Gator Clause

Percy Harvin not practicing for Florida Gators

GAINESVILLE -- SEC championship week began on Sunday and already Alabama is trying to sabotage the Gators.

Florida coach Urban Meyer spoke with league reporters on Sunday via telephone conference call and the fire alarm inexplicably sounded inside the Gators' football facility during the interview. "What the heck is that?" said Meyer, who joined the press conference 15 minutes late.

--The Gators lost junior Percy Harvin to an ankle injury in the first half against FSU and Meyer said on Sunday that Harvin is questionable for Saturday's game against Alabama. Florida's coach said that Harvin would not practice on Sunday. The Gators' off day is Monday. Harvin left Doak Campbell Stadium in crutches and a protective boot on Saturday.

--Saturday's game between No.1 Alabama (12-0) and No.2 Florida (11-1) is the first match-up of the nation's top ranked teams in the SEC championship game.

--Florida remained at No.4 in the BCS standings on Sunday. Oklahoma (11-1) jumped ahead of Texas (11-1) to No.2 in the BCS standings, meaning the Sooners will play Mizzou in the Big 12 championship game by way of the league's fifth tie-breaker, which states that in the event of a tie in divisional play, then the highest ranked team in the BCS standings will play for the conference championship. Texas, Oklahoma and Texas Tech are all tied for first place in the Big 12 South.

--If Oklahoma loses to Missouri in the Big 12 championship game, then could USC could be in a position to play the winner of the SEC championship game in the BCS title game on Jan.8? No. USC (11-1) is ranked No.5 in the BCS, behind Alabama, Oklahoma, Texas and Florida. If Oklahoma loses, then Texas could play for the national championship.

--If Florida beats Alabama in the SEC championship game, could there be a rematch between Alabama and Florida in the national championship? It's unlikely but could become an outside possibility if Oklahoma loses to Missouri and Florida beats Alabama in a classic game.

--UF defensive tackle Brandon Antwine is doubtful for Saturday's game against Alabama, according to Meyer. Antwine is the second defensive tackle to suffer a knee injury in as many weeks. Against The Citadel, Matt Patchan injured a ligament in his knee. Meyer said that Florida will use a four-man rotation at defensive tackle in Atlanta: Terron Sanders, Torrey Davis, Lawrence Marsh and Jaye Howard. Like Patchan, Marsh injured his knee against The Citadel but played at about 70 percent on Saturday, according to Meyer.

--Meyer said that defensive end Carlos Dunlap could move inside to play defensive tackle.

-jo-

FINAL: Florida Gators 45, Florida State 15

TALLAHASSEE -- As usual, there wasn't much to blog about in the second half on Saturday. It was another incredible performance for the Gators. The 45-15 final score was a record for UF at Doak Campbell Stadium for points in a game.

A few notes before I drive back to Gainesville tonight...Well, I'm catching a ride since my car broke down (read more about that at the bottom of this post).

--The 30-point margin of victory by Florida was the its largest in Tallahassee. The 45 points scored by the Gators today were their most in Doak Campbell Stadium since 1972.

--Florida has won five straight against FSU, marking the longest streak since UF won six-straight wins over FSU (Doug Dickey win seven straight.)

--Florida has allowed FSU to score one touchdown in the last two meetings.

--UF totaled 502 yards of total offense, its third-straight game over 500 yards.

--The Gators gained 317 yards rushing to exceed 300 yards on the ground for the third game in a row.

--UF is undefeated in the road games this season and has won each of its last six on the road.

--Florida has scored 42 or more points in each of its last seven games, which is the longest active streak in the nation. UF is the only team that has ever been a part of the SEC to score 42 or more points in seven straight games.

--Tim Tebow had his 12th rushign touchdown of the year midway through the second quarter. Half of Tebow's rushing touchdowns have come against Top 25 teams. His six rushing touchdowns against Top 25 teams this year leads all players nationally.

--Tebow's rushing touchdown in the first half was the 43rd of his career. Tebow's total is tied for fifth all-time in SEC history with Auburn's Bo Jackson. Herschel Walker owns the league record with 49.

--Chas Henry's 67-yard punt midway through the first quarter was the longest of his career and the longest since Eric Wilbur's 75-yard punt against Tennessee in 2003.

--Major Wright's interception midway through the first quarter was the 21st by the Gators this year and the third by Wright. UF entered the game tied second nationally in interceptions.

--UF has outscored its last seven opponents 136-3 in the first quarter of games.

--Brandon Spikes' interception on the first play of the second half was his fourth of the season. Spikes is one of three linebackers nationally to have four interceptions in a season vs. Top 25 teams.

--Jermaine Cunningham had his first blocked extra point by a Gator since Jarvis Moss in 2006. UF has blocked eight kicks this season.

*UF's sports information department contributed to these notes.

LIVE BLOG BELOW
Halftime stats: Tebow leads UF in rushing with 71 yards on 10 carries and a touchdown. Jeff Demps has 65 yards on five carries. FSU senior running back Antone Smith has 32 yards on six carries. (That's already a career high for Smith against the Gators.)

--UF leading 28-9 with 57 seconds left in the first half. Like last season, UF is scoring touchdowns and FSU is kicking field goals. The Gators' final touchdown drive of the half was a beautiful use of the two-minute drill, considering UF never gets a chance to run its hurry-up offense. The drive (five plays, 76 yards, 1:03) ended with a 24-yard touchdown pass from Tebow to tight end Aaron Hernandez. Hernandez has two touchdowns.

Tebow moved the pile four yards for a touchdown with 5:33 left in the first half to give the Gators a 21-3 lead. These muddy conditions make Tebow the Gators' most valuable player (as if he wasn't already, right?). Harvin on the sidelines with his right shoe and sitting on the training table.

--Florida junior Percy Harvin injured his right ankle with 6:44 left in the second half. Predictably, the classy FSU fans at Doak Campbell cheered the injury. Florida on the FSU 8. Tebow is pumped up. He spoke to Harvin and then pointed to the Gators' fans and began waving his arms in the air. Demps rolled his ankle pretty good. His return is questionable.

--Jeffery Demps' fumble with 10:38 appeared disastrous for the Gators but FSU's offense sputtered and the Noles settled for a 36-yard field goal by Graham Gano. Should be interesting to see if Florida goes to back-up running back Emmanuel Moody on the next series. Gators lead 14-3.

Florida with 109 rushing yards on 14 carries in the first quarter. The rain doesn't seem to be slowing the down the Gators as much as it is the Noles. FSU just attempted a reverse on third-and-2 but Bert Reed slipped in the backfield.

--This is going to be the Run-Tebow-Run game. Tebow now has seven carries for 50 yards. The Gators lead 14-3 after Tebow threw across his body and across the field to tight end Aaron Hernandez, who was wide open in the end zone. The drive's key plays were a 24-yard gain from Tebow (featuring the highlight reel trucking of FSU safety Jamie Robinson) and a 44-yard run by Jeffery Demps to the FSU 8. The touchdown drive was made possible by an interception from Major Wright on the UF 16. UF cornerback Janoris Jenkins tipped the pass, which was intended for FSU receiver Bert Reed.

--Percy Harvin gives UF a 7-0 lead but FSU finds momentum with a 63-yard kickoff return by Michael Ray Garvin. The Noles settled for a field goal but held UF to three-and-punt on the next series.

--UF quarterback Tim Tebow just slid for about five yards following a 17-yard gain. (First and only time you'll ever see that guy slide at the end of a run). ANYWAY, it's going to be interesting to see how UF deals with these conditions. The Gators just spent a timeout with 13:37 left in the first quarter.

--Jim Tartt gets the start at left guard.

PREGAME BELOW
This is a bad game for knee injuries, so playing defensive lineman Lawrence Marsh could be risky for the Gators. Marsh sprained his MCL last week but is dressed out this afternoon.

Sitting here at Doak Campbell Stadium and watching the field melt before my eyes. It rained so hard 30 minutes before kickoff that the field paint began streaming off the field in little garnet and white rivers.

The field is saturated and appears on the verge of turning into garnet and white soup. Another band of showers and standing water will begin pooling onto the field. Speaking of bands...FSU's tuba players slipped and tumbled throughout their pregame routine.

It has been a hectic day so far for the folks at Gator Clause. Our company truck broke down on I-10. Here's how many good Samaritans stopped to help: 0.0.

-jo-

Bobby Bowden disco dancing with Tim Tebow, plus more random stuff

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Saturday Night Fever! Starring Tim Tebow, Bobby Bowden and Chris Rainey.

Cup o' Links (with my own creative headlines, of course!
Percy Harvin is the Seminoles slayer
FSU freshman receiver has extra incentive against Gators
Deonte Thompson buzz'n about, by Ben Volin of the Palm Beach Post
FSU hasn't done diddley, by Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel
FSU, copy cats?, by Mike DiRocco of the Florida (Jacksonville) Times-Union
'Noles said no thanks to Jeffery Demps, by Antonya English of the St. Petersburg Times
Best Gators offense ever, by John Weinfuss of the Panama City News-Herald
Gators knock off Washington, men's basketball from Kansas City, Mo.

GAINESVILLE -- Random thoughts as I ingest hot liquids this morning. And by hot liquids, we do not mean stolen beverages from the Springs dormitory. We mean this!

The Gators needed 11 three-pointers to beat Washington 86-84 in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday night in a CBE Classic consolation game. That's good news and bad news. The good news is Walter Hodge shaved the name of his daughter "Kiki" into the side of his head. The bad news is Washington is awful. UF lost to Syracuse on Monday night. The 'Cuse beat Kansas in overtime on Tuesday night in the championship game of the CBE Classic. 

Back to the whole Kiki thing. I first wrote that "Kiki" was Hodge's girlfriend. That's wrong, of course. Kiki is Hodge's daughter. I've actually met Kiki, so I feel pretty silly for forgetting her name. Anyway...

Today is the day before Thanksgiving. Or, as I like to call it, "Holy Fred Funk, I forgot to thaw out the turkey!" You know you're officially old when you host your first family Thanksgiving. I've got a big family and most of them are coming down to Gainesville from Birmingham, Ala. I'm pretty sure it's the first Goldman-Goodman Thanksgiving in the history of Alachua County.

What's the one non-essential side dish you've got to have at Thanksgiving? (OK, that sentence made no sense.) Essential side dishes (as I see it) are dressing, giblet gravy, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce and cornbread. The Goldman-Goodman Thanksgiving will feature the non-essential side dishes of collard greens, baked apples and carrot salad.

Keep the Pouncey family, your family, my family and all families in your thoughts and prayers on this day of travel. I'll do the same.

-jo-

What do Gators and 'Noles have in common? Beating 'Canes, of course

GAINESVILLE -- There's more than just national bragging rights at stake on Saturday in Tallahassee. To a lesser degree, state bragging rights are also on the line for the Gators. UF hasn't beaten both Miami and Florida State in the same season since 1985.

Both Florida and FSU beat Miami this season, so the "Sunshine Cup" is up for grabs. Florida is a 14-point favorite but something tells me it's going to be a little closer than that. FSU defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews thinks so, too.

"It don't matter what our stats are or what there stats are," Andrews said. "It's how we go play Saturday. It ain't about what has happened in the past. What's going to happen on Saturday? That's the only thing that matters. It's going to be pretty wild and reckless around here at 3:30 Saturday."

-jo-

Pouncey twins miss practice in wake of family tragedy

GAINESVILLE -- Florida offensive linemen Mike and Maurkice Pouncey did not attend practice on Tuesday, one day after their father, Rob Webster, was injured while at work in Lakeland.

Webster, who works at a Lakeland feed supply business, was pinned between two train cars on Monday and lost his leg, according to a friend of the family. Webster was taken to Lakeland Regional Medical Center and is in critical but stable condition.

"I've talked to the family," said UF coach Urban Meyer, who visited the Pouncey family in Lakeland on Monday night. "They're all part of our family."

No.2 Florida (10-1) plays at No.23 Florida State (8-3) on Saturday. Meyer said on Tuesday that he expects the Pouncey twins to practice on Wednesday.

"They will [be ready to play]," UF quarterback Tim Tebow said. "They're very resilient and determined young men. I know what their family would want is for them to come out and play with their whole heart."

-jo-

Take a sneak peek at 'officially licensed' UF smack talk

GAINESVILLE -- Think the Gators' rivalry against "The School Out West" doesn't mean much to UF's current coaching staff? Wrong. Earlier in the season, here's the first thing that greated people as they walked down the hall into the assistant coaches' offices.

UF coach Urban Meyer on the Gators' rivarly with Seminoles: "It's nasty. This is an ugly one."

-jo-

 

Punter Chas Henry named third-string quarterback

GAINESVILLE -- With back-up quarterback Cam Newton's future with the Florida Gators uncertain, UF coach Urban Meyer has named punter Chas Henry the team's third-string quarterback for Saturday's game against Florida State.

Henry was an accomplished quarterback in high school He led East Paulding High to the quarterfinals of the Georgia state playoffs. Henry threw for more than 1,700 yards his senior year at East Paulding and 17 touchdowns.

Newton was arrested last Friday for allegedly stealing a laptop computer. Meyer said that junior receiver Percy Harvin could also play quarterback if needed.

AWARDS
Quarterback Tim Tebow is a finalist for the Maxwell Award, the postseason college football award given to the best all-around player in the country. Tebow won the award in 2007. The Home Depot college football awards ceremony will take place at Disney World after the regular season. Tebow is not a finalist for the Davey O'Brien Award, given to the nation's best quarterback.

The finalists for the Bednarik Award, given to the nation's best defensive player, are James Laurinaitus of Penn State, Ray Maualuga of USC and Aaron Maybin of Penn State.

-jo-

Did Florida Gators see the last of Javy on Saturday?

GAINESVILLE -- With so many injuries at defensive line, there's a chance that Gators' defensive tackle Javier Estopinan might make an even bigger contribution this weekend against FSU than he did against The Citadel. Estopinan ran for an unlikely touchdown.

Estopinan hasn't been in UF's defensive line rotation all season but that might change now that the Gators are without defensive tackles Lawrence Marsh and Matt Patchan, who both went down with knee injuries. Raise your hand if you love everything Javier Estopinan represents: Hard work, persistance and Miami. Estopinan is like that old action hero. You know, the grizzly old guy that goes walking into the sunset only to return for the sequel when more bad guys return. Estopinan is Bruce Willis.

Monday morning link...
No.2 Florida Gators place FSU on their radar
No.18 Florida Gators facing earlier test tonight against Syracuse

-jo-

Key players out for Florida Gators vs. Florida State

GAINESVILLE -- Florida's rush defense took major hit on Saturday when defensive linemen Matt Patchan and Lawrence Marsh went down with knee injuries. Neither linemen is expected to play against Florida State.

Florida coach Urban Meyer said both players suffer from sprains of their medial-collateral ligaments. Meyer said that Patchan is out for sure and UF's coach made it sound like Patchan could also miss next week's game against Alabama.

"It's an MCL sprain that's going to take some time to heal," Meyer said.

Marsh is questionable for Saturday's away game against the Noles.

INGRAM LOBBYING FOR RETURN
According to Meyer, UF senior tight end Cornelius Ingram has been lobbying coaches for a return to the field in time for the Gators' bowl game. Ingram pleased his fans on Saturday before the Gators' final home game of the season when he sprinted onto the field from a three-point stance. Ingram's sprint was the highlight of the Gators' pregame ceremony for outgoing senior football players.

Ingram has been cleared to run and cut and could be cleared for contact in time for the Gators' bowl game.

"C.I. is having some strategic people ask me," Meyer said.

(Getting C.I. on the field...um... Sounds like a job for Shelley Meyer.)

RANKINGS RANT
Florida is ranked No.2 in the latest AP Top 25. Alabama, idle on Saturday, remained No.1.

Don't look now but those sneaking coaches are trying to vote Oklahoma into the title game. Texas was ranked ahead of Oklahoma in last week's coaches' poll but the Sooners jumped ahead of not only Texas but also Florida this week to take the No.2 spot. The coaches' poll makes up one-third of the BCS standings formula. The Harris poll and computer rankings make up the rest.

The fix is in, folks. I nailed this a few weeks ago, as some of you might recall. Texas beat Oklahoma but is going to get royally longhorned by the system.

-jo-

Two signs that Tebow might be gone

PROGRAMMING NOTE: No.3 Florida (10-1) at FSU (8-3) set for 3:30 p.m. on ABC.

GAINESVILLE -- I'm not going to spend much time on this topic because, well, I'm sick of writing about it, but for those conspiracy theorists among us there were a few signs that Saturday's 70-19 win against The Citadel was Tim Tebow's final home game.

1. Tebow dragged back-up quarterback John Brantley on a victory lap around the field, slapping hands with fans and snapping pictures. Tebow said he brought Brantley along for the ride because he wants to start a tradition. Did Tebow pass the torch to Brantley on Saturday?

2. Tebow quite literally threw in the proverbial towel on Saturday. After his victory lap, Tebow launched a Gatorade hand towel into the stands just before he jogged off the field. (OK, the second one is pretty lame.)

ANYWAY, we move forward quickly this week. Onward to Tallahassee! The 'Noles looked pretty good on Saturday night, beating Maryland 37-3. Will Saturday's game against Florida State be the Gators toughest test of the regular season? Considering what's at stake, I can't imagine Florida walking into The Okey Doak flat or uninspired. With a defense ranked No.7 in the country, the 'Noles will keep it close if they don't make any mistakes a la everyone else Florida has played in the last seven games.

-jo-

FINAL: Florida Gators 70, The Citadel 19

iGAINESVILLE -- Thanksgiving came early for UF redshirt senior Javier Estopinan this year. He just rushed for one-yard touchdown to give UF a 56-6 lead in the third quarter. Estopinan, a Miami native, has had three reconstructive knee surgeries during his career at UF.

--Kestahn Moore having a nice game on Senior Day. He just rushed for his second touchdown of the first half and has 50 yards on six carries. UF with 512 yards of offense in the first half after a 46-yard run from Chris Rainey. Rainey with 126 yards on four carries.

--John Brantley in the game at quarterback for the Gators. Looks like Brantley will get two and half quarters of work today. If Tebow is done for the day, he finished with three touchdowns and completed 9 of 11 pass attempts for 201 yards. He also rushed for 34 yards on two carries.

--For all you Guns & Roses fans out there, UF's band breaks out Sweet Child of Mine for the first time this season. Nice.

--It's getting ugly now. UF freshman defensive back Will Hill intercepted a pass (13:24, second quarter) and returned it to the CU 31. The Gators went up 35-0 on the next play when Tebow fired a bullet to Deonte Thompson.

--Percy Harvin rushes for an 11-yard touchdown run on the first play of the second quarter. The play appeared to be going no where until Harvin cut back against his blockers and outraced CU's defense for a touchdown. UF 28, The Citadel 0 (14:54, second quarter.)

--First quarter in the books. UF has outscored its last seven opponents 122-0 in the first quarter. UF 21, The Citadel 0.

--UF making it look easy against The Citadel here at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The Gators just went up 21-0 (3:27, first quarter) on a 43-yard touchdown pass from Tim Tebow to receiver Riley Cooper. Nice one-handed catch by Cooper in the end zone.

--UF redshirt freshman Chris Rainey bounces off a defender at the line of scrimmage and scores a seven-yard touchdown run. UF 14, CU 0. Rainey's fourth touchdown of the season.

--Percy Harvin with a nice 24-yard run on drive. I'm convinced that UF's play when Harvin goes in motion and takes the hand-off from Tebow is impossible to defend. It's worth at least 20 yards every time the Gators run it.

--UF freshman Will Hill and junior Markihe Anderson rotating at nickel.

--Senior receiver Louis Murphy with a 16-yard touchdown catch (10:34, first quarter) to get the party started. UF 7, The Citadel 0. That's Murphy's fifth touchdown catch of the season and Tebow's 20th touchdown throw.

--UF freshman cornerback Janoris Jenkins with his second interception of the season. He returned it 16 yards to the UF 49. (Update on Marsh. He appears to have injured his left knee. He's on crutches and headed back to the locker room.)

--Bad news on the first play of the game. UF defensive lineman Lawerence Marsh went down with what appeared to be a knee or ankle injury. He was helped off the field by trainers and his now being examined on the sideline. Brandon Antwine entered the game in place of Marsh.

PREGAME BELOW
Mr. Two-Bits performed the final pregame of cheer of his career with the entire football team flanking him on the field. It was a pretty touching tribute. The 82-year-old volunteer cheerleader is calling it quits after this season.

--No sign of Florida defensive end John Brown on the Gators' sideline.

It's cold in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium's open-air press box today. There was a flyover and now the Gators are taking the field minus one back-up quarterback.

--Florida's seniors being recognized right now. Today is Senior Day. Largest applause so far for Javier Estopinan, Louis Murphy, Jim Tartt, Phil Trautwein and Jason Watkins. Not anymore. Cornelius Ingram just sprinted onto the field and received a standing ovation.

-jo-

UF quarterback Cameron Newton arrested for buglary, larceny

GAINESVILLE — University of Florida back-up quarterback Cameron Newton was arrested on Friday for allegedly stealing a laptop computer.

Newton was charged on Friday for burglary, larceny and obstructing justice. The burglary charge is a second-degree felony while the larceny and obstruction of justice charges are both third-degree felonies.

On Friday afternoon, a University of Florida spokesman said that Newton was suspended from the team. Florida hosts The Citadel on Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Newton was in custody at the Alachua County Jail on Friday.

According to an arrest report, a University of Florida student reported his Dell laptop stolen from his dorm room on Oct. 16. An investigation into the stolen laptop linked the laptop to Newton, who allegedly used the machine to access the University of Florida’s computer network.

According to the University Police Department, Newton allegedly first logged on to the UF network using the stolen laptop on Oct. 21 while inside the university’s Academic Advising building. According to an arrest report, the university’s Computer Network Services advised a UPD detective that the username used to access the network was “cnewton,” the user identification assigned to Newton.

UPD detectives went to Newton’s dorm on Friday and, according to the report, were invited into the room by Newton. Upon entering the dorm room, detectives observed the laptop on Newton’s desk and then informed Newton of his Miranda warning. According to a UPD detective, the laptop had been “painted black on the top and had ‘Cam Newton’ written on the lid in white paint.”

UPD detectives left the dorm to confirm that the laptop in Newton’s possession matched the serial number of the stolen laptop. According the report, the detectives returned to the dorm room but the laptop had been removed.

The report states that further investigating “found that Mr. Newton threw the computer out of his bedroom window.” The laptop was later found behind a dormitory dumpster, according to the arrest report. Police do not know at this time who placed the computer behind the dumpster.

-jo-

Florida Gators 64, Southern Utah 50

GAME STORY LINK from today's paper.

GAINESVILLE -- It wasn't pretty but UF earned its third win of the season Thursday night, defeating Southern Utah 64-50. UF made just one of 16 3-point attempts. Nick Calathes led the Gators with 18 points.

UF coach Billy Donovan was surprisingly pleased with the effort. Afterwards, he credited his team with playing great defense. The Gators foreced 21 turnovers and had 14 steals. UF freshman Ray Shipman of Miami Monsignor Pace had four steals in 13 minutes.

LIVE BLOG BELOW
UF still hasn't made a 3-point basket but leads SUU 48-38 with 7:48 left in the game. Timeout on the court and UF coach Billy Donovan slammed his dry-erase board on the floor to fire up his players. Ugly game here at the O'Dome.

--UF playing aggressively to begin the second. The Gators, back in their full-court defense, forced two straight Utah turnovers with 16:14 left in the game. UF off to a 9-0 run to take a 42-27 lead.

--Ray Shipman with a steal on an SUU inbounds to convert an easy dunk. Shipman's first points of the night. UF 39, SUU 27 (18:05).

--UF freshman center Kenny Kadji with a nice turnaround off the glass to start the first half. Kadji with eight points and playing the best basketball of his young career.

HALFTIME: One halftime stat really jumps off the box score tonight. UF didn't make a 3-pointer (0-of-8) in the first half. (UF made 13 3-pointers in its last win.) Calathes with nine points in the first half. Alex Tyus and Kenny Kadji with six each.

SUU ends the first half with an 8-0 run led by some point guard (Mike Josserand, PICTURED) that looks like the hillbilly from Deliverance. UF 33, Southern Utah 25 (52.9 seconds left in half). No joke, this kid is playing basketball with braces and no mouthpiece. What a baller.

--UF forward Dan Werner with his second bucket of the game to give UF a double-digit lead. UF up 31-17 with five minutes left in the first half. Nick Calathes leading the Gators with nine points. Center Alex Tyus with six.

--UF freshman center Kenny Kadji with the first dunk of his career (11:08). Kadji with four points in the first half. UF trying to a full-court press but it's not really working. Why switch to full-court defense when SUU can't make a bucket in its half-court set? UF 19, Southern Utah 12 (8:48).

--Dan Werner goes inside with a lay-up (11:58). UF on an ugly 8-0 run. SUU hasn't scored in nearly five minutes. UF leads 13-6 with 11:40 left.

--UF is 1 of 6 from the free-throw line with 12:42 left in the first. Pretty bad effort at the charity stripe so far. Freshman Erving Walker just clanged a pair.

--Miami's Ray Shipman in the game with 14:09 left and immediately helps force Southern Utah to call an emergency timeout to avoid a 10 second violation. Shipman played at Miami Monsignor Pace.

--UF leading Southern Utah 11-6 with 14:26 left in the first half. SUU is trying to slow down the game but its not working. The T-Birds can't make a jumper, shooting 3 of 9 from the floor. UF center Alex Tyus leads the Gators with four points and three rebounds.

--Florida playing the Southern Utah Thunderbirds tonight. Trivia question: Are there any other college mascots that share the name of a low-end fortified wine? In related news, the Gators are playing like winos to begin the game.

-jo-

Moses Jenkins turning into special teams standout

GAINESVILLE -- Moses Jenkins sightings have been few and far between since the former Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson star signed with the Gators back in Febuary of 2007. There have been recent signs, however, that Jenkins is improving in practice and winning favor with his coaches.

Jenkins made special teams tackles against Georgia and South Carolina, including hits on opening kickoffs. Florida head coach Urban Meyer, also the team's special teams coordinator, even mentioned Jenkins' effort earlier this week. It's no secret among teammates that the best way to earn playing time on defense is by first proving your worth on the Gators' kickoff- or punt-coverage units. If UF takes care of The Citadel in the first half, expect plenty of playing time for Jenkins on Saturday during the second half.

Here's a great picture of Jenkins, produced by Getty Images, following the Gators' 56-6 win against South Carolina. Question: Why is Jenkins holding a camera?

Spikes' dream hit involves an ambulance

GAINESVILLE -- Brandon Spikes wears No.51 for one reason. He wants to play football like NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Dick Butkus, who wore the same number during his playing days.

Spikes, a finalist for the Nagurski Award, started watching films of his favorite linebackers -- Butkus and Mike Singletary -- when he was in high school. He learned from the best.

"There's one thing I noticed about guys like that," Spikes said. "They're really violent, so I try to mold my game after guys like that."

How violent of a hitter does Spikes consider himself? Here's his description of what it feels like to make a perfect tackle.

"You really can't explain it," Spikes said. "It's just something a linebacker dreams about: Put a guy out and let the ambulance come and get him off the field."

Spikes has made some pretty big hits this season (see Moreno, Knowshon) but he says his biggest hit is still bottled up inside, waiting to be unleashed.

"[Moreno] was a good hit but I want to knock a guy out of the game," Spikes said. "It was a great lick. I kind of wanted to get revenge from the year before."

Spikes will get his chance to KO a few D-II players this weekend. Something tells me he'll be saving his best for FSU and Alabama. As for Saturday's game against The Citadel, Spikes said on Wednesday that he wants to play a great game for "the seniors, the guys who are never going to play here again."

But what about Spikes? Might Saturday's final home game of the season be his last game in The Swamp? Will he turn pro after this season?

"It's a decision I have to make in the future but right now I'm focused on beating The Citadel," Spikes said.

That said, Spikes did reflect on his time at Florida on Wednesday. He mentioned how "it's going fast."

"It's a great place to play -- in The Swamp," Spikes said. "I come out here ... I used to take it for granted when I was younger but now it's going fast, so I just want to come out and play hard every game."

STRONG FOCUSING ON THE CITADEL
Florida defensive coordinator Charlie Strong is no stranger to his name being shuffled around by the media as a possible head-coaching candidate. Perhaps there was a time earlier in his career when he might have gotten caught up in the speculation. Not anymore.

"My name has been out there for so many years," Strong said. "I have a great job here and I don't even listen to it anymore because, you know what, if you let yourself get consumed with it then it will take away from what you're doing now. And my job now is to work at the University of Florida and get this team prepared to play The Citadel and that's all I'm concerned about."

-jo-

Florida Gators named finalists for national awards

GAINESVILLE -- Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes is a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Award, given annually to the nation's best defensive college football player.

The award will be announced Dec.7 at the Westin Hotel in Charlotte, N.C. Spikes is one of five finalist for the award. The other finalist are TCU end Jerry Hughes, USC linebacker Ray Maualuga, Texas end Brian Orakpo and Wake Forest cornerback Alphonso Smith.

Spikes (6-3, 245 pounds) leads the Gators with 70 tackles this season, including eight tackles for a loss. All three of Spikes' interceptions this season have come against teams ranked in the Top 25. He is one of three linebackers in the nation with two interceptions for touchdowns this season, which equals the UF single-season record.

Spikes is the third Gator to be named a finalist for the Nagurski Award. He joins Alex Brown (2001) and Reggie Nelson (2006).

--Florida quarterback Tim Tebow is a finalist for the Wooden Cup, given to a collegiate and a professional athlete who have made the greatest positive influences in the lives of others. The award recipients will be announced at a ceremony held at Atlanta's East Lake Golf Club on Jan. 14.

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Saturday could be Tim Tebow's last game in The Swamp

GAINESVILLE -- There is a very real chance that the Gators' game on Saturday against The Citadel will be the final home game in the career of UF junior quarterback Tim Tebow.

Tebow indicated earlier this season that he might turn pro and forgo his senior year of eligibility. That means one thing: If you were thinking of skipping UF's final home game of the 2008 season because it's against The Citadel, you might be skipping your last chance to show appreciation for one of the greatest players in Florida football history.

Just something to think about as you plan your week. Even if Tebow returns, Saturday will likely be the last home game for several junior stars ... not to mention the entire senior class. (More on the seniors later this week.)

DONOVAN: TEAM CHEMISTRY NEEDS WORK
The Florida men's basketball team is 2-0 and hosts Southern Utah on Thursday. Florida dominated its first two opponents of the season -- Toledo and Bradley -- but in both games UF's offense and defense appeared disjointed while UF coach Billy Donovan experimented with different line-ups.

On Tuesday, Donovan says his team chemistry needs work. It's not that his players don't get along. The Gators just lack experience and are still recovering from the departure of nine players in two seasons. Five players have left early for the NBA, two players have graduated and two players have transferred.

"They have to get used to playing with one another and because of that roles change," Donovan said. "Probably my first 10 years or so we were very fortunate even when we lost Donnell Harvey, we lost Mike Miller, we lost Jason Williams ... even Kwame Brown -- it was only one player on a team. You talk about Humphrey and Richard being seniors and then losing four underclassmen, it's hard to just recuperate from that in one year."

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Can Percy Harvin play running back in the NFL?

GAINESVILLE -- Florida coach Urban Meyer wants to know how NFL coaches plan on using junior Percy Harvin once he makes the jump to the NFL.

Meyer indicated on Monday during his weekly press conference that he has asked a few NFL coaches how they think Harvin's unique skill set will translate to Sundays. Meyer is close friends with New England coach Bill Belichick and Jacksonville coach Jack Del Rio.

"I think he's going to have a great career at the next level," Meyer said. "I'm intrigued and I've already approached people how they're going to use him and I think it's going to be a lot like I use him."

We're assuming all this talk of Harvin and the NFL means there's no chance he returns to Florida next season. Of course, I'm sure everyone was expecting that already. How do you think Harvin will be used in the NFL? Is Harvin better than Reggie Bush?

South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier, who has NFL coaching experience, said on Saturday that if Harvin was a full-time running back, then he would be the best in the country. At the beginning of the season, Harvin classified himself as a receiver who is running the ball at Florida to help the team win.   

The Southeastern Conference named Harvin the league's offensive player of the week for his efforts against South Carolina. Harvin rushed for 167 yards on eight carries in the Gators' 56-5 win against South Carolina.

"I'm not sure he has the body to handle 25 to 30 inside-the-tackles type games but pound for pound [Harvin] is as strong as we got," Meyer said. "I think the way we utilize him -- You'd like to get him more involved in the pass game and I think we're going to try and get him more involved. -- but for what we do with him, he's in the right offense at the right place because there are some places that don't really have the knowledge or experience or personnel to use him the way we do."

UF junior Jermaine Cunningham was named SEC defensive lineman of the week. Cunningham had a game-high eight tackles, including a sack. He also forced a fumble and deflected a pass at the line of scrimmage. Speaking of juniors leaving early, will Cunningham forgo his senior year and make himself eligible for the NFL Draft?

UF ASSISTANTS LEAVING?
Speculation is beginning to heat up around the Florida football facility about assistants leaving Florida for head coaching positions. Offensive line coach Steve Addazio has been mentioned as a possible replacement for Greg Robinson at Syracuse. Syracuse finally fired coach Robinson (According to the New York Times, the school hired a search committee to replace him earlier in the season.) and Addazio is the top choice of former Syracuse players who played during the Donovan McNabb years.

Other Florida assistants -- namely defensive line coach Dan McCarney, defensive coordinator Charlie Strong and, to a lesser degree, offensive coordinator Dan Mullen -- could also be in line for interviews. Meyer intimated on Monday that outside sources are showing interest in some of his lieutenants. "We've already had some people sniffing around," he said. "If things happen, then we'll have the appropriate discussion at that time."

Meyer also said Monday that he is keeping his "eyes open" for possible replacements. "I have some stuff right now," he said.

PRAISE FOR BRANDON HICKS
Meyer named UF linebacker Brandon Hicks the team's defensive player of the game on Monday. Hicks forced two interceptions against South Carolina and had a sack during an amazing four-play sequence in the first quarter. Hicks started on Saturday for linebacker A.J. Jones, who is nursing a slight injury. Hicks and Jones will battle this week mortal combat style to see who gets the start against The Citadel.

"[Hicks] is one of our better players on the team right now and that all happened within a couple weeks," Meyer said. "He was actually floundering for a little while. He has a hard time grasping the defense. He's a great athlete. He's exactly what you go recruit -- a 225-pound linebacker that can run like the wind -- and now he's starting to get confident. Coach Strong has a lot of confidence in him right now and that wasn't the case two weeks ago."

COULD UTAH WIN IN THE SEC?
It's no secret that Meyer still has a great affinity for the Utah football program. Utah is 11-0 and ranked No.7 in the USA Today coaches' poll. Meyer is a voter in that poll this season. On Monday, Meyer said he voted Utah "real high" this week.

"They're a hell of a team," Meyer said.

Meyer was asked on Monday if he thought Utah was better than some of the SEC's elite teams? Meyer indicated that he believes his former team might be that good this season.

"I'd get blown completely out of the water if I answered that truthfully so I'm not going to," Meyer said. "And that's not one way or the other."

Meyer said on Monday that the year (2004) he led Utah to an undefeated season and a BCS bowl, he was a "big proponent of the playoff." Now, not so much.

"Could that team realistically have just survived the level of competition we just played? No," Meyer said.

MEYER ON OBAMA
President-elect Barack Obama made news earlier this week when he once again talked about the need for an eight-team playoff for major college football. Meyer might not agree but he likes that President-elect Obama has an interest in college football.

"Any time a President-elect or any people place the value on athletics like we all do, I thank that's good," Meyer said. "I think that's good for our country. I don't know if [a playoff] is the right thing to do but some people will make that decision down the road."

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FINAL: UF 56, USC 6

GAINESVILLE -- UF running back Chris Rainey joins the scoring party with a three-yard TD run with 5:39 left in the fourth quarter, giving UF a 56-6 lead. UF needs one more rushing touchdown tonight to match the total number of rushing touchdowns the USC defense allowed this entire season entering Saturday.

TEBOW TO HERNANDEZ
A five-yard touchdown pass from Tebow to tight end Aaron Hernandez gives UF a 49-6 lead on the first play of the fourth quarter. A 39-yard punt return from Brandon James set up the drive. James has 427 yards on punt returns this season, a UF record.

DEMPS' LONG RUN
After a two-game drought, UF running back Jeffery Demps finally busts a long play. The 38-yard touchdown run gives UF a 42-6 lead with 6:58 left in the third quarter. Tebow offered the lead block on the play. Time to take him out of the game.

HARVIN'S 80-YARD RUN
Now isn't that a nice way to being the second half. First play of the third quarter, Percy Harvin, inside draw, 80-yard touchdown run. That's Percy's second rushing touchdown of the game and his 14th touchdown of the season.

Harvin has rushed for 147 yards on five carries today. USC entered the game allowing a team average of 101.4 yards rushing. UF 35, USC 3; 14:47.

SECOND QUARTER BELOW
UF quarterback Tim Tebow goes over the top to receiver Deonte Thompson for a 46-yard score. UF 28, USC 0 and the rout is officially on.

South Carolina entered the game with the nation's third best defense.

--UF with its second fumble of the game. This time Chris Rainey missed a pitch from Tebow. USC linebacker Eric Norwood recovered at the 20 and returned it to the USC 48. Not that a UF fumble is going to matter much today. USC's offense is absolutely terrible today. The Gamecocks game 27 yards of total offense in the first half off of 15 plays.

It's time to see what UF running back Emmanuel Moody can do.

FIRST QUARTER BELOW
OK, this is getting silly and out of hand. South Carolina just made its third mistake in less than a minute, leading to easy points for Florida. UF is winning 21-0 at the end of the first quarter.

After tossing two interceptions, South Carolina gave the ball away a third time. This time the lapse happened on special teams. Obviously pressing, USC called for a trick play on a kickoff with 3:43 left in the first quarter and it went terribly awry. UF's James Smith recovered a fumble at the USC 4 and returned it to the UF goal line. Tebow rushed for a score three plays later. UF 21, USC 0.

THREE SCORES IN 54 SECONDS! ALMOST
If not for a terrible call on James Smith's fumble recovery and return to the goal line (He appeared to score but was ruled down at the one-foot line.), UF nearly scored 21 points in 54 seconds. Here's a crazy statistic: In the last six games, UF has outscored opponents 101-0 in first quarters. UF has outscored opponents 125-7 this season in first quarters.

BLACK INTERCEPTION, HARVIN SCORE, UF 14-0.
Another UF interception and another easy score for the Gators. This time UF safety Ahmad Black intercepted USC quarterback Chris Smelley at the 33 and returned it to the USC 26.

UF linebacker Brandon Hicks once again applied the needed pressure on Smelley. Hicks tipped the pass at the line of scrimmage and Black stepped in front of a USC receiver to finish the play. It was UF's second interception in three USC plays and UF scored one play later when Percy Harvin rushed for a 26-yard score. That's Harvin's 13 touchdown of the season and sixth rushing score.

SPIKES' INTERCEPTION, UF 7-0
UF linebacker Brandon Spikes returned a 12-yard interception for a touchdown with 4:37 left in the first quarter to give UF a 7-0 lead. Linebacker Brandon Hicks supplied the pressure on USC quarterback Chris Smelley, who backpeddaled into the end zone before throwing the interception.

--UF has returned five interceptions for touchdowns this season

--UF running back Emmanuel Moody (the Southern Cal transfer) is in the game on the Gators' second series. UF running back Jeffery Demps fumbled on the Gators' first offensive series. USC middle linebacker Jasper Brinkley caused the fumble with a devastating hit.

PREGAME BELOW
It's cold (67 degrees, ehh) and wet at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium today. Good thing I'm in the press box. Does the rain favor UF or South Carolina today? I don't think it matters.

A few things to keep in mind during the first half.

1. UF has outscored opponents 104-7 in the first quarter.
2. With Urban Meyer as its coach, Florida has blocked at least one kick each time it has played South Carolina. Florida has blocked five USC kicks under Meyer.

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UF probe leads to Calathes, according to report

GAINESVILLE -- A University of Florida internal investigation of alleged student-athlete gambling revealed that UF men's basketball point guard Nick Calathes ran up a $600 online poker debt, according to a report.

University of Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley said on Friday that he learned about the allegations "over the weekend" and UF "immediately looked into it."

"We reviewed everything very thoroughly and are satisfied with our results," Foley said in a statement. "We have no eligibility issues and are very comfortable that this issue is resolved based on our review.''

The NCAA does not prohibit athletes from playing online poker but betting on sporting events is an NCAA violation. Calathes played in the Gators' season opener on Friday night against Toledo.

According to a report on Yahoo.com citing unnamed sources, the UF men's basketball staff learned of Calathes' online gambling debt during the preseason. The staff was informed by a team manager, according to the report.

In 2001, former UF guard Teddy Dupay was kicked off the team after a six-month investigation by the University of Florida police department. Dupay admitted he was gambling on sporting events.

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ULTIMATE PREVIEW: Reason No. 2,392 why you should love Tebow

GAINESVILLE -- UF quarterback Tim Tebow is not easily influenced. He never wore a visor.

For everything that Tim Tebow represents, for everything that everyone loves about the guy, here's one more reason to respect him. He's no frat boy. He's no Steve Spurrier.

Me: "Tim, did you ever wear a visor?"
Tim: "Never."

Spurrier, The Visor, returns to Gainesville on Saturday for a game between his No.24 South Carolina Gamecocks (7-3, 4-3 in the Southeastern Conference) and the No.3 Florida Gators (8-1, 6-1). That's the subject of this week's often imitated but never duplicated Ultimate Preview.

Tebow might not wear the visor, but he and Spurrier are linked forever, nonetheless. Both won Heismans as quarterbacks for the University of Florida. Saturday's match-up between Spurrier and Tebow is the first time in the history of college football that a Heisman Trophy winner has played against a team coached by another Heisman Trophy winner.

Tebow, a Jacksonville native, grew up a fan of Spurrier's Gators but says it hasn't been much of a problem looking beyond that this week and preparing for the Gamecocks' talented defense. Tebow didn't seem very distracted last season. He accounted for seven touchdowns against Spurrier and his Gamecocks. Tebow's scoring frenzy against South Carolina helped him become the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy.

One year later and it seems all eyes are on Tebow once again to see if he uses South Carolina as a springboard into serious discussion for the Heisman. Overall, Tebow's numbers are down compared to the rest of the Heisman field, but many believe Tebow is playing the best football of his career right now. Since losing to Ole Miss, Tebow has completed 70 percent of his passes, thrown for 11 touchdowns without an interception and led his team, with relative ease, to an SEC East Division championship. In his last two games, Tebow has accounted for 10 touchdowns (five rushing, five passing).

While Tebow currently trails a few Big 12 quarterbacks in the race for the Heisman, UF's signal caller finishes the season against the No.3- , No.4- and No.5-ranked defenses in the nation. If Tebow and UF breeze through that schedule, then many Heisman voters believe he will deserve serious consideration for the award.

THE DETAILS
Let's let Spurrier give us the details this week.

"It's a national TV game at 3:30 down there at Gainesville," Spurrier said. "A lot of our players haven't been there. We were talking in our meeting yesterday and ironically -- our schedule this year -- we haven't gone to Georgia, Tennessee or the bigger stadiums in the SEC. It's the first game that our players will play in front of over 90,000. It will be a little louder, maybe, than the games we've had."

You've got to love Spurrier for his little digs. "Maybe" Ben Hill Griffin Stadium will be a little louder than South Carolina's other road games this season: Ole Miss, Vanderbilt and Kentucky? Maybe, just maybe, The Swamp, will produce the loudest noise the Gamecocks have heard this season even before kickoff. We're pretty sure a few people inside the stadium will stand up and cheer when the opposing coach is introduced.

THE MATCH-UPS
Second place on the intriguing-storylines list behind The Return of Spurrier Part II is the match-up between South Carolina's defense and Florida's offense. Led by several stars, the Gamecocks' defense is ranked No.1 in the SEC (256.5 yards per game) and third nationally. Florida features the league's No.1 scoring offense (42.8 points per game), ranked seventh nationally.

South Carolina's defense is led by linebackers Jasper Brinkley (6-2, 269 pounds) and Eric Norwood (6-1, 253 pounds) and strong safety Emanuel Cook (5-10, 203 pounds). Cook, who starred at West Palm Beach Palm Beach Gardens as a running back and defender, is one of the best players in the SEC but was not recruited by Florida's Big Three: UF, UM and FSU.

"I've used that as motivation my whole career," Cook said. "This is a statement game."

In addition to Cook, South Carolina's secondary also features another player from South Florida. Freshman Akeem Auguste, who starred at Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, is the Gamecocks' starting free safety.

Cook and Auguste will be flanked by junior cornerback Captain Munnerlyn. Munnerlyn, apparently, isn't the healthiest eater on the team. He is, however, one of the best cornerbacks in the SEC.

"Try to get him away from Bojangles, don't get mad at me Bojangles, they've got some good chicken, but Captain loves fried chicken," Spurrier said. "He does. He loves fried chicken. It's OK occasionally but you can't make a steady diet. It's not proven to be the best."

BY THE NUMBERS, RECORDS WATCH
Here's a number to keep in the back of your mind as you're watching Saturday's game. 49: That's SEC record for career rushing touchdowns, held by Georgia running back Herschel Walker. UF quarterback Tim Tebow enters Saturday's game with 41 career rushing touchdowns, which already ties him for sixth all-time along with Arkansas' Darren McFadden and Alabama's Shuan Alexander.

Tebow rushed for five touchdowns last season against South Carolina. If he matches that performance on Saturday, Tebow will be tied for second on the career SEC rushing list with LSU great Kevin Faulk. Here's the Top 10:
1. 49, Herschel Walker, Georgia
2. 46, Kevin Faulk, LSU
3. 45, Carnell Williams, Auburn
4. 44, Dalton Hilliard, LSU
5. 43, Bo Jackson, Auburn
6. 41, Tim Tebow, Florida
    41, Shuan Alexander, Alabama
    41, Darren McFadden, Arkansas
9. 40, Charles Alexander, LSU
10. 37, Deuce McAllister, Ole Miss

INJURIES
Florida
Probables
OL Jim Tartt (shoulder)
OL Carl Johnson (knee)
Questionable
QB Cameron Newton (neck)
Doubtful
DL Omar Hunter (ankle)
Out
CB Jacques Rickerson (dismissed)
OL Jim Barrie (knee)
DT John Brown (wrist)
S Dorian Munroe (knee)
S John Curtis (knee)
TE Cornelius Ingram (knee)
LB Brendan Beal (knee)

South Carolina
Probables
Questionables
WR Moe Brown (knee)
OL Kevin Young (shoulder)
RB Brian Maddox (knee)
LB Melvin Ingram (toe)
LB Rodney Paulk (knee)
RB Taylor Rank (shoulder)
Out
S Chris Culliver (suspension)
OL Lemuel Jean-Pierre (knee)
DL Clark Gaston (transfer)
OL Heath Batchelor (suspended)

PREDICTION
UF 35, South Carolina 17

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Dustin Doe draws toughest match-up of season

GAINESVILLE -- UF weak-side linebacker Dustin Doe is still listed behind Ryan Stamper on the Gators' depth chart but expect Doe to receive plenty of playing time on Saturday against South Carolina.

Doe is a talented linebacker in pass coverage and will be in the spotlight when lined up against South Carolina tight end Jared Cook, who is one of the best tight ends in the country. Cook leads South Carolina in receiving yards (542) and is second on the team in receptions (33) behind receiver Kenny McKinley (35 receptions).

"We're going to give him a couple looks but there will be a couple defenses where I will be manned up against him," Doe said. "We haven't faced a dynamic tight end this year. He's really good, he's athletic, he's fast and he can catch the ball, so I think it will be not only a big test for me but a big test for our defense."

Cook, a 6-5, 240-pound junior, has the two longest receptions of the season for South Carolina (66 and 63 yards) and is expected to be taken high in the upcoming NFL Draft. He had eight receptions for 111 yards against Vanderbilt.

"These are the type of players you want to play against," Doe said. "These are the type of players you come to the SEC to play against. He's an NFL-caliber guy, so to go out there and play with him and match up with him we can see how we match up with the best."

Doe wowed Florida fans and teammates against Georgia with his triumphant return from in-season surgery to correct sports hernia. He deflected two passes in the third quarter on back-to-back plays and later intercepted UGA quarterback Matthew Stafford. Doe had three tackles against Vanderbilt.

DORIAN MUNROE UPDATE
UF redshirt junior safety Dorian Munroe was cleared today to begin running and cutting. Munroe, a Miami native who starred for Miami Coral Reef, tore his anterior-cruciate ligament during the offseason.

RYAN STAMPER, MAN OF WISDOM
Redshirt junior weak-side linebacker Ryan Stamper is the oldest defender on the Gators' two-deep depth chart. According to fellow linebacker Dustin Doe, Stamper is "the old man" of the defense and often serves as judge and jury during locker room debates and discussions.

"Stamper is just an old man," Doe said. "He's real laidback. He's real chill. He kind of mopes around. He's just the old man of the group. We're sitting at the table and we have a dispute or an argument, everyone says, 'Stamp, what you think?' He gives his words of wisdom and then everyone says, 'I told you. If Stamp agrees with it, then it must be right.'"

Stamper has been more than just the locker room high priest this season. He is the team's most versatile linebacker and had seven tackles against Vanderbilt. Stamper has recorded 24 tackles in seven games this season and recovered two fumbles.

UF FOOTBALL HISTORIAN WEIGHS IN ON UF VS. SOUTH CAROLINA
There is no better expert on the significance of Steve Spurrier's return to UF than Norm Carlson, the UF sports information office's historian. Carlson began working for UF in 1963, Stephen Orr Spurrier's freshman year.

"You know Coach Spurrier will have his team very motivated to play," Carlson said. "He has one of the best defensive teams in the country, so [Florida] had better be ready. I think we will be ready, too. It should be a good game."

Carlson says Spurrier appears to have more confidence in South Carolina's new defensive coordinator, Ellis Johnson, than any Spurrier defensive coordinator since Bob Stoops. Stoops, now the head coach at Oklahoma, was the Gators' defensive coordinator from 1996 to 1998.

Before joining Spurrier at South Carolina this season, Johnson was the defensive coordinator for Mississippi State coach Sly Croom from 2004 to 2007. Johnson's 4-2-5 defense ranks first in the SEC in yards allowed (256.5) and third nationally. 

BUCKY DENT'S SON SIGNS WITH UF
Cody Dent, the son of former Major League Baseball star Bucky Dent (known fondly by Red Sox fans by a more creative name), signed a baseball scholarship with the University of Florida on Wednesday. Cody Dent, a shortstop for Park Vista High in Palm Beach County, helped lead the Cobras on a 32-game winning streak last season, which ended with a loss to Lake Brantley in the 6A state championship game. Dent was an honorable mention all-county selection.

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HEISMAN: Spurrier voted for Tebow; Tebow might vote for himself

GAINESVILLE -- The editorial board here at Gator Clause tried to ask Steve Spurrier last season if he voted for Tim Tebow for the Heisman but he shot the question down. Finally, at long last, we got the answer on Wednesday night.

Tebow said that, yes, he thinks Spurrier voted for him last season for the Heisman Trophy. Tebow, of course, grew up a fan of Spurrier and the Florida Gators. It must have been a huge thrill for the quarterback to know that one of his childhood football heroes helped vote him into college football history.

Even though Tebow is squaring off against Spurrier, he remains a big Spurrier fan. Tebow first met Spurrier before the Florida junior even began playing organized football. It happened at the First Baptist Church of Jacksonville.   

"I went up to him when I was probably about five or six and got his autograph on one of the church bulletins," Tebow said.

Tebow still has the autographed church bulletin, by the way. On Wednesday, Tebow said he grew up imagining what it would be like to play for Spurrier.

"I have thought about it," Tebow said. "I do think he's a really good coach. I think he does a good job and I think he teaches the quarterbacks well. He always gives his team a chance to win."

While Tebow remains a loyal Spurrier fan, Tebow says he hasn't had much time this week to think about playing against the Gators' old coach. Tebow did say, however, that he enjoys playing against Spurrier. Last season, Tebow accounted for seven touchdowns against Spurrier's South Carolina Gamecocks.

"I think it's cool. I think it's fun," Tebow said. "I don't think it's really something that has been on my mind too much. They have a really good defense, so that has been taking up my time so far this week, so I haven't really worried about all the hype with him coming back and everything, but I think any time you're matched up against Spurrier it's going to be an interesting game."

Will Spurrier cast his Heisman vote for Tebow this season? Probably so if Tebow once again rushes for five touchdowns against the Gamecocks' defense.

TEBOW MIGHT VOTE FOR HIMSELF
As for Tebow, he indicated on Wednesday that he might cast a Heisman vote for himself if he continues to improve this season. Since publicly promising to play harder than "anyone in the country" following the Gators' loss to Ole Miss, Tebow has completed 70 percent of his passes for 932 yards and 11 touchdowns without an interception. Tebow also has accounted for 229 yards rushing and eight rushing touchdowns.

"There's a chance," Tebow said, when asked if he might vote for "No.15." "There's a chance. The last few weeks have been good and we'll just see how we finish the season."

Tebow agreed with reporters when asked if he should be considered a surging candidate for the Heisman.

"I guess you could say that," Tebow said. "I feel that I'm getting more in the mix of it now -- just being honest. I've had a few good weeks in a row, so I just need to keep putting a few more together."

Tebow faces some of the best defenses in the nation in the final weeks of the season. South Carolina is ranked third nationally in total defense. Florida State is ranked No.5 and Alabama is ranked No.4.

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Will Brandon Knight follow Kenny Boynton to UF?

GAINESVILLE -- Plantation American Heritage shooting guard Kenny Boynton, Jr. made his commitment to Florida official today, signing with the Gators and UF coach Billy Donovan. Boynton is the most highly rated basketball recruit out of South Florida in quite some time. Rivals.com lists him as the No.7-rated player of the 2009 recruiting cycle.

"The one thing [Boynton] provides for out team is he's an explosive scorer," Donovan said. "The one thing people don't really talk about enough with him is he's a great competitor and a great defender. That's very, very rare. A lot of times with high school kids you see a lot of great scorers but they don't play the other end of the floor and they don't guard. He's a great defender. He's a lockdown-type of defender."

EDITOR'S NOTE: Billy D must read Gator Clause. CLICK THE LINK and scroll down to the fourth paragraph.

Donovan went head-to-head with Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski for Boynton's services and won. So landing Boynton is kind of a big deal. Looking forward here at Gator Clause, we can't help but speculate whether or not KBJ's signing with the Gators will lead to another Broward County prep star committing to the Gators.

Brandon Knight, a point guard for Coral Springs Pine Crest, is the top-rated point guard of the 2010 recruiting class and the No.2 overall prospect in the country. Knight and Boynton are close friends (after being mortal enemies for awhile) and played for the same AAU team, Team Breakdown, which also helped send power forward Eloy Vargas (Plantation American Heritage) to UF.

Like Boynton, Knight (6-3, 175 pounds) has been offered scholarships from every major college basketball in the country. If UF lands Knight, then the Gators could have the best backcourt in the country for at least two straight seasons. Here's how it could play out...

Let's assume Donovan convinces UF guard Nick Calathes to stick around for his junior season. Calathes, now a sophomore, would then be coupled with Boynton, currently one of the best high school shooting guards in the nation. Calathes then leaves UF for the NBA after the 2009-2010 season, making room for Brandon Knight to assume the Gators' starting point guard duties for the 2010-2011 season.

Mark it down.

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Emanuel Cook: The one who got away

GAINESVILLE -- OK, this headline is kind of misleading. Plenty of kids from the state of Florida don't get recruited by the Urban Meyer, Randy Shannon and Bobby Bowden and leave the state in search of work.

Emanuel Cook is just one of those kids. So, in fairness, this headline should read something like Emanuel Cook: One of the many who got away. South Carolina's trip to Gainesville will be like a homecoming for 21 players on the Gamecocks roster. Of those 21 Floridians, two are from Broward County: Akeem Auguste, a former cornerback for Hollywood Chaminade Madonna, and Donte'e Nicholls, a former defensive tackle at Pompano Beach Blanche Ely.

So, who is Emanuel Cook? Well, if you're even remotely familiar with high school football in Palm Beach or Broward counties then you know the name. Cook starred at Palm Beach Gardens and is now a 5-10, 214-pound strong safety for the South Carolina Gamecocks. In the words of Florida coach Urban Meyer, Cook is one of the best football players in the Southeastern Conference.

Meyer loves Cook's game now, but Florida never recruited the player when he was in high school. Cook was the all-state running back for Palm Beach Gardens who KO'd Deerfield Beach in the 2005 state championship game at Dolphin Stadium. He ran for 243 yards and four touchdowns against a Bucks defensive line that featured a few future major college defensive linemen. Despite the outstanding numbers, he wasn't offered a scholarship by a single school in the state of Florida.

Instead, Cook signed with Steve Spurrier and the South Carolina Gamecocks and has been an all-SEC-caliber defender ever since. He was voted an all-SEC freshman in 2006 and last season made the all-SEC second-team defense. This season he leads South Carolina in tackles (76, third in the SEC) and is the cornerstone of the Gamecocks' defense, which is ranked No.1 in the SEC in yards allowed.

Cook, now a junior, is just one example of Spurrier's impact on recruiting in the state of Florida and one example of a player who will line up against the Gators on Saturday with something to prove to the home crowd. Expect a few big hits from No.21 on Saturday ... and this time we're not talking about Major Wright.

-jo-

Pressure is key to stopping USC quarterback combo

GAINESVILLE -- Florida safety Ahmad Black is getting greedy. And that's a good thing when you're a safety.

Black said on Wednesday that he wants a few more interceptions before the season is over. He might have a chance at one or two on Saturday against South Carolina, which will likely rotate quarterbacks Chris Smelley and Stephen Garcia. Smelley has thrown 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions while Garcia has six touchdown passes and four interceptions.

Black says the Gators are preparing for both players as if they were the same quarterback.

"They really do about the same thing but Garcia runs it a little more," Black said. "He's not that accurate, so we've got to get pressure on both of them. When you get pressure on them it rattles them a little bit."

Black leads the Gators with five interceptions, which ranks him second in the SEC along with Alabama safety Rashad Johnson. Tennessee safety Eric Berry leads the SEC with six interceptions.

TOUGH PRACTICES
Florida has played with an emotional edge since losing to Ole Miss. UF lineman Mike Pouncey says the Gators' coaching staff has intensified practices recently to reduce the complacency that might creep into the locker room after five consecutive blowouts.

"Coach has been making us go harder and harder in practice so we don't lose that edge," Pouncey said.

MOODY BUYING IN
It took awhile, but Florida running back Emmanuel Moody appears to be finally buying into the Gators' offense. Word is that Moody was on life support but was nursed back to health by the Tebow family and a nice intravenous injection of orange and blue Kool-Aid. Moody rushed for over 70 yards against Georgia in mop-up time but received meaningful carries against Vanderbilt. He rushed for 48 yards on seven carries against the Commodores.

"When you averaged 10 yards per carry in the last game, I'd say that's pretty good and they still had their starters in when he did that," UF running back coach Kenny Carter said. "He's a very, very good player and we're excited about him. He has adjusted now and he knows what his value is to us and what he brings to the table. And they've all established an unselfish attitude and understand that it's about the position and it's not about them as individuals."

EDITOR'S NOTE: Moody actually averaged 6.9 yards per carry against Vanderbilt. He averaged 10.1 yards per carry against Georgia.

Carter intimated on Wednesday that Moody might have expected a gift-wrapped starting position during the offseason. Moody, of course, transferred from Southern Cal in 2007 and sat out last season.

"When you transition from one organization to another, especially from Southern Cal to Florida, there's no drop off and there's a level of expectation that's different at every place and he had to adjust to what the level of expectation was for him when it came to performance, when it came to accountability and when he realized where he needed to be and what the standard was now he has taken the steps he needed to to be a better player," Carter said.

NOTE TO MOODY: Drink that Kool-Aid, Manny. We want to see you on the field more against South Carolina, Florida State and Alabama.   

DEMPS COOLING OFF
After scorching the field against Arkansas, LSU and Kentucky, UF running back Jeffery Demps' production was limited considerably against Georgia and Vanderbilt. He rushed for 282 yards on 24 carries against the Hogs, Tigers and Wildcats. Against Georgia he managed just 19 yards on four carries. Vanderbilt held Demps to 19 yards on seven carries.

Chris Rainey's production was down against Georgia and Vanderbilt as well. Rainey had 27 yards on five carries against UGA and 11 yards on six carries against Vandy. Demps said on Wednesday that Georgia and Vandy focused on stopping the Gators' running backs, allowing other players to create more offense.

"I think they're keying on us a lot more than they did and that kind of opened up some of the other players," Demps said.

Against Georgia, Florida quarterback Tim Tebow led the Gators in carries (12 for 45 yards). Againt Vanderbilt, Tebow had 88 yards rushing on 11 carries, including a career-long 26-yard touchdown run. After Tebow's touchdown run, UF lineman Mike Pouncey said he knew Tebow was back.

"He has been running good for the last couple of weeks and he has just been playing like the Tim Tebow we're used to," Pouncey said.

NOTE TO DEMPS: Don't take it personally, Jeffery. Tebow wants another Heisman.

EMAILS I GET: WHERE CAN I GET UF BASKETBALL SHOES?
This email comes to us from Alexander of parts unknown. Alexander writes...

Hey Jo,

I was wondering if you know how I could get a pair of Nikes that the basketball team wears, they are similar to these pics that I sent you a link to. From what I've heard they will not be sold in retail stores. Any way I could contact the athletic department or something? Maybe the equipment manager? I don't know. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

Alexander,

I spoke with a member of UF's basketball program today and he said that the Gators' basketball shoes "are usually available shortly into the season on Gatorzone.com or at our gift shop." Hope that helps.

-jo-

SPURRIER: These Gators better than 2006 team

GAINESVILLE -- Ever wonder if college football coaches watch a game the same way you do?
Well, South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier might.

So bored with Florida's rout of Vanderbilt on Saturday night, Spurrier said he actually changed channels to watch some of the Big 12 South match-up between Texas Tech and Oklahoma State. (Funny, that's exactly what I was doing in the Vanderbilt Stadium press box after UF went up 42-0 in the third quarter.) From what he has seen, Spurrier says the 2008 Gators are better than the 2006 version, which won the BCS national championship.

"They're a stronger team, it appears right now, than two years ago," Spurrier said. "Two years ago you felt like you had a chance and a lot of teams had chances. Certainly Florida won the close ones two years ago that led them all the way through to the national championship. Now they are sort of blowing out people pretty regularly."

Florida has outscored its last five opponents by an average of 37.2 points per game. The dominant run can only be compared to Spurrier's 1996 national championship team, which had a similar five-game run through the SEC. In 1996, the Gators were undefeated and ranked No.1 in the nation going into the final regular-season game of the year. The Gators lost to No.2-ranked Florida State 24-21 in Tallahassee but avenged that loss in New Orleans, beating FSU 52-20 in the Sugar Bowl.

In 2006, the Gators beat South Carolina 17-16 in Spurrier's first game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium as coach of the Gamecocks. Spurrier says this season's South Carolina team is better than his 2006 squad. Spurrier's defense is ranked No.1 in the SEC in total defense, allowing an average of 256.5 yards per game.

"It'll probably be two better teams than the two that played two years ago down there," Spurrier said.

-jo-

Is Urban Meyer mocking Steve Spurrier?

GAINESVILLE -- Is Florida coach Urban Meyer trying to get inside Steve Spurrier's head this week? Is Meyer trying to out-Spurrier the Head Ball Coach? Has Meyer been publicly mocking Spurrier, the father of Florida football? Maybe.

Twice in two days Meyer has referred to himself as "the head football coach." He did it on Sunday during his weekly day-after teleconference and he did it again on Monday during his weekly presser. Now, I realize Meyer thinks pretty highly of himself (as he should) but I don't ever remember hearing the guy speak about himself in the third person until this week. (He did speak about himself in the third person in his biography, but I wasn't present for that conversation between Meyer and Buddy Martin, the author of Urban's Way. And, of course, we'd be remiss if we didn't take this precious moment in our lifetimes to question the need for a commissioned biography after just three seasons at a BCS school.)

It might be nothing but I find it slightly interesting that Meyer chooses this week to break out the "head football coach" lines. As everyone knows, Steve Spurrier (the alpha and omega of Florida football) refers to himself as the "Head Ball Coach." It's even on the guys hokey website.

If you've ever walked into the Gators' new football museum, then it's painfully obvious that the current tenants of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium are trying to downplay Spurrier's contributions to UF football. Is this another way of Meyer trying to get under Spurrier's skin?

"Yeah, click-clack."

-jo-

UF is ranked No.4 in the BCS, but don't fret Gators fans

MONDAY MORNING LINKS...Florida Gators control their BCS destiny
Florida Gators still need frontline help...hoops preview
Spurrier focuses on the Gators
Ground game raises FSU back to prominence
No.1-ranked Tide 'didn't play very well' against LSU
Baton Rouge painted Crimson by Saban
In the BCS standings, USC can't win for winning
Big 12 looks like a BCS title-game certainty

GAINESVILLE -- Florida is ranked No.4 in the BCS. That means if the Gators win out then they're in the national championship game. Alabama is No.1, followed by Texas Tech and then Texas. Talk amongst yourselves if you don't agree and I'll offer you my infallible rebuttal.

INJURIES
Offensive lineman Carl Johnson suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament (knee) on Saturday against Vanderbilt. He is probable for Saturday's game but might not start, according to Meyer.

HONORS
It seems the Southeastern Conference is jumping on the Tim Tebow for Heisman bandwagon. The league named Tebow the SEC's offensive player of the week for his performance against Vanderbilt. Tebow accounted for five touchdowns. Personally, I thought Georgia quarterback Matt Stafford had a better game against Kentucky. Stafford completed 17 of 27 pass attempts for 376 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winning throw with under two minutes left.

-jo-

EMAILS I GET: 'Give Moody the ball'

GAINESVILLE -- From time to time, we here at Gator Clause publish the emails that fill our inboxes. If you've got a well-thought-out rant, then I'll give you, the reader, your own space on this blog. This latest email comes to us from Jeff of parts unknown...

Jeff writes...

I really enjoy your blog and I agree with you a 100+% that we NEED to get the ball to MOODY! I just cannot believe that we landed this guy from USC. I watched USC all year and they do not have a running back as good as MOODY on their roster. The rumor is that the running backs in the USC roster are from the heart of LA and USC was getting a lot of grief in recruiting because Moody was getting more playing time than Stafon Johnson in his freshman year. Anyhow, I really think that we need to come up with a creative way to get Moody more touches......as soon as I come up with an idea I will let you know but I just wanted to shout out to you because your blog is very great to read about the Gators. -Jeff-

Best and worst of UF 42, Vandy 14

Sunday morning links: The March to Atlanta
UF secondary lives up to standard of UF offense
Dunlap's first-half block party
What the bad guys did:
South Carolina rotates quarterbacks in win over Arkansas
Gamecocks' Swamp trek offers next shot at redemption
FSU routs Clemson
Bama remains unbeaten with OT win against LSU
Saban's return to Baton Rouge met with cheers, jeers

PLAYER OF THE GAME
NASHVILLE -- UF quarterback Tim Tebow accounted for five touchdowns on Saturday. He tossed three touchdown passes and completed 12 of 17 passes for 171 yards. Tebow also ran for two scores and led the Gators in rushing with 88 yards on 11 carries, including a career long 26-yard touchdown run. Who said Tebow is a step slower this season?

Tebow has accounted for 10 touchdowns in his last two games. Where does he land on your Heisman ballot?

BEST OF UF 42, VANDY 14
Floirda was at its best at the beginning of the game. UF defensive end Carlos Dunlap blocked two punts and UF led 28-0 in the game's first 18 minutes.

WORST OF UF 42, VANDY 14
Can't complain about much other than this blog is going to continue to stump for sophomore running back Emmanuel Moody to receive more carries until he leads the Gators in rushing. The guy is the best running back on the team and should be running the ball at least 10 times a game. Moody rushed for 48 yards on seven carries on Saturday night.

BY THE NUMBERS
5 The number of interceptions for strong safety Ahmad Black this season. Never saw that coming. Did you?

4 The number of receptions for receiver Carl Moore, who led the Gators in receptions for the first time in his career. Great game, Carl. Although, we've got to give you some grief for that drop. You were wide open, Carl. Catch the ball.

-jo-

Ticket information for the SEC title game

Straight from the University of Florida to you. Book your tickets for Atlanta now...

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - The University of Florida Gator football team has just qualified for the 2008 SEC Championship Game in Atlanta with tonight's win against Vanderbilt University. All current football season-ticket holders interested in purchasing tickets to this game may order through the Gator Ticket Office if they meet the criteria below. 

SEC Championship Game Ordering Instructions:
The Gator Ticket Office will again use the Gator Booster Priority Point system to determine which fans will qualify for post-season ticket purchasing. ONLY football season-ticket holders who meet the minimum point requirements below are allowed to place an order for the 2008 SEC Championship game. Orders will not be accepted from season-ticket holders who do not meet the minimum point threshold or from non-season ticket holders. The ordering period for all season ticket holders will begin 9 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 9, and end at 11:59 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008.  Tickets are $70 each.

Distinguished Directors         12
Bull Gator (386 points and above)       8
Bull Gator (385 points and below)       4
*Grand Gator (min. 465 points)  4
*Scholarship Club (min. 465 points)     4
Scholarship Partner (min. 465 points)   2
Fightin' Gator (min. 465 points)        2
Varsity Club (min. 465 points)  2
Faculty/Staff (min. 130 points)         2
All other boosters w/season tickets (min. 465 points)   2
All other season-ticket holders         0

*Limited to number of season tickets

All season-ticket holders who wish to inquire about their point total may do so by logging into their online account at www.GatorZone.com/tickets and clicking on the "Manage My Account" link, may check the postcard they will receive in the mail, which will indicate the number of points earned, or may call the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, ext. 6800, Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

How Do I Reserve SEC Championship Game Tickets?
There are four ways eligible football season-ticket holders can reserve SEC tickets: 

1. The quickest and most efficient way to reserve tickets is by
visiting www.GatorZone.com/tickets and clicking on "Manage My Account."
2. Call (800) 344-2867 ext. 6800 (Nationwide), Monday-Friday, 8:30
a.m. to 5 p.m. and place your order with a Gator Ticket Office
Specialist.
3. Come to the Gator Ticket Office and place your order with a
Ticket Office Specialist. The Ticket Office is located on the west side
of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
4. Once you receive your postcard (mailed Nov. 7), mail your order
in to the Gator Ticket Office at P.O. Box 14485, Gainesville, FL 32604.

Later this month, fans will be able to reserve seats for the Gators' possible bowl destinations prior to the final announcement of the Gators' bowl selection. Please stay tuned for details on this announcement in the coming weeks.

UF 42, Vandy 14; Gators in the SEC title game

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- OK, so my betting advice was way off. UF blasted Vandy 42-14 on Saturday and Tebow accounted for five touchdowns (two rushing, three passing). UF clinched the SEC East on Saturday and will play the Alabama Crimson Tide in the SEC championship game.

LIVE BLOG BELOW
UF is leading 42-0 in the third quarter. No more bloggy-bloggy until after the game. Must write for tomorrow's newspaper.

Pass from Tim Tebow to Riley Cooper for a 28-0 Florida lead. The line was Florida minus-24.

--Incredible safety blitz by Will Hill forces a VU interception. A.J. Jones deflects the pass in coverage and Ahmad Black picks it off.

--Black now has five interceptions on the season. UF takes over at the VU 32 and Tebow rushed for an 8-yard score three plays later.

--UF quarterback Tim Tebow has accounted for two touchdowns already tonight. First there was the 12-yard pass to Louis Murphy and now Tebow rushed for a 26-yard touchdown, his longest touchdown run of his career. Tebow has five carries for 49 yards.

--Carlos Dunlap blocked a Vanderbilt punt on the Commodores' first offensive possession. UF is 12-0 under coach Urban Meyer in games with a blocked kick. UF has blocked 15 kicks under Meyer and seven have come on the first drive of the game.

--Percy Harvin has three touches already and Louis Murphy caught his first pass of the game for a 12-yard touchdown. UF 7, VU 0.

--Emmanuel Moody carried the ball once on the Gators' first possession. He carried the ball for a four-yard gain.

PREGAME BELOW
Not the finest moment for objective sports journalism here inside the press box at Vanderbilt Stadium. Penn State lost to Iowa and the entire press box cheered ... except for The Miami Herald contingency, of course.

With Penn State's loss, Florida begins tonight's game one step closer to Dolphin Stadium.

SATURDAY LINKS...UF is taking Vandy seriously
A comeback route from the brink, the story of Vandy's George Smith, a native of Pembroke Pines

It's the countdown to kickoff here at Gator Clause. Let's get started...

10 That's the number worn by UF safety Will Hill. The freshman has emerged as a reliable defender and received significant playing time against Georgia. Anyone out there want to see Hill start ahead of Ahmad Black or Major Wright?

9 That's the number of field goals this season for UF kicker Jonathan Phillips, a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award. Phillips hasn't missed yet.

8 That's the yards per carry average for UF running backs Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey over the last four games. The two freshmen have combined for 517 yards on 65 times in the last four games.

7 The number of receiving touchdowns for UF receiver Percy Harvin. He entered today tied with Ole Miss receiver Shay Hodge for the most touchdown catches in the SEC.   

6. That's the magic number for Vanderbilt, which enters today with a 5-3 record. One more win and Vandy goes to a bowl for the first time since 1982.

5 That's the number of touchdowns UF quarterback Tim Tebow accounted for last week against Georgia. How many touchdowns will Tebow account for tonight?

4 That's the Gators' ranking in the AP Top 25 poll this week.

3 There will be a three-way tie for first place in the SEC East if UF loses to Vandy.

2 That's the number of Vandy starters from Broward County. Wide receiver George Smith is from Pembroke Pines and cornerback Myron Lewis is from Pompano Beach.

1 UF senior receiver Louis Murphy only caught one pass last week. Should he be more involved in the offense?

-jo-

UF vs. Vandy will be a hard-hitting affair

JACKSONVILLE -- Sitting in the wonderful Jacksonville Airport about to board a flight to Nashville. A few thoughts before I head west:

--No.4 Florida (7-1, 5-1 in SEC) hasn't lost to Vanderbilt (5-3, 3-2) since 1988.

--Florida is a 24-point favorite, according to one offshore sports book. Take my advice and pass on this bet. Florida's margin of victory over the last four games (39.5 points) has skewed this line. Vanderbilt features a strong defense, which ranks second in the league behind Florida in red-zone efficiency. The Commodores have held opponents scoreless in the red zone on 15 of 20 possessions this season. Furthermore, Vandy's opponents have scored TDs on just 10 of 25 red-zone possessions (four rushing/six passing). The 40 percent TD rate by opponents ranks second nationally behind Florida State.

--In addition to those stats, Vanderbilt is playing at home and at night in front of a sold out stadium and can tie Florida and Georgia for first place in the SEC with a win. You read that correctly. It's November and Vanderbilt is still in the race for the SEC East. Expect a nasty and physical SEC football game. Not saying Vandy has much of a chance to beat Florida, but I do think the Commodores will keep it close. This is the biggest game of their season.

--Would anyone be surprised if UF quarterback Tim Tebow accounts for all of Florida's touchdowns on Saturday night? If the Gators are inside the VU 10, expect Tebow to get the call. He's back in the Heisman race and UF wants him to win it and if not win it, then land another trip to New York.

--In his last four games, Tebow has completed 70 percent of his passes.

-jo-

Ex.2 FINAL: UF 82, Rollins 53

GAINESVILLE -- Ray Shipman dashed to the basket for the Gators' final basket of the game. It came with 4:44 left to play. UF 82, Rollins 53.

Shipman, the freshman from Miami Monsignor Pace, is emerging as the Gators' sixth man. He had 12 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals. Florida was led in scoring by sophomores Chandler Parsons and Nick Calathes, who had 16 points apiece.

LIVE BLOG BELOW

--Chandler Parsons in the game and makes a 3-pointer. UF 80, Rollins 44; 5:11.

--Interesting line-up in the for the Gators: Ray Shipman, Kenny Kadji, Erving Walker, Walter Hodge and Alex Tyus. It produced no points in two minutes.

--Senior Walter Hodge with a 3-pointer for his first points of the night. UF 75, Rollins 41; 9:06.

--A flashing move to the basket by Ray Shipman is sandwiched by 3-pointers from Erving Walker and Nick Calathes. UF 68, Rollins 39; 11:33.

--Nick Calathes makes an immediate impact in the second half with a bucket and two assists. UF 60, Rollins 30; 16:42.

FIRST HALF BELOW
Halftime at the O'Dome. First half numbers: Nick Calathes with 11 points and Ray Shipman third on the team scoring with eight. Shipman is playing well and appears to have found a spot on the floor as a defensive specialist. He has two rebounds, two assists and three steals. UF 54, Rollins 26.

--Allan Chaney with his first points of the game. UF 45, Rollins 16; 3:18. Now Allan Chaney thinks he's a point guard, taking the ball up the court. Now Chaney is getting dressed down by Billy Donovan. Now Chaney is taking a seat on the bench. Kenny Kadji showing nice range on a long jumper, UF 51, Rollins 24; 1:21 left.

--Miami's own Ray Shipman with the first 3-pointer of his UF career. UF 43, Rollins 16; 5:OO. Shipman with seven points.

--Pretty alley-oop from Nick Calathes to Alex Tyus. Tyus fouled in the process and converts. UF 40, Rollins 12; 5:56.

--Miami's own Ray Shipman just air-balled the basket on a floater but made up for it on the next play with a strip and score. Shipman was fouled on the play but did not convert the free-throw attempt. UF 37, Rollins 12; 7:42.

Kenny Kadji at the line. The freshman center is getting pushed around inside by Rollins Collge's post playes, but Kadju did just make two free throws to give UF a 35-12 lead. UF on an 18-2 run with 8:16 left in the half.

--Erving Walker not afraid to shoot the rock. The freshman just swished another 3-pointer had one rim out moments later. Ray Shipman with a nice defensive play to force a turnover. UF 31, Rollins 10; 9:46.

--Thunder Dan Werner drains a 3-pointer. UF shooting 5-of-8 from behind the arc. UF 28, Rollins 10; 10:33.

--Timeout with 11:29 left in the half. Nick Calathes just drained a 3-pointer to give UF a 24-10 lead.

--Chandler Parsons with a nice steal on a Rollins College in-bounds pass...and now a two-handed jam. Gators 21, Rollins 10; 12:00

--UF center Kenny Kadji and Miami's own Ray Shipman, guard, in the game. All Gators in the game in the first six minutes. Slightly interesting. Erving Walker strokes a 3-pointer. UF 17, Rollins 10; 13:07.

--Point guard Erving Walker in the game for Walter Hodge. Rollins hits back-to-back 3-pointers and getting to the basket nicely against the Gators early. UF 14, Rollins 8; 15:18.

--Allan Chaney in the game for Dan Werner and quickly catches a nice pass from Calathes under the basket for a transition bucket. UF 14, Rollins 5; 16:00.

--Nick Calathes and Chandler Parsons get things started quickly with back-to-back 3-pointers. Gators in a full-court press. UF 12, Rollins 2; 17:09.

--Walter Hodge is starting in place of Jai Lucas tonight. Hodge came off the bench in the Gators' first preseason game. Nick Calathes, Chandler Parsons, Alex Tyus and Dan Werner are the other starters.

PREGAME BELOW
Tonight's preseason exhibition match-up against Rollins College the Gators' first contest without sophomore point guard Jai Lucas, who is transferring after this semester. Lucas broke the news to UF coach Billy Donovan on Wednesday. Lucas' says he can be never a true point guard when sharing the court with guard Nick Calathes. I don't believe that the reason Lucas is transferring, but whatever...

A few FOOTBALL NOTES from practice on Thursday...
--Back-up quarterback Cam Newton, who was in a minor car accident earlier this week, practiced on Thursday. Newton wore a neck brace on Wednesday, one day after being in a fender bender. Meyer said Newton experienced a few headaches but is now fully healthy.

--Meyer says redshirt sophomore running back Emmanuel Moody "has practiced real hard and is playing real well" but the coach wouldn't say whether or not Moody has earned more carries after his performance against Georgia.

"We don't have a set number of, 'Give him this many touches,'" Meyer said. "There's a couple plays that maybe certain guys are better at than others, so we take that into consideration. Also, when a guy gets a hot hand we take that into consideration."

FREE GATOR CLAUSE TRANSLATION: Perhaps Moody is going to start running between the tackles, allowing Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey to focus their combined efforts outside.

-jo-

Ronnie Wilson, card-carrying member of the NRA

GAINESVILLE -- Former Pompano Beach Blanche Ely standout and on again-off again Florida Gator Ronnie Wilson likes three things: the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, socially networking on the Internet and proper eye and ear protection. Here's proof ... direct from Ronnie Wilson's Facebook page! Is Ronnie Wilson still a Gator? Urban Meyer isn't saying be we're going to assume Wilson's conduct doesn't exactly fit into Meyer's Plan to Win.

By the looks of it, this picture was taken on Jan. 21, 2008 -- one day before the football team reported for offseason workouts. That's around the same time the Alachua County district attorney's office was overlooking Wilson's arrest for possession of marijuana while he was on probation. Nice gang sign, Ronnie ... or is it Ron? From our days in high school, we're assuming that's a nod to the Crips, or is it the Bloods? I just get so confused. We'll give Ronnie the benefit of the doubt and assume that sign stands for Pompano Beach.

It should be noted that Ronnie Wilson performed 100 hours of community service in 2007 as an assistant offensive line coach at Blanche Ely to clear his record for discharging a firearm in Gainesville after an incident at a Gainesville nightclub. An assistant at Ely told me that Wilson often gave speeches of inspiration to members of the Tigers' high school football team. Wilson got a third chance with the Gators this season but he's not currently an active member of the team after beating up a few people at a Gainesville birthday party following the Gators' win against Arkansas. Talk about a birthday bash ... eeh, yeah. Here's to hoping that Ronnie Wilson turns his life around and seeks some professional help before it's too late.

ONE FOR THE REFRIGERATOR

Vandy's fear factor: 'Blowouts kind of encourage you'

From today's Miami Herald ...
The defensive transformation of Terron Sanders and Ahmad Black
UF quarterback Cam Newton in car accident

GAINESVILLE -- It doesn't say much for a team's chances when a coach admits that one of his motivating factors for a game is not to be blown out. But that's exactly what Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson said on Wednesday when asked about Florida's wide margin of victory in the Gators' last four games.

Since losing to Ole Miss, No.4 Florida has outscored its opponents by an average of 39.5 points per game. Florida is favored by 24 points against Vanderbilt, according to one offshore sports book. Florida beat Vanderbilt 49-22 in 2007.

"I think the blowouts kind of encourage you to get to work," Johnson said. "You don't want to be on the bad end of one like we were last year against [Florida]. I think that motivates your guys to get out and learn the game plan and get prepared to play them."

Johnson is emphasizing mistake-free football this week during practice. While Florida's last four games have been blowouts, Johnson has noticed a trend that could help his team keep the game close. 

"[Florida] does not have a lot of weakness, no," Johnson said. "But you never know what's going to happen in a football game. The thing I see when they have those blowouts is the other team helps them out a whole bunch."

Take away last season's lopsided homecoming win for UF and Vanderbilt has played well against Urban Meyer's Florida teams. In 2006, Vanderbilt never seriously threatened the Gators but the Commodores did keep the game close, losing to Florida 25-19. In 2005, Vanderbilt tied the game with a late score only to lose to UF 49-42 in double overtime.

"In those games where we had chances to win we just didn't give up a whole bunch of bad plays and made them earn everything," Johnson said. "We just sort of hung in there and we were probably a little better offensively those years and kept the ball away from them some."

COACH SATAN?
There's another important SEC match-up this weekend that's probably a little edgier than Florida at Vanderbilt. Alabama at LSU will mark the first time Bama coach Nick Saban has returned to Tigers Stadium since he left to be the coach of the Dolphins.

LSU coach Les Miles says Saban's return isn't a big deal. (Yeah right, Les!)

"We've really discounted all those things, to be honest with you," Miles said. "I think it's going to be fun. I expect it will be a very loud, very passionate stadium. I wouldn't expect there would be much negativity surrounding it in any way."

What does Miles think is going to happen, that Tigers Stadium is going to give Saban a standing ovation? There's a rumor out there in Internet land that Miles has been referring to Saban as "the Devil." When asked about this, Miles denied it.

"Oh my gosh, no," Miles said. "Are you kidding me?"

Pretty sure folks in Miami have a few names for Saban.

AWARDS WATCH
Let's take stock of all the awards watch list that feature Gators...
Quarterback Tim Tebow is a semifinalist for the Maxwell Award (national player of the year). Tebow is also a semifinalist for the Wuerffel Award and Davey O'Brien Award.
Coach Urban Meyer is a semifinalist for the Munger Award (national coach of the year).
UF linebacker Brandon Spikes is a semifinalist for the Bednarik Award (defensive player of the year) and Lott Trophy (defensive impact). Spikes is also on the Nagurski watch list (defenseman of the year) and is a semifinalist for the Lombardi Award (best lineman or linebacker). Spikes is also on the Butkus Award (best linebacker) watch list.
Lineman Jermaine Cunningham is on the Nagurski Award watch list.
Kicker Jonathan Phillips is a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award (best kicker).
Punter Chas Henry is a semifinalist for the Ray Guy Award (best punter).

Expect Brandon James to be a finalist for the Tatupu Award (best special teams player) and Randy Moss Award (best return specialist). Tebow will also probably be a finalist for a few more quarterback awards, including the Manning Award and the Sammy Baugh Trophy.

-jo-

PG Jai Lucas to transfer

GAINESVILLE -- UF men's basketball coach Billy Donovan said on Wednesday that sophomore point guard Jai Lucas is transferring after this semester.

Lucas informed Donovan of his decision on Wednesday morning, according to Donovan. "I think there was a point that Jai wasn't totally happy," Donovan said.

A McDonald's All-American out of high school, Lucas started as a freshman for the Gators in 2007 but apparently is unhappy with his current role on the team. Lucas started for the Gators on Monday in an exhibition win against Warner but Lucas was outperformed by freshman point guard Erving Walker, a New York City product.

Walker played more minutes than Lucas in the win and scored 13 points and had six assists.

-jo-

REPORT CARD: Gators grade out at 96.25 percent

GAINESVILLE -- Before we break down the report card from UF 49, UGA 10 and hand out percentages Urban-Meyer style, let's give out Player of the Game awards.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME
UF junior quarterback Tim Tebow earns Gator Clause's offensive player of the game award after accounting for five touchdowns, including three rushing touchdowns. Tebow's eight-yard run on a sprained ankle gave UF a 35-3 lead with 3:29 left in the third quarter. Tebow completed 10-of-13 passes for 154 yards and two touchdowns. Tebow's 44-yard pass to Louis Murphy gave UF a 28-3 lead. The 25-yard touchdown throw to a wide-open Percy Harvin was a great play call. Tebow also rushed for 39 yards on 12 carries.

Is Tebow back in the Heisman Trophy discussion? Hope so. I always enjoy a free trip to New York.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME
UF sophomore cornerback Joe Haden's interception and 88-yard interception return was the play of the game. It led to Tebow's one-yard touchdown run with 7:51 left in the third quarter and tipped the game's momentum to the Gators. Haden was named the defensive player of the week by the Southeastern Conference. In addition to the interception, Haden led the Gators in tackles with 10 and also broke up a pass.

Is Haden an All-American candidate? Haden is second on the team with 50 tackles.

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE GAME
UF sophomore punter Chas Henry placed 3-of-4 punts inside the 20. He averaged 40 yards per punt, including a 54-yarder.

QUARTERBACKS 97 percent
Subtract three points for UF quarterback Tim Tebow's poor pass in the first half, which would have been a UGA interception had the play not been nullified by a UGA penalty. Tebow managed the game well. UF back-up quarterback John Brantley entered the game in the fourth quarter and looked impressive. He completed 3-of-4 passes for 34 yards.

RUNNING BACKS 89 percent
Georgia held UF running backs Chris Rainey and Jeffery Demps to 30 yards combined on 13 carries. Redshirt sophomore running back Emmanuel Moody entered the game in the fourth quarter and rushed for a game-high 71 yards on seven carries.

Did Moody earn more carries for his performance against UGA?

RECEIVERS 96 percent
UF junior Percy Harvin receiver had 91 all-purpose yards, including 52 yards receiving on three receptions. He also rushed for 39 yards on four carries. He rushed for a touchdown and caught another. UF senior receiver Louis Murphy only had one catch but it was an important one, a 44-yard touchdown.

OFFENSIVE LINE 95 percent
The Gators' scatbacks never broke a long run but the offensive line allowed just one sack. In 2007, Georgia sacked Tebow six times.

PLAY CALLING 98 percent
Sometimes playing conservatively is the best call, especially when Georgia's offense is self-destructing. Subtract two points for the late-game timeouts.

DEFENSIVE LINE 99 percent
UGA running back Knowshon Moreno was held to 65 yards on 17 carries. Georgia quarterback Matt Stafford was never given time in the pocket and he tossed three interceptions.

LINEBACKERS 98 percent
UF junior linebacker Brandon Spikes got things going early with a big open-field tackle on Moreno. Dustin Doe played inspired football, deflecting two passes on back-to-back plays and later intercepting Stafford.

SECONDARY 98 percent
Cornerback Joe Haden's interception changed the game and safety Ahmad Black's interception started the celebration. Georgia exploited the Gators' secondary in 2007 but in 2008 UF returned the favor.

-jo-

CB Rickerson arrested for felony battery, strangulation; kicked off team

GAINESVILLE -- UF reserve cornerback Jacques Rickerson was arrested at 7:15 a.m. Tuesday morning for allegedly strangling his girlfriend, according to Gainesville police. The charge, domestic battery by strangulation, is a felony.

The University of Florida wasted little time on Tuesday morning distancing itself from Rickerson. In an offical statement, UF coach Urban Meyer said Rickerson has been kicked off the football team.

"Jacques Rickerson is no longer part of our team -- that is not what our program is about," Meyer said in an official statement. "My focus and our team's focus is with the players who are part of the program and preparing for the Vanderbilt game."

According to an arrest report, an argument between Rickerson [PICTURED] and his girlfriend escalated when Rickerson was asked to leave the woman's residence. Rickerson hit the woman on the side of the face, according to the report, and then choked her. When the victim screamed, Rickerson's chokehold strengthened, according to the report, and he then put a pillow over the victim's face.

When Rickerson released the woman, she tried to escape but Rickerson blocked the door, according to the report. Rickerson also took her cell phone because she said she was going to call police. Police officers reported injuries to the woman's arm, neck and upper chest.

Rickerson was held at the Alachua County jail on Tuesday morning and no bond had been set.

WILSON'S THIRD STRIKE
Ronnie Wilson is in trouble again. This latest incident might be his last as a Gator.

According to a sworn complaint filed in Gainesville, Wilson punched two people early Sunday morning after the Gators win against Arkansas. Wilson received his first playing time since 2006 against Arkansas. He faces two misdemeanor charges of assault and battery.

According to the complaint, Wilson caused a stir at a birthday day party in a Gainesville apartment when he assaulted a man and then, moments later, went after the victim again outside the apartment. During the second altercation, the sworn complaint states that Wilson swung at his first victim but missed and instead hit a female victim, who was trying to intervene.

Wilson has been suspended from the team, according to Florida coach Urban Meyer, while he "takes care of some business."

Wilson, of course, is the Pompano Beach Blanche Ely alum who discharged a firearm (AK-47) after an altercation at a Gainesville nightclub in 2007. Wilson was suspended from the university for a year and returned to school in January after successfully completing his community service. In Jan. he was arrested for misdemeanor possession of marijuana but that charge was dropped by Alachua County while his was on probation for the gun charge.

Should Wilson get a third chance? (He won't return phone calls, by the way.) Love to hear from a few people since so many chimed in earlier this season when the marijuana arrest became public.

-jo-

Ex.1:UF 108, Warner 49

GAINESVILLE -- Based on what I've seen so far, this Florida team is not significantly different from last season's squad. Center Kenny Kadji is young and needs to grow up quickly. Freshman point guard Erving Walker already appears good enough to push sophomore Jai Lucas for playing time.

Center Alex Tyus is playing out of position and needs another body inside to free up his explosiveness. (This according to UF coach Billy Donovan.) Dan Werner led UF with 17 points and senior shooting guard Walter Hodge came off the bench.

LIVE BLOG BELOW
Ray Shipman fouled during a 3-point attempt and makes all three free throws. Five points in a row for Shipman. UF 75, Warner 32. (Live blogging ends after 40-point leads.) Shipman finished with 10 points (3-of-6) in his Gators' debut.

Chandler Parsons with the Gators' first dunk of the preseason. UF 61, Warner 28

Nick Calathes begins the second half with a 3-pointer. UF 59, Warner 25; 18:49.

FIRST HALF BELOW
Dan Werner six consecutive points to end the first half, including a 3-pointer at the buzzer. UF 56-23.

Miami's own Ray Shipman scores the first bucket of his career. He was fouled in the process and made it a 3-point play. UF 47-17, 3:59.

Nick Calathes called for kicking the ball...he learned that move in Greece. UF freshman forward Allan Chaney of Connecticut in the game and he gives UF a 40-12 lead; 42-14. Allan Chaney not related to the Vice President.

Didn't take long for Kadji to record his first block...and his first foul. Walter Hodge with a 3-pointer. Moments later, Kadji (pronounced KAY-gee) records first bucket of his preseason career, followed by a three-point play from Dan Werner.

UF on a quick 8-2 run. UF center Kenny Kadji first appearance of the preseason. He's tall (6-10).

It's the Erving Walker vs. Jai Lucas show here in the first half and Walker is winning. He just drained another jumper and then recorded a steal. UF 20, Warner 7; 9:52.

Jai Lucas must have heard us talking about him. He entered the game and made a 3-pointer. UF 18, Warner 5; 11:31.

UF freshman guard Erving Walker looking good. Nice move by the New York City point guard, pushing off a defender and draining a 17-footer. UF 15, Warner 4, 11:56. Jai Lucas take a seat says the guy sitting next to me, who shall remain nameless.

Miami's own Ray Shipman in the game for Nick Calathes...and Shipman air balls a 3-point attempt (two feet long). Welcome to the O'Dome, Ray. Florida has attempted eight shots and seven have been from behind the arc.

Nick Calathes drains a 3-pointer to give UF a 11-2 lead, 15:00. Warner is 1-of-9 from the floor. Jai Lucas missed two 3-point attempts and was summarily sent to the bench by Billy D. Freshman guard Erving Walker in the game.

--First basketball live blog comment of the season...Chandler Parsons is still skinny. But he can drain an NBA-range 3-pointer. UF 6, Warner 2; 17:33.

PREGAME BELOW
Basketball season again. Live from the O'Connell Center tonight for the Gators' first exhibition game of the preseason. Tonight's opponent, Warner, is not ranked in the AP Top 25...but the Gators debuted in the preseason poll at No.19. Let's see if they're worth it.

Tonight's UF starters: F Dan Werner,(no relation to the school), F Alex Tyus, F Chandler Parsons, G Nick Calathes and G Jai Lucas.

-jo-

Does UF need Moody for the home stretch?

GAINESVILLE -- The first player off the practice field on Sunday night was one of the last players off the playing field on Saturday. And he was still running.

Redshirt sophomore Emmanuel Moody sprinted past reporters on Sunday evening. The running back's cleats smacked against the pavement outside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium as he dashed from practice field to football facility, thunderous proof that the high-ankle sprain he suffered more than a month ago against Ole Miss is behind him. Not that Moody needed to offer any more evidence. He led the Gators in rushing on Saturday with 71 yards on seven carries despite entering the game late -- UF's second offensive series of the fourth quarter.

Moody made his Cocktail Party debut after the celebratory corks had already popped but he offered his coaches an important message all the same: Don't forget about me.

Take away Moody's 71 rushing yards and UF only had 113 on Saturday. Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps were UF's first options out of the backfield against UGA but they were shut down and only combined to rush for 30 yards on 13 carries. Meanwhile, Moody averaged 10.1 yards per carry.

Now, I'm fully aware that Moody's carries came against a defeated Georgia defense that had already quit by the fourth quarter. But from the press box, Moody looked like one of the Gators' best offensive options regardless of the situation. He was certainly the best running back at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium on Saturday and that includes UGA running back Knowshon Moreno, who rushed for 65 yards on 17 carries.

Everyone is aware that UF coach Urban Meyer is infatuated with running backs the size of Micro Machines. It wouldn't be a bad idea to fall in love with Moody during the final four games of the regular season. He could be the key to winning the SEC.

GIVE ME YOUR BCS SCENARIO
Beat writers who cover the Gators were offering their predictions for bowl-game scenarios last night before UF's practice ended. Assuming most people who read this blog want Florida to end up in Dolphin Stadium for the BCS national championship, give me your scenario for how that happens. Here's mine...

1. Obviously, UF can't lose another game.
2. Texas Tech loses to Oklahoma State but beats Oklahoma.
3. Oklahoma State beats Oklahoma.
4. Alabama enters the SEC championship game undefeated and still No.1 in the BCS
5. UF defeats Alabama in the SEC championship game.
6. UF plays Penn State in the title game

A win for the Gators against No.1 Alabama will put UF in the title game if the Big 12 South shakes out the way I outlined. This, of course, is just my opinion. It's also my opinion that a one-loss Oklahoma team will play in the title game before a one-loss UF team. UF gets in over a one-loss Oklahoma State team or one-loss Texas Tech.

HADEN NAMED SEC PLAYER OF THE WEEK
UF cornerback Joe Haden was named SEC defensive player of the week by league officials. Haden's interception led to UF's 21-3 in the second half and signaled the beginning of the end for UGA. To read more about Haden's honor CLICK ME!

SHELLEY MEYER SMACK TALK
According to a Sporting News Today columnist, Urban Meyer's wife did all the talking for her husband after UF 49, UGA 10. CLICK ME!

-jo-

Gators receive first-place votes

New polls: Florida No.4 in AP poll and No.5 in coaches' poll and No.4 in the Harris Interactive. By the way, Florida received one first-place vote in the AP poll and one first-place vote in the Harris.

GAINESVILLE -- Barring a few catastrophic upsets, the SEC championship game will feature Florida from the East Division and Alabama from the West Division. Who's better?

That's all I want to know this morning. I know Alabama is ranked higher than Florida. I know both teams demolished Georgia. I know both teams are coached by vice-lord chancellors of the evil empire. So, which team is better?

Here are some links to help you ponder that question, including a slide show with voice-over commentary by yours truly. Make sure you check out the link about offseason motivation. Interesting stuff.

Audio Slideshow of UF 49, UGA 10, by me
UF wins big on Dawg day afternoon, by me
Order is restored in UF-UGA series, by Herald columnist Greg Cote
UF defense has banner day, by wunderkind Mike-Mike McCall
Gators motivation for UGA began in offseason, by me
Stats from UF 49, UGA 10

-jo-

4th Q: Georgia is terrible; UF 49, UGA 10

JACKSONVILLE -- The Georgia Bulldogs have completely given up here at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. UF quarterback Tim Tebow just tossed a 25-yard touchdown pass to Percy Harvin to give UF a 42-3 lead. There wasn't a UGA defender within 10 yards of Harvin when he caught it in the end zone.

The touchdown was set up by another interception by UGA quarterback Matt Stafford, his third of the game. Ahmad Black had the interception and returned it 64 yards to the UGA 25.

ROUT IS ON
UF quarterback Tim Tebow rushed for his third touchdown of the game with 3:29 left in the third quarter to give the Gators a 35-3 lead. This one is done.

The eight-yard touchdown run was set up by a 20-yard fumble recovery and return from UF defensive lineman Terron Sanders. Moreno fumbled the ball at the UGA 30-yard line and Sanders returned it to the 10.

Sanders' big defensive play came a few minutes after UF cornerback Joe Haden intercepted UGA quarterback Matt Stafford at the UF 12 and returned it 88 yards to the UGA 1. Tebow scored on the next play to give Florida a 28-3 lead.

HADEN INTERCEPTION
Big play for the Gators here in the third quarter at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium.

Florida cornerback Joe Haden intercepted a pass from UGA quarterback Matt Stafford at the UF 12 and returned it 88 yards to the UGA 1 with 7:54 left in the third quarter.

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow rushed for a one-yard score on the next play to give the Gators a 21-3 lead.

WALSH MISSES SECOND KICK
UGA kicker Blair Walsh, a freshman from Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, missed his second field goal of the first half with less than two minutes to play. The 27-yard attempt hit the right upright. Walsh missed a 38-yard field goal in the first quarter.

UGA had their chances at the end zone during the drive. Stafford missed a wide open tight end on first-and-goal from the UF 6. On third down from the 9, UGA running back dropped a pass in the end zone.

Drive's key play: Georgia quarterback loosed a downfield missle to receiver Mohamad Massaquoi on third-and-19 to give UGA a first down at the UF 6. The impressive throw came one play after UF linebacker Brandon Spikes and UF lineman Jermaine Cunningham combined for a 10-yard sack.

TEBOW SETS RECORD
Tim Tebow became Florida's career rushing touchdowns leader with 7:26 left in the first half. His two-yard touchdown run gave UF a 14-3 lead.

Tebow has 37 career rushing touchdowns, or one more than UF great Emmitt Smith, the NFL's all-time rushing leader. Georgia great Herschel Walker holds the SEC career rushing touchdowns record (49).

Georgia gave Florida excellent field position on the drive with a failed on-side-kick attempt. It was an ill-conceived play by the Bulldogs and Florida started its drive at the UGA 40. The drive's key play was an 18-yard pass to tight end Aaron Hernandez, which gave UF the ball at the UGA 22.

WALSH FIELD GOAL
Georgia kicker Blair Walsh cut the Gators lead to 7-3 with 11:18 left in the second quarter with a 35-yard field goal. Walsh missed a field goal on Georgia's opening drive. Georgia's scoring drive featured a 26-yard pass to Prince Miller on a UGA third-and-10.

HARVIN TOUCHDOWN
Florida receiver Percy Harvin gave UF a 7-0 lead with 20 seconds left in the first half on a 13-yard option play. Georgia's defense failed to cover the play properly and Harvin jogged into the end zone following a well-timed pitch from Tebow.

The drive's key play was a penalty by Georgia defensive lineman Jarius Wynn, whose penalty for illegal hands to the facemask of UF offensive lineman Carl Johnson nullified an interception by Tebow. Instead of turning the ball over, Florida received a first down on the UGA 13.

BLAIR WALSH MISSED FIELD GOAL
While Florida's offense spurted early, Georgia pieced together a successful drive but couldn't convert when freshman kicker Blair Walsh of Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons missed a 38-yard field goal wide left with 5:16 left in the first quarter.

KNOWSHON MORENO MEET BRANDON SPIKES
Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes set the tone early for the Gators with a punishing hit on Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno. Moreno attempted a rush up the middle and Spikes met him in the backfield and speared him to the ground. Spikes then got facemask to facemask with Moreno and jawed for a few seconds before officials broke it up.

JENKINS GETS START
UF freshman cornerback Janoris Jenkins started for the Gators.

PREGAME BELOW
Florida took the field enthusiastically for its pregame warm-up. The players shot a few Gator chomps to the UGA band before meeting near midfield. Tebow chest bumped UF offensive coordinator Dan Mullen at full speed and knocked over the coach.

JENKINS TESTS SHIN
Florida freshman cornerback Janoris Jenkins tested the integrity of his bruised right shin about 75 minutes before kickoff here at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium.

Jenkins spoke with UF cornerbacks coach Vance Bedford briefly, pointing to his shin, before jogging back into the locker room. Jenkins did not warm up with his fellow cornerbacks. Jenkins injured his shin during the first defensive series against Kentucky last week.

Should Jenkins be unable to perform today, back-up cornerback Wondy Pierre-Louis will get the start. Pierre-Louis started in 2007 and was a first-string cornerback through the first three games of the season. He was replaced in the line-up by Jenkins during the Gators win against Tennessee.

UNIFORMS
Georgia is wearing its traditional red jerseys and silver pants. Florida is wearing all white.

BCS ALERT
Members of the Orange Bowl Committee were on hand Saturday in Jacksonville. In addition to the Orange Bowl, the Orange Bowl Committee is also hosting the BCS national championship game this season.

CONFUSED DOG ENDS LIFE, JUMPS IN ST. JOHNS RIVER
Confused about his personal identity, Jack the bulldog ended his own life today two hours before kickoff here in Jacksonville. This is the last known photograph taken of Jack the bulldog before he jumped into the St. Johns River and floated out to sea. We'll miss you Jack. He was four in dog years.