Monday, November 30, 2009

Tebow's Last Game at The Swamp




I wore my Florida Gator gear until 7 am this morning and I could not be prouder.

I was fired up with Dr. Tone and Dr. Greg on our way to the local Gotham Gator bar.

We were getting ready to leave to watch the Gators and I did the regular "wallet, phone, Gator Gnome, keys" check...except i forgot the keys and locked myself out of my apartment.

I didn't care because I needed the 48 hours in Orange and Blue to soak in what I have witnessed the last four years. I needed the time to catalog my memories.

By the way I broke my 3rd Gnome right as I was leaving the bar. That is #2 this season 3rd overall.







I am passing along some great articles to keep the memory as fressh as possible.

NY Times

Pat Forde ESPN

Andy Staples SI

Palm Beach Post Pics

Fan House

Orlando Sentinel

Gainesville Sun

Chris Lowe ESPN





Go get Nostalgic
Go Gators

Friday, November 27, 2009

Finish the MIssion



You can find the Tshirt here

Go Finish the Mission
Go Gators

Florida vs FSU preview

Thursday, November 26, 2009

LA ESQUINA

Welcome back to La Esquina (Holiday Edition) and happy Thanksgiving to all. We are getting down to the wire here…only 3 more games left to watch Tebow and Co. Soak it in while you can. We’ll discuss the Seniors much more later, but first some thoughts on the FIU game.

As expected this was a cakewalk. The only really bad thing that came out of that game is that AJ Jones, starting linebacker, will be lost until the bowl game with an MCL. That’s bad news; he was playing lights out at linebacker all year. Thankfully we have depth on top of depth on top of more depth across the board. Brandon Hicks and Dustin Doe will surely do a formidable job of stepping in for him.

Also, I hate to sound like a broken record but once again lets take a look at the score prediction...La Esquina had it 56-3…final score was 62-3. Discuss the supernatural Esquina prediction powers amongst yourselves.

As far as the technical takeaways and game observations from the FIU game, it’s really hard to gauge because our athletes were so much better than theirs, but let’s give it a whirl. I still think we are playing way too much Joker package. You can bet on one thing, we won’t see much of it against Alabama. Saban is going to try to shove the ball down our throat and to stop that we need Omar, Marsch, Terron and the rest of the oversized humans. I thought Brantley looked excellent. He can really fire that ball. Of course, we’ve never seen him play against any good level of competition and don’t know what he would do in pressure situations against top tier talent…but even in a game like this one you can still see that he has superior throwing abilities. He is definitely a lot more Rex Grossman than Tim Tebow, but he does have some wheels on him. The real troubling thing about next year is not Brantley but who backs him up? He doesn’t have the Tebow frame, he’s a little thin. Can he take a hit? I can see him getting hurt and then we are in real trouble. I hope Urban is starting to develop Jordan Reed a little bit. Reed is the 3rd string QB and is highly recruited out of Connecticut…more of a runner but with a strong arm. There was some talk of moving him to Tight End earlier in the year but I think that has died down.

Also want to give a shout out to Omarius Hines. We said that he was up and coming and referenced his ability to run after the catch and he did not disappoint. On that touchdown catch he carried the one dude about 10 yards…the guy looked like a little kid who doesn’t want to go to class on the first day of school hanging on to Big O’s legs for dear life. I am telling you, this guy is Anquan Boldin 2.0 – and he’s only going to keep getting better.

The one other thing I want to mention is that Hernandez for whatever reason was in Urban’s dog house and did not start the game….and when he got into the game he didn’t play much and didn’t even have 1 catch. I don’t know what he did but I hope he and Meyer can patch this up quick…we need Rico. Maybe he was caught fornicating with GatorFace…there were some incriminating pics of the two of them circulating this week. On a serious note, I like that triple option inside pitch that usually goes to Hernandez going to Rainey…he scored on it and is really shifty inside…he made one cut and took it to the house.

Now on to FSU, and there’s A LOT to cover here so bear with me:

MATCH-UPS: I am going to watch our offense against their defense. That match-up should be interesting because their defense has been atrocious and our offense has been nothing to write home about either…so something has got to give. On Tebow’s last game in the Swamp….I think I know what is going to give. On the other side of the ball though both teams have been playing pretty well. FSU can score some points. Yes they have their back-up QB in there but this guy Manuel has been playing lights out. He is a big threat to run and is pretty fast but he can also throw it a little bit. And FSU has a lot of playmakers at receiver. Starting with Bert Reed, who just like our boy Greg Reid (to whom I will devote an entire paragraph below) was all Gator and then flipped on us last minute in favor of the Seminoles. Way to exercise good judgment buddy. Urban always says that we recruited all of their players so you know their talent level is there, they’re just not very well coached. In the end I can’t imagine them scoring too much on our D but I do think they will have some success. The only way we can get into some real trouble in this game is if we start turning the ball over. That and the fact that it’s a rivalry game and weird things happen in rivalry games. Of course, that is highly unlikely – we seem very locked-in right now.

BOBBY BOWDEN: Rough year for the old man…boosters calling for his head, his wife making outrageous comments, a horrible record etc. At this point, he is more of a figurehead coach and really uninvolved in any game planning or day-to-day strategizing. It’s very obvious that Jimbo Fisher is running that team. I am no Doctor but I did stay at a Holiday Inn last night and something tells me that Bobby is in the early stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s or some other comparable and horrible old and incurable disease that makes you look and sound like a fool. I mean, this guy doesn’t even remember some of his player’s names. Look at this quote from an interview they ran with Bobby this week, he was asked what he likes about what Urban Meyer does and he said, “He’s thorough. He leaves no stone untouched. It’s very obvious. He’s a very good recruiter. He stays on top of everything. He’s a lot more detailed than I am, I know that.” Bobby, stating that you are not as hard working as your biggest rival is not going to endear you to your fan base. If Urban had said the same about another coach I would be thinking to myself, what the hell are we paying this guy millions of dollars for if he is going to be outworked and outhustled by our biggest rival? Sorry, but it’s time to go. And nobody will be sadder than the Gator nation to see you go Bobby, as we have really enjoyed embarrassing you in the Urban-Tebow era. Too bad.

GREG REID: For those of you who don’t know, this was the top cornerback prospect last year and he was committed to the Gators as a junior. For over a year and a half he said he was coming here and was one of our prized recruits until he decided he didn’t want to compete for playing time and joined that embarrassing bunch in the school out west. These kids are so short sighted…they want everything handed to them. He would have been playing the nickel this year (he is that good) and would have likely been starting alongside Janoris next year because Haden is turning pro. So you couldn’t wait one year to learn the system, get some size etc. to be the man? Here at Florida we are a national championship factory playing on national TV every week and in the biggest post-season games around. What do you think would be a bigger stage to showcase your talent, the BCS Bowl in Pasadena or the Chick-Fil’A bowl? And that’s where you’re gong this year, if you’re lucky. To top it off quotes just came out yesterday where he said Urban Meyer was cocky and he didn’t like that and that he was going to return a punt to the house against us. Mind you, we have given up a total of 13 punt return yards all year. Whatever G-money…I hope Riley Cooper lights your ass up on one of his patented downfield blocks!

SENIOR DAY AT THE SWAMP: This is the last game ever for Tim Tebow and Brandon Spikes and Co. at the Swamp. Let that sink in for a moment. Tebow will NEVER come out of that tunnel as a player ever again. This game will cap off one of the most magical runs in college football history. That 2006 class is already the winningest class in SEC history. And they have a chance to win 3 of 4 SEC titles and National Championships. That is just bananas. We have all taken some of these guys and their accomplishments for granted, with a certain sense of entitlement as if that level of success is what is supposed to happen and completely assured of the fact that we will be doing it all again next year and the year after that. Well guess what folks…that’s just not going to happen. Will we be good? Yes, but we will likely never have a run like the one we are having right now with Tebow and Urban. Why do I say that? Because historically these things are cyclical…a few years FSU is on top, then Miami, then USC is on top, then Nebraska and so on. So remember to cherish these golden times because odds are, they are not going to last forever. Think about this next time you feel the need to complain about this team, as we all do from time to time. Part of the blame has to go to Urban and Tebow themselves…they have set the bar so ridiculously high that the fan base gets irritable when the team doesn’t blow somebody out. It’s a great problem to have but my point is that we need to acknowledge and internalize what’s going on here at Florida right now, and what better time to do that than on Timmy’s last game at the Swamp. One last side-note to this, as a tribute thousands of fans at the game Saturday will be wearing eye black in honor of Tim Tebow. If you can’t be at the game or wear the eye black how about some magnum black tuxedo condoms this week instead? It will be your own little tribute…just give it some thought.

UNIFORMS: La Esquina broke this story about the new unis a while back and they are finally here. Some super modern and funky looking unis. For my taste, I wouldn’t have chosen this last game ever at the Swamp for Tebow as the day to rock them but I think Nike had the choice and of course, money trumps all tradition. The helmets are supposed to be more aerodynamic and there is supposed to be extra padding on these unis that are made of a material that is 1/3 lighter than the old unis. This reminds me of the long body suits used by the swimmers in the past Olympics where they shattered all kinds of world records. Although, if these unis are really supposed to be that great then isn’t the team you are playing at a competitive disadvantage? The answer is no, they’re not…these unis are mainly another marketing ploy by Phil Knight…I can’t imagine they make much of a difference at the end of the day. Hopefully our guys look good in them.

MAILBAG (from the readers):

“Bigger hit? B. Spikes on Georgia’s Moreno or M. Wright on Oklahoma’s Johnson?”

I think the Moreno hit felt sweeter to me because it was the game after Georgia had all their players jumping up and down in the end zone after they scored on us, one of the most shocking memories I will ever have watching a college football game and completely disrespectful. So to start the game the next year General Spikes pulverizes Moreno and then stays on top of him woofing at him – it was really orgasmic. However, if you are talking about sheer viciousness of the hit or magnitude of the game it’s gotta go to Major. I thought he killed that guy, seriously…I did not expect Manny Johnson to get up…that was a head on car wreck at 60 miles an hour with no seat belts on.

“Which is the better DE duo? Cunningham/Dunlap or Harvey/Moss?”

This is a no-brainer for me. Gotta be Cunningham/Dunlap. Harvey and Moss were very good and had a phenomenal game against Ohio State…the type of performances that single handedly win you games (a la the Giants defensive ends against that undefeated Patriots team in the Super Bowl a few years ago), but that had a lot to do with the big fat slow white tackles from Ohio State who were simply outmatched. If you look at the rest of that season Moss/Harvey didn’t put up incredible sack numbers. Also, Moss has been a bust in the league and Harvey hasn’t set anyone’s pants on fire either. Although the jury is still out with Harvey, he’s played better as of late. Cunningham a.k.a. Blur and Dunlap a.k.a. Big Los have been dominant, and especially so in big games. Earlier in the year teams were going to 3 step drops and getting the ball out quick hence the low sack totals. But when we play teams that are actually trying to win the game (i.e. not Tennessee) who have to start taking 5-7 step drops to throw the ball downfield like South Carolina with Garcia, Blur and Big Los can pin their ears back and focus on straight pass rushing…and the results are impressive. The difference being that Dunlap is stronger, more of a bull rusher and Blur is more of a speed rusher who jumps off the ball. I know Dunlap is projected as a top 5 pick in the draft because he is a physical freak but for my money Cunningham has a better shot at having the more productive NFL career. It will be fun to follow those guys in the league.

“What’s going on with Andre Debose Hamstring?”

Word is he is off crutches and should be ready for spring practice. This kid is fast and has that Percy Harvin ability to make people miss…I can’t wait to finally get him on the field, he is one of the most touted recruits we have had in recent memory…I hope he pans out.

“Which of the following juniors would benefit by staying one more year -- the Pouncey’s, Joe Haden, Carlos Dunlap, Aaron Hernandez, Major Wright, Carl Johnson?”

The Pouncey’s should go, interior lineman don’t ever get drafted earlier than late 1st or early 2nd round….which is about as good as the Pouncey’s can do right now, so why risk an injury? Haden and Dunlap are no-brainers…they have to bolt and get that big money. It’s like this…3am at the "discoteca" and you have a dime piece…take it, don’t tempt fate. Same thing for Hernandez, he’s probably the best TE this year, at least in the top 3…after looking at what happened to CI and Gresham the last couple of years he should clearly go. Major Wright and Carl Johnson I think should stay but there are those that are arguing that they should go...the theory being that the rookie cap is going to come into play very soon and these guys should get their money while they can. My thinking is that this rookie cap is only going to hurt you at the top levels (i.e. 1st and 2nd rounder’s will have to settle for a lot less money)…once you get below that these guys don’t make that much money right now as it is…I think both Major and Carl are mid-round guys so why not enjoy another year as a walking god in Gainesville, try and work on your craft a little bit and pick-up another ring? Another very surprising development that I have heard is that Rainey might go…because he is a running back and they only have so many miles in them and because the running back by committee thing at Florida is not really showcasing his talent and versatility. I think that is ludicrous. Rainey needs to get bigger and become more of an impact player before he even thinks about going pro. Chris, you have two more years at Florida, you finally learned the system, this is your time to shine and you need to capitalize on that and start producing (and against Alabama…not FIU)…are you listening smiley? Only then will your draft stock go up.

“Is it time to start Omarius Hines over Brandon James?”

Yes, that should have happened 3 games ago.

Lastly, I would like to give a shout out to the UCONN Huskies for knocking out Notre Dame and overcoming some horrendous officiating in doing so. Nice job and very happy to see that after the death of Jasper Howard this year. Not only because you are a nice and up and coming team that is enjoyable to watch but also because I am so sick of Notre Dame and their fat bastard coach dominating the college football storylines for absolutely no reason whatsoever. Has there ever been more attention paid to a 6-5 team in the history of college football? This and all of the ridiculous Urban Meyer to Notre Dame rumors just make me want to puke every time those clowns are on TV. I also must mention Jimmy Clausen getting jacked up by another student this past weekend. Hilarious…that douche bag got cold cocked and is now walking around with two black eyes for being an ass. You can’t even make that stuff up. Can you imagine somebody trying to do that to Timmy? First of all their hand would disintegrate upon contact with Timmy’s face and secondly the lynch mob would be in full effect. I am talking 87-year-old Alachua County grandmas with pitchforks.

Score prediction…Florida 34-FSU 17.


Go put Bobby Bowden out of his misery,

Go out with a bang,

Go Gators!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Monday, November 23, 2009

AWARDS

· Hernandez is one of 3 finalist for the Mackey Award (best TE in country)
· Haden is one of 3 finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award (best defensive back)
· Chas Henry is in the final 3 for the Ray Guy Award (best punter award)
· Spikes is up for the Chuck Bednarik (best defensive player)

Tebow is up for a bunch too but you already knew that…sick all the way around.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Uniforms unveiled this morning at UF

These are the Unis we will wear next week against FSU as a one time promotion for the new Nike Uniforms.

Uniform photo gallery

Can't post the individual pictures from this source so you have to follow the link.

Tebow's Assault on the Record Books!

Tebow's Marks

NCAA
● Most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback (Season) — 23 in 2007
● Most consecutive games scoring a TD rushing and passing (Season) — 13 in 2007; (Career) — 14
● Scoring 20 or more TDs by rushing and by passing — 32 passing, 23 rushing in 2007
Still reachable: Most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback (Career) — 59, Eric Crouch, Nebraska, 1998-2001; Tebow has 53 (needs 7)

SEC
● Total offense (Season) — 4,181 yards in 2007
● Most touchdowns (Career) — 53, tied with Kevin Faulk, LSU, 1995-98
● Touchdown responsibility (Career) — 132; (Season) — 55 in 2007; (Game) — 7 vs. South Carolina in 2007, tied with eight other players
●Rushing touchdowns (Career) — 53; (Season) — 23 in 2007
● Rushing yards by a quarterback (Career) — 2,641
● Passing efficiency (Career) — 169.37
● Interception percentage (Career with minimum 750 attempts) — 1.7 percent (15 in 879 attempts)
Still reachable: Total offense (Career) — 11,350 yards, Chris Leak, Florida, 2003-06; Tebow has 10,761 (needs 590)

UF
● Rushing touchdowns (Career) — 53; (Season) — 23 in 2007
● Rushing yards by a quarterback (Career) — 2,641; (Season) — 895 in 2007; (Game) — 166 vs. Ole Miss in 2007
● Rushing touchdowns by a quarterback (Career) — 53; (Season) — 23 in 2007; (Game) — 5 vs. South Carolina in 2007
● Completion percentage (Career with 400 or more completions) — 65.5 percent (547 of 834); (Season with minimum 200 completions) — 66.9 (234 of 350, 2007) ● Consecutive passes without an interception — 203 from 2007-08
200-yard passing games (Season) — 11 in 2007, tied with three others
Still reachable:
● Total plays (Career) — 1,636, Leak; Tebow has 1,525 (needs 112)
● Total yards (Career) — 11,350, Leak; Tebow has 10,761 (needs 590)
● Total points (Career) — 368 (67 FGs, 167 PATs), Jeff Chandler, 1997-2001; Tebow has 318 points from 53 touchdowns (needs 51 points)

Friday, November 20, 2009

Tebow's last Game @ The Swamp






I know we face FIU this weekend but just in case any of you are planning to make it to the UF vs FSU game. Some fans are trying to honor Tebow and the Sr class by wearing eye-black at the game.

Check out story below.

Tebow's last home game

"Gator fans, we have had the amazing privilege of watching THE greatest college football player EVER, play for four years. On January 11th, 2009, Tim Tebow gave us the gift of one more year. The biggest reason he came back was because college football provided him a platform to share his message. We, as Gator fans, have an unbelievable opportunity to give Tim Tebow an experience he will never forget. My suggestion is that for Timmy's last game in The Swamp, the Florida - Florida State game, all Gators wear the under-eye black with a scripture. Every time Tim looks into the stands, or a camera focuses in on a Gator fan, the world will see the love and support we Gators have for our special quarterback. Share this message with every Gator you know, and let's make the UF-FSU game a day that he will never forget."

Go buy Eye-Black
Go Gators

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Urban is not leaving and Notre Dame no longer matters

It seems every year at this time the rumors start flying and they will continue to fly so long as Notre Dame sucks and we are successful. No matter how many times Urban says he is staying some writer looking for hits will find a way to spin it. They have no idea what they are talking about. The most recent article to grace the WWL stated Urban’s quotes from choosing his other jobs that mentioned his wife’s input in the decision and how her opinion really tipped the scales. They combined those statements with last summers “dream job” quote and created a rumor out of nowhere.

To that here is what Shelley had to say when she spoke with Franz Beard from Gator Country:

I ran into Shelley Meyer and laughingly mentioned the latest ... that Urban will go to Notre Dame if she signs off on it.

Her response: "When are they going to let that die? We aren't going anywhere. Don't people understand that we are really happy here? Why would we leave? We have everything here and the way recruiting is going ... really, why would we leave? We won't. We're here for a long time."

In the course of the five-minutes we talked she also offered this up, which I thought was appropriate and interesting: "It makes you wonder who starts all these rumors and why do they always happen when we're recruiting? Makes you wonder about the timing, doesn't it?"

We're going to hear plenty more Urban to Notre Dame stuff in the next two weeks, but I trust what Shelley says. She offered one more reason which makes me trust her.

"What's it? 80 degrees here and the sun is shining? Does anyone really think we want to leave this for the cold and the snow?"


That is one smart woman; I could use 80 degrees and some sunshine right now myself.

But, here is the thing about Notre Dame, it is over for them and they just haven’t realized it yet. Their last National Championship coach was Lou Holtz who won it 20 years ago in 1988. Holtz had a great run there from 86 to 93 but two things happened in 93 Notre Dame went on probation and they upped their academic standards for athletes. Holtz wisely left the program in 96 with two years of probation left and allowed the full decline of the program to occur under someone else’s watch. The three coaches to follow each own a .583 winning percentage and a combined 1 bowl victory.

And that is the point; no one is growing up anymore with Notre Dame as the dominant program in America. Their TV contract is meaningless since almost every good game is televised. And the SEC has a national television contract with CBS which trumps the Domers deal. Today’s recruits are not going to care about Notre Dame, because when they were becoming fans of football Notre Dame didn’t matter. Why did the Gators get Percy Harvin? Because he grew up a fan of the Gators even in Southeast Virginia but clearly that isn’t all that matters. Having a great program to sell, good coaches, facilities and the excitement of a great college atmosphere all matter. Notre Dame does not currently have any of that. They have few meaningful rivalries because they aren’t in a conference and they do not get the excitement of rivalries that determine titles. The campus is situated in a dreary northern Indiana suburb that is too far from Chicago and not big enough on its own to be a great college town.

Notre Dame, without their past success has much less to sell than do the power programs today. Urban Meyer even with his resume and drive could not overcome the issues at Notre Dame by plugging just one of their many holes. So, put the rumors to bed, it’s a bad move and Shelley calls the shots anyway. But just for good measure here is what he had to say over the summer.

http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20090805/ARTICLES/908059917/1136?Title=Florida-s-Meyer-This-is-it-

Finger Painting


We all remember the famous pic that had people speculating who was Tim Tebow's GF.

Well the girl ended up never being Tebows gf but she still managed to get a Playboy shoot out of the rumors.

click her for naughty click censored pics for full thing.

Go Sherwin Williams
Go Gators

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

LA ESQUINA

Welcome back folks and get ready for a long and technical edition of La Esquina. This is heavy on the X’s and O’s and light on the fluff. If you aren’t a diehard this might not be the issue for you. After last week’s exciting game there is much to discuss. We are getting down to the home stretch and everybody, Urban, the players and yes even us the fans need to start getting our minds right as we plow into the post-season.

I want to start by discussing some general themes that I picked-up on while watching the game:

· DEFENSIVE ALIGNMENTS – We were in the “Joker” package with Trattou at nose tackle almost the entire game. We were also blitzing linebackers and defensive backs non-stop, very atypical. I guess Urban was concerned about South Carolina’s passing game but it seems to me like when we take the big boys out of the middle (Omar Hunter, Terron Sanders, Lawrence Marsch etc.) and play a defensive end at tackle we are susceptible to the run. Indeed, SC was running the ball on us consistently in the first half. Overall, it looked like the Old Ball Coach was keeping us off-guard with his play calling early and generally outcoaching Urban for most of the game. Charlie Strong did make adjustments at halftime and the defense came out very hard in the second half as evidenced by the fact that we only allowed 41 yards of total offense in the third and fourth quarters combined. To better illustrate how dominant we were, SC had 6 possessions in the second half resulting in 4 punts and 2 picks. Conversely, the offense was lights out in the first half and then faded as the game went on. More on that below.

· OFFENSIVE PATTERN DEVELOPING – We came out firing with the long touchdown to Coop and another great drive that resulted in Emanuel Moody’s 17 yard touchdown (his first of the year by the way). Great play calling initially but then, same as in the Georgia game, the play calling seemed to get very conservative (Timmy barely threw the ball in the second half) and the only touchdown after half-time came subsequent to Justin Trattou’s interception when we had phenomenal field position. I understand that once we are up by more than one score it makes sense to play to our strength (the Defense) and control the ball/kill the clock since teams are unlikely to tag us for many points…but I would like to see more of a killer instinct displayed by Addazio. This conservativeness may come back to bite us at some point. Did anyone notice that we could have punched in another touchdown at the very end of the game with the clock winding down but Urban was content to run the clock out and let Spurrier off the hook. A lot of respect shown by Urban there…I thought he would donkey punch it in for the proverbial “style points.”

· FIELD GOALS – So Jonathan Phillips who was automatic last year in our championship run misses one kick and loses his starting job to a sophomore when we are in the midst of another title run? I don’t know about that one…why don’t we have JP kick field goals inside of 40 yards since he is much more accurate than Sturgis and have Caleb kick anything outside of the 40 since he has the strongest leg I remember seeing since Sebastian Jenakowski? It’s not a novel idea, teams have done this before…and I think it would help ease Caleb back into the full time role next year. Besides, JP is a 5th year senior who has bled for this program…he shouldn’t have lost his job so quickly. Although, Urban always preaches that performance trumps all and it’s hard to disagree with that mantra … the problem is that Sturgis is not performing.

· XAVIER NIXON – Did anyone notice that we have a new starting left tackle? True freshman Xavier Nixon got the start and we moved Big Carl Johnson back to his natural position at Left Guard. The odd men out were Mo Hurt and James Wilson who were splitting time at the 5th starting spot on the line. For those of you who don’t remember…Xavier Nixon was a very highly touted recruit. Scouts.Inc had him as the top left tackle prospect in the country and 5th best player overall coming out of high school last year. When you look at his measurables you can see why…he is 6-7 and now well over 300 pounds. This is a kid who played basketball in high school (i.e. his agility and overall athletic ability for somebody his size are through the charts). He is the first true freshman to start for the Gators at tackle since 1992. Most surprising is that he didn’t make the mental mistakes (e.g. offsides, missed assignments etc.) that you would expect out of a freshman o-lineman making his first start in a hostile SEC environment. He is a lot longer and quicker than Carl Johnson and thus much better suited to play tackle. Big improvement in my opinion, this kid will be a beast, you can just see it. I wonder where this leaves Matt Patchan when he comes back from injury next year?

· GREAT INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES – Lets start with Joe Haden who had 11 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception, 2 forced fumbles and another pass deflected. WOW. I don’t think I have ever seen a stat line like that. Not surprisingly he earned SEC Defensive player of the week honors. He did get some passes completed on him but those were perfect throws by Garcia. Also, Dunlap had a big game even though he didn’t show up much on the stat sheet…he bull rushed a few times and got right in Garcia’s grill to tip passes down at key moments in drives. But he was outplayed by his counterpart on the other side of the line. Jermaine Cunningham is so fast and explosive off the ball it is really something to see. Those truly fast twitch muscle guys at defensive end are highly coveted. Cunningham’s two sacks in the fourth quarter were drive killers. Let’s give a shout out to Will Hill too. The Thrill had 1.5 sacks and looks really good blitzing off the edge with his speed…it was good to see him finally making some plays. Of course, the play of the game was the Trattou interception. Remember this guy is playing with a torn bicep and out of position (they had him playing tackle the whole game in the Joker package). Carlos Dunlap said it best when asked to describe that play; he said Trattou was, “running like dogs were chasing him.” Great to see a good kid and warrior/grinder like Trattou make that game changing play. On the offensive side of the ball, Omarious Hines needs to get some love for coming up with two big first down catches. Finally the coaches are letting some of these freshman receivers in the game and guess what? They are making plays. This kid has the body of Bo Jackson…he is really tough to bring down after the catch and moves very well for his size. Reminds me of a poor man’s Anquan Boldin. Surprising that he has outshined Frankie Hammond so far considering all the reports from spring practice had Hammond as the best of the redshirt freshman receiver class. I thought Timmy played very well too. Had it not been for two big drops by Cooper his stats, and those of the entire offense by the way, could have been much more impressive. Also, this is now the third game in a row that the offense does not turn the ball over, big kudos to that. We might have lost the game last week with one bad turnover. These SEC games are that close.

· SCORE PREDICTIONS – La Esquina once again shows off its uncanny ability to predict game scores…if you take a look at last week’s column the prediction was 24-13 Gators…final score, 24-14 Gators…one word, eerie! Or maybe, absolute football hero badass would be more appropriate. Just kidding, that is admittedly luck...for the most part.

Without further ado, lets get to the first mailbag in the history of La Esquina. I thought this would be a nice change of pace and allow me to answer some of your questions (by the way for next week just e-mail the questions or post them on the blog www.mygatornation.blogspot.com as comments to this article and I’ll try to answer as best I can).

One of our readers wants to know: “How bad is Riley cooper? What kind of stats would he have if he didn’t have bricks for hands and drop a ton of balls? How overrated is he?”

Well, that’s a little harsh I think but some of the criticism is valid. He has dropped some passes this year and most of them have been potential long touchdown scores (4 come to mind right away). The reality is that those are plays he has to make and he knows that and has said as much in recent interviews. On the other hand, think of where we would be without him? He is the only receiver coming up with any big plays. In this game on top of the 68-yard TD to start the game he also had two huge catches on 3rd and 10 and 3rd and 12 of 30 and 14 yards respectively that helped keep drives moving. And considering that this is his first year being the “go to guy” and the fact that in reality he’s been only a part-time football player during his career at UF (he misses all spring practices to play baseball) he has exceeded my expectations coming into this year. He does get the lion’s share of the opportunities though so in theory if Tebow threw to Deonte or somebody else as much as he does to Coop they may be as or more productive. However, Tebow goes to him so much for a reason. He is getting open and Timmy must have a lot of trust in him. I know my analysis is a bit circular but what it boils down to is that he is a good receiver, not a great one. But he is our best receiver this season.

Another reader asks “Which WR duo would you take today on the 2009 offense out of (1) Cooper/Deonte, (2) Gaffney/R. Caldwell, (3) D. Baker/Chad Jackson, (4) Percy Harvin/Louis Murphy, and (5) R. Anthony/Ike Hilliard?”

Good question. I would like any receiving duo with Percy Harvin in it but if we are talking about pure receivers it’s hard to argue against old school Reidell Anthony and Ike Hilliard. Their numbers were sick and with Wuerfel they helped bring Gator football to prominence. In the modern era I have to say that I really enjoyed Rex Grossman throwing to Jabar Gaffney and Reche Caldwell…the passing game was so crisp back then…it was a thing of beauty. I will go to my grave saying that Rex should have won the Heisman over Eric Crouch that one year…it wasn’t even close. To be honest though, both Rex and Wuerfel were pure passing quarterbacks in systems that threw the ball a lot more than we do now under Timmy, who as you know is arguably one of the best running/short yardage QBs to ever play the game. So those older duos got a lot more opportunities to make catches than the Percy/Louis or Cooper/Deonte tandem. By the way, Cooper and Deonte don’t even deserve to be in the same conversation with the rest of the guys up here…I am sorry but that’s just a fact.

Another question was somebody asking for a preview on Joe Haden vs. Julio Jones in anticipation of the Alabama game. I think we are getting a little bit ahead of ourselves here but I will oblige. If you recall the one big play Alabama had on us last year was early in the game when Julio Jones caught a crossing pattern and shook off Joe Haden (seriously one of the only tackles I have ever seen Haden miss) and rumbled for about 80 yards. Alabama scored on the next play. Jones is just so big and physical it’s not hard to see why that play turned out as it did. Julio has a lot of T.O. in him. Having said that, I have seen him this year and I am not sure if it’s due to the new QB at Alabama (McElroy) or the rise of Mark Ingram but for whatever reason, I am just not as intimidated by him. Especially when you factor in how well Haden has played. I think Joe and the rest of the secondary shut him down. I am a lot more concerned about Ingram and the Alabama running game. Is it possible for Julio Jones to blow up and make some plays? Sure. Is it likely? I don’t think so. Similarly, another reader asked for an Alabama preview. I will have a long analysis before the SEC Championship game, hold your horses people.
Another reader asks, “When its 4th and short, why do we insist on going shotgun and running Tebow up the middle? Six yards are harder to get than 1, why not put Tebow under center?”

I have been wondering this myself. That Tebow up the middle play from the shotgun on 3rd or 4th and 1 is as predictable as Lane Kiffin putting his foot in his mouth at least once a month. I know that with our O-line and one of the best short yardage runners in college football history it is the obvious call…but therein lies the problem…IT IS THE OBVIOUS CALL…the Defense will stack the box inside and have more defenders plugging the middle than we do offensive players. That math doesn’t work, no matter who is blocking and running. Why not come out with the same formation but run an option wide pitch with Demps like against Vanderbilt? If they bunch the middle that wide pitch speed play to Demps pops for a long one…nobody is beating Demps to the outside. On the under center point, I especially agree if it’s a 3rd and 4th and inches situation…if Tom Brady can QB sneak for that much so can Tim Tebow…don’t back him up in the shotgun and make him gain 6 yards. If it’s a full yard or two then I don’t like the Timmy QB sneak as much.

***URBAN MEYER’S APPROACH TO RECRUITING***La Esquina is now going to give you a close look at the Urban Meyer recruiting approach from a fellow reader who was specifically acquainted with the recruitment of Justin Trattou. If you recall, Trattou was a 5 star recruit by some outfits and a 4 star by others who was solidly committed to Notre Dame. His family is fairly affluent and well educated and really placed an emphasis on academics. The word is that out of all the coaches (and all the top coaches were going after Justin) Urban was by far the most impressive. He walked into the Trattou family living room and said that he couldn’t promise that Justin would play one down for the University of Florida, but he did promise that Justin would have a chance to compete and compete against the best guys at the highest level. He said Justin would get on the field as soon as he was deserving. No promises, no guarantees, no BS just a straight shooter. Sounds like the anti-Lane Kiffin to me. Urban was also big on letting Justin’s family know that he would treat Justin as if he were his son. He really emphasized the family atmosphere and environment at the University of Florida along with the religious component of the program. Once the family came around to the academics at Florida they switched their commitment and joined the good guys. This is how Urban Legend does it, for my money he truly is the best recruiter in the business. Think about all the negative recruiting he has to combat. For those of you who don’t know, we just plucked one of the top corners in the country (Josh Shaw) out of Pete Carroll’s backyard. The rumor mongers are saying that he is tight with another Californian, Ronald Powell who is the beast of this year’s high school class and #3 overall prospect in the nation (#1 defensive end prospect). Sounds like they are a packaged deal and this all but ensures that we are getting Powell. Another huge coup for Urban.

On to this week’s game against the all might Florida International University. If colleges were like high schools and you had to attend the school closest to your home I would have been a Golden Panther during my college years. Excuse me for a second, I think I just threw up in my mouth. I am sorry but FIU, a commuter school, just does not provide the same overall collegiate atmosphere nor the passion for sports as does Florida, it’s as simple as that. Then again not many places do. I know am looking at this through Orange and Blue lenses but thank god that I ended up a Gator. For the first time all year I don’t know one single player on our opponent’s team…and it doesn’t matter. If we don’t put up 50 on these guys we should be ashamed of ourselves…if we don’t put up 40 we have some real issues. This is one of the worst teams in college football statistically. I know they just started their football program but being in one of the biggest high school football hotbeds in the country they should be recruiting a little better. Tim should not be playing deep into the third quarter here. This is the perfect game to give the starters and others who may be nicked-up a breather and to let the younger guys get some reps in. Stay healthy and Go Gators. 56-3 score prediction.

Go get Ronald Powell,
Go stomp on FIU,
Go Gators

Monday, November 16, 2009

Nu'keem they Gone




Nu’Keese Richardson and Mike Edwards kicked off the Vols

Safety Janzen Jackson, is suspended indefinitely. He was supposedly in the Gas station when this went down.

Go to straight Jail do not collect $200 or NFL paycheck
Go Gators

Friday, November 13, 2009

2009 Highlights

One the Eve of South Carolina Trafic presents 2009 Gator Highlights

Thursday, November 12, 2009

LA ESQUINA

Welcome back to La Esquina Gator freaks...there’s a lot to discuss this week so lets get cracking.
I don’t want to spend too much time on the Vanderbilt game because to be honest it was fairly nondescript. We won, our defense played great and our offense kind of sucked…sound familiar? It’s kind of a broken record at this point but I want to let you all know that La Esquina has come to accept this team as is. To quote the infamous Dennis Green, “They are who we thought they were” and yes Dennis, we do want to crown them.

Don’t fight it, don’t get upset, don’t pull your hair out the next time you see the dive play up the middle with a running back that weighs 160 pounds soaking wet. Just embrace it. You will be a lot happier for it. I came across this negotiation technique in one of my MBA classes the other day which I think will help. It was called “cognitive reappraisal.” It basically says that you should try to construe a potentially emotion-eliciting situation in a way that changes its emotional impact. In simple terms, that means that if you view situations differently it might affect how you think about them and in turn how you act or feel while going through them.

The example they gave was a college kid nervous about applying to a school and the thought of dealing with rejection. If in fact that kid looks at the admissions process as an opportunity to evaluate and learn about the school, rather than a test of his self worth, he should be more relaxed and is likely to perform better in interviews for instance and will generally not be as distraught if he is rejected. So, next time we get the ball on offense think to yourself, “I hope we have a long drive here that eats up the clock, it will help keep our defense off the field which keeps them fresh and ready to go, and in fact, with our defense, I’ll take a field goal in this drive.” Try it, you will live longer.

The fact is that our guys can win and win convincingly playing in this conservative system. So what if we don’t score a hundred points? Let’s just accept the fact that this year’s team does not have Percy Harvin or Louis Murphy and is built on Defense and Special Teams. I still think we’re good enough to win the whole thing…even with a not so perfect offense…and at the end of the day that’s what it is all about. Championships and rings and 3 in the last 4 years means we are a legitimate DYNASTY. So in a game like the Vandy game you should be saying to yourself, “…the D only gave up 3 points, we won by 24 and came out healthy and ready for the stretch run…great job .” That’s the approach La Esquina is taking…feel free to give yourself ulcers, it’s a free country.

We have a worthy opponent this week. DO NOT SLEEP ON SOUTH CAROLINA. This is an SEC away game against a team with a very good defense and a highly recruited Quarterback finally on the rise. The QB is Stephen Garcia and he may be the best quarterback Spurrier has had in his time as a COCK (that’s Cock as in the South Carolina Gamecocks…not Cock in the Ron Jeremy sense of the word). Sorry, can’t write about South Carolina without at least one gratuitous cock joke. By the way, is there a better visual in the SEC than a hottie co-ed from South Carolina wearing a t-shirt that says Go Cocks? Maybe this…








They also have a guy who is up for SEC defensive player of the year and will likely be a first round pick in the NFL. Eric Norwood, linebacker. Watch out for this guy, he is a monster. He is as good if not better than Spikes, but more of a pass rusher than a traditional backer like Spikes. Carl Johnson and Marcus Gilbert will have their hands full. The gamecocks move Norwood all over the line. Our O-line needs to start getting its act together. Protecting Timmy is a priority or else the wheels are going to come off of the winner’s wagon. It’s been almost a full season, time to step up O-line.

Note that this is also the last regular season SEC game for Brandon Spikes and Tim Tebow and it’s also a homecoming game for Carlos Dunlap who is from South Carolina. Expect fireworks from those three freaks of nature.

South Carolina also has a stud freshman Wide Receiver by the name of Alshon Jeffery. He is a big time recruit and is playing like it. He wears the #1 jersy which as you know in College Football is usually reserved for a premier player (see Reggie Nelson and Percy Harvin). Our corner backs, aka shake (#5) and bake (#1), better shadow him all over the field. These kind of games worry me…remember that a few years ago against a less talented South Carolina team at the Swamp we needed the now infamous Jarvis Moss Cock-Block (one of my favorite UF plays of all time) to win that game in the last second and preserve our championship hopes. This eventually led to the glorious castration of Ohio State and Urban Meyer’s first ring. Great memories. See picture of the Cock-Block below.

In the end, we are a tough team and will win with Defense and Special Teams, as we have all year. Timmy and the offense will make just enough plays, as they always do. 24-13 Gators.

La Esquina leaves you this week with breaking news coming out of Nashville. Three (3) Tennessee players were arrested for arm robbery late last night. They apparently had a fake gun and rolled up on some kids in a car and jacked them. The geniuses were wearing UT t-shirts and were picked up a few minutes later while still cruising around in a Prius nonetheless. Here is the big bombshell, one of the players was none other than Nu’Keese Richardson, also known as Benedict Arnold to the Gator Nation. Another was Janzen Jackson, a 5 star stud recruit who was up for freshman of the year honors in the SEC. Can’t wait to see how the Lane Kiffin spin machine will react. We do know that Volunteer Nation is in sheer panic mode right now. Armed Robbery is a serious offense. It will be interesting to see this play out. If what is alleged is indeed true, I just cannot get over how stupid these kids are.

It’s great to be a Florida Gator.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

News

•KR/WR Brandon James and DEs Carlos Dunlap and Jermaiine Cunningham all rolled their ankles in practice, but they will play Saturday.
 

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

The New Unis are leaking






















These are the Unis we will wear against FSU. It is part of the promotion to unveil Nikes new line. This must be what Wall St. has been alluding to for weeks. Got this over on Gator Country from one the posters there. Shown above Miami, Florida, Texas, FSU, VT. There are 5 more out there. They are all from the Nike Pro Combat line.


Great Joakim Noah Interview

Bulls Q&A: Joakim Noah

Bulls' polarizing center on NBA fans: 'I see people who really hate me'

November 9, 2009, 4:31 PM

By: Nick Friedell

Joakim Noah can hear what you've been saying.

He's been listening to all the noise since he was just a college freshman trying to find his way at the University of Florida. He's heard people tell him all kinds of things. He wasn't good enough, he wasn't strong enough, and on and on.

Despite the chatter, he managed to lead the Gators to two NCAA championships. Then he parlayed that into a ninth overall pick in the NBA draft.

He got to Chicago in 2007 and listened as everyone questioned him once again. People said he lacked maturity, wasn't good enough (again). A bust.

But things have suddenly changed around town. The Chicago Bulls center is in the midst of the best start of his career, averaging 11 points and 11 rebounds through six games. People all over town are falling in love with his game. Noah jerseys are popping up all over the United Center. The love for Noah seems to grow by the day, and he appreciates it.

When you talk to him though, one thing comes across easier than you might think: The 24-year-old is comfortable in his own skin … whether the world likes it or not. He hears what everybody says but doesn't seem to care much about what they think. The negativity just rolls off the confident 7-footer like beads of sweat. He wants the haters to save their hatred for someone else. Someone who really deserves it.

Noah just wants to savor his NBA experience and make the most of it. But no matter what happens, let's hope he never stops speaking his mind. Unlike many NBA players, he isn't afraid to actually say what he thinks. Love him or hate him, the basketball world wouldn't be the same if you couldn't hear what he had to say:

Nick Friedell: Everybody's been talking about Derrick [Rose] possibly being in the movies. Could you ever see yourself doing something like that?

JN: (Laughs) I don't know. I never really thought about it. But if I was to be a movie star I would try to be like "The Rock," like a guy like that.

So you'd do family comedies and action movies?

JN: More action. Bad guys.

Derrick said he wanted no part of the Jackie Chan stuff. Could you see yourself in that role at all?

JN: Definitely. Like Kareem Abdul-Jabar and Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan. That would be pretty hot. (Laughs)

No comedy? Because Derrick wanted to do comedy. Could you see him doing comedies?

JN: He wanted to do comedy?

Yeah, like Vince Vaughn. He said that was one of his favorite actors.

JN: Oh, wow. Geez, see, you guys talk [with him]. I didn't even know anything about that with the young guy. I had never heard that. I don't know.

All right, we'll leave it there for now. Meanwhile, everywhere I go in town -- whether it's on a bus, a billboard -- I see your screaming face. What is it like for you to go around town seeing that?

JN: I feel like we played very well in the playoffs last year and it was definitely some of the best times in my life, in terms of just playing basketball and just competing at the highest level. And I think people really got a kick out of that playoff series. Even though we lost I think people really enjoyed it and showed we really competed. So I think that's why we're getting a little bit more attention than we did last year.

How did last year's playoff run compare for you to winning two national titles at Florida? Did it compare?

Joakim Noah

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Joakim Noah won two national championships with the University of Florida Gators.

JN: It didn't compare because we won [at Florida]. And at the end of the day, that really matters to me. People can be excited and put you on billboards, but in the back of your head, you know that you're not … people aren't calling you "champ." We were champions in Gainesville.

I remember going to Denny's or somewhere in Gainesville and people used to literally have tears in their eyes. Older people, younger people, black people, white people, rich people, poor people, it didn't matter. It was just like everybody had this … always wanted to share their experiences about where they were and what they were doing while the championship was going on. And what it meant to them and things like that.

But I think that in terms of competing, I think that you can compare, you can see the similarities. You're just out there on the court and people are giving it everything they got in order to win a basketball game. I felt that those were the similarities to me in the championship game compared to the playoffs. But at the end of the day, we lost the series, and in Gainesville we won.

Do you think that type of emotion you saw in Gainesville is possible in the NBA? Or is it just different comparing the college atmosphere to the pros?

JN: It's very different. There's a lot of different agendas in the NBA. It's hard because there's so much money involved and there's agents -- it's just a different atmosphere. You're under a lot more scrutiny up here. In terms of college, it's just all about -- I felt like I was lucky enough to play on a team where guys really played for the right things. It wasn't a question of who was scoring the ball or who was getting all the shots or anything like that. It was just all about winning.

I don't know if I'll ever be able to play on a team where there's really that unselfishness. Everybody understanding that winning is the only thing that matters.

Are you surprised how polarizing you've become since you left college -- in the sense that people either seem to love you or hate you?

JN: (Laughs) Yeah. I think it's been like that since college. And it's so funny how people think that they know you because of the way you are on the court, or the way you act on the court. It's so funny to me how people have such a strong opinion of me. But at the end of the day, I am who I am, and I'm comfortable with who I am. So I don't really care. It's funny to me how people really do have a strong opinion about me, though.

I know you hear some of the stuff people say in the stands. Do you ever hear some of it and laugh and go, "Are you kidding?"

JN: Oh, all the time. All the time. I love it, though. Sometimes it's funny, I'll just look over and I'll just see … I'll look over and somebody saying something and I'll just look at them and I'll see serious hate. Real, genuine hate. And I'll just usually smile and just look at them. How could somebody get so into it? It's a basketball game. And I'm into it. I'm into the basketball game. I really want to win, but there's nobody I'll say I hate. Nobody in the world I hate.

Maybe just like Hitler, people like that. People who really caused a lot of harm and pain to the world. There's not a lot of people that I can say I genuinely hate. And I see people who really hate me.

Does that hate hurt you?

JN: No, I think in the beginning in college it kind of bothered me, but I kind of got over it pretty quick. And I used to get a kick out of it. I used to think it was funny. Now it's just like I'm kind of used to it. It's just like people would say crazy things -- as long as it's not stuff about my family, it's OK.

I read where your nickname is "African Viking." Is that true?

JN: (Laughs) Well, my mom said in an interview, she said, "He's an African Viking," but nobody calls me "African Viking"; my mom just said that in an interview one time, and I guess the reporters thought it was kind of unique, so they just kept using it.

So aside from "African Viking," do you have a nickname you go by?

JN: My boys used to call me "Sticks" because I was skinny. But I'm not that skinny anymore, so I don't know. My friends still call me that sometimes back in New York. My family called me "Youx."

Youx -- where did that come from?

JN: My little sister thought Joakim was a little bit too complicated, I guess. So she called me Youx, and it just stuck.

What's the biggest difference for you right now, compared to when you entered the league two years ago?

JN: I would say eating breakfast.

You think that really helped?

JN: I think it made a huge difference. Just being more comfortable with understanding what it takes to play 82 games during the regular season. Just getting in a routine, knowing when to eat your meals before the game. Not just eating chicken fingers and french fries before the game. Having a good healthy meal a couple hours before. Eating breakfast every morning.

No breakfasts off -- especially before you get to practice. Because we practice at 10, if you don't eat breakfast and we don't get out of here until about 2:30, 3, that means you haven't eaten all day, and plus all the calories that you lose. I need to maintain my weight so I know that for me, the biggest adjustment from now compared to the first couple years is eating breakfast.

What's your go-to breakfast?

JN: Steak and potatoes. (Smiles) Steak and potatoes.

Do you ever miss Gainesville and being able to live with all your buddies?

JN: I do. I'll always miss Gainesville. I always had so many memories and good times out there. I go back as soon as I have an [opportunity]. I think I went back three times this summer. I go back for a football game and I go back for the elite camp for Coach Donovan. And I think that's something I'm going to do every year because I want to give back.

They gave me so much over there. I got so much love over there. The coaching staff and the people over there did so much for me. I feel like I'll just try to go back and pay my respects.

Is it better going back to campus as the starting center for the Bulls or being the man on campus as the center for the Gators?

JN: Oh, man. Come on. (Smiles) It's not even a comparison. It's definitely slower. It's not the same. We were like the Beatles out there when we were on campus. We're definitely not the Beatles anymore. People still show us a lot of love, but not the way it was when we were winning those championships, that's for sure.

Speaking of love in Gainesville, how do you describe the popularity of Tim Tebow to somebody who may not know the situation?

JN: Oh my God. Tebow's love is ridiculous. I think the difference between him and us is we went out a lot more than he did. His [love] is so much more ridiculous. It's like [he's] an iconic figure. I thought we were popular, but it wasn't a situation where it was just out of control. We could do things. I think for him it's just like a situation where he might walk in somewhere and he can't have a good time. We could have a good time.

And be with everybody else …

JN: And be with everybody else. And enjoy it. And it was OK. I think with Tebow, he needs a place where he needs to be a little bit more secluded. But he seems to be enjoying it, and he's somebody who is humble. He's somebody who is about the right [stuff]. The right things. I think everything is going to work out for him.

What is the one thing that people misunderstand about you the most?

Joakim Noah

Randy Belice/Getty Images

Bulls center Joakim Noah says facing players like Yao Ming is "an unbelievable feeling."

JN: The way I am on the court is not how I am off the court. Sometimes people will come up to me and start screaming or just trying to get all jacked up and hyper and stuff like that. And I'm like, "Dude, what's your problem? Why are you acting like that?"

And I realize because they see me do things like that on the court. And they think that I'm just like this Energizer Bunny all the time. But I'm just like that on the court sometimes. I'm just laid-back and I want to chill sometimes, too. I might not act like that on the court, but off the court, there's times where I'm hyped and I'm excited and I want to have fun, but life is not all about being this energy bunny.

Do you think that freaks people out, when you're just going about your day relaxing and they realize that you're not the same person that you are on the court?

JN: I don't know. I guess you'd have to ask them. But, it's OK. Like I said, I'm comfortable with who I am. I'm not trying to impress nobody. I usually speak my mind and I'm not afraid about what other people are going to say.

When you stop playing, what do you want to do?

JN: I just want to chill on the beach. Have lots of kids. Live in a bungalow. Nice and comfortable. Just chill.

Do you want to get away from the public eye?

JN: Who knows? One thing that coach Donovan always taught me was just live in the moment and enjoy it. Enjoy it and enjoy all of this. There were times where, especially during my junior year, I felt like it was a little bit overwhelming for me. And there were times when it was just hard for me and I wasn't enjoying it because I was thinking about the NBA and I was thinking about the wrong things.

All [Donovan] would tell me every day was, "Just enjoy it. Just live in the moment." As the season went on my junior year -- and even now in the NBA -- I'm enjoying this. I'm enjoying every moment. I realize that I'm in a very privileged situation, playing basketball for millions of dollars. Playing in big games, playing against the best players in the world. There's nothing better. I feel very lucky and fortunate and I'm just enjoying it, man. I'm just living in the moment.

Has anything about the whole NBA experience surprised you?

JN: To me, the most surprising thing is just going up against people that you idolized growing up. And then you see how they are in real life and just realize they got their pros, they got their cons. They got their vices. They're just people. Just like everybody. Nobody's perfect.

And I think that the older you get and the more you're in this situation you realize … To me, growing up, I look at somebody like Kevin Garnett and he was somebody that I grew up just admiring. I used to wear his jersey. And then all of a sudden you're on the court with him and you just want to rip his head off. You hate him so much on the court. You can't stand him.

To me, that was something that was surprising. You know you're going to play against them, but it hits you once you're on the court with these guys. Like, "Wow, you're really playing against the best in the world." Like Tim Duncan, KG, Yao Ming, Shaq, LeBron. Playing against these guys … it's an unbelievable feeling.

They're human, in other words.

JN: Yeah, they're human. But pretty good basketball players.


Saturday, November 7, 2009

FUN FACT

The 2009 Florida senior class, with a 43-6 record, has a chance to become the winningest class in SEC history. The conference record of 45 wins is shared by the 1996 Florida senior class, the 1994 Alabama senior class, Tennessee's 1998 seniors and the 2005 Georgia seniors.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Da U's Rabid fanbase

According to today's St. Pete Times, Da U returned 3,000 of its 8,000 ticket allotment for the November 28 game with USF in Tampa. 'Nuff said.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Lame Kiffin Strikes Again!!! (I want to hurt this guy)

Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low The rest of the SEC is going to want a front-row seat to watch this whole Lane Kiffin-Urban Meyer deal play out. One thing's for sure: Kiffin seems to revel in gigging Meyer any way he can. After Tennessee's practice Wednesday night, Kiffin was asked about Meyer's comments on the SEC coaches teleconference earlier in the day when Meyer said officials missed a late hit on Tim Tebow. "Urban Meyer ... criticized the officials?" Kiffin said. "That will be interesting to see." Translation: Kiffin isn't holding his breath that SEC commissioner Mike Slive will follow through and suspend Meyer. Pressed further on whether it was his understanding that coaches would be subject to a fine or suspension from here on out if they offered any public criticism of officials, Kiffin again couldn't resist. "You guys got the same memo that I got," he said. The memo announcing the SEC's new stricter policy on public criticism of officials was also sent out to the media last week. Kiffin has already been reprimanded twice since taking the Tennessee job, one of those times for wrongly accusing Meyer of cheating back in February and most recently for criticizing the officials following the Vols' 12-10 loss to Alabama. Kiffin said he'd also seen the replay of Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes attempting to gouge the eyes of Georgia running back Washaun Ealey in a pile. "Yeah, I saw the rerun. It was pretty bad," Kiffin said. "But we're worried about our team and what we can control. We've got a lot of work to do." And then this subtle zinger: "Obviously, [Meyer] will discipline his team, or not, however he feels." Spikes initially received a half-game suspension from Meyer after the incident was caught on video. But Spikes went to Meyer and suggested that he should have to sit out a full game. So he will now miss the entire Vanderbilt game this Saturday.
Florida Gators, Tennessee Volunteers, Lane Kiffin, Urban Meyer, Brandon Spikes

Spikes suspends Self



"I really don't want to be a distraction to the team," Spikes said. "I want the guys to prepare without any negative things going on. I feel like if I would play, it would be a big thing. I'm just trying to stay out of the way and just motivate the guys. I'm pretty sure Stamper's my back and my teammates really support me on this decision."

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4623708

Also Urban Meyer sent video of the late hit on Tebow to the SEC. Lets hope he does not get disciplined for commenting on their missed call

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4622769



Go self Discipline
Go A.J. Jones
Go Gators