Gator Clause

Tim Tebow breaks Herschel Walker's record with long touchdown run

JACKSONVILLE -- So long, Herschel Walker.

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow entered Saturday's game against Georgia at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium tied with Walker for the SEC all-time career rushing touchdowns record. Tebow broke the record with 1:32 left in the first half with a beautiful 23-yard touchdown run to give UF a 24-10 halftime lead.

Florida had 244 yards of offense in the first half. Tebow has rushed for 63 yards on eight carries and a touchdown and completed 14 of 18 attempts for 153 yards and two touchdowns. He's probably not very "frustrated" right now.

-jo- 

Future NFL kickers on display at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium

JACKSONVILLE -- Florida kicker Caleb Sturgis of St. Augustine just boomed a 56-yard field goal to give Florida a 17-10 lead. Earlier in the second quarter, Georgia kicker Blair Walsh smashed a 49-yard field goal. Both field goals cleared the uprights with ease.

Walsh, who was the SEC's best kicker through the first half of the season, is from Fort Lauderdale.

-jo- 

Georgia scores and excites itself with a ... sideline celebration. Is this lame?

JACKSONVILLE -- Everyone remembers Florida's staged end-zone celebration in 2007, right? Well, that just happened again but this time Georgia celebrated its first touchdown of the game with a full-team sideline celebration.

Florida leads Georgia 14-10 with 10:35 left in the second quarter. After a difficult opening quarter, Georgia's offense came to life in the second quarter. The Bulldogs made it 14-3 on a Blair Walsh 49-yard field goal. UGA cut UF's lead to 14-10 on the next series with a 65-yard drive that took just three plays and ended with a 35-yard touchdown pass from Joe Cox to Aron White.

After the touchdown, Georgia jumped up and down on its own sideline, an apparent nod to the end-zone celebration in 2007. Lame?

-jo-

Florida Gators Dorian Munroe returns to action on punt defense

JACKSONVILLE -- Florida safety Dorian Munroe played on the Gators' punt-defense unit on Saturday during the first half of Florida's rivalry game against Georgia.

Munroe injured his knee this preseason and had not played until Saturday. A native of Miami, Munroe missed all of last season with an unrelated knee injury.

-jo-

Florida Gators' offense clicking after first quarter; UF lead Georiga 14-3

JACKSONVILLE -- So much for those offensive woes.

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow is on fire in the first quarter at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium and the Gators lead the Bulldogs 14-3. UF scored on consecutive drives to begin the game. Both series were displays of precision and big-play ability that the Gators have lacked recently.

Receiver Riley Cooper has two touchdown receptions. His 22-yard catch from Tebow with 12:21 left in the first quarter gave UF a 7-0 lead. Cooper had a 29-yard touchdown reception on the following series. Florida has 172 yards of offense after two drives and Tebow was 8 of 9 for 106 yards.

The Florida Gators drove 80 yards in six plays on the opening series and torched the Bulldogs on the second series with a 92-yard drive on 11 plays.

MUNROE ON STATIONARY BIKE
Florida Gators safety Dorian Munroe is dressed on the sidelines for the first time this season. He warmed up on a stationary bike during the first quarter but did not play.

GEORGIA WEARS BLACK
Those wily Georgia Bulldogs surprised everyone at kickoff with black pants and black helmets. Halloweened themed? Mike-Mike McCall mentioned that they look like skeletons.

-jo-

Call it the War for the Oar! New rivalry trophy to be unveiled for Florida-Georgia rivalry

GAINESVILLE -- And to the winner goes The Oar!

College football has a brand new rivalry trophy. The Okefenokee Oar will be presented to the winner of the Florida-Georgia rivalry after Saturday's game at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. Naturally, Gator Clause has already renamed the rivalry the War for the Oar and is currently working on copyrighting that.

The Okefenokee Oar, measuring 10 feet but needing some paint (just my opinion), is a collaborative idea of the University of Florida and University of Georgia student governments. The trophy will remain in the possession of the winning team for a year before returning to Jacksonville Municipal Stadium in 2010 to be fought over once again. We're assuming this, anyway. We suppose Georgia could eventually just keep the trophy all to itself and display it in a museum. (Yes, Miami, that was a shot at you and your war canoe. Please, Canes fans, no emails about the City of Hollywood mayor or whatever. I already know the story.)

Gator Clause loves this idea. We are suckers for college football traveling rivalry trophies and we're sure that the War for the Oar will soon top the list of college football's most recognized rivalry names. Since Florida is 16-3 against Georgia dating back to 1992, the Okefenokee Oar will probably be spending a lot of time in Florida's trophy case.

For those who need a geography lesson: The Okefenokee Swamp is the big swamp on the Florida-Georgia border. If anyone has been canoeing in High Springs (just north of Gainesville), then you know the swamp pretty much extends all the way down to Alachua County. When it rains really hard in south Georgia, folks on the Suwannee River and its tributaries usually know it about two days later. According to the University of Florida's student government, the Okefenokee Oar was carved out of a 1,000-year old cypress tree from the swamp and was donated by someone who, according to UF's student newspaper, wanted to remain anonymous. (Probably because his first creation, "Treebow," didn't look too hot.

For those who need a history lesson: The Florida-Georgia border runs through the Okefenokee Swamp. OK, that much is obvious. But to fully understand the symbolism of the Okefenokee Oar you've got to go back a few years. Way back, actually. Like, back in the pre-colonial days.

I'd hate to bore you with the details so I'm going to wing this one. Back when Europeans started killing each other and American Indians for land in the New World, people really wanted the Okefenokee Swamp. Don't ask me why? It's a swamp and smells of decaying earth and primordial death pretty much year round. I know, I've been there. Paddled that river plenty. Beautiful swamp. Black water. Big alligators. Anyway, the Okefenokee Oar celebrates man's greed.

Ah, I'm just joking. Anything for another college football rivalry trophy! The UF and UGA student government presidents will introduce the Okefenokee Oar to the college-football world before the game on CBS.

-jo-

A Halloween costume suggestion for your favorite Florida Gator; Plus a pre-game meal suggestion for Deonte Thompson

GAINESVILLE -- Here's a link to my national college football column in Friday's paper, CLICK ME! As promised, the column is Halloween themed and offers costume suggestions for FSU quarterback Christian Ponder, Alabama coach Nick Saban, Nebraska coach Bo Pelini and Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, among other things.

It's Friday, which means it's time to suggest a pre-game meal for seemingly disgruntled Florida receiver Deonte Thompson. Thompson is not Florida quarterback Tim Tebow's favorite target. He knows it. We know it. Everyone knows it. In the three conference games Thompson has started since returning from his hamstring injury, he has four receptions for 107 yards. The large chunk of those yards came on Thompson's wide-open, 77-yard touchdown against Arkansas.

The Belle Glade native had one reception for 19 yards against Mississippi State. After waving at Tebow throughout the game to pass him the ball, Thompson became so frustrated after one play that he tossed up his arms and waved away another missed opportunity with what seemed to be palpable dismay.

Here's what Florida coach Urban Meyer had to say about Thompson's show of frustration: "I don't mind guys that play very hard and I think they share their frustration that competitors have," Meyer said. "If he's a non-competitor and I see that, he won't play. That's not the case. [Thompson] plays very hard. He runs blocks well. He runs good routes. That's fine.

"But if you ask me again next week, there's a chance Deonte won't be playing."

Deonte, here's a wise suggestion before you step over the line and show up Florida quarterback Tim Tebow. Don't do it, man! Check yourself before you wreck yourself! You'll never find your way out of the doghouse! Do yourself a favor, Deonte, and mix a big ol' jug of orange Kool-Aid and drink the whole darn thing before Saturday's game against Georgia. Not the red Kool-Aid. Not the purple Kool-Aid. The ORANGE Kool-Aid! Don't even mix in the sugar. Just drink that stuff straight. Don't just swallow your pride, Deonte. This time you've got to drowned it before you wave away your chances of ever playing a meaningful role in Florida's offense. Urban Meyer has publicly warned you and so, too, have your friends at Gator Clause.

-jo-

PICTURED: Deonte Thompson's pre-game meal, aka "Smart Juice."

ULTIMATE PREVIEW: The last-call cocktail for Tim Tebow in Jacksonville should be a Gators blowout

GAINESVILLE -- OK, so it's rivalry time again and that means it's ULTIMATE PREVIEW time again. First, here's a link to my story in today's paper. You know, the one I teased last night with the Book of Revelations quotes. A fun read. So, do yourself the favor. LINK!

And here's a link to Mike-Mike's daily practice rail. LINK! Mike-Mike writes that stopping Georgia basically boils down to one thing: shutting down UGA receiver A.J. Green.

First, a programming note: The editorial board at Gator Clause decided to publish the ULTIMATE PREVIEW a few days early this week. In rivalries past, we published the ULTIMATE PREVIEW on Saturday mornings as a game-day preview. Looking back, that seemed kind of like a waste because who the heck reads Gator Clause on a Saturday morning?

THE ULTIMATE PREVIEW'S EXPANDED CAPSULE
TEAMS: No.1 Florida (7-0, 5-0 SEC); Georgia (4-3, 3-2 SEC)
KICKOFF: 3:30 p.m., Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, Jacksonville
SERIES: Georgia leads the all-time series 46-38-2 but Florida is 16-3 against the Bulldogs since 1990.
COACHES: Urban Meyer (90-17 overall; 51-9 at UF, fifth season; 29-8 vs. SEC; 4-0 vs. UGA); Mark Richt (86-25 overall/at UGA, ninth season; 51-21 vs. SEC; 2-6 vs. UF)
Florida game notes LINK!
Georgia game notes LINK!

GATORS, DID YOU KNOW? Since Urban Meyer became the head coach in 2005, the Gators have a 13-1 mark against their primary rivals (FSU, UGA, UT and UM).

BULLDOGS, DID YOU KNOW? Georgia currently leads the country with 12 consecutive seasons with eight or more wins, but that record seems to be in jeopardy in 2009.

SEC, DID YOU KNOW? If Florida defeats Georgia on Saturday and South Carolina loses to Tennessee, the Gators will clinch the SEC Eastern Division title. Book your tickets to Atlanta, folks.

LAST YEAR: Florida defeated Georgia 49-10 in a game where pretty much everything went right for the Gators. Tebow rushed for three scores and passed for two more. In all, Florida converted 5 of 5 times inside the red zone. Florida's defense intercepted former UGA quarterback Matt Stafford (No.1 pick in the 2009 NFL Draft) three times, including and 88-yard interception return by UF cornerback Joe Haden.

TIM TEBOW RECORDS WATCH: Florida quarterback Tim Tebow needs one rushing touchdown to break former UGA running back Herschel Walker's SEC record for career rushing touchdowns (49). Tebow needs three more touchdowns (rushing or receiving) to tie him with former LSU running back Kevin Faulk (53) for the SEC record for career touchdowns.

[PICTURED, Tebow before there was eye black.]

Tebow needs two touchdown passes to tie him with former Florida quarterback Rex Grossman (77) for seventh in the SEC and third at UF. Tebow needs seven more rushing attempts to tie former Florida running back Earnest Graham (603) for fourth at UF. Tebow needs 17 completions to tie him former Florida quarterback Kerwin Bell for seventh at UF. Tebow needs 36 passing yards to tie him with Bell (7,585) for fifth at UF. Tebow needs two passing touchdowns to tie Grossman (77) for third at UF. Tebow needs 11 more plays to tie him with former Florida quarterback Chris Leak (1,636) for first at UF.

BRANDON JAMES RECORD WATCH: Brandon James needs 68 more kickoff-return yards to tie him with former Mississippi State Bulldog Derek Pegues (2,498) for the SEC career record. 

[PICTURED, James is another Jackonsville-area native looking to go out big on Saturday.]

James needs one more kick return (kickoff or punt) to tie former Mississippi State Bulldog Tony James and former Auburn Tiger Thomas Bailey (199) for the SEC record. James needs one more punt return for a touchdown to tie former Vanderbilt Commodore Lee Nalley (5) for second all-time in the SEC. James needs one more kick return for a touchdown (kickoff or punt) to tie him with Nalley (6) for second in the SEC. James trails former LSU Tiger Robert Dow 19.1-18.2 for the SEC record in total average per kick return (kickoff and punt).

FLORIDA INJURY REPORT (bold means starter or former starter this season)
PROBABLE: DT Lawrence Marsh (ankle), DT Jaye Howard (knee), MLB Brandon Spikes (groin), Jeff Demps (probable)
QUESTIONABLE: CB Wondy Pierre-Louis (undisclosed), CB Moses Jenkins (concussion), SS Dorian Munroe (knee), LB Jelani Jenkins (ankle)
OUT: DT Justin Trattou (bicep), DT Brandon Antwine (shoulder), LT Matt Patchan (knee), WR Carl Moore (back), WR Andre Debose (hamstring), LB Brandan Beal (neck), TE Desmond Parks (knee), WR Paul Wilson (foot), LB John Jones (transfer).

GEORGIA INJURY REPORT
QUETIONABLE: FB Shaun Chapas (neck), CB Chad Gloer (hamstring), DE Kiante Tripp (shoulder), CB Vance Cuff (suspension), LB Marcus Dowtin (finger), LB Akeem Dent (hamstring)
OUT: DE Roderick Battle (knee), OT Trinton Sturdivant (knee), TE Bruce Figgins (suspension, redshirt), WR Kris Durham (shoulder), TE Bryce Ros (toe), OL Tanner Strickland (shoulder), WR Tony Wilson (ankle), S John Knox (transfer). 

THE ULTIMATE PREVIEW'S EXPANDED SCOUTING REPORT
WHEN FLORIDA HAS THE BALL
The Gators' lead the SEC in rushing (258.3) and Florida quarterback Tim Tebow has been the dominant force at the line of scrimmage. Tebow has 121 rushing attempts this season, compared to 143 combined rushing attempts by running backs Jeff Demps, Chris Rainey and Emmanuel Moody. 

[PICTURED, Moody wouldn't mind a few more carries on Saturday.]

Tebow's tough running is the main reason why Florida leads the SEC in third-down conversion percentage (45.98 percent). He leads the SEC in passing efficiency (151.1 rating) despite tossing two interceptions last week against Mississippi State. 

Turnovers, sacks and converting red-zone opportunities into touchdowns have been problems for the Gators. Tebow has been sacked 16 times in seven games and UF's quarterback has turned the ball over four times in his last two games (two fumbles against Arkansas; two interceptions against Mississippi State). Florida continues to struggle in the red zone. In conference play, Florida is 7 of 25 in converting red-zone chances into touchdowns.

In his last two games, UF sophomore kicker Caleb Sturgis has missed two field-goal attempts from the 37-yard line. Sturgis made 3 of 4 field goals against both Mississippi State and Arkansas. His final field goal against the Razorbacks was the game winner.

Florida tight end Aaron Hernandez leads the Gators with 33 receptions. Combined, Hernandez and receiver Riley Cooper make up the large majority of UF's receiving offense. Hernandez and Cooper have combined for 60 receptions, which is more than the rest of the Gators' skill players combined (46). In conference play, senior receiver David Nelson and senior receiver Brandon James have caught five passes each. Sophomore receiver Deonte Thompson has four receptions in conference play.

Protecting Tebow inside the pocket has become a major concern for Florida's coaching staff. The left side of the offensive line appears to be the problem. It wasn't great to begin with but took a major hit when starting left tackle Matt Patchan tore an anterior-cruciate ligament in his right knee during the Gators' bye week. Florida began the year with a strong right side (center Maurkice Pouncey, right guard Mike Pouncey and right tackle Marcus Gilbert), but UF has since moved Mike Pouncey to left guard to balance the line. Florida experimented in practice this week by moving freshman left tackle Xavier Nixon into the starting rotation. Nixon could receive his first significant amount of playing time against Georgia.

[PICTURED, Is Xavier Nixon ready for the big time?] 

That UF coach Urban Meyer even suggested this week that Nixon, a true freshman, could be an option against Georgia likely means that Florida guards James Wilson and Maurice Hurt are to blame for UF's offensive line woes. Starting Nixon at left tackle would allow Carl Johnson (current starting left tackle) to shift inside and play his natural position (left guard). Florida's coaches are concerned with Georgia's dominant defensive tackles from Broward County (Geno Atkins of Fort Lauderdale and Jeff Owens of Sunrise). To limit Atkins and Owens, Florida could also move both Pounceys to the guard positions and start redshirt freshman Sam Robey, leaving Johnson at left tackle.

WHEN GEORGIA IS ON DEFENSE
Georgia's passing defense is ranked eleventh in yards allowed (238.3 ypg) and pass-defense efficiency (131.5) in the SEC entering Saturday's game. Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallet torched the Bulldogs for 408 yards and five touchdowns and Tennessee quarterback Jonathan Crompton looked like an All-American against the UGA defense. Crompton passed for 310 yards and four touchdowns in the Vols' 45-19 win. Against Tennessee, Georgia's defenders did not record a sack or a quarterback hurry.

[PICTURED, This guy punked Georgia? Wow!]

Georgia's defense ranks last in the SEC in scoring (27.7 ppg) and that number does not match up well with the Gators' offense, which ranks first in the SEC in scoring (35.3 ppg). The problem seems to be lack of playmakers. Celebrated safety Reshard Jones has one interception and Georgia has recorded just five interceptions in 234 passing plays. Part of the problem: Georgia's supposed All-American defensive tackle combo of Atkins and Owens have combined for half a sack.

The Bulldogs are ranked fifth in the SEC in rushing defense, which should help the Bulldogs against UF's Thundercat Offense. Before Georgia fans get excited, consider this: A good measuring stick might be Georgia's game against Tennessee. Vols running back Montario Hardesty rushed for 97 yards on 20 carries against the Bulldogs.

WHEN GEORGIA HAS THE BALL
When Georgia has the ball, it's usually in the hands of receiver A.J. Green. Green, perhaps the best receiver in Georgia history, has 41 receptions through seven games for 682 yards and six touchdowns. Considering Georgia is ranked last in the SEC in rushing (108.0 ypg), Green is basically the team's entire offense. Georgia's second-leading receiver, Michael Moore of Coconut Creek North Broward Prep, has 19 receptions for 177 yards and two touchdowns.

Georgia quarterback Joe Cox ranks sixth in the SEC in passing efficiency (132.9 rating) and has thrown 13 touchdowns. Those are acceptable numbers but the problem is Georgia does not have a running game to balance the pass.

WHEN FLORIDA IS ON DEFENSE
In conference play, the Gators are ranked first in scoring defense (10.1 ppg), first in total defense (229.6 ypg), first in passing defense (135.0 ypg), second in rushing defense (94.6 ypg), first in pass-defense efficiency (86.6 rating) and third in interceptions (10). Yeah, the Gators are THAT good.

The biggest match up of the day will be Florida's cornerbacks against Georgia receiver A.J. Green. Green usually lines up on the left side of the field, which means he'll be going head to head against UF sophomore corner Janoris Jenkins most of the time. Jenkins and fellow cornerback Joe Haden have watched film of Green run passing routes for two hours every day since Sunday.

[PICTURED, Can Janoris shut down A.J. Green?]

Georgia quarterback Joe Cox has been intercepted nine times in seven games. He has thrown at least one interception in each game this season. Florida safety Major Wright of Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas leads the Gators with three interceptions. Jenkins and Haden have two interceptions each and strong safety Ahmad Black has one. As Black likes to say, it could be a "pick party" on Saturday for the Gators' secondary.

Florida's defensive front should have no problem shutting down Georgia's rushing attack on Saturday. UF linebacker Brandon Spikes, who missed the Mississippi State game with a groin injury, will likely play and defensive tackles Lawrence Marsh (ankle) and Jaye Howard (knee) are expected to rejoin the defensive line rotation.

FINAL VERDICT
Florida has had turnover problems but Georgia has had turnover nightmares. The Bulldogs have 17 turnovers in seven games and are minus-11 in turnover margin. If Florida shuts down the Bulldogs running game, as expected, and limits UGA receiver A.J. Green to under 100 yards receiving, the Gators will likely win easily. Tebow accounted for five touchdowns (three rushing) against Georgia last season and you better believe he is highly motivated this time around. He needs one rushing touchdown to break former Georgia running back Herschel Walker's SEC record (49) and Tebow will be playing in Jacksonville, his hometown, for the final time against the Gators' primary SEC rival.

PREDICTION
Florida 42, Georgia 10

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE! (This is, after all, the ULTIMATE PREVIEW)
8 The number of touchdowns Tebow has accounted for in the last two years against Georgia.

7 The number of touchdowns Georgia's offense has accounted for in the last two years against Florida.

3 The number of times Florida and Georgia have played on Halloween. Georgia leads the all-time Halloween series 1-2. The Bulldogs defeated Florida 33-6 on UF's homecoming on Oct. 31, 1931. In 1992, Florida evened the series with a 26-24 victory. UF quarterback Shane Matthews passed for 301 yards and two touchdowns and UF's defense held Georgia Heisman Trophy candidate Garrison Hearst to just 41 rushing yards on 14 carries. On Oct. 31, 1998, No.11 Georgia upset No.5 Florida to regain control of this scary Halloween rivalry.

3 The number of sacks UF defensive end Carlos Dunlap recorded last week against Mississippi State. It was a career high for Dunlap. Dunlap's peformance against pass happy Georgia could be a key to the game.

18 The number of punts for Florida this season, which is the nation's lowest total. Seriously, is UF's offense really struggling.

27 The number of former Gators on current NFL rosters, according to Florida's sports information department.

38 The number of former Georgia Bulldogs on current NFL rosters, according to Georgia's sports information department. (Seemingly Georgia's only source of recent pride in this rivalry.)

-jo-

Suggestions for Florida Gators Tim Tebow's Halloween eye black: Gator Clause calls upon the Book of Revelations

GAINESVILLE -- Here's a little taste of my feature story in tomorrow's paper, which basically takes a few shots at Florida's excitable fan base. He'll never do it, but Tim Tebow should scribble a Bible verse from the Book of Revelations into his eye black on Saturday. Reason 1: A fittingly sarcastic backhand for his doubters and those among Florida's fans who think the end is extremely nigh. 2. It's Halloween, of course.

SUGGESTIONS FOR TEBOW'S SATURDAY EYE BLACK
REV 18:1
"And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory."

[PICTURED, Tebow will judge the wicked and unfaithful on Halloween!]

REV 18:3
"And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every four spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird." (Ibis, we're assuming.)

REV 19:11
"And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war."

REV 19:12
"His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself."

REV 19:15
"And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God."

Feel free to offer your own suggestions for Tebow's Halloween eye black. Quite fun.

-jo-

EMAILS I GET: How do you improve the Gators' offense?

This email comes to us from Daniel Fassman, a Gators fan who is genuinely concerned about UF's perceived offensive struggles. Daniel, using the power of his iPhone, writes:

I would like your opinion on the offense...Why not put Demps and Rainey in the backfield in a Wildcat? Also, more screens on the outside to use their speed. As for the red zone, or this year the "black zone," the answer is Moody. Running Tebow is becoming too predictable in short-yardage situations. (Moody) can get those tough yards you need. And I definitely agree putting Tebow under center will help. It's a new look I don't think we've shown and the one time we did, we scored a touchdown.

GAINESVILLE -- Daniel, thanks for the great email. I think your concerns reflect the concerns of a large portions of Gator Nation. In the words of UF offensive coordinator Steve Addazio, the only problem with the Gators' offense has been turnovers in the red zone. I agree with Steve. Too much is being made of the Gators' supposed offensive struggles. This team is ranked first in the SEC in total offense.

Why not put Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey in the backfield in a Wildcat? Well, for starters Demps is questionable for Saturday's game due to a neck strain, so I don't think I'll be writing about Demps in the Wildcat against Georgia. As for Rainey, do you really think UF's offense would be better if Rainey ran the Wildcat? Florida's Thundercat Offense with Tebow under center has been nearly unstoppable. It's the Wildcat on steroids. Tebow can run and, obviously, he gives you the option to pass. I don't see Rainey providing that type of versatility. The only thing that has stopped the Gators' offense is the Gators themselves. Limit the turnovers in the red zone and the idea that UF's offense is struggling seems ludicrous.

As for using Demps and Rainey more on screens, this topic has come up during press conferences and it's not a bad idea. Demps has four receptions in seven games and Rainey has one reception. Rainey's lone reception came on a screen pass and he carried it for a 14-yard gain against Arkansas before fumbling. More screen passes to Rainey, Moody or Brandon James are likely against Georgia.

Has Tebow become too predictable in the red zone? Yes, but that doesn't mean he isn't effective. Tebow remains the Gators' best short-yardage option and, in my opinion, that shouldn't change. Tebow was stuffed twice on the goal line against Mississippi State. This doesn't bother me. More often than not, Tebow is going to get those yards. The Gators are ranked No.1 in the SEC in third-down conversations for a reason: Tebow. A good offense converts third downs about 40 percent of the time. Tebow and the Gators are converting on third down 45.98 percent of the time, which ranks 22nd in the NCAA or 11th among BCS teams.

Should UF run more out of the I-formation? This is an interesting idea. Faced with a goal-line situation, I don't see the problem with putting Tebow under center and then running a QB sneak into the end zone. In short-yardage situations, the I-formation could be used as a nice change of pace (as in Rainey's touchdown run against Mississippi State), but, again, the Gators are not struggling in converting short-yardage situations. The best option, in my opinion, remains Tebow. That doesn't mean, however, that there isn't room in the playbook to give Moody some carries in the red zone. I think Moody should get the ball in the red zone a few times against Georgia and he probably will.

In a nutshell, cut down on the turnovers and don't lose faith in Tebow in the red zone.

-jo-

Florida Gators freshman offensive lineman could start against Georgia

GAINESVILLE -- Florida coach Urban Meyer said on Tuesday that there is a possibility freshman offensive tackle Xavier Nixon could receive significant playing time on Saturday against Georgia.

Offensive lineman James Wilson has apparently been singled out as the weakest link and Florida's coaches would also like to move Carl Johnson back inside, where he is more comfortable. Florida quarterback Tim Tebow has been sacked 16 times this season. Another offensive line possibility, according to Steve Addazio, is moving Maurkice Pouncey to guard and starting Sam Robey at center, which would leave Carl Johnson on the outside.

On the defensive line, coach Dan McCarney said that both Lawrence Marsh (ankle) and Jaye Howard (knee) practiced on Tuesday and could play against Georgia. Brandon Antwine (shoulder) and Justin Trattou (shoulder) are doubtful. Running back Jeff Demps (neck) sat out practice on Tuesday.

-jo-

Fixing red-zone problems tops Urban Meyer's agenda this week

GAINESVILLE -- Florida coach Urban Meyer and his offensive coaching staff watched every red-zone play of the season on Sunday night and they came to this conclusion: "We're finding out it's not play call."

On Monday, Meyer indicated that he has changed plays or allowed for change during the course of a game, which, in his opinion, has affected the Gators production in the red zone. In conference play, Florida is 7 of 26 in converting red-zone opportunities into touchdowns. The trend climaxed on Saturday in Starkville, Miss., when UF scored one touchdown in the red zone on six chances.

"We have to hold to the plan," Meyer said. "Sometimes we're making a call that's not on the call sheet and that's my fault. We're going to stick to the call sheet."

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, normally reliable in short-yardage situations, was stuffed at the goal line on consecutive plays in the first half. Tebow later tossed an interception that was returned for a touchdown. After the game, Meyer said he was asking Tebow to do too much. Meyer said that he and his offensive coaches have designed a few new plays for the red zone and will be begin practicing them on Tuesday. Florida usually waits until Wednesday to practice its red-zone offense.

"We're going to do a better job on the call sheet, not just do it on Wednesday but do it earlier than that," Meyer said. "Last night we already have some (plays) on paper that we're going to start working."

More offense out of the I-formation could be an option. According to Meyer, using running back Emmanuel Moody in goal-line situations could also be considered. Moody, who leads the team in yards per carry, has not been used in the red zone this season. Meyer said on Monday that there was no reason why Moody had not been used in the red zone other than Florida's reliance on Tebow, which has become predictable.

"We're playing a lot of teams that are pinching the fronts," Tim Tebow said. "They game-planned us well with that especially (Dan) Mullen. He did a good job in game planning our fronts and the [quarterback] runs with some of the inside goal line stuff."

-jo-

Will Florida Gators Tim Tebow still win the Heisman Trophy? Gator Clause prediction: Yes. Will Tebow deserve the Heisman? Gator Clause answer: Yes.

GAINESVILLE -- By Tim Tebow standards -- pretty much the highest standards known to man and the American Dream -- the Florida Gators quarterback hasn't played his best football in the past two games.

Tebow lost two fumbles against Arkansas and tossed two interceptions against Mississippi State. Both interceptions were returned for touchdowns. On Monday, Tebow was questioned by reporters about his "frustration level" and the Gators' struggles in the red zone. Now, it seems kind of silly to me that reporters are viewing Florida's undefeated season as anything but a smashing success. But that's a topic for another blog post. The topic of this blog post: Will Tim Tebow win the Heisman Trophy? Gator Clause's prediction: Yes. Does Tebow deserve to win the Heisman? Gator Clause answer: Yes.

Lost in all the hoopla of the Gators' red-zone struggles and Tebow's "frustration" is the fact that Tebow has done some pretty amazing things in the last two games. Against Arkansas, he led the first game-winning drive of his career with less than five minutes remaining in a game. Against Mississippi State, Tebow rushed for a beautiful 26-yard touchdown run on what appeared to be a broken play.

And, by the way, Tebow's touchdown run against Mississippi State tied him with former Georgia running back Herschel Walker for the Southeastern Conference's all-time rushing touchdowns record (49). The record might fall on Saturday in Jacksonville against, who else, the Georgia Bulldogs. Now, if those two weeks are the worst two weeks in the career of Tim Tebow, then I guess it's only fair for Gator Clause to draw upon our inner Chris Rainey and say, "And I'm like, damn, it's good to be Tim Tebow!"

Now, it seems rather obvious to Gator Clause that a QUARTERBACK who breaks the career rushing touchdowns record of HERSCHEL WALKER (pretty much the best running back in the history of the SEC and maybe college football) should be considered a lock to win the Heisman Trophy. My friend and colleague Israel Gutierrez wrote a column last week that basically argued that Tebow does not deserve the Heisman Trophy. My argument, Tebow deserves the Heisman more this year than in 2007 and 2008.

First, let's remind ourselves what the Heisman Trophy represents. It's the yearly award for the best player in college football. OK, who is the best player in college football this season? Tim Tebow. How do we know this? Well, for starters, Tebow is the best player on the best team in the country. Seriously, who's better? Florida is the defending national champions and has won 17 games in a row, a national best. What about the sandlot test? If you're picking first in a sandlot football game, who are you picking? Yep, Tebow.

What else? Well, Florida's Thundercat Offense is designed around Tim Tebow. The Gators are ranked No.6 nationally in rushing offense this week and No.1 in the SEC. Take a guess who the leading rusher is of the SEC's best rushing offense? That's right, Tim Tebow, a QUARTERBACK. Tebow is averaging 66.6 yards per game and has scored a team-high six rushing touchdowns. Alabama running back Mark Ingram, considered the best running back in the SEC this season, has rushed for eight touchdowns, or only two more than Tebow, who is a QUARTERBACK.

Oh, by the way, Tebow, despite throwing two interceptions against Mississippi State on Saturday, is still the SEC's top-rated passer (151.3 passing efficiency). As Gator Clause likes to put it, Tebow is better than your team's best player. Or, as Tebow likes to put it, he's doing what he's asked, "OK."

In 2007 and 2008 Tebow had receivers Percy Harvin and Louis Murphy to help make plays and accumulate stats. Harvin and Murphy are both starting in the NFL this season. That means Tebow is leading an offense that is ranked No.1 in the SEC with far less. A tight end is the Gators' leading receiver! Florida is ranked No.1 in the SEC in total offense (457.0 ypg) and scoring offense (35.3 ppg) and a tight end is the Gators' leading receiver! How is this possible!?! You guessed it, Tim Tebow.

Because of Tebow, Florida is ranked No.1 in the SEC in third-down conversions (46 percent), No.1 in the SEC in first downs (167) and No.1 in the BCS, AP poll, coaches' poll and Harris Interactive poll. Florida is one complete game away from Tebow blowing this Heisman race wide open. Enter Georgia, which is ranked 10th in the SEC in total defense, 11th in passing defense and fifth in rushing defense.

If Florida defeats Georgia on Saturday and South Carolina loses to Tennessee, then Florida will clinch the SEC East in the NINTH WEEK of the season. And the winner of the 2009 Heisman Trophy goes to ... University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow.

Now, it won't be that easy -- Florida needs to defeat Alabama in the SEC championship game to ensure that Tebow wins the Heisman -- but consider what teams remain on the Gators' schedule after the Georgia game: Vanderbilt (nothing else to say), South Carolina (Tebow's motivation: Steve Spurrier didn't vote for Tim Tebow as the SEC's preseason all-conference quarterback.), Florida International (nothing else to say, other than Miami won't play FIU for who knows why) and Florida State (probably the worst defense in the ACC).

Reporters like to compare Tebow's stats to 2008 and 2007. That's fair but if that's your logic in arguing Tebow doesn't deserve the Heisman then it also seems fair to use that same logic in arguing that Tebow does deserve the Heisman. With six games remaining in his collegiate career, Tebow is already responsible for the most touchdowns in the history of the SEC and is already tied for the SEC career rushing touchdowns record. He has won two national championships and is the favorite to win a third.

Somebody, please tell me who is more deserving of the Heisman Trophy?

-jo-

Florida Gators running back Jeff Demps in neck brace

GAINESVILLE -- Here's proof that Florida coach Urban Meyer knows a thing or two about women's fashion accessories. He does, after all, have two daughters.

When asked on Monday about injured running back Jeff Demps, Meyer said, "I think he's going to be good. He has a sprained neck. He's walking around here with a choke collar on ... uh, neck collar ... little guy ... looks pretty good. But he should be fine. I think he's going to practice. There will be no contact for a couple days but I saw the play. A big ol' 300-pound lineman got a hold of him."

Demps sprained his neck against Mississippi State and his status for the Georgia game is questionable. 

-jo-

And the award for the most ridiculous press-conference question of the year goes to ...

... a representative of one of the Gators' fan websites, gatorcountry.com, of course. Because who else better represents psychotic, fanatical fandom than these people.

Florida is 7-0. The Gators are the defending national champions, currently ranked No.1 in the BCS and AP poll and Urban Meyer was recently named The Sporting News' college football coach of the decade. But on Monday during Meyer's weekly press conference, one gatorcountry.com employee went all Norman Mailer on us and asked Meyer this beauty: "Are you still living the American Dream?"

Would somebody please slit my wrists right now. I have now officially lost all faith in rational thought. Perhaps we should ask Americans this same question. Americans, is Urban Meyer still living the American Dream? 

-jo-

On second thought, Florida Gators linebacker Dustin Doe is a "bonehead"

GAINESVILLE -- Good Monday morning, Gatorland. Had a long travel day on Sunday getting out of Mississippi. Isn't it bizarre when you're in some random city for a connection flight and you run into someone you know from a completely different part of the country. That happened to me on Sunday. I as in this world of strangers, blank faces and TSA workers and then all of sudden there's an old friend. Good times.

Well, I just wanted everyone to know that Florida point guard Erving Walker of NYC told me last week that the Yankees would win in six. He was right. Yankees in six.

Is Florida getting special treatment by SEC officials? Two questionable calls in two weeks that led to fourth quarter touchdowns in close games? Just coincidence of is it something else? Here's a link to my story in today's paper. LINK!

ON SECOND THOUGHT...
What did we learn after Week Eight of the college football season? Exactly nothing. We already knew the Gators' Thundercat Offense was having trouble in the red zone. We already knew the Gators' defense was a force greater than the sun. And we already knew Dustin Doe was, in the words of teammate Terron Sanders, a bonehead.

Seriously, Dustin, was all that high-stepping really necessary? Against Mississippi State? Really?

--I talked to Caleb Sturgis on Sunday night and he agreed with me that it's probably a good idea that he no longer spot the ball at the 27-yard line for field-goal attempts. Sturgis' last two misses (first quarter against Arkansas and first quarter against Mississippi State) were both from 37 yards.

--We learned that Mississippi State running back Christian Ducre can always tell his grandkids that one time back in October 2009 he got the best of the great Ahmad Black.

TOLD YOU SO
Alabama has its flaws, too. Don't want to pile on the embattled SEC officials here but did Terrence Cody rip off his helmet before the clock hit zero in Tuscaloosa, Ala? Some are saying he did. That, of course, is against the rules.

REPLACING STEVE ADDAZIO
People, do y'all really think Florida coach Urban Meyer should replace his offensive coordinator of a 7-0 team on the week before the Gators biggest rival of the season?

Everyone needs to lay off Steve Addazio. The Thundercat Offense is ranked No.6 nationally in rushing this week (258.29) and continues to churn out at least four field goal attempts per game.

More later after Urban's Monday press conference. Will be slightly surprised if Tebow shows up today. He skipped out on the media on Saturday night.

-jo- 
 

Crazy game at Mississippi State ends with a 29-19 UF victory

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Pretty exciting game here in the beautiful state of Mississippi. Florida defeated Mississippi State 29-19 on Saturday at Davis Wade Stadium. Here's a link to my game story in Sunday's Miami Herald. LINK!

A record crowd of 57,178 watched Florida quarterback Tim Tebow tie former Georgia running back Herschel Walker's Southeastern Conference record of 49 career touchdown. Tebow rushed for 88 yards on 22 carries. He didn't throw a touchdown pass on Saturday, however, and completed 12 of 22 passing attempts with two touchdowns. After the game, Tebow refused to speak with reporters for the first time in his career.

Florida didn't look very good doing it but won its 17th straight game, which is the nation's longest current winning streak. Florida is 7-0 for the first time since 1996. Florida won at Mississippi State for the first time since 1985, breaking an 0-4 skid.

UF keeps on winning but how long will it last with the Gators struggling so mightily in the red zone? Florida was 1 of 6 converting red-zone opportunities into touchdowns. It's much more than a trend at this point. Now, it seems like a serious problem. In SEC play, Florida is 7 of 26 in converting red-zone opportunities into touchdowns.

I asked Urban Meyer after the game who was calling the Gators' red-zone plays and he said, "When it doesn't work, I call them."

Meyer said red-zone scoring is a major problem and will be addressed immediately. He said he planned to begin correcting it "on the plane ride home."

-jo-

Mississippi State pick-six highlights a difficult first half for UF's red zone offense

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Oh, boy. It might be a long night.

Mississippi State back-up free safety Johnthan Banks returned a Tim Tebow interception 102 yards for a touchdown with 27 seconds left in the first half on Saturday at Scott Field to cut UF's lead to 13-10. The interception came three plays after UF's Chris Rainey blocked his second punt of the season.

The punt gave UF excellent field position-- the State 7 with one minute left in the half -- but UF failed to convert. UF was 0-4 on converting red-zone opportunities into touchdowns during the first half. That statistic is much more than a trend for the Gators' offense, it's a problem. In four and half Southeastern Conference games, UF is 6 of 24 in converting red-zone opportunities into touchdowns. You read that correctly, 6 of 24!

-jo-

Tim Tebow ties Herschel Walker

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- UF quarterback Tim Tebow scored on a 26-yard touchdown run at the beginning of the second quarter of the Gators road game against Mississippi State on Saturday night. The touchdown gave Florida a 10-3 lead and tied Tebow with former Georgia running back Herschel Walker with all-time career rushing touchdown record in the Southeastern Conference.

Tebow has rushed for 49 touchdowns in his four-year career but none were quite like the one Saturday during the first quarter. Tebow faked a pitch then spun and ran up the middle of the field on a quarterback draw. Tebow cut to his right and outraced Mississippi State's secondary to the pylon. Tebow dove for the corner of the end zone to give Florida its first lead of the night.

FIRST QUARTER
The Gators' red zone troubles haven't went away. At least not yet, any way. The Gators missed a field goal in the first quarter (37 yards by Caleb Sturgis) and failed to score a touchdown after second and goal from the State 1.

--UF linebacker A.J. Jones picked off a Mississippi State pass during the first quarter after a Carlos Dunlap deflection. UF took over on the State 46 but the drive failed when Sturgis missed his field goal.

Mississippi State cowbells are so loud!

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Got to give Mississippi State fans props on these cowbells. Oh my gosh are they so loud. My ears will bleed tonight. I think everyone in the stadium has a cowbell.

There isn't much to Starkville, Miss., but the university is gorgeous. Of course, pretty much every campus I've been to in Mississippi has been nice: State, Ole Miss and Southern Miss.

As for Davis Wade Stadium, the jumbotron is enormous. Apparently it's the largest in the Southeastern Conference. The game's official line-up cards: They tell us that "Maruc" Gilbert and "Ahmed" Black are starting for the Florida Gators today. (Pretty sure Marcus Gilbert and Ahmad Black are here as well.)

--Will Hill is listed as tonight's starter at free safety. Major Wright is the back up.

--This place is sold out and rocking pretty good. About 55,000 fans just joined in together to sing "Who Let the Dogs Out." That's a first for me.

-jo-

So that's what Florida Gators' Tim Tebow meant when he said a 'different style'

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- It's a crisp and beautiful day in Mississippi. Currently about 50 degrees and the mercury is supposed to dip to 40 degrees tonight. This is football weather, folks!

As you get ready for the game tonight and you still don't know what to think about Florida's offense, consider this: Tim Tebow said it would be different. Apparently, no one was really listening. In today's Miami Herald, we take a look at the misconceptions of the Florida Gators' offense. Here's the link. CLICK ME! Pretty good read.

So, I ventured out of my hotel room last night against the advice of one of my best friends (who happens to be a Gator). We'll call him Gator Peru.

I asked Gator Peru, "What do I do in Mississippi on a Friday night?"

Gator Peru and his Peruvian wit: "Stay inside your hotel room and pray, bro. Maybe go to the hotel bar."

Well, I went and mingled with the natives anyway. Met some cool dudes. For most of the night we talked about rebuilding muscle cars, which I know nothing about but received some cred for my devotion to buying Fords.

The Southern accents in Mississippi kill me. So harsh and exaggerated. Like speaking with marbles in your mouth almost. Nice people, though. Got invited to a couple tailgates today at The Junction. Pretty sure I'm going to pass.

-jo-

A warm welcome awaited Gator Clause in Mississippi

SOMEWHERE IN MISSISSIPPI -- This is not a joke. This is real. What I'm about to write is completely true. I stepped out of my rental car in the parking lot of a Courtyard Marriott somewhere in who-knows-where Mississippi, looked down at my shoe and noticed what appeared to be a nice present of the canine variety. It's true. You can call my brother and ask him. I was on the phone with him when it happened. Man, it's great to be alive and in Mississippi!

It's cold here by Florida standards. The skies are gross and gray and pretty much match perfectly the first pair of camo pants I spotted. Packed two bottles of hand sanitzer. Never can be too safe in gun country...

OK, all senseless needling aside, Mississippi really is a beautiful state. It's good to be here. Let's get ready for some football!

Just finished my college football picks column inside the ol' hotel room. I'm thinking Florida 38, Mississippi State 10. As for Alabama-Tennessee, I'm calling for a close one: Bama 21, Vols 20. Might be giving Tennessee too much credit but Monte has had two weeks to prepare for Mark Ingram and the boys and this is pretty much Tennessee's game of the year.

Here's a link to my story today on Florida-Mississippi State. LINK! We've had our fun on the blog this week but there really ARE some good angles here to keep everyone interested for at least the first two quarters of the game. Florida fans are waiting to see how their Gators respond after a mostly poor performance against Arkansas. Mississippi State fans will go to bed tonight dreaming of upsetting the No.1 team in the Bowl Championship Series.

Herald columnist Israel Gutierrez thinks Tim Tebow isn't doing enough to win the Heisman. You can read that column by clicking on this link. LINK!

As for my Friday column, here's the link. Link! I took a look around the state and filled out my midseason ballot for the Herald's College Football All-Florida defense. I outlined my mideseason offensive ballot last week. (Already made one change to that list. UF tight end Aaron Hernandez is hands down the best tight end in the state. Sorry Jimmy Graham and Jason Harmon.) The All-Florida team will be published around Christmas.

-jo-

EMAILS I GET: Mississippi State fan challenges Gator Clause to a fight!!!

GAINESVILLE -- Proof that the good folks of Mississippi have the Internet and love their Mississippi State Bulldogs, this email comes to us from Justin Martian, an otherwise unassuming employee at a Mississippi health-care facility. Mr. Martian apparently took great offense at this blog post, which, by the way, was meant to be an over-the-top example of sarcasm.

Mr. Martian took us seriously, though. So seriously, in fact, that he fired off this email:

If this weeks game is "boooorrring" to you, I'll meet you out at the Junction, and beat you back to the state that can't vote correctly!!!!  Hope you have fun...

Thanks for the invite, Justin, but I think I'm going to pass. After all, Goodmans, historically, have not been treated so kindly in the great state of Mississippi. I will, however, pass this email off to my good friend Kyle Veazey of the Jackson Clairon-Ledger as a warning. Don't ever joke around with Mississippi State fans, Kyle, they'll go Junction on you!

Since Justin Martian decided to threaten me from his company email address, which included his full name, place of employment and telephone number, Gator Clause took the kind of liberty of changing his name and not contacting his boss to protect him from himself.

-jo-

Quick update on Florida Gators safety Dorian Munroe

GAINESVILLE -- I asked Joe Haden this week if safety Dorian Munroe might return against Mississippi State. Haden said he saw Munroe "walking around" at practice on Tuesday, which probably means Munroe will sit out UF's game against Mississippi State on Saturday.

Munroe, who missed all of 2008 with a torn anterior-cruciate ligament, re-injured his knee during the preseason (meniscus). Initially, Munroe had hoped to return to action in time for UF's away game against LSU. Munroe did not play against Arkansas and it looks like he might make his debut against Georgia. For Munroe's sake, we'll keep our fingers crossed.

Munroe, a fifth-year senior who received his undergraduate degree this summer, is now working on a graduate degree. He's pretty much one of the coolest guys on the team (duh, he's from Miami) and hopes to begin a career as a sports agent after graduation.

-jo-

What do Steve Phillips and the Florida Gators have in common?

GAINESVILLE -- Everyone needs a slump buster once in awhile.

PICTURED: Steve Phillips and his bulldog.

PICTURED: Mississippi State's Bully, looking fly.

-jo-

Mississippi State? Booooring. Wake us up when it's Halloween! Plus, why the Florida Gators are better than the Alabama Crimson Tide

GAINESVILLE -- Sports writers are really good at hyping things out of proportion. Pretty much only preachers and politicians have us beat. (Gator Clause has lent a hand in launching Tebow beyond the "hypeosphere" for the past three seasons.) Are we wrong in doing the opposite? Is Gator Clause wrong in launching an anti-hype campaign for Florida at Mississippi State?

I just wrote a story for the paper about how there are plenty of signs pointing to a possible Mississippi State upset on Saturday. There's the ol' trusty Dan Mullen angle that everyone has been hyping. Booooring. Who cares if Tebow and Mullen are friends? To me, that just means Tebow is going to kick a hole in his friends teeth on Saturday.

There's the whole angle about how UF hasn't won a game in Starkville since 1985 (four-game losing streak). Booooring! Just checked the record books. Yep.  Florida has won 16 in a row. Pretty sure that streak isn't ending at the hands of Mississippi State.

[PICTURED, A man whose brain and heart are both ready for Halloween.]

There's the whole angle about how UF's defensive line is struggling with depth (DTs Lawrence Marsh, Brandon Antwine and Jaye Howard are either questionable or doubtful for Saturday's game). Booooring! Florida is going to load the box on Saturday, shut down the run and beat Mississippi State by about 35 points. I'm calling 42-7.

You know what excites us? Florida vs. Georgia on Halloween! You know what else gets are blood pumping? Florida at South Carolina on Nov.14 and Florida vs. Florida State on Nov. 28 AND Florida vs. Alabama in the SEC championship game!!! Mississippi State? Sorry, guys, y'all are just the team in the middle.

The comparisons between Florida and Alabama have already started. Who's better? While I agree that Alabama deserves its ranking at No.1 in The Associated Press poll (defeated two ranked teams soundly compared to UF's one), I've watched every game both teams have played and it's fairly obvious to me that Florida is just as good as Alabama, BUT PROBABLY BETTER! I know, I know. Which games have I been watching, right? Well, Florida hasn't peaked yet and Alabama hasn't faced a team good enough to capitalize off of the Crimson Tide's mistakes. Simple as that.

Check these stats out: Florida's defense is ranked No.1 in the country, allowing just 8.67 points per game. Florida has allowed a total of 52 points this season. Now, here's something to consider when comparing Florida and Alabama. Opponents have scored 20 points against Florida's defense off of turnovers. That means 38.46 percent of the points Florida's defense has surrounded have come after Florida's offense has given the ball away! Alabama's defense has allowed a total of 81 points this season (the Crimson Tide has played one more game than Florida) but Alabama's opponents have only scored three points off of Alabama turnovers. Three points! Florida has 11 turnovers and Alabama has eight.

[PICTURED, Not Tim Tebow.]

What does all this mean? Well, it could mean that Alabama is due for a clunker of a game similar to what Florida survived against Arkansas. Tennessee has had two weeks to prepare for Alabama. You really want to compare Florida and Alabama? Wait until this weekend.

Is there something wrong with Florida's offense? Yes, the Gators have been turning the ball over in the red zone too often. If this team can limit its turnovers, nothing will likely stop this team. Not even Alabama. Florida is 6-0, ranked No.1 in the BCS, has the best player in college football at quarterback running the Thundercat Offense (which is ranked No.6 nationally in rushing and No.1 nationally in toughness), a defense that's one of the best in the country, a kicker who can hit from 50 and a punter who can pin a team deep. That's all you need to win a championship, folks.

-jo-

SEC officiating crew suspended after Florida-Arkansas debacle

Just got this press release in my email inbox. Wow! A side note to this story: I spoke with UF offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert on Tuesday and he told me that the infamous personal foul call on Arkansas that led to UF's touchdown should not have been called. Guess Gilbert was right.

SEC FOOTBALL OFFICIATING CREW SUSPENDED

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (October 21, 2009) -- The officiating crew from Saturday’s Arkansas at Florida football game will be removed from its next scheduled assignment on Oct. 31 and will not be assigned to officiate as a crew until Nov. 14, Southeastern Conference Commissioner Mike Slive announced Wednesday.

“A series of calls that have occurred during the last several weeks have not been to the standard that we expect from our officiating crews,” said Slive.  “I believe our officiating program is the best in the country, however, there are times when these actions must be taken.”

Following each weekend, the conference office reviews games from the previous week, using video replays as well as interviews with officials, coaches and administrators.

“While only a few calls have been identified, the entire crew shoulders responsibility for each play.  I have taken this action because there must be accountability in our officiating program,” added Slive.  “Our institutions expect the highest level of officiating in all of our sports and it is the duty of the conference office to uphold that expectation.”

In addition, there will be an impact on eligibility for post-season bowl assignments for the crew.

-jo-

Is Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow losing ground in the Heisman Trophy race?

GAINESVILLE -- According to ESPN, Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow is losing ground in the race for the Heisman Trophy.

In a poll of 15 ESPN.com staffers, Tebow trails Alabama running back Mark Ingram by one point this week in the website's Heisman Watch feature. LINK! Tebow rushed for 69 yards on 27 carries (minus six sacks Tebow rushed for 110 yards on 21 carries) and threw for 255 yards on 17 of 26 attempts with one touchdown. Florida's quarterback led the Gators' game-winning drive with several excellent passes and rushes. On the other hand, Tebow fumbled twice.

Ingram, who is having a great year, rushed for 246 yards on 24 carries and a touchdownon Saturday against South Carolina.

Fans should realize where this is headed. Florida is ranked No.1 in the Bowl Championship Series standings and Alabama is ranked No.2. If both teams survive their regular-season schedules, then Florida and Alabama will meet in Atlanta for the SEC championship game. The match up would likely be a de facto national championship semifinal and could also determine the Heisman Trophy.

Something to consider about the Heisman Trophy: If Ingram and Tebow continue to have excellent seasons and both Alabama and Florida remain undefeated until the SEC championship game, voters in the Southeast might split their vote for Tebow and Ingram, meaning the rest of the country would ultimately determine the winner. Don't forget about Texas quarterback Colt McCoy. The Longhorns are undefeated and ranked No.3 in the BCS standings. If Texas runs the table, then McCoy would likely carry the vote in the Southwest region.

-jo-

A few out-of-the-box ideas to improve the Florida Gators' red-zone offense

GAINESVILLE -- OK, by now we've all heard of the Thundercat Offense, the Florida Gators' offense this season which revolves around the unique talents of quarterback Tim Tebow. And, by now, we all realize that the Thundercat is great in the open field but pretty much stinks when it's in the red zone. In conference play, UF is opperating at a 30 percent success rate in converting red-zone chances into touchdowns. Well, Gator Clause has an offensive wrinkle that might help UF get the ball across the goal line.

UF should strongly consider (now, this is sarcasm, people, so don't get all freaking crazy on me) implementing the Doublecat Offense when it reaches the red zone. It's the next logical step. Line up Tim Tebow and Joe Haden side-by-side in the backfield and turn them lose. Haden can role right. Tebow can role left. Tebow can block for Haden. Haden can block for Tebow. Then, and this would throw everyone off, stick Tebow and John Brantley into the game at the same time.

OK, the Doublecat doesn't sound as intimidating as the Thundercat, but what about adding the old Notre Dame Box to the playbook for red-zone situations. Think about it: Tebow, Chris Rainey, Jeff Demps and Emmanuel Moody all on the field at the same time. OK, scratch that. UF only has one tight end. (Unless Riley Cooper can play tight end, which might actually work on a limited basis, but would probably get him killed in the process.) Oh well, guess Florida fans are left with the good ol' Thundercat and a bunch of field goals.

-jo-

Congressmen join political action committee to change college football. You can join the cause, too.

GAINESVILLE -- The newly formed Playoff PAC, a political action committee aimed at forcing college football to ditch the Bowl Championship Series and institute a playoff, is receiving support from a few politicians. And here's what makes me really happy, it's bipartisan! Isn't that wonderful! The leaders of our country can actually agree on something when it's important. LINK to the Playoff PAC website! There's a link on the website to join the PAC.

Congressman Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii.), senator Orin Hatch (R-Utah) and congressman Joe Barton (R-Texas) joined Playoff PAC on Monday, the day the first set of BCS standings were released. Florida is ranked first in the BCS standings. Alabama is second and Texas is third.

President Barack Obama, a democrat, has long supported the idea of a playoff system for major college football.

Congressman Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) stated: “Yesterday’s release of the first BCS rankings for 2009 remind us that selecting a major college football national champion is still arbitrary and anti-competitive. The BCS process continues to operate like an exclusive country club rather than a true play-off system. I fully support Playoff PAC’s efforts to bring change to college football.”

Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) said: “I think I’ve made it clear that I believe the BCS to be fundamentally unfair. I’ve always hoped that the government would not have to get involved and that those with the power to reform the system would recognize the error of their ways. But, even after hearing the complaints of millions of college football fans, not to mention government officials, they are apparently unwilling to make any significant changes. That being case, I’m supportive of all reasonable efforts to ensure that students and schools are treated fairly and a national playoff system being advocated by Playoff PAC seems like a reasonable way to accomplish that goal."

Congressman Joe Barton (R-Texas) stated: “The entire BCS system is a farce. It arbitrarily selects champions and reduces competition between conferences. College football’s post-season championship should be decided on the field, and that’s why a playoff system is needed. I look forward to working with Playoff PAC in reforming college football.”

Bryson Morgan, a member of Playoff PAC’s Board of Directors, said: "All of us recognize that our nation has weightier issues to tackle. However, this issue merits attention because college football's reach extends beyond the playing field. Democratically elected leaders should devote attention to a national institution that is financially and culturally important to their constituents—particularly when BCS officials demonstrate repeated, willful deafness to public appeals for change. We look forward to working with candidates and officeholders to bring about an accessible playoff system that rewards on-the-field accomplishment."

We understand why Mr. Morgan felt the need to clarity his statement -- This isn't that important but ... -- however, Gator Clause fundamentally disagrees with Morgan in that regard. This is important. I can sit here and argue the philosophy of importance all day. Let me sum it up this way: If it's important to you, then it's important.

-jo- 

Notebook: Basketball poll, blown calls, players of the week, Urban's champions club, Gators injury report

The University of Florida men's basketball team was predicted to finish fifth in the Eastern Division of the Southeastern Conference on Monday by league reporters. (FYI: Gator Clause does not vote in preseason polls. Pointless.) In a related bit of news, UF returning starters Chandler Parsons, Dan Werner and Alex Tyus were left off the writers' preseason all-conference teams. The nerve.

Kentucky and new Big Blue coach John Calipari was picked to win the SEC. Predicted finish of the SEC East: Kentucky, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, South Carolina, Florida and Georgia. Predicted finish of the SEC West: Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Alabama, LSU, Arkansas and Auburn. (Wow, Arkansas and Florida both picked to finish fifth. The perception of Billy Ball is struggling these days.)

Writers tabbed Kentucky power forward Patrick Patterson as the preseason SEC Player of the Year. (How many years to not landing Patterson set back Florida basketball? Setting the over/under at four years.)

Preseason SEC first-team: PG Devan Downey, South Carolina; SG Terrico White, Ole Miss; F Patrick Patterson, Kentucky; F Jarvis Varnado, Mississippi State; G/F Tyler Smith, Tennessee.

Preseason SEC second-team: G DeWayne Reed, Auburn; G John Wall, Kentucky; G Chris Warren, Ole Miss; F Tasmin Mitchell.

SEC REFS BLEW CALL
That phantom personal foul call against Arkansas defensive lineman Malcolm Sheppard during the Razorbacks' loss to Florida on Saturday? Yeah, the SEC said on Monday that their refs blew it. Arkansas sent in video of Sheppard's foul against Gators tackle Marcus Gilbert. The SEC informed Arkansas that "there was no evidence on the video to support the personal foul penalty."

Coincidentally (or maybe not) the crew that worked the Arkansas-Florida game on Saturday was the same set of officials who worked the Georgia-LSU game when UGA receiver A.J. Green was wrongly flagged for an unsportsmanlike penalty. Hmmmm...

SEC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Florida kicker Caleb Sturgis was named SEC special teams player of the week for his three-field goal performance against Arkansas. Sturgis kicked a 27-yard field goal to win the game. He finished the game 3 of 4 in field-goal attempts and drilled a 51-yard field goal, a career long.

Alabama running back Mark Ingram was named SEC offensive player of the week after churning out 246 yards on 24 carries and touchdown against South Carolina. Kentucky linebacker Micah Johnson appears to finally be living up to his potential. Johnson had 14 tackles in the 'Cats win against Auburn.

Ole Miss center Daverin Geralds was named SEC offensive lineman of the week. Georgia defensive tackle Geno Atkins of Pembroke Pines was named defensive lineman of the week. Atkins had eight tackles in the Bulldogs' win against Vandy.

URBAN MEYER'S CHAMPIONS CLUB
OFFENSE: Linemen Carl Johnson, Marcus Gilbert, Mike and Maurkice Pouncey, running back Jeff Demps, receiver Deonte Thompson, quarterback Tim Tebow and receiver Riley Cooper was named player of the game.

DEFENSE: Linemen Omar Hunter and Terron Sanders, free safety Major Wright and cornerback Joe Haden was the defensive player of the game.

FLORIDA INJURY REPORT (According to Meyer)
MLB Brandon Spikes (groin) probable; DE Justin Trattou (pulled bicep tendon) doubtful; WR Riley Cooper (hip pointer) probable; defensive tackle Lawrence Marsh (ankle) questionable; defensive tackle Jaye Howard (knee) questionable.

-jo-

Florida Gators' Thundercat Offense stranded on Planet Tebow? Not quite.

GAINESVILLE -- The Florida Gators innovative Thundercat Offense had a rough go of it on Saturday. Even Gators coach Urban Meyer seemed slightly concerned after the game when he admitted that "I don't think we are on the same planet as we were last year statistically."

Meyer's planetary observation begs the question: Exactly what planet does the Thundercat Offense call home? For now, we're calling it Planet Tebow. UF's quarterback carried the football 27 times on Saturday for 69 yards. Take away the six sacks from those stats and Tebow rushed it 21 times for 110 yards. Through the air, Tebow completed 17 of 26 attempts for 255 yards and a touchdown. Through six games, Florida is ranked No.1 in the Bowl Championship Series standings. Those are good numbers. Tebow's two fumbles against Arkansas ... not a good number.

Must the Gators rely on Tebow to win games? Obviously, yes. Should they? Absolutely. Is he not one of the greatest college football players in the history of the game? OK, so don't complain when the guy goes out and wins games.

[PICTURED, Time machine Timmy, circa 2007. Early permutations of the Thundercat Offense.] 

Gators fans should step back from the ledge, relax and embrace the Thundercat. All this talk about a struggling Gators' offense seems to be a little overstated. Here's what Mark Schlabach of the ESPN wrote after Florida's 23-20 win against Arkansas: "The offense struggles to run the football unless Tebow is doing it, and there is hardly any threat of a down-field passing game."

We love Mark Schlabach, but he was a little ... off the mark in that analysis of UF's running game. In reality, the Gators have no problems running the football until they reach the red zone. Check this story in Monday's Miami Herald for accurate and fair criticism of the Gators' offense. LINK!

Consider these statistics, Gators fan, before you even consider writing off UF's offense. Florida is ranked sixth in the nation (and first in the SEC) in rushing offense (259.83 ypg), sixth nationally (and first in the SEC) in total offense (470.50 ypg) and 11th nationally (and first in the SEC) in scoring offense (36.33 ppg).

As for interceptions, Tebow has only thrown two, which is tied for second fewest in the nation. Florida leads the nation in passing efficiency (167.25 quarterback rating) and is ranked sixth nationally (and first in the SEC) in third-down conversion percentage (51.35).

Then why all the fuss? Because Florida is ranked eighth (80 percent) in the SEC in red-zone offense. (Alabama is only ranked sixth (86.1 percent), by the way.) In conference games, Florida is 6 of 20 (30 percent) in converting red-zone opportunities into touchdowns. Last season, Florida finished conference play with a 73 percent success rate in converting red-zone chances into touchdowns.

Fumbles have also been a problem. Florida has lost six fumbles this season. In 2008, the Gators lost eight fumbles all season.

What about sacks? Florida is ranked ninth in sacks allowed (13 for minus-79 yards) in the SEC.

So, there you have it. Red-zone touchdowns, fumbles and sacks are the three areas where the Gators' offense needs to improve. Oh, and passing offense. Florida is ranked fifth in the SEC in passing offense behind Arkansas, Georgia, Auburn and South Carolina. But do the Gators really need to pass the ball more? Probably not. The combined conference record of Arkansas, Georgia, Auburn and South Carolina stands at 8-9. Florida's conference record: 4-0.

-jo-

Florida Gators fall to No.2 in Associated Press poll

GAINESVILLE -- The Gators fell to No.2 in the AP poll on Sunday, less than a day after escaping a major upset with a 23-20 win against Arkansas. Here's a link to the poll. LINK!

Alabama is the nation's new No.1. The Crimson Tide (7-0) defeated South Carolina 20-6. Alabama received 39 first-place votes in the AP poll while Florida received only 20. Last week, Florida received 50 first-place votes and Alabama, then ranked No.2, received 10. Since the beginning of the season, the Crimson Tide has climbed steadily in the polls. Alabama began the season ranked No.5. Alabama

Florida (6-0), which was ranked No.1 for six straight weeks, has won 16 games in a row dating back to last season's loss to Ole Miss. The winning streak is the nation's longest. 

-jo-

Florida Gators win a wild one; Defeat Arkansas 23-20

GAINESVILLE -- Kicker Caleb Sturgis kicked a 27-yard field goal with nine seconds left and the Florida Gators defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks 23-20 on Saturday night at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

It was a wild game and after it was over the Gators, who survived despite losing four fumbles throughout the day, celebrated at midfield like they had just won the SEC championship. Believe it or not, Florida quarterback Tim Tebow's game-winning drive late in the four quarter was the first of his career with less than five minutes remaining in a game.

Tebow completed 3 of 5 passes on the final drive, including a 12-yard completion to his roommate, Riley Cooper, on third-and-10 from the Arkansas 40 with 1:07 left. Tebow carried the ball six times on the final drive, which spanned 69 yards on 14 plays in 2:59.

(More coming later.)

-jo-

Florida Gators answer with 65-yard touchdown drive; Gators 20, Arkansas 20

GAINESVILLE -- The Swamp is rocking. With 7:27 left in the fourth quarter the Florida Gators are tied 20-20 with Arkansas.

Florida trailed by a touchdown with 9:40 left in the game but UF tied the score with a 65-yard drive that took 2:13. UF running back Jeff Demps scored on a 10-yard run to tie the game with 7:27 to play. The drive was helped along by a pair of back-to-back 15-yard penalties by Arkansas (pass interference and a personal foul).

-jo-

Gators trail 20-13 with 9:40 left

GAINESVILLE -- Florida cornerback Janoris Jenkins was burned badly for the second time on Saturday when Arkansas receiver Greg Childs raced passed him and scored a 75-yard touchdown on an Arkansas third-and-16.

Jenkins was beaten by Childs in the first half but that play only led to a field goal.

No.1-ranked Florida trails Arkansas 20-13 with 9:40 left in the game. 

-jo-

Florida and Arkansas tied at 13 heading into fourth quarter

GAINESVILLE -- Finally, Florida decided to throw downfield against the SEC's worst pass defense. Tim Tebow connected with Deonte Thompson for a 77-yard touchdown with 3:10 left in the third quarter. UF led 13-10 but only briefly.

Arkansas responded with a 31-yard field goal at the end of the quarter. The Hogs' drive was highlighted by runs of 25 and 18 yards by UA back Broderick Johnson.

Florida and Arkansas are tied at 13-all at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Florida has lost four fumbles, including three in the first half.

-jo-

Florida Gators linebacker Brandon Spikes done for the day

GAINESVILLE -- Florida Gators linebacker Brandon Spikes didn't dress for the second half of UF's game against Arkansas. Florida trailed Arkansas 10-3 at halftime.

An All-American linebacker, Spikes has suffered from tendonitis in his Achilles heel this season. He led UF in tackles (32) before Saturday. Spikes was limited during the first half of Saturday's game. Weak-side linebacker Ryan Stamper will likely play middle linebacker in the second half. Dustin Doe will play weak-side linebacker.

-jo-

Gators finally on scoreboard; Trail Arkansas 10-3 at halftime

GAINESVILLE -- The Florida Gators finally cracked the scoreboard with 1:40 left in the second quarter when kicker Caleb Sturgis booted a 30-yard field goal. Florida trails Arkansas 10-3 at halftime.

Credit Florida's defense with keeping Florida in this game. While UF's offense fumbled three times and looked as bad or worse than it has since Urban Meyer took over for Ron Zook in 2005, the Gators defense limited Arkansas' high-powered offense to 10 points and 147 yards.

Arkansas added a field goal just before halftime with an impressive drive highlighted by a 46-yard pass from quarterback Ryan Mallett to receiver Greg Childs. If Childs had kept his feet, Arkansas would be leading 14-3 at the half. Instead, Arkansas settled for a 22-yard field goal.

The Gators offense was absolutely terrible in the first half. Fumbles, two drops by receiver Riley Cooper, a missed field goal, running backs with little room to run: It couldn't have been much worse. Florida gained just 129 yards in the first half (42 rushing; 38 passing).

-jo-

Another Florida Gators drive; Yet another Florida Gators fumble

GAINESVILLE -- It seems like I'm repeating myself. Another Florida drive. Another Florida fumble. This time it was tight end Aaron Hernandez who fumbled on the Arkansas 6 after a shovel pass by Tebow.

For the record, UF has lost three fumbles in less than two quarters and trails Arkansas 7-0.

-jo-

Another Florida Gators drive; Another Tim Tebow fumble

GAINESVILLE -- Everything was looking good. Tim Tebow had just converted a fourth-and-1 at the Arkansas 10. He jumped around and tried to pump up UF's shell-shocked crowd. Then it happened. Tebow fumbled again.

This time Tebow fouled up an exchange between himself and scatback Brandon James. James was mad afterwards and yelled at his quarterback.

-jo-

Ugly start for Florida Gators offense

GAINESVILLE -- Not much went right for the Florida Gators offense during the first quarter of its homecoming game against the Arkansas Razorbacks. UF trails Arkansas 7-0 with 14:57 left in the second quarter.

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow fumbled once and was sacked twice during the first quarter. UF receiver Riley Cooper dropped a wide open touchdown pass. Kicker Caleb Sturgis missed a 37-yard field goal. Tebow and running backs Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps combined for minus-12 rushing yards. It was ugly.

On defense, UF started the game well but made a mistake on a key fourth-and-1 play by Arkansas at the UF 1. Arkansas went for it on fourth down and Florida's defensive line was not set for the play. UF was caught in between shuffling substitutes on and off the field. Arkansas scored two plays later when Broderick Green, a running back not even listed on the Hogs depth chart, rushed for a one-yard score.

Florida linebackers Brandon Spikes and A.J. Jones were not on the field during the Razorbacks' scoring drive. This is the first time Florida has trailed this season.

-jo-

Major Wright not a starter for the Florida Gators

GAINESVILLE -- Florida safety Major Wright did not start on Saturday. Will Hill started at free safety.

Wright of Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas has started four games this season. He also did not start against Kentucky. While Wright did not start, he has received the majority of the snaps at free safety.

Other noteworthy starts: James Wilson started at right guard. Injured offensive lineman Maurice Hurt is dressed out.

-jo-

List of Florida Gators in street clothes before kickoff

GAINESVILLE -- Defensive tackle Jaye Howard (knee), cornerback Moses Jenkins (concussion), receiver Carl Moore (back) and cornerback (back) Jeremy Brown did not dress for Saturday's homecoming game against Arkansas. Joey Sorrentino, Ryan Stamper and Brandon James were UF's captains.

-jo-

Arkansas running back likely unavailable

GAINESVILLE -- Arkansas running back Michael Smith did not warm up with the Razorbacks before Saturday's game against the Florida Gators. Smith injured his hamstring last week during the Hogs win against Auburn.

If Smith is unavailable, then Arkansas back up running backs Dennis Johnson and Ronnie Wingo will share the majority of the carries. Smith rushed for 145 carries last week against Auburn and rushed for 133 yards in 2008 against Florida.

-jo-

Danny Wuerffel steals the show at Gator Growl

GAINESVILLE -- Florida's senior class received a standing ovation on Friday night during Gator Growl, UF's homecoming celebration.

The seniors are 40-6 overall and 22-1 at home. Tebow was introduced last on Friday night inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and spoke to the crowd.

"Ever since I was six years old watching Danny Wuerffel, it was my dream to grow up to be a Gator," Tebow said. "It was my dream to one day play on this field and play in front of you, and I can only tell you i has been better than a dream. It has been amazing being here at the University of Florida for the past three years, being able to play in this stadium and being able to have y'all support us.

"Let me tell you what. You are the best fans in the country. You are what makes us special. I want to personally thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Senior Ryan Stamper, Brandon James and Brandon Spikes also spoke. Spikes, who took the stage in sunglasses, was kind enough to sing a few lines of the wonderfully annoying Black Eyed Peas song "I Gotta Feeling."

Tebow might have been the highlight of Gator Growl but former UF quarterback Danny Wuerffel stole the show. He was by far the funniest thing about the night, maybe even funnier than comedian Dana Carvey. Wuerffel played the piano and performed Carvey's classic song Choppin' Broccoli but with the words Chompin' Seminoles.

Wuerffel later told a recruiting story about Bobby Bowden and Steve Spurrier. During his recruiting trip to FSU, Wuerffel was told by Bowden that a red phone inside the coach's office was used for calling God. Bowden said Wuerffel could speak to God for $1,000 a minute. When Wuerffel visited UF, he told Spurrier about the phone and Spurrier told Wuerffel that calling God was a local call in Gainesville.

Basketball players Chandler Parsons, Dan Werner and Adam Allen sang a Miley Cyrus song and then danced to Sugarhill Gang. If only they could be that coordinated on the basketball court. 

Meyer introduced Tebow and cracked some jokes. UF's coach said that his seniors are 10-2 against the Gators rivals and "The School Out West."

-jo-

Football weather hits Gainesville!

GAINESVILLE -- Woke up about 20 minutes ago. It's a chilly 55 degrees in Gainesville. Football weather is here!

It should be around 71 degrees at kickoff.

-jo-

Five things smart people should know before watching No.1 Florida vs. Arkansas

GAINESVILLE -- Here's a link to my story in today's paper. Link! Now, here are five things smart people should know before watching No.1 Florida (5-0, 3-0 SEC) vs. Arkansas (3-2, 1-2 SEC).

5. Florida is a 25-point favorite against Arkansas. That's seems like a lot of points but consider this: The Gators are 15-2 against the spread since the beginning of the 2008 season.

4. Five Gators landed on The Miami Herald's midseason All-Florida offensive team. LINK!

3. How deep is Florida's running game? The third-stringer, Emmanuel Moody, is averaging 9.6 yards per carry. Moody isn't ranked first in the nation in yards per carry only because he hasn't received enough carries to qualify. The nation's leader in yards per carry? Florida's Jeff Demps at 8.6. Chris Rainey is fifth. Florida is ranked second in the nation in rushing offense. Arkansas is ranked last in the Southeastern Conference in total defense and has allowed touchdowns runs of 80, 60 and 52 yards.

2. Because of the large donations from the Walton family (Wal-Mart), the Arkansas football team almost changed its colors to blue and yellow with a not-so-subtle smiley face sticker on the helmet. The plan was scrapped by the NCAA.

1. Florida has lost at least one game every season to an SEC Western Division opponent for each of the last 10 years but the Gators are 7-0 against Arkansas since the Hogs joined the SEC in 1992 (thanks to Wal-Mart).

-jo-

Billy Donovan speaks candidly about former guard Nick Calathes

GAINESVILLE -- Duing his brief career at the University of Florida, former UF guard Nick Calathes was an excellent player for the Gators. But was he a good leader? According to UF coach Billy Donovan, maybe not.

Donovan addressed reporters on Thursday during the Florida basketball team's annual preseason media day. Gator Clause chatted it up with freshman guard Kenny Boynton Jr. of Pompano Beach and sophomore swingman Ray Shipman of Miami. We'll get to that later. First, tell me what you think of this quote from Donovan. When asked about a potential leader filling the void left by Calathes, Donovan offered this response:

"I don't know if I necessarily looked at Nick as a leader," Donovan said. "I think the ball was in his hands a lot. I think Nick made a lot of plays for us in games. But, you know what, if you look at the end of the year, you know, Erving Walker was in a lot at the end of games last year because of his free-throw shooting and his ability to make shots."

Slightly interesting.

-jo-

Lou Holtz's list of reasons why Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow can succeed in the NFL

GAINESVILLE -- In today's Miami Herald, you'll find a story about how UF quarterback Tim Tebow has momentarily put aside his goal of personal improvement as a passing quarterback to run UF's new Thundercat Offense. LINK! It's a pretty good story. You should read it.

The story includes insight into Tebow's perspective on his senior season and excellent analysis and insight by Lou Holtz. There were some pretty good leftovers from our interview with the gracious Lou Holtz that didn't make it into the story. Good thing I have this blog. Holtz went in depth as to why he thinks Tebow will get his opportunity to be a full-time quarterback in the NFL? He made an exclusive list for Gator Clause! Read on ...

(Also in today's Herald, the brilliant Mike McCall writes about how Florida's Joker package will help the Gators possibly shut down Arkansas on Saturday. LINK!)

GATOR CLAUSE: WILL ALWAYS PLAYING IN THE SHOTGUN HURT TIM IN THE NFL AND WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT WILL HELP TIM?

HOLTZ: They talk about how Tim Tebow is always in the shotgun, but so is Sam Bradford and so is Colt McCoy much of the time.

The thing about Tim Tebow is he has three things as a possibility of a pro quarterback that I really like. Number one, he has great courage. He doesn't worry about getting hit. He worries about waiting until the last second to throw the ball. Number two, he has great peripheral vision. He can see things. He can see what's happening with receivers and the open field and throws to the hole and that's very hard to coach. The third thing I really like about him is he's accurate. He puts the ball where the receiver has a chance but not the defender. The fourth thing, I think he has pretty good arm strength.

(Holtz tossed in a bonus reason. That's why we love Lou!)

HOLTZ: Things like his release can be changed. Things that cannot be changed are the things I mentioned. The courage, the ability to see and read defenses, things of that nature.

-jo-