I'm confused. First Urban Meyer resigns. Then Urban Meyer doesn't resign, it's then reported he will be taking a year off. Then the latest, he will take some time off but be back on the sidelines when the Gators take the field for the first time next season. Steve Addazio will be the interim head coach, as reported, until coach Meyer returns.
With the announcements this weekend Meyer has accomplished a few things. He has stolen the thunder from Tim Tebow and his last football game in a Gators uniform. He has taken the Sugar Bowl away from his players to enjoy and put all the attention on him. He has become a distraction for the Gator football team that will be playing an undefeated Cincinnati Bearcat squad.
Now, I'm not saying that Meyer does not have have every right to step away from the game and get his health in order, but he is also sending mixed messages to the college football world, the university and his family. I question the timing of the announcement and the quick reversal for the need to come back next year. If his health and family are his number one priority I see no reason to be swayed by his players request for him to return and not resign or to take a year off . I fully understand his commitment to Florida and his players but his health must come first. Why not take full year off and get his health in order. Does he not have that much faith in his staff to keep the ship heading in the proper direction? Does he feel he may need this distraction for what could be a down year for the Gator Nation next year? Does he feel this could be used as an excuse if the Gators should fall flat in 2010?. I'm not in Urban Meyers head so I don't know what he is thinking and feel the last two comments are way out there but those points will be raised.
I started writing this entry on Sunday evening but had to hold off as more news started to come in from very credible news organizations so I had to wait to draw a full conclusion. I have concluded this though, there is something wrong with Urban Meyer, nobody except for Meyer, hopefully his wife, and doctors know what it is for sure. If Meyer feels he can come back in the fall then more power to him.
I find it though very disturbing though, that the hospital stay after the SEC Championship game was for a heart related issues and not the dehydration as reported by the university. The 911 call seems to point obviously to something more serious. Was the reason for the dehydration excuse to calm nerves in the Gator Nation. Was it used to help sway any recruits that were on the fence that all is well in Gainesville? Was the reason for the quick reversal of the resignation because national signing day is less five weeks away?
I do not want to know all the details of Meyer's ailments but would like to know the truth if they are going to talk about it. I feel the university and Meyer owe that to the players, future recruits and fan base. If the ailment was enough to warrant the thought of resigning then it is something that needs to be discussed concerning the future of the program.
I fully support Meyer's right to privacy and that line though does get blurred when living in the public eye. I would much rather him come out and say what the problem is then listen to or watch the endless hours of speculation from so called experts as to what is wrong with his ticker.
Coach Meyer needs to remember though that it is just football and if I had to choose between being healthy by walking away from football or living in pain because I'm walking the sidelines, I would choose to walk away and enjoy the time I spent on the sidelines and then enjoy my life.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Meyer Steps Down at Florida
Shocking new today coming out of Gainesville (FL). University of Florida head football coach Urban Meyer resigned today sighting health reasons.
Meyer said he consulted with his family, his doctors, school president Bernie Machen and athletic director Jeremy Foley before deciding it is in his best interest to focus on his health and family.
"Coach Meyer and I have talked this through and I realize how hard this was for him to reach this decision," Foley said. "But the bottom line is that coach Meyer needed to make a choice that is in the best interest of his well being and his family. I certainly appreciate what he has meant to the University of Florida, our football program and the Gator Nation. I have never seen anyone more committed to his players, his family and his program. Above all, I appreciate our friendship."
The Jacksonville Observer is reporting the reason for the resignation is because of a heart condition. Just after the Gators loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship game game, Meyer was admitted to Shands Hospital, for what was reported as dehydration at that time. A source from the NFL is reporting that Meyer informed the team of a heart problem being the reason for the resignation. The Huffington Post is reporting that Meyer's heart condition came to light during the the hospital stay in November.
In 1988 an arachnoid cyst was discovered on his brain while on the coaching staff at Notre Dame. While the cyst was determined to be non-life threatening, stress could cause Meyer to have severe head pain.
The Gators will have Meyer for the Sugar Bowl against Cincinnati but will then head into next season with Meyer, Tim Tebow and defensive coordinator Charlie Strong, who is now the head coach at Louisville.
************update*********************update******************update***********
It is now being reported that Urban Meyer is scheduled to hold a press conference tomorrow in New Orleans, sight of the Sugar Bowl. Meyer is expected to announce that he will be staying at the University of Florida in some capacity, just not as head football coach. It is now being speculated that University of Florida officials have known for sometime that this was coming down the road due to the length and completeness of the e-mail that Florida officials sent to members of the the media.
**************update #2***************update #2**************update#2*********
Everyone already knows this but I figured I would update the blog with the news. Urban Meyer has decided he will not be resigning as head coach from the University of Florida. He will be taking a one year leave of absence from head coaching duties. Steve Addazio, offensice coordinator, will be the interim head coach. Meyer is expected to be back on the sidelines in 2011 if all health issues are worked out and he is deemed fit to resume his duties.
Meyer said he consulted with his family, his doctors, school president Bernie Machen and athletic director Jeremy Foley before deciding it is in his best interest to focus on his health and family.
"Coach Meyer and I have talked this through and I realize how hard this was for him to reach this decision," Foley said. "But the bottom line is that coach Meyer needed to make a choice that is in the best interest of his well being and his family. I certainly appreciate what he has meant to the University of Florida, our football program and the Gator Nation. I have never seen anyone more committed to his players, his family and his program. Above all, I appreciate our friendship."
The Jacksonville Observer is reporting the reason for the resignation is because of a heart condition. Just after the Gators loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship game game, Meyer was admitted to Shands Hospital, for what was reported as dehydration at that time. A source from the NFL is reporting that Meyer informed the team of a heart problem being the reason for the resignation. The Huffington Post is reporting that Meyer's heart condition came to light during the the hospital stay in November.
In 1988 an arachnoid cyst was discovered on his brain while on the coaching staff at Notre Dame. While the cyst was determined to be non-life threatening, stress could cause Meyer to have severe head pain.
The Gators will have Meyer for the Sugar Bowl against Cincinnati but will then head into next season with Meyer, Tim Tebow and defensive coordinator Charlie Strong, who is now the head coach at Louisville.
************update*********************update******************update***********
It is now being reported that Urban Meyer is scheduled to hold a press conference tomorrow in New Orleans, sight of the Sugar Bowl. Meyer is expected to announce that he will be staying at the University of Florida in some capacity, just not as head football coach. It is now being speculated that University of Florida officials have known for sometime that this was coming down the road due to the length and completeness of the e-mail that Florida officials sent to members of the the media.
**************update #2***************update #2**************update#2*********
Everyone already knows this but I figured I would update the blog with the news. Urban Meyer has decided he will not be resigning as head coach from the University of Florida. He will be taking a one year leave of absence from head coaching duties. Steve Addazio, offensice coordinator, will be the interim head coach. Meyer is expected to be back on the sidelines in 2011 if all health issues are worked out and he is deemed fit to resume his duties.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Just Some Random Thoughts
As the college football bowl season starts to get in full swing I'm seeming to get over my writers block that has been plaguing me for the last couple of weeks. I've seen some events transpire but couldn't figure out how to put my thoughts down on this keyboard. Well I seem to have found that second wind, so here we go.
The University of Texas administration made the right call in giving Mack Brown a $2 million raise a few weeks ago to raise his annual salary to $5 million a year. Those are some crazy numbers I agree but look what he has done for the university. Texas is the leading revenue producing football program in the country and has given over $6 million to the education fund over the last few years. Say whatever you want but that would not happen if Texas was losing football games. $5 million a year is outrageous, but if that is the going rate nationally for a winning college football coach than why should Mack Brown not be paid that much. One national championship under his belt and playing for another one this year.
The University of Florida seems to be going after some top notch student/athletes to play football for the Gators. Check out the myspace/facebook pages of lineman Leon Orr and defensive player Lynden Trail, these are some top notch recruits who have pics posted of themselves flashing gang signs and one poses with a gun. Gator fans can not say a word now about any other school and who they recruit and the thugs that are on the field. It seems that Urban Meyer may have a problem brewing in Gainesville and he better get it under control before it spirals out of control. Remember the almighty Tim Tebow is gone after the bowl game.
What the hell was ESPN thinking a week ago? On Saturday night they glorify the Miami Hurricanes teams of the 80's for brash behavior, hanging with drug dealers, having bounties put on opposing players heads and apparently owning the town and being totally out of control. The next morning they run a story on Outside the Lines that vilifies Florida State for their academic scandal and only give one side of the story.The two interviewee's were an advisor that is currently suing the university and a former player who lasted one semester. I'm not saying what happened at FSU was not wrong I'm saying it happens at almost every major college football school in the nation and does not need to just be fixed at Florida State but around the nation. But why the double standard? Did anyone know that the producer of the OTL story was a former Florida grad? What about ESPN's contract with the SEC? You mean this type of thing doesn't happen in the football factory conference of the SEC? I used to hold ESPN to a higher standard for expose stories but after watching the Miami story and FSU story, I have to wonder.
Speaking of Florida State and getting back to on field matters the Noles rise from the ashes may not happen next season but with recruits Jimbo Fisher is landing and the coaching staff he is assembling is may not be that far off. A return to national prominence may be in the future for the garnette and gold.
Bowl season is under way and the Mountain West Conference is coming out the gate strong and making some noise to be given an automatic BCS birth. With BYU destroying Oregon State and Utah putting away California the Mountain West has showed they can compete with the so called major conferences.
The University of Texas administration made the right call in giving Mack Brown a $2 million raise a few weeks ago to raise his annual salary to $5 million a year. Those are some crazy numbers I agree but look what he has done for the university. Texas is the leading revenue producing football program in the country and has given over $6 million to the education fund over the last few years. Say whatever you want but that would not happen if Texas was losing football games. $5 million a year is outrageous, but if that is the going rate nationally for a winning college football coach than why should Mack Brown not be paid that much. One national championship under his belt and playing for another one this year.
The University of Florida seems to be going after some top notch student/athletes to play football for the Gators. Check out the myspace/facebook pages of lineman Leon Orr and defensive player Lynden Trail, these are some top notch recruits who have pics posted of themselves flashing gang signs and one poses with a gun. Gator fans can not say a word now about any other school and who they recruit and the thugs that are on the field. It seems that Urban Meyer may have a problem brewing in Gainesville and he better get it under control before it spirals out of control. Remember the almighty Tim Tebow is gone after the bowl game.
What the hell was ESPN thinking a week ago? On Saturday night they glorify the Miami Hurricanes teams of the 80's for brash behavior, hanging with drug dealers, having bounties put on opposing players heads and apparently owning the town and being totally out of control. The next morning they run a story on Outside the Lines that vilifies Florida State for their academic scandal and only give one side of the story.The two interviewee's were an advisor that is currently suing the university and a former player who lasted one semester. I'm not saying what happened at FSU was not wrong I'm saying it happens at almost every major college football school in the nation and does not need to just be fixed at Florida State but around the nation. But why the double standard? Did anyone know that the producer of the OTL story was a former Florida grad? What about ESPN's contract with the SEC? You mean this type of thing doesn't happen in the football factory conference of the SEC? I used to hold ESPN to a higher standard for expose stories but after watching the Miami story and FSU story, I have to wonder.
Speaking of Florida State and getting back to on field matters the Noles rise from the ashes may not happen next season but with recruits Jimbo Fisher is landing and the coaching staff he is assembling is may not be that far off. A return to national prominence may be in the future for the garnette and gold.
Bowl season is under way and the Mountain West Conference is coming out the gate strong and making some noise to be given an automatic BCS birth. With BYU destroying Oregon State and Utah putting away California the Mountain West has showed they can compete with the so called major conferences.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Kelly to the Irish
Angry players...disappointed players....a coach leaving before his team plays in the Sugar Bowl against Florida. Brian Kelly has been hired as the new head coach of the Notre Dame Fighintg Irish, the announcement is not big news or surprising news, since it was expected about a week ago.
What is surprising though is how Bearcat players have reacted to the announcement. Most of the team is disappointed and feel betrayed that the coach won't even be staying around for the bowl game. No one is saying that Kelly should not have taken the job but they are sad to seem him go. They are realists that Notre Dame was able to offer more money, better facilities and more prestige. The best question that Bearcats are asking is this, "Where did Kelly stand a better chance of winning at." Most feel that Cincy was the place, far and above the Irish and South Bend. Many feel that Kelly should have stuck around for the Sugar Bowl though.
Kelly will have his hands full next year with quarterback Jimmy Claussen announcing that he is leaving for the NFL along with standout wide receiver Golden Tate.
What is surprising though is how Bearcat players have reacted to the announcement. Most of the team is disappointed and feel betrayed that the coach won't even be staying around for the bowl game. No one is saying that Kelly should not have taken the job but they are sad to seem him go. They are realists that Notre Dame was able to offer more money, better facilities and more prestige. The best question that Bearcats are asking is this, "Where did Kelly stand a better chance of winning at." Most feel that Cincy was the place, far and above the Irish and South Bend. Many feel that Kelly should have stuck around for the Sugar Bowl though.
Kelly will have his hands full next year with quarterback Jimmy Claussen announcing that he is leaving for the NFL along with standout wide receiver Golden Tate.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
FISHER HAVING EARLY IMPACT FOR FSU
The announcement that Jimbo Fisher will be taking over the reigns at Florida State and is no longer just the head coach in waiting is a little more than a week old but is already having a big impact on the football program and recruiting. For the second time in less than a week the Seminoles have landed a five-star recruit when Larmarcus Joyner agreed to come to FSU. Joyner joins Jeff Luc, another five-star recruit, who committed a few days ago.
Joyner is ranked #5 over-all among high school seniors and is rated the #1 corner back coming out of high school. He attended St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale (FL). Joyner chose Florida State over Ohio State, Florida, Notre Dame and Georgia.
Luc is a beast of a middle linebacker who is expected to have an immediate impact coming in at 6'1" and 241 pounds. He went to Treasure Cost High School in Port St. Lucie (FL). Luc is rated the #6 player coming out of school and the #1 rated linebacker.
With the performance of the defense Florida State is focusing on getting defensive players into the program at this time. FSU has new moved up the rankings as far as recruiting classes are concerned to #9. 2011 is also looking very strong for the Noles as they have some early commitments to the program.
Joyner is ranked #5 over-all among high school seniors and is rated the #1 corner back coming out of high school. He attended St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale (FL). Joyner chose Florida State over Ohio State, Florida, Notre Dame and Georgia.
Luc is a beast of a middle linebacker who is expected to have an immediate impact coming in at 6'1" and 241 pounds. He went to Treasure Cost High School in Port St. Lucie (FL). Luc is rated the #6 player coming out of school and the #1 rated linebacker.
With the performance of the defense Florida State is focusing on getting defensive players into the program at this time. FSU has new moved up the rankings as far as recruiting classes are concerned to #9. 2011 is also looking very strong for the Noles as they have some early commitments to the program.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Strong to Louisville
It all starts. With winning comes the loss of staff. Urban Meyer and the Florida Gators have lost defensive coordinator Charlie Strong to the Louisville Cardinals, where Strong will be the new head coach.
Strong will take over for Steve Kragthorpe, who struggled for three seasons at Louisville.
This will be Strong's first head coaching position. It is unclear if Strong will stay on to coach the Gators in the Sugar Bowl.
Strong will take over for Steve Kragthorpe, who struggled for three seasons at Louisville.
This will be Strong's first head coaching position. It is unclear if Strong will stay on to coach the Gators in the Sugar Bowl.
An Act of Congress...Really???
I know when you were growing up you heard this said by your dad, "It would take an act of Congress to get that done.". Well guess what, the NCAA may be forced into to putting together a college play-off system to determine a true National Champion. A House sub-comittee approved today some legislation that would force a some type off college football playoff. It's a long way from becoming law but it is heading that way.
On a personal not I think Congress has more important things to worry about than college football and who wins the National Championship. Some in the House tend to agree.
"With all due respect I think we have more important things to spend our time on." said Rep. John Barrow D-Ga.
While I agree that a playoff system is needed I don't think Congress should be wasting the taxpayers money debating it or making it a law.
On a personal not I think Congress has more important things to worry about than college football and who wins the National Championship. Some in the House tend to agree.
"With all due respect I think we have more important things to spend our time on." said Rep. John Barrow D-Ga.
While I agree that a playoff system is needed I don't think Congress should be wasting the taxpayers money debating it or making it a law.
Volunteers Under Investiagtion
Okay, Florida Gator Fans, South Carolina fans and anyone else Tennessee's Lane Kiffin has pissed of or offended. The Volunteers are now under investigation for some possible recruiting violations.
It's now time to jump on the bandwagon and give Kiffin back some of what he has handed out. The issues that are under investigation all took place under the watchful eye of the loudmouth coach and center around hostesses visiting high school games around South Carolina and Tennessee.
The Vols have been cited for a series of secondary violations since Kiffin took over the program . SEC commissioner Mike Slive has also reprimanded Kiffin twice for improper public comments.
AD Mike Hamilton has acknowledged the investigation and is expected to hold some sort of press conference later today.
It's now time to jump on the bandwagon and give Kiffin back some of what he has handed out. The issues that are under investigation all took place under the watchful eye of the loudmouth coach and center around hostesses visiting high school games around South Carolina and Tennessee.
The Vols have been cited for a series of secondary violations since Kiffin took over the program . SEC commissioner Mike Slive has also reprimanded Kiffin twice for improper public comments.
AD Mike Hamilton has acknowledged the investigation and is expected to hold some sort of press conference later today.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
WOW!!!!...WHAT A WEEKEND
Saturday showed us exactly what college football is all about with some great games and some crying on national television, and not just from Tim Tebow. I could write a recap of all the games but why bore you with that? Here are some quick thoughts from the weekend.
* Skip Holtz gets little or no attention for what he is doing at East Carolina. Carolina dropped Houston yesterday to pick up the Pirates second straight Conference USA Championship.
* Ndumakong Suh from Nebraska is the real deal. I have never seen a defensive lineman keep a team in the game like he did against Texas.
* CJ Spiller of Clemson is with out a doubt the most exciting player in college football today. His performance in the loss to Georgia Tech was incredible.
*The major conferences better be glad Texas pulled it out against Nebraska or the National Championship might have wound up with TCU or Cincinnati and, the big boys would not have been happy.
*Alabama, simply put, dominated the Florida Gators on Saturday. Tebow looked confused and hurried most of the day.
*Tony Pike of Cincinnati showed the poise and confidence in the latter stages of the comeback win over Pitt that will serve him well in the pros.
*Hey, college football fans, those wildcat and spread formations are great but Paul Johnson of Georgia Tech is quite happy with how the wishbone is working for the Yellow Jackets.
*With the loss to Arizona yesterday the USC Trojans finished 6th in the PAC-10. Yes, I said 6th.
*I think Tim Tebow takes a loss too hard. He didn't have a chance and it wasn't his fault. I appreciate the emotion but ,"There's no crying in football".
*Don't ever give up. See Cincinnati, Texas and Georgia Tech.
*Colt McCoy almost cost Texas a chance at the National Championship by playing the last play before the field goal a little too casually.
*Did Mark Ingram do enough against Florida to win the Heisman Trophy? Many in the media are thinking so.
*Pitt's freshman phenom running back Dion Lewis is a future Heisman Trophy winner. 47 carries 197 yards and three touchdowns against Cincy.
*Boise State gets no love. Two seasons in a row without losing a regular season game. This is their third season this decade going undefeated in the regular season, and not one chance to play for a National Championship. Yeah, the college football BCS system is fair.
* Jake Locker of Washington will be a Heisman Trophy candidate and Washington may challenge for the PAC-10 title next year if he comes back for his senior season.
Just one season removed from going 0-12. The Huskies finished the season 5-7 after upsetting #19 Cal on Saturday.
* How much did the Gators miss Carlos Dunlap (DUI suspension) and would it have made any difference?
*Mardy Gilyard of Cincinnati is big time. When the Bearcats needed some big plays to rally from behind, Gilyard was ready and stepped it up.
* Much noise was made about LaGarrete Blount and the punch he threw in the opening game loss to Boise State and the subsequent suspension he received. He quietly came into the game Thursday night and silenced some critics, and gained some redemption.
* Cal and head coach Jim Tedford have to be disappointed with how the Bears performed this season. With USC on the snide this year Cal had a chance to step up and grab the PAC-10.
* Does college football get any better than it this Saturday? Gator fans might disagree. But if you weren't on the edge of your seat almost all day Saturday you weren't watching the same games I was.
*Give credit to Tim Tebow because even with about six minutes to play you thought the Gators still had a chance. Call it the Tebow factor.
*The BCS must be doing the happy dance right now because of Texas escaping the Big 12 Championship with a win. Imagine the chaos that would have ensued with a Nebraska win.
*Gator Bowl officials must also be doing the happy dance with Clemson losing to Georgia Tech. Will it be easier to explain allowing an undeserving Florida State team the chance to get waxed by West Virginia on New Year's Day?
*Going to be interesting to watch Florida and Cincinnati play in the Sugar Bowl. With both coaches being rumored, or having been rumored, to be up for the head coaching position at Notre Dame.
*Was the talk of defensive coordinator Charlie Strong leaving for Louisville a distraction for the Gators?
* The officials got it right putting one more second on the clock at the end of the Big 12 Championship game.
* Skip Holtz gets little or no attention for what he is doing at East Carolina. Carolina dropped Houston yesterday to pick up the Pirates second straight Conference USA Championship.
* Ndumakong Suh from Nebraska is the real deal. I have never seen a defensive lineman keep a team in the game like he did against Texas.
* CJ Spiller of Clemson is with out a doubt the most exciting player in college football today. His performance in the loss to Georgia Tech was incredible.
*The major conferences better be glad Texas pulled it out against Nebraska or the National Championship might have wound up with TCU or Cincinnati and, the big boys would not have been happy.
*Alabama, simply put, dominated the Florida Gators on Saturday. Tebow looked confused and hurried most of the day.
*Tony Pike of Cincinnati showed the poise and confidence in the latter stages of the comeback win over Pitt that will serve him well in the pros.
*Hey, college football fans, those wildcat and spread formations are great but Paul Johnson of Georgia Tech is quite happy with how the wishbone is working for the Yellow Jackets.
*With the loss to Arizona yesterday the USC Trojans finished 6th in the PAC-10. Yes, I said 6th.
*I think Tim Tebow takes a loss too hard. He didn't have a chance and it wasn't his fault. I appreciate the emotion but ,"There's no crying in football".
*Don't ever give up. See Cincinnati, Texas and Georgia Tech.
*Colt McCoy almost cost Texas a chance at the National Championship by playing the last play before the field goal a little too casually.
*Did Mark Ingram do enough against Florida to win the Heisman Trophy? Many in the media are thinking so.
*Pitt's freshman phenom running back Dion Lewis is a future Heisman Trophy winner. 47 carries 197 yards and three touchdowns against Cincy.
*Boise State gets no love. Two seasons in a row without losing a regular season game. This is their third season this decade going undefeated in the regular season, and not one chance to play for a National Championship. Yeah, the college football BCS system is fair.
* Jake Locker of Washington will be a Heisman Trophy candidate and Washington may challenge for the PAC-10 title next year if he comes back for his senior season.
Just one season removed from going 0-12. The Huskies finished the season 5-7 after upsetting #19 Cal on Saturday.
* How much did the Gators miss Carlos Dunlap (DUI suspension) and would it have made any difference?
*Mardy Gilyard of Cincinnati is big time. When the Bearcats needed some big plays to rally from behind, Gilyard was ready and stepped it up.
* Much noise was made about LaGarrete Blount and the punch he threw in the opening game loss to Boise State and the subsequent suspension he received. He quietly came into the game Thursday night and silenced some critics, and gained some redemption.
* Cal and head coach Jim Tedford have to be disappointed with how the Bears performed this season. With USC on the snide this year Cal had a chance to step up and grab the PAC-10.
* Does college football get any better than it this Saturday? Gator fans might disagree. But if you weren't on the edge of your seat almost all day Saturday you weren't watching the same games I was.
*Give credit to Tim Tebow because even with about six minutes to play you thought the Gators still had a chance. Call it the Tebow factor.
*The BCS must be doing the happy dance right now because of Texas escaping the Big 12 Championship with a win. Imagine the chaos that would have ensued with a Nebraska win.
*Gator Bowl officials must also be doing the happy dance with Clemson losing to Georgia Tech. Will it be easier to explain allowing an undeserving Florida State team the chance to get waxed by West Virginia on New Year's Day?
*Going to be interesting to watch Florida and Cincinnati play in the Sugar Bowl. With both coaches being rumored, or having been rumored, to be up for the head coaching position at Notre Dame.
*Was the talk of defensive coordinator Charlie Strong leaving for Louisville a distraction for the Gators?
* The officials got it right putting one more second on the clock at the end of the Big 12 Championship game.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Championship Weekend
It's a huge weekend for college with the ACC, Big East, Big 12 and SEC all deciding conference champions with title games or de-facto title games. One of the major conferences already had their de-facto championship game with Oregon beating Oregon State last night on ESPN. If you missed it you missed a very good rivalry game to decide the PAC-10 Champion and who goes to the Rose Bowl.
#5 Cincinnati, with still some National Championship Game hopes, heads to Heinze Field to take on the #14 Pitt Panthers to decide the Big East and a trip to the Orange Bowl. While not a true championship game it as close as we can get in the Big East. Cincy is trying to finish the season undefeated and ignoring the rumors that head coach Brian Kelly could be heading to Notre Dame next year. The Bearcats are healthy again at quarterback with Tony Pike back in the saddle and commanding an offense that can score points. The Panthers are trying to win 10 games for the first time since 1981, with Dan Marino at quarterback, and win the Big East outright for the first time ever. Pitt is coming off a loss last weekend to West Virginia in the Backyard Brawl rivalry. For Cincy to win they must be able to handle a stout pass rush from the Panthers and shut down Pitt QB Bill Stull who has the second best passer rating in the conference behind the Bearcats Pike. Cincy must also shut down freshman phenom running back Dion Lewis, fourth ranked rusher in the nation.
MY PICK: CINCINATTI
Both of the teams playing for the ACC Championship are coming off losses in rivalry games last weekend. Clemson got thumped by South Carolina and Georgia Tech got shut down by Georgia. This game is also a rematch from earlier in the season when Clemson beat Georgia Tech 30-27 with a field goal in the final seconds. Tech has been running wild all season long with coach Paul Johnson's hybrid wishbone attack. Clemson has been relying on CJ Spiller to carry the scoring load. Tech must shut down Spiller, which no one has been able to do all season, if they expect to win. The Tigers must figure out a way to slow down the rushing attack of the Yellow Jackets if they expect to capture the ACC. With the game in Tampa no one has the home field advantage but Clemson does travel well so expect to see a lot of orange in Raymond James Stadium Saturday.
MY PICK: GEORGIA TECH
When #3 Texas takes the field Saturday at Cowboys Stadium to face #22 Nebraska for the Big 12 titile the Longhorns know that a victory means a chance to play for the National Championship in Pasadena. The Horns' will be riding the hot hand of quarterback Colt McCoy who is coming off a performance last week over Texas A&M that might have cemented the Heisman Trophy for him. Nebraska has one thing in their favor though, Texas may be looking past the Cornhuskers and having sights already on the National Championship Game. Nebraska also must look at the fact that Texas A&M was also able to roll up over 500 yards of offense against on the best defensive units in the nation. Nebraska head coach Bo Pellini has led the Cornuskers to two consecutive nine win seasons and they have their sights set on capturing their first Big 12 Championship since 1999.
MY PICK: TEXAS
All eyes with be on the Georgia Dome Saturday afternoon when the #1 Florida Gators and #2 Alabama Crimson Tide line up to decide the SEC Championship and who will be representing the conference in the National Championship Game. Florida comes in to the game riding high after embarrassing in-state rival Florida State last weekend. Bama comes in after after a hard fought victory of Auburn in the Iron Bowl. This game will come down to which defense cracks first. Both are ranked among the best in the nation. Bama must contain Tim Tebow who is looking to pick up his third National Championship ring in his spectacular college career. Bama is looking to end Florida's dominance and will rely heavily on running back Mark Ingram. Florida will be playing without outstanding defensive end Carlos Dunlap, who was suspended for getting a DUI arrests earlier in the week. The difference in this game may not be Tebow or Ingram but Crimson Tide quarterback Greg McElroy. If he maintains composure under the ferocious attack for the Gator D, Florida might be in for a long day at the office.
MY PICK: FLORIDA
#5 Cincinnati, with still some National Championship Game hopes, heads to Heinze Field to take on the #14 Pitt Panthers to decide the Big East and a trip to the Orange Bowl. While not a true championship game it as close as we can get in the Big East. Cincy is trying to finish the season undefeated and ignoring the rumors that head coach Brian Kelly could be heading to Notre Dame next year. The Bearcats are healthy again at quarterback with Tony Pike back in the saddle and commanding an offense that can score points. The Panthers are trying to win 10 games for the first time since 1981, with Dan Marino at quarterback, and win the Big East outright for the first time ever. Pitt is coming off a loss last weekend to West Virginia in the Backyard Brawl rivalry. For Cincy to win they must be able to handle a stout pass rush from the Panthers and shut down Pitt QB Bill Stull who has the second best passer rating in the conference behind the Bearcats Pike. Cincy must also shut down freshman phenom running back Dion Lewis, fourth ranked rusher in the nation.
MY PICK: CINCINATTI
Both of the teams playing for the ACC Championship are coming off losses in rivalry games last weekend. Clemson got thumped by South Carolina and Georgia Tech got shut down by Georgia. This game is also a rematch from earlier in the season when Clemson beat Georgia Tech 30-27 with a field goal in the final seconds. Tech has been running wild all season long with coach Paul Johnson's hybrid wishbone attack. Clemson has been relying on CJ Spiller to carry the scoring load. Tech must shut down Spiller, which no one has been able to do all season, if they expect to win. The Tigers must figure out a way to slow down the rushing attack of the Yellow Jackets if they expect to capture the ACC. With the game in Tampa no one has the home field advantage but Clemson does travel well so expect to see a lot of orange in Raymond James Stadium Saturday.
MY PICK: GEORGIA TECH
When #3 Texas takes the field Saturday at Cowboys Stadium to face #22 Nebraska for the Big 12 titile the Longhorns know that a victory means a chance to play for the National Championship in Pasadena. The Horns' will be riding the hot hand of quarterback Colt McCoy who is coming off a performance last week over Texas A&M that might have cemented the Heisman Trophy for him. Nebraska has one thing in their favor though, Texas may be looking past the Cornhuskers and having sights already on the National Championship Game. Nebraska also must look at the fact that Texas A&M was also able to roll up over 500 yards of offense against on the best defensive units in the nation. Nebraska head coach Bo Pellini has led the Cornuskers to two consecutive nine win seasons and they have their sights set on capturing their first Big 12 Championship since 1999.
MY PICK: TEXAS
All eyes with be on the Georgia Dome Saturday afternoon when the #1 Florida Gators and #2 Alabama Crimson Tide line up to decide the SEC Championship and who will be representing the conference in the National Championship Game. Florida comes in to the game riding high after embarrassing in-state rival Florida State last weekend. Bama comes in after after a hard fought victory of Auburn in the Iron Bowl. This game will come down to which defense cracks first. Both are ranked among the best in the nation. Bama must contain Tim Tebow who is looking to pick up his third National Championship ring in his spectacular college career. Bama is looking to end Florida's dominance and will rely heavily on running back Mark Ingram. Florida will be playing without outstanding defensive end Carlos Dunlap, who was suspended for getting a DUI arrests earlier in the week. The difference in this game may not be Tebow or Ingram but Crimson Tide quarterback Greg McElroy. If he maintains composure under the ferocious attack for the Gator D, Florida might be in for a long day at the office.
MY PICK: FLORIDA
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Bobby Done Wrong?
The feeling from many around Tallahassee and from the national media is that the retirement of Bobby Bowden was done in a fashion that has shamed Florida State University. Bowden helped build the program into the national powerhouse that it became and many feel he should have been able to say when and how he left FSU. Bowden wanted to come back in 2010 for his last season and many are feeling he should have been given the opportunity for all he has given to Florida State.
Bowden, though, did decide how he wanted to leave years ago. He came right out and said, "When I leave here I don't want no parades or farewell tours. I just want to go quietly". That is exactly what happened. Bowden was given a choice to come back in 2010 as a puppet head coach, with Jimbo Fisher making all the day to day decisions, or to retire. Bowden took a look at the choices and decided it was in the best interest of Florida State and himself to walk away after the bowl game this year. He knew that it would never work with the other choice.
FSU fans will have their chance to bid a a found farewell to an icon of college football, more than likely at the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville (FL). I would not want it any other way. I knew this year would be his last, the writing had been on the wall since October. If other FSU fans didn't see it they were standing in the wrong bathroom stall. I would rather see it this way than having Bowden fired mid-season or completely run out of town. He was able to leave with his dignity and on his terms.
Even though FSU, by Bowden's own standards, have been on tough times, FSU is in a position to come out of this funk rather quickly. With the coaching change made prior to the bowl game future prospects will now know the status of coaching at FSU. They will now be able to decide whether or not FSU is a choice. This does not hurt FSU and the football program.
While the argument will be made that the Florida State administration showed little class in the retirement of Bowden. Was there any other choice? When do you tell an icon its time to go? How do you tell a legend to hang it up? In reality Bowden probably hung on a few years too long and help create this mess but always being the optimist and thinking he could turn it around. The time came for the administration to take a stand.
The time will come to thank Bobby Bowden for all he did for football at Florida State and all he did for college football on a whole. The Seminole Nation and the college football world will come out and recognize him for all he did. The administration at Florida State will do it the right way and in a fashion that honors Bowden and his wife Ann.
As a fan base it is time for the Seminole Nation to rally around Bowden in his last game and then turn the focus to supporting Jimbo Fisher and the Seminole football team. Many of the Seminole Nation rooted for and became fans because of Bobby Bowden. When the Noles kick-off next year root louder and more wildly than ever before, and do it for Bobby.
Bowden, though, did decide how he wanted to leave years ago. He came right out and said, "When I leave here I don't want no parades or farewell tours. I just want to go quietly". That is exactly what happened. Bowden was given a choice to come back in 2010 as a puppet head coach, with Jimbo Fisher making all the day to day decisions, or to retire. Bowden took a look at the choices and decided it was in the best interest of Florida State and himself to walk away after the bowl game this year. He knew that it would never work with the other choice.
FSU fans will have their chance to bid a a found farewell to an icon of college football, more than likely at the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville (FL). I would not want it any other way. I knew this year would be his last, the writing had been on the wall since October. If other FSU fans didn't see it they were standing in the wrong bathroom stall. I would rather see it this way than having Bowden fired mid-season or completely run out of town. He was able to leave with his dignity and on his terms.
Even though FSU, by Bowden's own standards, have been on tough times, FSU is in a position to come out of this funk rather quickly. With the coaching change made prior to the bowl game future prospects will now know the status of coaching at FSU. They will now be able to decide whether or not FSU is a choice. This does not hurt FSU and the football program.
While the argument will be made that the Florida State administration showed little class in the retirement of Bowden. Was there any other choice? When do you tell an icon its time to go? How do you tell a legend to hang it up? In reality Bowden probably hung on a few years too long and help create this mess but always being the optimist and thinking he could turn it around. The time came for the administration to take a stand.
The time will come to thank Bobby Bowden for all he did for football at Florida State and all he did for college football on a whole. The Seminole Nation and the college football world will come out and recognize him for all he did. The administration at Florida State will do it the right way and in a fashion that honors Bowden and his wife Ann.
As a fan base it is time for the Seminole Nation to rally around Bowden in his last game and then turn the focus to supporting Jimbo Fisher and the Seminole football team. Many of the Seminole Nation rooted for and became fans because of Bobby Bowden. When the Noles kick-off next year root louder and more wildly than ever before, and do it for Bobby.
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