TALK?
For the first time in the history of the world, a Florida coach is taunting a Vandy coach. Florida running backs coach Kenny Carter coached at Vandy last season. He congratulated Vandy coach Bobby Johnson for his win against Auburn but then jokingly offered this: "Too bad you are going to be in second place once we get into the thick of things."

MOODY TO MISS LSU
Don't expect Florida running back Emmanuel Moody to be healthy enough to play against LSU on Saturday. Moody suffered a high-ankle sprain against Ole Miss. When asked on Monday about the Gators' injured running backs, Carte said redshirt senior Kestahn Moore could be ready to play against LSU. Moore also has a sprained ankle.

-jo-

Percy Harvin not practicing

GAINESVILLE -- A few hastily written notes on a Sunday night.

--Florida began practice around 7:30 on Sunday night. The team practiced in shorts and Percy Harvin (ankle) rested while the team participated in drills.

--Palmetto defensive end Kedric Johnson committed to UF on Thursday night. It's the Gators' 11th committment for the 2009 recruiting cycle, which includes Auburn, Ala., safety Dee Finley, who did not qualify in 2008.

Johnson, rated a three-star recruit by Rivals, is a speedy 6-4, 215-pound pass rusher in the mold of UF freshmen William Green and Earl Okine.

-jo-

Is Tebow secretly playing through pain?

GAINESVILLE -- Is anyone out there other than me convinced that Florida quarterback Tim Tebow is playing despite chronic soreness in his back?

I asked Tebow the question on Saturday after the 38-7 win against Ole Miss and Tebow smiled, paused for a moment and said, "I was all right."

Thoughts, anyone? From the press box, I couldn't help but notice Tebow constantly stretching on the sidelines during the game, as if his back was stiff.

MESSAGE BOARD HYSTERIA
I've been cruising through the Florida message boards this morning and fans are in complete meltdown mode about the Gators' offense. A quick thought before I board my plane for Gainesville: Despite the offense's inconsistent play, the Gators are among the SEC leaders in scoring. According to secsports.com this morning, Florida's offense is tied with LSU for second in the SEC at 35.5 points per game.

FLORIDA PRACTICING TODAY
According to Florida's sports information department, the Gators are practicing on Sunday night and will take Monday off.

-jo-

FINAL: UF 38, Arkansas 7

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- Florida's offense gained 514 yards of total offense in its 38-7 win against Arkansas on Saturday at Razorback Stadium.

The Gators weren't explosive, however, until the fourth quarter when quarterback Tim Tebow led an impressive touchdown drive to give the Gators a 24-7 lead. Florida coach Urban Meyer called Tebow's 21-yard touchdown pass to the Percy Harvin the quarterback's best pass of season.

Florida's running back tandem of Chris Rainey and Jeffrey Demps combined for 206 yards on the ground and three long touchdowns. Demps scored on runs of 36 and 48 yards while Rainey had a 75-yard touchdown run.

THIRD QUARTER BELOW
UF 17, UA 7: Arkansas cut Florida's lead to 17-7 with 5:50 left in the third quarter when UA running back Michael Smith rushed for a six-yard score.
Drive highlight: 16-yard reception by UA freshman Joe Adams to the UF 27.

UF 17, UA 0: Florida took a three-score lead with 9:17 left in the third quarter with a 37-yard field goal by Jonathan Phillips.
Drive highlights: Percy Harvin made his first reception of the game, a 12-yard pick up.
Drive lowlight: UF offensive tackle missed a blocking assignment, allowing a seven-yard sack.

HALFTIME STAT
Percy Harvin: 0 receptions for 0 yards.

HALFTIME: UF 14, Arkansas 0

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- Welcome back to the scoreboard Jeffrey Demps. UF's true freshman running back scored his second rushing touchdown of the season in the second quarter on Saturday to give Florida a 14-0 lead.

Demps' 36-yard touchdown run featured several downfield blocks by UF receivers. It was Demps' first score since his 62-yard touchdown run against Hawaii in the season opener.
Drive highlights: None.
Drive lowlights: Two penalties giving UF first-and-30 from the UA 36.

--Demps' score was made possible by a fumbled punt from Arkansas return specialist Michael Smith at the UA 21. UF's Brandon James recovered the muffed punt at the UA 16.

--UF defensive tackle Torrey Davis entered the game in the second quarter and assisted on a tackle with Terron Sanders. Davis was suspended for the first four games of the season.

--UF offensive lineman Ronnie Wilson was a member of the Gators' extra-point team until the second quarter, when he injured his knee. Wilson's participation on Saturday was his first for the Gators since 2006. Wilson was suspended for the 2007 season.

-jo-

1st Q: UF 7, Arkansas 0

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- UF took a 7-0 the lead with 6:54 left when quarterback Tim Tebow shoveled a two-yard touchdown pass to running back Brandon James. The 10-play drive spanned five minutes and three seconds and 64 yards.
Drive Highlights: 14-yard run by Percy Harvin, 27-yard pass from Tim Tebow to Carl Moore, two-yard run by Tebow on fourth-and-one from UA 5.   

--Carl Johnson is starting at left guard for injured redshirt senior Jim Tartt (shoulder) and injured redshirt sophomore Marcus Gilbert (ankle). Johnson delivered an excellent block during the Gators' first drive of the game, springing junior Percy Harvin for a 14-yard gain.

--Florida freshman cornerback Janoris Jenkins received his second consecutive start on Saturday. He had two pass deflections in the first quarter. Overall, UF's secondary played well in the first quarter. Strong safety Ahmad Black made an open-field tackle, saving a touchdown and he made another impressive tackle on an Arkansas fourth down, denying the Hogs a first down.

-jo-

PREGAME: Tim Tebow, the Ozarks and eating Hogs

FAYETTEVILLE -- They're "calling the Hogs" here at Razorback Stadium. This is when everyone screams "Whoo-whew pig sooie," or something like that. I hear they're serving BBQ in the stadium and that's kind of weird to me. Eating your own mascot is sick and demented.

It was a pretty drive into Northwest Arkansas yesterday. The Ozark Mountains are beautiful. It's overcast for kickoff and 65.8 degrees, according to weather.org. The pregame was nice. Arkansas' choir sang the Star Spangled Banner and there was a four-jet flyover. Also, Arkansas' students are a spirited bunch. Good to know someone is awake for this 11:30 p.m. central time kickoff. Sheesh!

--PREGAME NOTES: DTs Brandon Antwine and Torrey Davis are dressed and appear ready for action.

--UF offensive lineman Carl Johnson is really showing his excitement before the game. He returned Arkansas' initial boos with some Gator chomps and is bouncing around uncontrollably. He must be starting.

-jo-

PICTURE THIS: My official prediction for UF vs. Arkansas

GAINESVILLE -- Tusks lose. Nuff said.

This picture reminds me, if anyone can find a YouTube clip or a photograph of the scene in Rambo when Stallone hunts the wild boar with the 20-inch Bowie knife, that would be great. Just post the link.

-jo-

 

Tebow says he'll try harder; Is he trying too hard already?

GAINESVILLE -- Florida quarterback Tim Tebow needs to lighten up. After losing to Ole Miss, Tebow said he's going to work harder than anyone else in the country. But maybe he's already working too hard.

Tebow was asked on Wednesday if anyone suggested this week that he play "looser" than he did against Ole Miss. It seemed like a valid question. After all, Tebow did over throw more targets last Saturday than Vladimir Lenin and Che Guevara combined. Upon processing the word "looser," Tebow looked at the reporter like he had five eyeballs.

"I don't know," Tebow said. "I don't know, really, technically, 'looser.'"

Yes, "looser," Timmy. I realize it's not a very technical term. It's one of those intangible ideas, like Kansas coach Mark Mangino's neck. To quote the great Sidney Deane, some people listen to Jimi and some people hear Jimi. In other words, some people play loose and some people don't. Brett Favre hears Jimi. Favre plays loose. Football is a dance and good quarterbacks play it with rhythm.

In competitive sports, playing "loose" is sometimes the difference between winning and losing. Earlier this week, Florida coach Urban Meyer came close to saying Tebow let his nerves get the best of him against Ole Miss. "I don't want to say he's pressing," Meyer said.

Well, actually coach, I think you do. Address the problem. Don't hide from it and hope it goes away. If no one has told Tebow to loosen up in the pocket, then UF's coaches are doing the player a great disservice. OK, I know it's not in my job description, but I'll do it.

Timmy, if you're reading this, lighten up a little bit. Have some fun. Your post-game speech last Saturday kind of freaked me out. It was almost like you had a mini nervous breakdown.

In case you missed it, Tebow apologized to Florida fans for Saturday's loss and vowed to work harder than anyone in the country and also lead his team like no other leader has ever led a team since Scott Howard. (OK, Tebow didn't reference Scott Howard. That, of course, is an example of lightening the mood.)

Tebow, don't get me started. You, of all people, should never apologize to anyone. Especially a bunch of football fans. Does anyone realize how much money the University of Florida makes off of Tebow? Does anyone realize how much enjoyment Tebow brings to Florida fans?

ANYWAY, Tebow needs to figure out what this confusing word "looser" means and then quit trying so hard. Take an off day. Go on a date. Go to the beach. Play a practical joke on Percy. Eat sugar. Go to the mall and buy some new Crocs. Do anything except waste your time worrying about working harder.

-jo-

NOTEBOOK: LB Dustin Doe out at least two weeks

GAINESVILLE -- Florida junior weak-side linebacker Dustin Doe is scheduled to have surgery on Wednesday to correct sports hernia, according to UF coach Urban Meyer. Florida defensive coordinator Charlie Strong says he plans to elevate reserve linebacker Brandon Hicks to first-string defense until Doe returns.

Strong expects Doe to miss this Saturday's away game against Arkansas and the home game against LSU in two weeks. Hicks will start against Arkansas in place of reserve linebacker Ryan Stamper, who is still recovering from a sprained ankle he suffered against Miami.

The Gators' two-deep depth chart at linebacker for this Saturday will be:

STRONG-SIDE
A.J. Jones (RSo., 6-1, 225)
Lorenzo Edwards (So., 6-2, 232)

MIDDLE
Brandon Spikes (Jr., 6-3, 245)
Ryan Stamper (RJr. 6-2, 232) [IF HEALTHY]
Lorenzo Edwards (So., 6-2, 232)

WEAK-SIDE
Brandon Hicks (So., 6-2, 225)
John Jones (So., 6-2, 225)

WHEN WILL MOODY RETURN?
Redshirt sophomore Emmanuel Moody is questionable for Saturday's game in Fayetteville. Meyer would like to get Moody back into the starting line-up as soon as possible. The coach was pleased with what he saw out of Moody against Tennessee and Ole Miss.

"I thought he ran real hard," Meyer said. "When you envision a running back dropping his pads on a safety like he did, getting those extra yards after a run -- I'm real impressed with the way Emmanuel is running. That's two weeks in a row."

Meyer listed Moody as probable for next week's game against LSU.

REPLACING STARTERS
Wednesday's practice will focus on finalizing a couple starting positions. Hicks is expected to start at weak-side linebacker for an injured Doe and redshirt sophomore Carl Johnson (6-6, 320) is penciled in at left guard to replace Marcus Gilbert and Jim Tartt.

"We're going berserk on fundamentals right now, so there wasn't a whole lot of rah-rah and win one for the Gipper," Meyer said. "We're just trying to find who is going to replace a couple of injured players."

MORE PERCY AT RUNNING BACK
Receiver Percy Harvin led the Gators in rushing against Ole Miss with 82 yards on 10 carries and one touchdown. Meyer says "it's possible" that the junior could receive more carries against Arkansas, considering Moody won't be available and every other running back on the roster combined for 19 yards on six carries against the Rebels.

"We're still finalizing some game plan right now," Meyer said.

Harvin says he's ready to help the team any way he can and disappointed about the loss to Ole Miss despite his career day. In addition to his show at running back, Harvin also caught 13 passes for 186 yards and a receiving touchdown. On Tuesday, he said he was satisfied because his fumble in the third quarter led to Ole Miss points.

"Me putting the extra weight on was in case I had to take a few more snaps in the backfield," Harvin said. "I'm prepared if needed."

EIGHT STARTERS OUT
Meyer says Florida has lost eight starters due to injuries since the offseason. The coach has pointed out the number several times this week. If you're counting, the Gators are technically down to their fourth-string option at left guard. (Carl Johnson is the projected starter for Saturday, followed by James Wilson and Ronnie Wilson.)

"That's why you recruit," Meyer said.

Here are the injured eight:
Cornelius Ingram TE
Dorian Munroe SS
Ryan Stamper LB
Dustin Doe WLB
Jim Tartt LG
Marcus Gilbert LG
Emmanuel Moody RB
Maurice Hurt LG

SEC BETTING LINES
Let's see which teams are favored this weekend and by how much...
No.12 Florida (-25) at Arkansas
South Carolina at Ole Miss (-2 1/2)
Kentucky at Alabama (-17)
Auburn (-4 1/2) at Vanderbilit
Northern Illinois at Tennessee (-15 1/2)
OPEN: Georgia, LSU, Mississippi State

-jo-