NCAA Football FanHouse http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com NCAA Football FanHouse http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/media/feedlogo.gif NCAA Football FanHouse http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Uga VII Dies: William Henry Harrison of Georgia Bulldog Mascotshttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/20/uga-vii-dies-william-henry-harrison-of-georgia-bulldog-mascots/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/20/uga-vii-dies-william-henry-harrison-of-georgia-bulldog-mascots/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/20/uga-vii-dies-william-henry-harrison-of-georgia-bulldog-mascots/#commentsFiled under: ,


Uga VII, not surprisingly, the son of Uga VI, succumbed to an unexpected heart illness Thursday. The Bulldog mascot, in just his second year prowling the sideline, was only four years old. Presumably, he is survived by many other dogs given that Georgia uses lineal descendants to anoint the next mascot. The mascot-less Georgia team will play on Saturday against Kentucky without their English bulldog on the sideline. In a show of support, the entire team will lick their balls at halftime.

The conclave will soon convene to nominate the next Pope/Bulldog. Wait for white smoke to enshroud the city of Athens. An early betting line on favorites was scrapped after oddsmakers realized that every dog that might replace Uga already looks exactly like Uga and no one would realize he'd actually changed. Head coach Mark Richt, seriously distraught over the dog's death, channeled every reality show television show when someone is voted off, telling the Atlanta Journal Constitution. "You never think something like that could happen that quickly but it certainly did, " Georgia coach Mark Richt said. "It's sad we won't have him on the sideline anymore."

Back on August 30, 2008, no one could have foreseen this calamity. On that bright late-summer afternoon, Uga VII debuted as mascot, at a robust 56 1/2 pounds. He was the biggest bulldog mascot ... ever. And perhaps, in those halcyon days when everyone rubbed his belly and grinned, was sewn the seed of Uga VII's demise. Like many of the grown men and women who barked furiously in his face, he had difficulty turning away from a full plate of food.

Now comes the funeral.

Uga VII, with a Ray Goffian lifetime record of just 16-7, will be interred in the stadium mausoleum alongside his forebears. In the end, Uga VII is the William Henry Harrison of Bulldogs, catching the equivalent of pneumonia as he delivered his valedictory bark.

But all is not lost, his final game was a 31-24 victory over Auburn in the South's oldest rivalry. And his passing, while untimely, is not without benefits.

UGA VIITo wit, 10 good things about Uga VII's passing.

1. He will not have to be on the sideline for the Georgia Tech game.

2. Defensive coordinator Willie Martinez', "It's not me, it's the mascot," explanation for why his defense stinks will no longer fly.

3. A new dog will get to stare down the plunging necklines of the amply endowed Bulldog women when they pose for photos alongside him -- making men everywhere jealous.

4. Internet site traffic for the Atlanta-Journal Constitution will soar once sicko Georgia fans log on for retrospective photo gallery of Uga VII's reign.

5. A new dog gets to stud while looking at pictures of Herschel Walker.

6. The black collar with silver studs that Uga VII wore around his neck can go to someone who really needs it ... Quincy Carter.

7. Tony Barnhart's new book, "Uga VII: A Dog, a People, a Tradition," will climb the Georgia bestseller lists when a special memorial edition is released replete with Barnhart's own brand of hair dye.

8. He will no longer have to travel to the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party and be urinated upon by Florida fans.

9. Richt's contract ceases thanks to crafty lawyering. Quoth the contract: "In the event Uga VIII or any number hereinafter attached to an English bulldog on the sideline prowling as mascot (henceforth"Uga"), shall die, then this contract shall become void."

10. The two girls one pup viral video is going to be gold.

Clay Travis is the author of three books. His latest, "On Rocky Top: A Front Row Seat to The End of an Era" chronicles the 2008 Tennessee football season and is on sale now.

Uga VII Dies: William Henry Harrison of Georgia Bulldog Mascots originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Clay TravisFri, 20 Nov 2009 11:10:00 EST For Kentucky Football, Survive and Thrivehttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/17/through-it-all-kentucky-football-thriving/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/17/through-it-all-kentucky-football-thriving/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/17/through-it-all-kentucky-football-thriving/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Kentucky WildcatsWhile No. 1 Florida and No. 2 Alabama each play glorified scrimmages on Saturday and continue their march to the SEC Championship game next month, one of the more intriguing conference match-ups features Kentucky at Georgia. Yes, Kentucky. Football.

The Wildcats have done an impressive job of persevering this season.

They will be searching for their first victory in Athens, Ga., since 1977 and can improve their bowl berth in the final two games of the regular season. Kentucky has also won its last two road games for the first time since 2002 and has won four of its last five overall.


Head coach Rich Brooks frequently talks to his team about doing things that have never been done at Kentucky, or haven't been done in a long time.

The Wildcats (6-4 overall, 3-3 SEC) haven't disappointed -- Saturday's win over Vanderbilt marked the first time since 1953-56 that UK has won at least six games in four consecutive seasons -- despite contending with an array of injuries.

But let's not get too excited. Setting expectations, reaching expectations and exceeding expectations are three different agendas.

Kentucky fans, who have not seen their football program finish in the Top 25 since it was the top 20 in 1984, have applauded the first two. They want more, and have the opportunity to inch closer to that goal with a win over the Bulldogs. Kentucky last beat Georgia in 2006 but has dropped 11 of the past 12 in the series.
Follow Us on Twitter Friend Us on Facebook
"We all know that the fans have a different expectation level now, and that's a good thing," Brooks said Monday.

"Sometimes they express it in very negative ways, but by and large, I think the expectation level of this football program has changed dramatically, and I would like to think that that's a really good thing.

"I hope our players are willing to work like they worked in the last 30 minutes of the Vanderbilt game all week this week, and during the Georgia game so you can have an impact, if you will, so we can climb up the SEC East ladder a little bit higher."

Kentucky might be enjoying even a better season without injuries.

Quarterback Mike Hartline will undergo knee surgery Tuesday and will not be available until a projected bowl game. Cornerback Trevard Lindley, projected as a high-round NFL draft pick, missed four games with an ankle injury. Tailback Derrick Locke and wide receiver Randall Cobb, the team's top play makers, each missed a game and have been banged up much of the year.

Regardless, work remains against Georgia and in the regular-season finale at home versus Tennessee.

"It feels good to know you're bowl eligible but you can't get complacent," senior offensive guard Christian Johnson said.

"If you look in the SEC there are a few six-win teams. If we didn't win another game, six wins possibly couldn't get us into a bowl game. We really need to win another one. Not just for the bowl game, but a seven- or eight-win season would be huge for Kentucky, it's my last year and it would be huge to go out on that note."

Brooks said becoming bowl eligible for a fourth straight season is a tribute to the senior class. The Wildcats have certainly hit some historical milestones this season:

o. Kentucky's 42-0 win vs. Miami (Ohio) was the Wildcats' first shutout in 13 years.

o. Kentucky's 31-27 win over Louisville was the third-consecutive triumph over the Wildcats'in-state rivals, the first time that has been accomplished since the Governor's Cup rivalry was renewed in 1994.

o. UK defeated Auburn for the first time in 43 years. It also marked UK's first win at Auburn since 1961.

o. UK had no penalties and no turnovers in the win at Auburn, the first time in school history that had been accomplished, dating back to single-game statistics available since 1946.

o. Kentucky's win over Eastern Kentucky was UK's 18th consecutive non-conference victory, which is a new school record. The previous record was 17 straight wins from 1954-60.

On the flip side, there was the team's disappointing homecoming defeat to Mississippi State, which, at 4-6, is the lone team among Kentucky's blemishes that has a losing record.

While Brooks was delighted with the Wildcats' ability to run the ball for more than 300 against Vandy, he knows Kentucky must throw the ball to have any chance for an upset victory over Georgia.

Freshman Morgan Newton will stay at quarterback with occasional doses of Cobb in the Wildcat formation. Newton has started the last five games, completing 58.9 percent of his passes (43 of 73) for 402 yards and two touchdowns with three interceptions while rushing for 86 yards and two scores.

"I think I said after the Auburn game we have to throw the ball better moving forward," Brooks said.

"And since then we haven't, but we have won three out of the last four. We threw it better against Eastern [Kentucky] obviously, but in my mind this game, if we don't throw the ball well, we are going to struggle to win it. We have to open it up a little bit, take some shots. We have to keep people backed off a little bit, but we will see how it goes."

It has gone well for the senior class. But it can be better, too.

"It feels good, this is one of the reasons we all came to Kentucky," Johnson said.

"We're still a program on the rise; we're not where we need to be but the fact that we've done something that Kentucky hasn't done with the possibility of winning four bowl games, I believe you leave a certain legacy. I want to be able to say I played in four bowl games and I won four bowl games."


For Kentucky Football, Survive and Thrive originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Rich BrooksRichBrooksJim HenryTue, 17 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST Blanket Coverage: Create November Saturday to Rememberhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/16/blanket-coverage-create-november-saturday-to-remember/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/16/blanket-coverage-create-november-saturday-to-remember/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/16/blanket-coverage-create-november-saturday-to-remember/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

BCS logoA playoff? No, thank you.

That said, please do not think for a second that I ravenously slurp the Kool-Aid that the BCS is attempting to serve. I don't want to see a playoff because I love the idea that you have to show up every Saturday, that each week the stakes get higher and the opponent, no matter what their record, gets tougher for an undefeated team. And I hate the idea of neutral-site playoff games in NFL cities in December and January (there's a reason that the SEC and Big 12 title games never have any juice).

It would not be a panacea, but the most effective step toward improving the current system would be to compel teams who are seriously interested in playing for the national championship to play 12 meaningful games. Which brings us to Saturday's slate.

Florida, the No. 1 team in the nation, hosts Florida International (3-7), which boasts the nation's 118th-rated total defense. No. 2 Alabama hosts Chattanooga, an FCS school. I agree that the SEC is the nation's toughest conference. I realize that Florida plays Florida State out-of-conference in two weeks. And I am aware that the Gators and Tide are not the only schools to schedule guaranteed victories in order to garner another home date and the booty that it entails (see, Washington State versus Notre Dame).

Think, however, how much more interesting the season might be if the NCAA were to designate either the second or third Saturday in November as a play-in weekend. Imagine if the FBS agreed that on that date the top eight schools would be required to play one another. On that weekend no intra-conference games would be scheduled (you could move up the beginning of conference play one week earlier in the season). The eight teams that would be dropped (e.g., FIU by Florida) would fall into a pool and play one another.

Home field among the top eight would be determined by higher ranking. Paul Johnson, the coach at No. 7 Georgia Tech, might not relish the idea of traveling to Tuscaloosa but he'd probably prefer that to not having a shot at the national title at all.

Sure, there are wrinkles that would need to be solved. What if the two schools had already met that season (switch the matchups)? Would the picture be any clearer after such a weekend, for instance, would an unbeaten No. 5 Cincinnati, having toppled No. 4 TCU, be any closer to a shot at the national championship game?

Ludicrous? In college football, something can never be done (e.g., games after New Year's Day, African-Americans on SEC rosters, instant replay) until someone decides that it can.

A mid-November winnowing of the contenders? I'd be thankful for that.

Hanging 50 on Troy ... that Was His Deal

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, when USC's Pete Carroll and Stanford's Jim Harbaugh met for the post-game handshake following the Cardinal's 55-21 de-pantsing of the Trojans, the conversation went thusly:

Carroll: "What's your deal? What's your deal?
Harbaugh: "What's your deal?"

Follow Us on Twitter Friend Us on Facebook
I'll take a wild guess and assume that this was not an impromptu dialogue between the two to compare contracts. What I cannot understand is why anyone who has seen Harbaugh operate the past few seasons is the least bit surprised that he went for the two-point conversion up 48-21.

The Cardinal had just scored and only 6:47 remained in the game. Harbaugh was likely figuring, When's the last time anyone hung 50 points on princely Pete (answer: never)? So he went for the deuce. Guarantee if the score were 47-21 at the time he would not have.

Stanford and USC compete for the same players in the same fertile Golden State breeding grounds. How much farther can Harbaugh puff out his pecs when he struts into a recruit's living room having not only beaten USC at the Los Angeles Coliseum but embarrassed them?

No punking of USC by Stanford could be complete, though, without a cruel and clever halftime performance by the Stanford band. They did not disappoint, performing a tribute to USC alum -- "Girls Gone Wild" creator-tax evader Joe Francis. I can only imagine what they are devising for Charlie Weis when the Irish visit Palo Alto in two weeks.


Records Are Made to Be Broken ... or Digitized and Sold on iTunes

A few weeks ago, when Florida's Tim Tebow was on the verge of breaking the SEC rushing touchdowns record of 49 set by Herschel Walker, fellow FanHouse scribe Clay Travis argued that the standards were unfair. Because the NCAA now includes bowl game statistics in overall stats, something that it did not do in Walker's era, Travis argued that the scales were unbalanced.

Either give Walker (the greatest college football player many of us ever saw) the five touchdowns that he scored in bowl games, making the record 54, or subtract from Tebow's total the two he has scored in January contests. Seems reasonable, which of course is why Clay's proposal was ignored by the SEC.

Now along comes a new stats controversy involving Tebow. Two years ago when he won the Heisman (which, by the way, he will not do this season), the Gator QB rushed for a single-season NCAA-record 23 touchdowns. On Saturday, Navy quarterback Ricky Dobbs pulled to within one score of Tebow's mark when he ran it in five times against Delaware in the Mids' 35-18 win against Delaware.

Never mind that Dobbs' five touchdown runs went for a total of 10 yards. That's irrelevant. However, Delaware is an FCS school. If victories against FCS programs do not count toward a team's minimum number of wins required for bowl eligibility, should the statistics accrued in those contests count?

Dobbs is a terrific player, but five of his 22 rushing touchdowns -- nearly 25 percent -- came in what amounts to a glorified scrimmage. When he unseats Tebow, perhaps as early as Navy's next game at Hawaii on November 28, how will the Gainesville groupies react?

Distant Replay

Earlier this season a prominent college football writer on the web (that is no longer an oxymoron) told me that he'd be happy if every play were reviewed in the booth because he was all for getting the call right.

If only it were that simple.

After Pittsburgh beat Notre Dame Saturday night, assisted by an overturned call late in the fourth quarter, Irish coach Charlie Weis said, "It seems like the replay officials recently, every game you watch, they are the stars."

In their brief history, instant replay officials have become the most despised men in a glass booth since the "Deal or No Deal" banker. It need not be that way. A few suggested changes:

1. Unless these men can demonstrate that they understand the concept of "indisputable evidence" before overturning a call, then instant replay itself should cease to exist.

2. Instant replay officials need to get younger and fast. The majority of them are retired or near-retirement officials. We're not looking for Wal-Mart greeters here. We're looking for people who are at the peak of their powers in terms of scrutinizing a play.

3. I've noted this before, but there is absolutely no reason a replay official needs to be in a glass booth watching a second-rate television. When every Hooters' waitress has a better view of the play than you do, something's not right.

That play, by the way, did not doom the Irish. Their feckless first-half performance, a chronic shortcoming all season, did.

From First-Round to Fifth-String

Oregon head coach Chip Kelly reinstated tailback LeGarrette Blount for the Ducks' game with Arizona State. He just failed to play him.

"We didn't get to our fifth running back," Kelly said, referring to Blount with a complete lack of chalant. "Andre (Crenshaw, the third-string tailback) had one or two carries, Remene (Alston, the fourth-stringer) got in for one or two carries."



The Ducks' best player heading into the season, Blount was considered a first-round caliber draft pick before he decked Boise State's Byron Hout following Oregon's 19-8 loss in the season opener. While Kelly has shown compassion and mercy by rescinding the year-long suspension imposed on Blount in the immediate aftermath of the Hout punch, every so often he jerks the leash, as he did on Saturday, as if to test Blount's resolve and contrition.

This is terrific theater out of Eugene. Watching the drama between Kelly and Blount unfold is a little like watching the bathroom scene in Jerry Maguire. It's as if Kelly is Rod Tidwell, and he's telling Blount, "You are hanging on by a very thin thread and I dig that about you!"

All-Name Team

From the same people who introduced you to Central Michigan's Tommy Mama and Marshall's Darius Marshall, meet center T-Bob Hebert. With a name like that, it should take no more than one guess as to the state in which he plays and no more than two guesses (for the benefit of a few Ragin' Cajun reading this) as to the school.

And, yes, the former NFL quarterback is his daddy.

You can call me Al ... Golden ... Tate ... Forcier

Speaking of names, this is my favorite moniker chain of the season. From the up-and-coming thirtysomething head coach at the school located in the town where "Thirtysomething" was set, to the lone player at Notre Dame who each week reinforces the vestigial notion that the Irish really do have Fight, to the freshman quarterback at Michigan, which last beat an FBS opponent in September.

Overheard...

Matt Millen, while doing the broadcast of the Iowa-Ohio State contest, stressed that he "could not underemphasize enough" the importance of Ohio State's dominant defensive linemen. Everyone makes errors on live television (we even do in dead print), but for the future Millen should remember that it's "overemphasize."

The best way to not underemphasize enough a point is to remain silent.

Flighting Irish

In the biggest aviation story related to Notre Dame football since Knute Rockne's plane landed about 1,400 miles short of the runway, the school has found a way to block the university plane's registration number (N42ND) from appearing on the flight-tracking web site flightaware.com.

Shrewd tactic by the Irish. It will compel the legion of scribes covering the program to go Anton Chigurh on athletic director Jack Swarbrick and, like Chigurh, they will track him down. It's the nature of the business.

Alive ... and Kicking

If it feels as if once a year you come across the story of some grizzled Rudy type finding his way onto a Division III roster, that's because you do. This fall's middle-aged Walter Mitty is Austin College kicker Tom Thompson, age 61, who successfully converted the point after in the Kangaroos' 44-10 loss to Trinity (yes, that Trinity). It was Thompson's first kick of his college career.

Thompson is just 35 years older than Ohio State kicker Devin Barclay, 26, the retired pro soccer player whose overtime boot versus Iowa sent the Buckeyes to the Rose Bowl.

Blanket Coverage: Create November Saturday to Remember originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>John WaltersMon, 16 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST SEC Notebook: South's Oldest Rivalryhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/13/sec-notebook-souths-oldest-rivalry/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/13/sec-notebook-souths-oldest-rivalry/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/13/sec-notebook-souths-oldest-rivalry/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Georgia vs. Auburn.

It doesn't get any better, or older, than this for these two schools. Known as the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry, the series began in 1892 and is the seventh-most played in the country. The mutual disdain has been passed down through the generations, and the 113th meeting Saturday isn't expected to be any different.

"Everybody has their team," Georgia coach Mark Richt said.

"When I go to the Bulldog Clubs, they will say, 'Coach no matter what happens, you have to get this one.' You would think it's just one or two teams, but it's about five of them that they all feel like you've just got to have. It is a big deal and I think our fans will get jacked up for it."

Georgia (5-4) better be jacked up as well, or it may get Uga-ly in Athens, Ga.

The Tigers (7-3) rank 10th in the nation in rushing offense (230 yards per game) and are tied for 11th in scoring offense (35 points per game). Auburn is on pace to set a school record for total offense. The Tigers have had 24 scoring drives this season that have taken less than two minutes, and 21 of those ended with touchdowns.

"You have to get a good, strong plan and get the guys as many reps as you can because they are into creating chaos for you," Richt said. "That's what they want to do; they want to create confusion and bloody your nose in the meantime."

Recent history is on the Bulldogs' side.

Georgia has won three straight in the series for the first time since 1982. The last time the Bulldogs won four in a row was in 1948.Georgia is hoping to exploit the Tigers' defense, which ranks last in the SEC in scoring defense (26.6 points per game).


The Bulldogs gained some needed confidence in their 38-0 win over Tennessee Tech last Saturday. They limited Tech to just 55 yards of offense and posted their first shutout since 2006.

Senior Joe Cox connected on his first 10 passes and finished with 140 yards passing with two touchdowns. Sophomore wide receiver A.J. Green leads the SEC in receptions per game (5.5) and receiving yards per game (91.5).

"He will be a huge challenge for our secondary, which should be fun for them," Auburn coach Gene Chizik said. "He is not the only one, but he is one of those receivers that are going to make you go to work all night."

BIG PLAY ALERT

It might be nit-picky, but top-ranked Florida continues to search for big plays.

In seven SEC games this season, the Gators have produced only two plays of 50 yards or longer -- a 77-yard touchdown pass from Tim Tebow to receiver Deonte Thompson against Arkansas, and a 64-yard pass from Tebow to tight end Aaron Hernandez late in the game against Vanderbilt. UF's three other 50-plus yard plays came against out-manned Charleston Southern.

Last season, the Gators had 10 plays of 50 yards or longer, five coming against SEC opponents.

UF offensive coordinator Steve Addazio defended his unit following practice earlier this week.

"We define big plays as 20 or more yards," he said.

"There are a lot of big plays happening. The same number at this point in time, we're about right where we were, there is really negligible difference, but you're feeling is like we're not having as many big plays.

"Here's what we're doing a good job of, this is what it is: We're moving the ball much more consistently than we ever did. The appearance was we had more big-play strikes a year ago. A big play is defined as 20 yards or more, that's considered explosive, we have the same amount of explosives as we did a year ago at this point in time."

Running to Daylight

Saturday's Alabama-Mississippi State game features the SEC's two most productive running backs.

Alabama's Mark Ingram, right, considered by many as the leading contender for the Heisman Trophy, leads the league in rushing at 127.6 yards per game; Mississippi State's Anthony Dixon is second at 125.1 ypg.

It might be the one chance for Dixon and the Bulldogs to grab the attention away from Ingram and the Crimson Tide (9-0, 6-0), winners of the SEC West.

"It's going to be fun," Dixon said.

"I guess this is what we dreamed about when we were kids. He's in the Heisman race and all props to him. I'm pretty sure he's been over there working hard. I've been over here working hard. Both of us are making the dream come true, and it's just going to be a showcase Saturday. We'll show again what we can do. I'm just excited, pumped up and ready to go."

Mississippi State has won two of the last three against Alabama, which is coming off an emotional home victory over LSU.

Ever-philosophical Tide coach Nick Saban isn't worried about a letdown from his players.

"I think what I talk about all the time is what you try and emphasize to the players," Saban said.

"Take care of your business and your business will take care of you. Focus on what you do and it's about what you do and prepare yourself in practice and the way you need to be the best player that you can be. Do your job for your team and that's going to give us the best chance to be successful."

Spurrier in Charge

South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier is moving back into the lead role again of calling plays. Just in time for top-ranked Florida, where the Ol' Ball Coach crafted his reputation as the best play caller in the business.

Business needs to get better in a hurry for the Gamecocks.

The only scoring from South Carolina (6-4) against an Arkansas defense last week that was allowing 27 points per game came on a 23-yard field goal on the first drive of the game, and a Stephen Garcia 1-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarterback and an 80-yard scoring pass from Garcia to receiver Alshon Jeffery to start the third quarter.

UF's defense, directed by former Gamecock defensive coordinator Charlie Strong, is ranked first in scoring defense at 10.1 points per game and second nationally behind Texas in total defense at 232.4 yards per game.

"I call most of the plays and I may be the principle play caller now with suggestions from the other coaches," said Spurrier, who also indicated earlier this week he intends to return to South Carolina next season.

"That's about how we've been doing it."

SEC Notebook: South's Oldest Rivalry originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>a.j. greenanthony dixonjoe coxmark ingramtim tebowJim HenryFri, 13 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST Florida Fans Strike Back on YouTube, Say Georgia Started Cheap Shotshttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/04/florida-fans-strike-back-on-youtube-say-georgia-started-cheap-s/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/04/florida-fans-strike-back-on-youtube-say-georgia-started-cheap-s/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/04/florida-fans-strike-back-on-youtube-say-georgia-started-cheap-s/#commentsFiled under: ,



Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes committed one of the dirtiest plays of the year on Saturday when he tried to gouge the eyes of Georgia running back Washaun Ealey, and after video of eye poke was seen by hundreds of thousands of people on YouTube, Spikes was suspended for the first half of Florida's next game. But now Florida fans have struck back with a YouTube of their own that they say shows it was Georgia that made the game dirty.

The video, which has become one of the most viewed on YouTube over the last 24 hours, shows Georgia linebacker Nick Williams drilling Florida quarterback Tim Tebow away from the play after Tebow had handed off. According to some Florida fans, that play was the one that set Florida players off and set the tone for a game featuring cheap shots on both sides.

For his part, Tebow says he doesn't want to make an issue of it:
"That's something that you don't need to talk about," said. "People, they want to do whatever they can to get an edge and that's happened a lot in college football and it happens more than people think. "It's just something you deal with, and something I've dealt with for four years. It's not something that I feel like I need to talk about or converse about because it's not ... I love playing college football."
I think Williams should have been flagged for unnecessary roughness on the play, but I also think what Spikes did is an order of magnitude worse than what Williams did. If Florida fans want to say there were dirty plays on both sides, that's fine. but no one should equate lowering a shoulder into an opponent with gouging an opponent's eyes.

Florida Fans Strike Back on YouTube, Say Georgia Started Cheap Shots originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Michael David SmithWed, 04 Nov 2009 09:45:00 EST Outside, the Life of the 'Cocktail Party'http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/02/outside-the-life-of-the-cocktail-party/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/02/outside-the-life-of-the-cocktail-party/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/02/outside-the-life-of-the-cocktail-party/#commentsFiled under: , ,

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- By the end of the first quarter Saturday, outside the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party in Jacksonville, a drunken mass of humanity sprawls in baking parking lots and beneath cool shade trees, the largest collection of people in America who cannot walk in straight lines. By now, the ratio of men to women has shifted, perhaps for the only time all day, to something approaching equal numbers. Women wearing bikini tops and tight dresses warble on flip flops or bare feet, men, Florida fans mostly, have discarded their shirts and stand bare-chested in the bright sunshine propositioning women as they pass.

"We still got beer left," a group of shirtless Florida fans, Cocktail party Romeos, call to a group of bedraggled Georgia girls, Capulets in red heels.

"We're looking for liquor," says one of the girls, moving past.

A scalper stands off to the right of the passing couples, four tickets held tightly in his right hand, jaw clenched.

"Game's going to be close boys, don't you want to go inside?" he asks, squinting his dark brown eyes to avoid the sun's rays. It's Halloween in Jacksonville, and all the world outside the Cocktail Party is a stage.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of football fans descend on Jacksonville for the Georgia-Florida football game. Some of them, a small minority, actually see a football game. The remainder, a teeming mass of humanity, remains outside the stadium and occasionally squints up at the looming structure as the crowd roars inside. Idly they may wonder whether Georgia or Florida has the better end of the game. Most likely, they don't react at all to what happens in the game.

Because they're too drunk.

This is their story.

















Getting There

Since 1915, Georgia and Florida have played a football game. For virtually every year since 1933, the teams have played this game at a neutral site, Jacksonville, Fla. This is the most popular social event in Jacksonville. There is no second most popular social event in Jacksonville.

The term World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party was coined in the 1950s after a sportswriter witnessed a fan offering a drink to a uniformed officer. In 2006, SEC Commissioner Mike Slive wrote a letter to CBS requesting that they no longer use the phrase World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.

"We would appreciate any initiatives you might take to avoid using the cocktail party reference. This is a great college football game, which highlights a traditional rivalry full of the passion of football in the Southeast. Our hope is to keep the focus on the game."

In so hoping, Slive has failed.

For 16 of the past 19 seasons, Florida has emerged victorious. Prior to this, Georgia won. At least according to the record books. No one really knows because those victories seem so far in the past now, grainy, archival footage of Bulldog greats dominating games that Harry Truman and John F. Kennedy checked the score of. Now, well, Florida wins.

That doesn't mean Georgia fans fail to travel to the game. They still come, tens of thousands of them, wearing their bright red and black Georgia polos and barking haphazardly into their fraternity brothers as they wait to board flights. Like the one I'm on, leaving from Nashville en route to Jacksonville. My flight is equal parts Georgia and Florida fans, middle-aged white middle managers in their uniform of choice, coaches' polo, tightly tucked into jeans or khaki pants, BlackBerry carrying case buckled on the belt loop. Accompanied by well-coiffed middle-aged women with astoundingly pert breasts and hair that, also amazingly, has not faded one bit.

As soon as we board our Southwest flight -- my friend Tardio has accompanied me -- these men spring into action to aid an attractive damsel in distress. It seems a woman can't fit her bag into the overhead compartment. Fifteen men attempt to aid her. Including a male Southwest flight attendant.

It is clear to all that the bag does not fit into the compartment.

But no one is willing to acknowledge failure.

After a five-minute struggle, the flight attendant places his hand on the young woman's bare shoulder, "Don't worry, we'll find a place for your bag," he says.

"Just once, I want to know what it's like to be a hot chick," Tardio says.

My friend Tardio has come to chronicle the Cocktail Party with me. And by "chronicle the Cocktail Party," I mean, drink. But that's in the future. Currently, Tardio, a medical malpractice defense attorney in the city of Nashville, is convinced his carry-on bag contains the greatest Halloween costume on Earth.

Follow Us on Twitter Friend Us on Facebook
He has purchased a pair of blue doctor's scrubs. All his costume requires is a name-tag, which we will have to purchase in Jacksonville because the two of us arrived at the airport 38 minutes before our flight was scheduled to depart.

As we arrived at our gate 23 minutes prior to boarding, Tardio looked down at his phone. "We still had 10 minutes," he says.

He plans to write just one word on the name-tag that he will wear on right lapel of his scrubs: William.

On Thursday night, he conveyed his plan to me. "Get it?" he asked.

"No," I said.

"I'm Health Care Bill," he says.

Health Care Bill is currently reading the latest US Weekly magazine, purchased as we waited to board. "Sienna Miller is looking old," he says, scrutinizing her photo.

"No, she isn't," I say, "she's like 26."

"Really?" the man who will be Health Care Bill asks. "She looks older."

Welcome to Jacksonville

On Friday night, the cabs of Jacksonville descend on the city. And by city, I mean 400-mile radius of north Florida. Because, you see, no one is ever where they want to be in the city of Jacksonville. Also, it's nearly impossible, given that Jacksonville is the largest metropolitan city in America in terms of geographic size, to leave the city of Jacksonville no matter how far you drive. Or, for that matter, to actually leave Jacksonville's airport.

Jacksonville's airport, a monument to the color gray, eschews several archaic design traits such as functionality and economy of space. There are approximately 14 departing gates, all roughly a mile apart. Occasionally, as we make our way out of the facility, we see people, lost highwaymen en route to the holy city of Mecca perhaps, splayed out on the gray floors taking a nap or eating a meal. When you exit the airport you pass a row of offices. As if, in designing the airport, someone thought, you know what will make people love our city more? If they see the hard-working bureaucrats of the airport instead of reaching the baggage claim in less than four miles.

Moving on Up

Health Care Bill and I snag a cab. In Health Care Bill's bag he's actually carrying two pairs of scrubs, one blue and the other navy. That's because on Thursday night, he convinced me to participate in his costume plan.

"You can be Health Care Reform," he says, "but we'll make you a name-tag that says R.E. Form."

Our cab ride to the Courtyard by Marriott off Butler Boulevard in South Jacksonville costs $60. At this hotel, we are 5.8 miles from the stadium. Amazingly, Tardio and I stayed at the hotel next door to this one, the Red Roof Inn, for the 2007 Cocktail Party. The only thing I remember about that hotel is that they sold condoms from the vending machine.

Tardio surveys the half-acre of parking lot between the two motels. "You've really moved up in the world in the last two years," he says.

Checked into the the hotel, Tardio insists that we call a cab to take us to Walgreen's so he can buy some name tags and I can buy my costume necessities.

In lieu of Health Care Reform, I put out a suggestion for costumes in Friday's column. Immediately, I received an email from Blake P. who wrote, "Clay - you definitely can't go wrong with Alan (and baby Carlos) from The Hangover. Easy with some aviators, a cheap baby holder and baby doll from a dollar store with aviators. Plus, you didn't have to shave your beard, so you got that going for you."

In the 10 minutes before we left for the airport, I walked two blocks to the Family Dollar store in my neighborhood in north Nashville in search of said baby. I pushed open the dollar store door, covered in white metal bars, and scoured the dirty aisles, my foot occasionally pushing trash up under the product stands, for five minutes. There were many babies for sale, but given that I live in a majority black neighborhood, the baby dolls were all black.

Every single one.

I found myself faced with an unexpected ethical dilemma.

Could I really walk to the ladies, older black women, working the cash register and ask if they had any white babies in the back? Perhaps placed up on a shelf somewhere in storage? Maybe mis-delivered when the white baby dolls were destined for the suburbs?

Essentially, was it racist to ask for a white baby in a dollar store filled with black baby dolls?

Could I preface my request by remarking that I voted for Obama, liked Angelina Jolie? Anything?

The baby is white in the movie, that's what makes the name Carlos funny. What were the odds that elderly black women had seen and enjoyed The Hangover. Could I really capture the requisite level of verisimilitude with a black baby?

What's more, how does Family Dollar, a national chain, ensure that only babies of only one race are delivered to their inner city stores? Do they have a key-code for truck delivery that ensures only black baby dolls are delivered to my store? Am I, a white man, actually being discriminated against? Shouldn't the babies be diverse everywhere, a rainbow of smiling, plastic dolls?

I call an audible and flee, sans baby, without asking a question.

Decisions, Decisions

On our cab ride to Walgreen's we debate whether we should wear our costumes on Friday, tonight, or Saturday. It's a difficult decision because Saturday is Halloween, but we'll have to wear them to the game. "I'm sure that lots of people will be in costumes tonight," I say. "I don't think many people will dress up for the game."

Tardio has the opposite opinion, but if I argue my side long enough, I know that eventually he will agree.

Draft Tebow T-shirt
After procuring a white baby, a Draft Tebow shirt in Jacksonville Jaguars colors -- more on this later -- name-tags, a case of Coors Light, and aviator sunglasses for a baby doll, Tardio insists we go to the liquor store so he can buy a bottle of Maker's Mark for the game.

We return to the hotel, prepare our costumes, and walk to the only restaurant nearby, Applebee's. The Applebee's is selling jello shots on the patio, and inside the restaurant is packed with revelers rooting for Georgia or Florida.

"Let's sit at the bar?" Tardio asks.

"I'm not sitting at the Applebee's bar," I say. "And besides, it's packed."

It's true, there are no seats at the Applebee's bar.

It is 7:45 on Friday evening.

We drink beers out of yard glasses and eat spinach and artichoke dip.

"Can you imagine getting a DUI leaving Applebee's?" I ask.

"Can you imagine leaving Applebee's sober?" asks Tardio.

Beach-Bound

Back at the hotel, we get dressed. I've brought my family's brown Baby Bjorn under strict instructions from my wife not to lose it. I buckle the baby carrier, insert my white baby, affix the aviator glasses onto the baby, while Tardio dons his scrubs.

"Do you think I should write William on my nametag or Bill? asks Tardio.

"I don't think people are going to get either," I say.

Tardio scrunches his face. "F---," he says, "you've got me worried now. Is my costume going to bomb?"

"Yes," I say, "I think so."

"F--- me," says Tardio.

We compromise on "Bill." The quotation marks, we surmise, add the requisite symbolism necessary to make it apparent that Tardio's name is not actually Bill, rather, the name is a part of the costume.

Health Care Bill has no pockets in the scrubs so he has me carry his credit card, cash, two Titans vs. Jags tickets, and his license. Later, after I drop them on the floor, Tardio admits that he didn't mean to give me the tickets to carry as well.

Once more we hop into a cab, only this time it's actually a shuttle service driven by a man named Meza. This time we're destined for the Jacksonville beaches. After another $40 fare, we arrive at Brix, which is a bar made of bricks and pronounced like bricks except spelled with an X.

We stand outside, awkwardly peering into the bar.

"I knew it, no one is in a costume," says Health Care Bill.

Tardio is correct. We decide to go for a walk, fake white baby in sunglasses swaying in front of me, and find the bar with the people with costumes inside.

Thirty minutes later, having traversed the entirely of Jacksonville Beach, we have not seen a single costume.

"It's almost like," Tardio says, "the city forbids them."

The only costumes we see is for a group of happy costumed people who are climbing the stairs to what appears to be a loft party. We contemplate following them. Instead we get in line for Brix, I show Tardio's license for him, "Bill's not my real name," he says to no reaction from the bouncer, walk outside to the patio, and sit in the darkness.

We begin to drink.

Health Care Bill regularly surveys the crowd looking for someone, anyone in a costume. "I was worried about looking like unfun losers if we didn't have costumes," he says, "now we just look like losers."

We begin to argue over who has to go get the next beers from the bar, and reveal our costumes in the light of day.

I have to.

The bartender, a youngish woman with dark hair and mean expression stares at me. "I don't get it," she says.

"Did you see the movie Hangover?" I ask. "I'm....

"I get it," she says, unsmiling.

Someone dressed as David Robinson from Navy shows up. He fist pounds me, ignoring Health Care Bill in the process. Then other costumes, mercifully, begin to arrive.

We make our way inside. By midnight the costumed people are beginning to take over. We're moving into the mainstream. At least those of us who are in costumes.

Most people believe that Health Care Bill is, in fact, a doctor who has not had time to change after work. We test his costume on others, tell them it's three words long and that Bill is the last word.

No one guesses it.

What's more, "Doctor Blue Bill," is the best guess. Primarily because, "Doctor Bill," the primary guess, has only two words.

Three bars later and enough beers and shots to sink two less shameless men, we end up in the street looking for a cab. I call Meza, the man who drove us in his shuttle service earlier.

He's too busy to get us.

Mercifully, we find another cab. As we climb in, I call my wife, at two in the morning back home in Nashville, and leave a long message for her that consists of Health Care Bill jokes. She has no idea what is going on.

A few minutes into the cab ride, I begin to get text messages with things like this written, "Hey, good night, U are cute, lol."

It's from a Jacksonville area code. Health Care Bill swears he didn't give my number to anyone.

At 3 a.m., as the most recent text arrives, it suddenly hits me, our car service man, Meza, has me confused with someone else and is sending flirtatious e-mails to me on accident.

"I think it's on purpose," says Health Care Bill angrily ripping off his nametag.

"At least you didn't go with William," I say.

For a while I stand fiddling with the Baby Bjorn, attempting to undo it. But I can't seem to get the strap undone. So I climb into bed still wearing the baby carrying device. I take out Carlos, now absent sunglasses because they were stolen by a Florida sorority girl, and toss him across the room.

He bounces softly off the wall. Health Care Bill is already snoring.

It's gameday in Jacksonville.

The Hangover

At 11 in the morning, Spencer Hall, from the Web site EDSBS.com, calls. I tell him I"m still in bed wearing a baby carrier.

"Get up, bitch," he says, "I went to bed at four and got up at seven. And I slept outside."

Spencer is like this.

I could have called him and said, "I feel awful, I just had 14 quaaludes, a roofie, and a bottle of Jack, and Spencer would say, "I just had 28 quaaludes, four roofies, and two bottles of Jack."

He is already tailgating.

I put on my gameday attire, a Draft Tebow 2010 shirt, purchased last night. I do this for three reasons: A.) I believe this is the only way Jacksonville will keep a pro football franchise. B.) I'm interested in how people will react to the shirt and C.) I've never actually worn an NCAA violation that could be purchased for $12.99 at a local Walgreen's.

We procure another cab. Because we're gentlemen, we pick up two other people, Florida fans, to share our cab ride. Also, because it's cheaper. We explain that they will have to wait on us in the Applebee's parking lot because Tardio left his credit card there last night.

"'I just had a girl from Georgia in the cab,' he says. "She was wasted. I offered her a bottle of water and she said, 'Water? Why would I fill up my f---ing stomach with water?'"
"I know there is going to be $4,000 in Oreo shooters charged on this thing," he says.

This cab driver is better than last night's. Primarily because he is not sending me flirtatious texts.

"I just had a girl from Georgia in the cab," he says. "She was wasted. I offered her a bottle of water and she said, 'Water? Why would I fill up my f---ing stomach with water?'"

The girlfriend of the Florida fan is an Oregon student. She has blonde hair, fair skin and is concerned that the Oregon-USC game may not be on local television here. Her boyfriend has other concerns. "We need to get you some sunscreen because I want to touch you later and I don't want you sunburned," he says.

Our cab driver drops us off on Bay Boulevard and we commence to take in the tailgate sites. Immediately, my t-shirt draws compliments from Florida fans.

Georgia fans? Not so much.

"He's a f------ fullback," screams one man in my direction. This will be repeated approximately 14 times. In all, virtually every Florida fan approves of the shirt.

In every direction around the stadium, people are tailgating in the bright sunshine. It's a perfect day, cloudless, blue sky with bright sunshine bouncing off of the St. John's River, music blaring in every direction. Cornhole bean bags bounce along the well-worn grass, flip cup and beer pong spills drip off old tables. Everywhere you look, alcohol flows like the river that divides Jacksonville.

Fans are clad in Georgia and Florida gear but they're also dressed in the colors of other, non-playing teams. As we walk, I see every SEC school represented. Many people at the Cocktail Party have come with no indication of actually going inside the stadium, or, it would appear, with any real care for the fact that a football game is taking place at all.

As kickoff nears, a portion of the tailgating crew peels off and heads for the stadium.

But only a portion.

Many more, tens of thousands, stay behind. We make our way to a family zone tailgate alongside the stadium. Above us, towering in the sky, the Georgia and Florida sections of the stadium meet in the end zone. A few fans, wearing their team colors, stand up on the back row of last row of the stadium. We can watch these men cheer and divine what is taking place on the field. The Florida fans are cheering. Back down on the ground, a large tent housing the Heisman Trophy provides a modicum of shade and here fallen tailgating soldiers of both sexes lay passed out in the shade.

A man, bedraggled and shirtless approaches us, "Are they not serving beer in here?" he asks.

"I don't know," I say.

"F----------k," he says, turning the u into a long, drawn out wail. "Why do they even have the game if they don't have beer?"

Now joined by my friend Chad, a Georgia fan, we stand amid a huge surging crowd, relatively young in age, much younger than the actual crowd in the stadium, baking in front of a projection screen showing the game. Another shirtless man stumbles past. Earlier his back was painted with a number 2 and Demps written above it, but now, in the heat, he's sweated away the paint so that all that remains is a trace outline of the body paint.

Florida has already scored by the time we arrive, a Tebow touchdown pass to Riley Cooper. Not to be outdone, we see a second Tebow-to-Coooper touchdown pass, and Verne Lundquist shares his favorite SEC anecdote. Did you know the two men are roommates?

Georgia, wearing their black helmets and black pants, has failed to provide an early challenge to the Gators.
Tardio pulls his bottle of Maker's Mark out and mixes it with a bottle of Pepsi. Five minutes later, we're surrounded by police officers, "You get two choices," say the officers, "dump it or leave."

Tardio dumps it.

With Georgia trailing 14-3, we leave en route to a rumored party thrown by a Florida Coastal Law Professor. The pass word is, "We're not with the party."

As we walk across the parking lot, we pass a man in a white Chevy Tahoe SUV, he's slumped in the front seat of the car blasting, "Forever Young" as loud as his radio will allow.

Now, in the parking lot, the smell of alcohol, dirt, and filth, sweat, and sunshine baking on asphalt melds together into a potent and pungent smell. Like a flood after the waters have receded. Everywhere are beer cans, discarded bottles, shattered glass, and now, the tailgating zombies are out, stumbling from one place to another, the wasteland of football Saturdays.

A girl, sitting on a curb, shoeless, dress haphazardly gathered around her mid-thigh stares up at us, shielding her face with her hand, "Do you have beer?" she asks.

"We're going for some," we say.

"Okay," she says, standing and falling into line behind us like she has just arrived on a deserted island and heard we knew where water is. Soon, two of her friends have also joined up, a collective search and rescue party with a blood alcohol level that would allow surgery without anesthesia.

I stop near a single port-o-potty marked, "Private."

"Did you bring your own port-o-potty?" I ask some tailgaters.

"Yes," they say, "we do it right."

They've also brought a chef, a man named Robert. Robert tells me that he brought 60 pounds of chicken, 50 pounds of filet steaks, 20 pounds of crawdads, 10 pounds of andouille sausage, 50 pounds of potatoes, and 30 pounds of corn-on-the-cob for the tailgate.

Inside the stadium roars, Bulldog side, as tight end Aron White snags a Joe Cox touchdown pass to slice the lead to 14-10. Later, White will give my favorite quote of the game, "We came inside and saw those uniforms, and we were pretty excited by them," White said. "But as they say, the uniforms, they don't score the points."

I'm so sick of all the people who give the uniforms credit for scoring.

"With more beers, we make our way to Church Street. ... It's like a third-world country here. ... If I wanted to buy a rooster and a 34-year-old woman from Romania, I'm confident I could buy both at the same hat stand."
With more beers, we make our way to Church Street, on the west side of the stadium. It's like a third world country here, dirtier even than the other areas we've been thus far. Old brick factories crumble, every building with more than one story seems to be falling into itself, a sports bar with a dirt floor leads into a dark room where I expect to see goats munching trash underfoot. The road is dusty, everything seems to be for sale. If I wanted to buy a rooster and a 34-year-old woman from Romania, I'm confident I could buy both at the same hat stand.

I don't see any guns, but I believe that every person within 10 feet of me has three concealed weapons. The heat is making my head swim. Stumbling people are everywhere, a few men lay passed out in the dry grass, open-mouthed, staring at the sky above them, shirts slightly raised above their bellies like bloated Civil War soldiers. Suddenly from nowhere, a dirt alley, a tin-roofed shack, a dirty-haired scalper with deep sunburns materializes trying to sell us tickets.

"Georgia is making a game of it this year, don't you boys want to see the second half?"

"How much?" I ask, because I want to know how much he wants for the tickets and also because I'm scared not to reply to him.

"Twenty bucks," he says.

I wave my hand in his direction. "Nah," I say.

"How much will you give me?" he asks.

Inside the bar, Herschel Walker is on the television screen, a Zaxby's commercial. A couple of Bulldog fans cheer, remembering better days. Their voices carry out into the hot street, my beer tastes like water. Water, with helium inside.

My lips are dry.

I spit into the street.

Someone is throwing up in a trash can. No one gives him a second glance.

"How about it?" asks the scalper.

A girl walks past then, she's wearing a bikini top and tight shorts 16, maybe, but already looks 42. ""The game?" she snorts, rolling her dark eyes, "you can't drink at the game."

Health Care Bill is beside me now. "Where's the game?" he asks, meaning, I think where can we watch the game.

It's Halloween in Jacksonville, a carnival of excess, a game within a game within a game. This makes sense to me when I write it down in my notebook.

Now?

I'm not so sure.

"Everywhere," I say. "Or nowhere."

Health Care Bill nods. "God," he says, "my costume was awful."

Outside, the Life of the 'Cocktail Party' originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Clay TravisMon, 02 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST Brandon Spikes Suspended for a Half for Attempted Eye Gougehttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/02/brandon-spikes-suspended-for-a-half-for-attempted-eye-gouge/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/02/brandon-spikes-suspended-for-a-half-for-attempted-eye-gouge/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/02/brandon-spikes-suspended-for-a-half-for-attempted-eye-gouge/#commentsFiled under: ,

Florida has suspended linebacker Brandon Spikes for the first half of Saturday's game against Vanderbilt for attempting to gouge the eyes of Georgia running back Washaun Ealey in this weekend's game.

The punishment is surprisingly light, considering the nature of the offense: It doesn't get much dirtier than poking an opponent in the eye, and it's surprising that Florida coach Urban Meyer didn't give Spikes at least a full game suspension. Meyer claimed, however, that Spikes was retaliating for a Georgia player cheap-shotting him earlier in the game, and he said he thinks his punishment was appropriate:

"I don't condone that and I understand what goes on on the football [field], but there's no place for that,'' Meyer said. "We're going to suspend Brandon for the first half of the Vanderbilt game. I spoke with him. That's not who he is. That's not who we are. He got caught up in emotion. I love Brandon Spikes. Our team does. We're going to move on. He has our full support."

Video has circulated of Spikes sticking his fingers into Ealey's face mask while Easley was at the bottom of a pile, and that video has infuriated Georgia fans, who have been calling for the SEC to deal harshly with Spikes. It's still possible that the SEC could come down harder on Spikes than Florida did, but for now, Spikes will just have to sit out a half, and then take the field in the third quarter against Vanderbilt.

Brandon Spikes Suspended for a Half for Attempted Eye Gouge originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Brandon SpikesBrandonSpikesUrban MeyerUrbanMeyerWashaun EaleyWashaunEaleyMichael David SmithMon, 02 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST Urban Meyer to Address Fightin' Gatorshttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/01/meyer-to-address-fightin-gators/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/01/meyer-to-address-fightin-gators/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/01/meyer-to-address-fightin-gators/#commentsFiled under: , ,

All is good with top-ranked Florida. Scout's honor, according to head coach Urban Meyer.

Meyer denied on Sunday that his Fightin' Gators -- specifically seniors Tim Tebow and Brandon Spikes -- were involved in a "skirmish" following UF's (pardon the pun) hard-fought victory at Mississippi State two weeks ago. Spikes admitted to the media following the Gators' 41-17 win over the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday that the "skirmish" was more like two brothers venting at each other.

Meyer, however, did stress that he planned to talk with Spikes after news that a video surfaced on YouTube late Saturday night that showed Spikes appearing to gouge at the eyes of Georgia's Washaun Ealy after making a tackle.

"I'll talk with him today," Meyer said during his Sunday teleconference with the media. "He's a very emotional player. If that's the case, I'll have a very serious talk with him."

UF, which clinched the SEC East title with the win over the Bulldogs in Jacksonville, Fla., and secured a spot in the conference championship game when Tennessee beat South Carolina later Saturday night, is at home Saturday against Vanderbilt.

Spikes, who has been slowed by a groin injury the past few weeks but returned an interception for a touchdown against Georgia, told FanHouse and other media members following the game that he had not been playing to his potential.

"I had a lot of people saying I haven't been producing -- I haven't been doing this, haven't been doing that," Spikes said.

"Everything I take as a motivation. I did start off kind of slow but we are coming down towards the end of the season and this is where good teams step up. I just feel like I have to do something to help the team out and be productive."

Tebow also admitted that it was a difficult time for the Gators, saying there "was a lot of turmoil this past week." As far as a "skirmish" between Tebow and Spikes following the Mississippi State game, Meyer said no way.

"It wasn't Tim," Meyer said.

"Skirmish? I'm not sure. Did someone say that? There was no skirmish. There were some words said. It was much more than Tim. It was more, 'I can play better.' Mike Pouncey, with the offensive line, stood up and said, 'That one was on me.' It was all positive. It was all good stuff. We have to be careful that we don't put words in players' mouths.

"I'm going to have our people really watch that this week. That was absolutely incorrect. It was a bunch of guys taking fault for not playing well. A head coach came up and said he shouldn't have called that play from the 4-yard line. It was all positive."

Meyer also questioned media reports that he says twisted how the Gators are handling their business inside the locker room. UF, which has extended the nation's longest winning streak to 18 games, found itself in a struggle in the fourth quarter in consecutive victories over Arkansas and Mississippi State.

Even Meyer admitted to frustration, impatience and pressing to be perfect after the Mississippi State game. The Bulldogs are coached by former UF offensive coordinator Dan Mullen. Meyer said he wanted to make sure his players rallied around each other and ignored outside distractions.

Meyer explained that he addressed that situation following the game but it hasn't been described accurately.

"There was no altercation or finger-pointing speech," said Meyer, whose team made easy work of Georgia and won for the 17th time in the past 20 meetings in the series.

"I'm not sure where you're gathering your information. There was no finger-pointing speech whatsoever. There was a very positive speech about staying focused and facing a great team. There was no finger-pointing speech after the Mississippi State game. That was a very passionate locker room about how we can play better. I'm not sure where you're gathering your information, but those are two very incorrect statements."
Follow Us on Twitter Friend Us on Facebook
Meyer simply relied on his oft-repeated theme, saying the Gators needed to remain focused if they wanted to achieve their goals. UF is looking for its first undefeated season in school history and a second consecutive national championship.

"At some point during February, you do reflect upon points during the season. Not now," Meyer said.

"Once again, our focus is on Vanderbilt. One thing you admire about this team if you look across the country. ... I don't know Texas. I know their coach very well. They're doing a good job of just focusing and playing.

"Cincinnati, I don't know them, but I get home and I flip (the television) on. There are teams that have the ability to stay focused. There's a reason that our kickoff unit, our punt unit is the best it's ever been at Florida. That's because of the attention to great detail and great focus on what we had to win that game. If we maintain that, we have a chance to win the next game. If we don't, we won't."

Urban Meyer to Address Fightin' Gators originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>brandon spikesgatorsgeorgia bulldogsMike Pounceytim tebowUrban MeyerJim HenrySun, 01 Nov 2009 19:50:00 EST Florida Gives Georgia 'Tail Whippinghttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/31/florida-runs-georgia-tucks-tail/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/31/florida-runs-georgia-tucks-tail/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/31/florida-runs-georgia-tucks-tail/#commentsFiled under: , ,



JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Two weeks, two months, two years.

The Georgia Bulldogs could have used all the time they wanted to prepare for the top-ranked Florida Gators and it probably wouldn't have made a difference in Saturday's Halloween showdown here on the banks of the St. Johns River. In fact, the Bulldogs haven't done much over the past two decades against their rivals.

UF beat the Bulldogs 41-17 for its 17th win in the last 20 meetings between the Southeastern Conference adversaries. More importantly, the Gators clinched the SEC East title and secured a spot in the conference championship game when good friend Tennessee, wearing new black jersey tops, beat South Carolina later Saturday night.


Call it the politically-correct "Battle At the Border" or the politically-incorrect "World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party," but make sure to call it a disaster for the puppies. Not even new black helmets and black pants -- let's not forget about last Saturday's bye week which gave the Bulldogs extra time to prep -- could change Georgia's luck.

Many of its fans decided to quietly escape the sunny, 86-degree temperatures at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium and head to their tailgates early in the fourth quarter following quarterback Joe Cox's second interception, ending any hopes of a rally.

The Gators (8-0, 6-0), who also hold the top spot in the BCS poll, extended the nation's longest winning streak to 18 games while the Bulldogs (4-4, 3-3) lost for the third time in four games.

Follow Us on Twitter Friend Us on Facebook
Georgia defensive end Demarcus Dobbs, sitting on a stool and in full uniform, tried to make sense of his team's tailspin. The pressure is mounting on a program that is not only losing juice in the SEC but has had to watch neighbor Georgia Tech make national noise.

The Bulldogs also saw UF quarterback Tim Tebow break former Georgia great Hershel Walker's SEC record for rushing touchdowns.

"We have to keep [pressure] inside, we have to fight for each other and not get down," Dobbs said.

"There's pressure on us because this isn't the way the Georgia Bulldogs play. We need to do what we need to do to get better and win out. This is a disappointing loss. We faced some adversity in the first half and I thought we bounced back. We knew coming into the game that if we made mistakes they would capitalize."

Bingo. That's exactly what the Gators did -- and wanted to establish after coming off less-than-impressive victories over Arkansas and Mississippi State. UF's top-ranked defense nationally recorded a season-high four interceptions, converting them into 17 points.

The Gators apparently survived some family bickering this week, too. There was also word circulating that Tebow and linebacker Brandon Spikes squabbled, though Spikes downplayed the incident and said all was hunky-dory between the pair.




"There was a lot of turmoil this past week," said Tebow, who also tossed a pair of touchdown passes to roommate Riley Cooper.

"A lot of people were talking about stuff and it was frustrating. We wanted to come out here, play well, compete in good form and get a win. That's what we did and it was very special."

Spikes, who had slowed by a groin injury, returned an interception for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter to round out the scoring. It marked the third interception return for a touchdown in his career and his fifth career interception. It also put an exclamation mark on the Gators' effort and helps set the tone for the remainder of the year.

"I had a lot of people saying I haven't been producing -- I haven't been doing this, haven't been doing that," Spikes said.

"Everything I take as a motivation. I did start off kind of slow but we are coming down towards the end of the season and this is where good teams step up. I just feel like I have to do something to help the team out and be productive."

Any suspense against the Bulldogs ended on the opening play of the third quarter.

Trailing 24-10 and still within striking distance at the half, the Bulldogs turned over the ball on their opening possession of the second half, the third time in four years they have done that in this series.

Linebacker A.J. Jones deflected Cox's pass at the line of scrimmage, then made a diving catch for an interception at the Georgia 19.

The Gators, who had scored just two touchdowns in 15 previous trips within the red zone, made the most of this opportunity. With Tebow lined up behind center for three consecutive downs, he scored on an option play from five yards out on the last one.

Georgia coach Mark Richt promised his team would continue to search for answers. The Bulldogs were once again slowed by penalties (9-87 yards) and converted just 4-of-12 third-down conversions.

"We'll keep challenging our guys," Richt said.

"We have men of integrity who will do the right things regardless of the record. I don't think we'll have anyone who will give in. I think everyone will fight. I will do everything in my power to get us back on the winning track. I thought there was some good fight, but you can't turn it over like we did in the second half and mount a comeback."

Naturally, UF's success centered on Tebow.

On his record-breaking run, he slipped up the middle and ran mostly untouched for a 23-yard score with 1:32 remaining in the first half. The 50th rushing touchdown of his career gave the top-ranked Gators a 24-10 lead. Tebow actually dropped the football behind him, not realizing what he had just accomplished.

"I didn't immediately think about the record until the guys were reminding me," said Tebow, who finished with game-high 85 rushing yards on 18 carries, absorbed a few bull's-eye licks and played like a Heisman Trophy contender."Then I said, 'Oh yeah. Can I get the ball?' The most important thing has been the guys I've shared it all with.

"Breaking Herschel's record means a lot. Just to be mentioned in the same breath as Herschel Walker, it's extremely humbling and a little bit breathtaking because it's Herschel Walker. How am I going to be in the same league as Herschel Walker? I still can't understand it. It's pretty cool and it's really special."

Georgia defensive coordinator Willie Martinez, who has been under fire for the Bulldogs' porous numbers -- Georgia ranks last in the SEC and 84th nationally in scoring defense (27.7 ppg) -- couldn't slow Tebow but he found the words to praise him.

"He's just a special player," Martinez said.

"I don't know him personally but studying him and some of the things he does instinctively. His intangibles have to be off the charts. He's a great leader and on top of that he's talented to still run and throw the football."



Cox, meanwhile, was 11-of-20 for165 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions.

It was a familiar ending and feeling for the Bulldogs.

"I lost the game with three picks," Cox said.

"That score does not reflect how we played, how we moved the ball. I mean, it's the truth. Any time you turn the ball over that many times and give people chances to score, a good team is going to score and they did and that's why we got beat."

Florida Gives Georgia 'Tail Whipping originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:06:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Tim TebowTimTebowJim HenrySat, 31 Oct 2009 20:06:00 EST SEC Notebook: Auburn Ignoring Criticshttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/30/sec-notebook-auburn-ignoring-critics/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/30/sec-notebook-auburn-ignoring-critics/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/30/sec-notebook-auburn-ignoring-critics/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Auburn's offensive struggles in October have been discussed and dissected.

The Tigers have dropped three of their last four games this month, including last Saturday's 31-10 stinker against LSU. Auburn gained a season-low 193 yards on a season-low 61 plays in that game, igniting a wave of criticism from fans who are still smarting from last season's collapse that saw the Tigers open 4-1 before losing six of their last seven.

Auburn (5-3 overall, 2-3 SEC) is determined to snap out of its funk Saturday against visiting Mississippi (5-2, 2-2), which marches into Jordan-Hare Stadium on a two-game win streak and winners of three of its last four.

A strong start has helped Auburn maintain its lofty national rankings on offense -- the Tigers are seventh in rushing offense (230.3 yards), 19th in total offense (430.9) and tied for 26th in scoring offense (31.8) -- but recent struggles are hard to ignore.

Chizik points to mistakes across the board and says he's not ready to push the panic button.

"I don't think that there is one thing that you can pinpoint," Chizik said.

"Nine guys can be doing everything right and two get beat. It's a little everywhere, a breakdown here or there that causes certain things to be exposed. And when you play teams like we're playing - the LSU's of the world - seemingly little things turn into big things. We're not panicking by any stretch of the imagination."

Quarterback Chris Todd has been the target of the fans' displeasure.

Todd threw for only 47 yards at LSU before giving way to backup Neil Caudle, who directed the Tigers to a late touchdown. Caudle completed 3-of-5 passes for 34 yards and hit tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen for a score. Todd, meanwhile, completed 8-of-14 passes with an interception. He was also sacked four times.

Chizik re-affirmed his commitment to the embattled Todd early in the week, saying his quarterback can handle the heat.

"Really and truly I just think that a quarterback has to be a tough-minded person," Chizik said.

"It all comes with the territory and they all mentally have to be prepared for it. If you're not mentally tough enough to get through those things then more than likely you shouldn't be a quarterback in this league. That's just the way it is. I mean it's no different than coaching, right? You get the good and you get the bad and it all comes with the deal."

Todd stressed -- no, he's not stressed out -- that he remains focus and confident.

"Anytime things happen, as a quarterback, you have to take that on your shoulders and take some blame when things are going bad," Todd told the Montgomery Advertiser.

"When things are good you get some credit for some stuff and when things are bad, you take that, too. I'm definitely working myself and trying to improve things that will help us move on and win some ballgames."

Chizik also doesn't believe outside criticism will affect his team.

"We can't control any of that, so it's what you choose to hear and what you choose to listen to and what you choose to watch," Chizik said.

"I hope they weren't listening to it when we were 5-0. I really do. Now we've dropped three. If they choose to listen to it, that's something I can't control, but I highly advise them to keep doing the things, keep working to win."

Welcome Home Billy

On a muggy Halloween night in 1959, LSU's Billy Cannon caught a punt and, shaking off a seemingly endless array of Ole Miss tacklers, raced 89 yards to a touchdown and into Louisiana folklore.

That run, the definitive play of the halfback's illustrious career, is the reason Cannon will make a are appearance Saturday at Tiger Stadium as LSU meets Tulane on Halloween.

Behind Cannon's run and two goal-line stands, the top-ranked Tigers won that game 7-3 against the third-ranked Rebels. LSU went on to win the national title and the play helped Cannon clinch the Heisman Trophy -- he remains the only LSU Tiger to win it.

"It's been a fun thing to live with, " Cannon, 72, told The (New Orleans) Times-Picayune. "But did I know that night it would be 50 years later and we'd be here talking about it, no I didn't."

Protection Is Key

Kentucky's experienced offensive line has picked up where it left off last year in protecting its quarterback.

The Wildcats are tied for 14th nationally and second in the SEC in the sack-allowed category. In seven games, UK has allowed just seven sacks.

Last year, the offensive line gave up only 13 quarterback sacks and ranked fourth in the nation in fewest sacks allowed per game. The UK line also helped the team rank eighth nationally in fewest tackles for loss allowed per game.

The Wildcats play Mississippi State in their Homecoming Saturday, one that will help determine Kentucky's postseason fate. Last week, UK defeated the ULM 36-13 to record its 17th consecutive non-conference victory, matching the school-record streak previously set from 1954-60.

"This is one of the biggest games of the season, if not the biggest," offensive guard Christian Johnson said. "If we win this it could put us ahead where we need to be and help us accomplish our goal of going to the best bowl game that we can."

Lighter in the Britches

If Florida and Georgia appear a tad faster in Saturday's showdown in Jacksonville, Fla, it might be because they were both able to shed nearly a pound from their uniforms.

Last season, UF athletic trainers approached McDavid Inc., the world's leading manufacturer of protective athletic apparel, about redesigning the pads players wear under their uniforms. They wanted the least amount of restriction without sacrificing protection.

The next day, McDavid presented them with the HexPro Performance Mesh Supporter with HexPad, affectionately referred to as the "Elephant Jock."

McDavid's HexPad technology protects the hips and tailbone without excess weight or fabric, while it's material holds a cup in place to protect the groin. At 3.5 ounces, the "Elephant Jock" is nearly a pound lighter than the pads many players wore last year.

Other collegiate teams that have purchased the undergarment include LSU, Arkansas, Indiana, Cincinnati, Texas, Virginia and Oklahoma.

SEC Notebook: Auburn Ignoring Critics originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Jim HenryFri, 30 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST Tebow's Touchdown Mark, Trick or Treat?http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/30/on-cocktail-halloween-will-touchdown-record-be-trick-or-treat/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/30/on-cocktail-halloween-will-touchdown-record-be-trick-or-treat/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/30/on-cocktail-halloween-will-touchdown-record-be-trick-or-treat/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

There is no more beloved Georgia Bulldog football player than Herschel Walker and no more beloved Florida football player than Tim Tebow.

Disagree if you like, but I feel pretty confident in both statements. Sadly, these gridiron warriors are separated by a generation and never will get the chance to play one another in the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. By the time Tebow arrived at Florida, Walker was only in the news alongside Tebow for acknowledging his multiple personality disorder.

Until now. Saturday, Tebow, who trails the Georgia running back by one rushing touchdown for his career, is likely to break Walker's all-time rushing touchdown total in the SEC.

Or is he?

It seems there's a bit of an accounting error in the record books. See, the SEC didn't start counting bowl game touchdowns in the end of season totals until recently. So Herschel Walker actually scored five more touchdowns for the Bulldogs that don't appear in his official stats. That means Walker's 49 career rushing touchdowns should actually be 54 career rushing touchdowns. Now, right now, you might be thinking to yourself, that doesn't really matter very much. But if you know Georgia and Florida fans, you know the exact opposite is true, it matters an awful lot, particularly for Georgia fans who continue to worship at the altar of St. Herschel even as we approach 30 years since he last scorched across the Sanford Stadium grass.

Tebow's ascension to the top of the career rushing record in the SEC begs the question, how hard would it really be to put five interns in charge of reviewing the stats from every bowl game, add the touchdowns up with proper attribution, and then include them in the season totals? I mean, when you consider the amount of money that SEC schools waste on, say, travel, how can not having accurate records from bowl games really be an issue?

Follow Us on Twitter Friend Us on Facebook
Especially when it comes to a basic stat like touchdowns?

I'm not saying they need to be able to recreate sacks or punt yardage from ancient bowl games, but touchdowns? Come on, let's get on this. It wouldn't even cost a dime. But if the SEC wanted it to cost a dime so they could be a bit more certain about past histories, they could bring in an accounting firm, provide them with all the bowl records featuring every team, and let them crunch the data for a single weekend. By the end of that weekend all the stats would be accurate forever.

In fact, this idea makes so much sense, how has it not happened? I might turn this into a personal crusade until someone in the SEC offices explains why this is impossible. From doing research on my last book, I know the sports information departments keep all of the old clips from games that they can. Certainly, they keep all the old records from bowl games.

I'll keep y'all updated on this quest.

In the meantime, you can imagine why Georgia fans are so incensed at the idea of Tebow breaking Walker's record. It's one of the few things they have to hold onto in this series. In fact, in the 27 years since Herschel Walker last played for the Bulldogs, Georgia has won just eight Cocktail Parties. It's even worse since 1990. In the last 19 seasons, Georgia is 3-16 against the Gators.

Is there a more lopsided bitter rivalry game in the country?

As if that weren't enough, Georgia is coming off its worst loss in the series since 1996. And, of course, there's that tiny little fact about Urban Meyer taking two timeouts inside the final minute so Georgia fans could stew over their 49-10 defeat. Now, on top of all that, Tim Tebow is going to take Herschel's record? Right in front of Bulldog fans? Taking the record against Georgia is so diabolical, it almost seems planned.

Yep, these are the times that try a Bulldog fan's soul. And not just because Willie Martinez is still prowling the sideline, and he and Mark Richt spent the bye week convincing all recruits that Martinez wasn't going anywhere. With a bye week to prepare, a team that is over a two-touchdown underdog, facing a number one team on the other sideline that hasn't lost in 17 consecutive games, Georgia fans are doing their best to string together a plausible argument about why this year will be different than all the others that have come before.

And I'll give you this prediction: It's going to be a single-digit game.

Come Saturday, I'll be there to find out exactly how much both teams care when I attend the Cocktail Party. And by "attend the Cocktail Party," I mean don't actually enter the stadium. My goal this weekend is to capture the Cocktail Party atmosphere without managing to see a single live snap. So from Friday when I touch down in Jacksonville until Sunday when I take off, I want to see it all. This makes even more sense when you consider the obvious -- it's Halloween.

The always insane Cocktail Party will likely be ratcheted up to an entirely new level of insanity. And the costumes, my God, the costumes, will blow your mind away. That's why I'm soliciting costume suggestions. Although, to be fair, I'm really not sure how many people will be wearing costumes to the game. And is there anything worse than being the only tool in a costume when everyone else is dressed normally? The only ground rules for costume suggestions are that it can't be so hot to make me pass out (alcohol causing me to pass out is, of course, a natural hazard of the game) and I'm not dressing up as a girl.

Not again this year, anyway.



It's also going to be, wait for it, 89 degrees. The atmosphere around the stadium -- the only game that fills the Jacksonville Jaguar stadium up all year -- is going to be so laden with alcohol fumes that if someone struck a large match the entire place would explode.

On Cocktail Party weekend Jacksonville is like Sodom and Gomorrah and Tebow's the only person who wouldn't turn to salt. And I can't wait for the experience. I want to hear from y'all about what I have to do, see, and experience. So shoot me a line at clay.travis@gmail.com. Then check back on Sunday for the story of the game. Or, more accurately, the story of what went on around the game.

Tebow's Touchdown Mark, Trick or Treat? originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Clay TravisFri, 30 Oct 2009 08:05:00 EST Georgia Blends Rest, Preparation for Upset 'Cocktail'http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/27/georgia-blends-rest-preparation-for-upset-cocktail/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/27/georgia-blends-rest-preparation-for-upset-cocktail/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/27/georgia-blends-rest-preparation-for-upset-cocktail/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mark RichtLSU was fresh from its off week and waxed Auburn Saturday night. Tennessee was rested from its break and nearly upset Alabama earlier Saturday. Florida, of course, had the opportunity to rest injured quarterback Tim Tebow during its off week earlier this month before traveling to LSU and beating the Tigers with Tebow behind center.

Now it's Georgia's turn to see how it fares following a breather last Saturday.

While the Bulldogs enter Saturday's SEC showdown against top-ranked Florida in Jacksonville, Fla., as a double-digit underdog, they at least have a little history on their side. Georgia is 11-3 under head coach Mark Richt following an open date, including 1-0 (42-30 two seasons ago) when it comes before playing UF.

Naturally, Richt welcomed an extra week of preparation for Florida (7-0), which found itself in a struggle in the fourth quarter for the second consecutive week last Saturday at Mississippi State. But Richt is more interested in his team playing a complete game, something the Bulldogs (4-3) have only come close to doing once all year.

"It's always nice and you hope you can turn that into a positive for your football team but there's just no guarantee," Richt said when asked of the benefits of an off week.

"I think there's probably too much made of it. I don't know if that has been the biggest factor other than who was better that day."

Of course, all the chit-chat leading up to last year's game was Georgia's touchdown celebration from 2007 and what kind of revenge would UF coach Urban Myer and the Gators have in mind. A 49-10 victory, punctuated by a couple of timeouts in the final minute, was worth a thousand words to Gators everywhere.

"That stuff [from last year] hasn't even entered my mind," Richt said. "I'm just trying to prepare for this game - period. All that stuff from last year doesn't mean much."

What does mean much for the Bulldogs, who are 1-2 against the nation's top-ranked team -- their last victory was 24-3 over the Gators in 1985 -- is to finally play to their potential, from start to finish.

Senior quarterback Joe Cox helped snap Georgia's two-game losing streak two Saturdays ago by directing a 34-10 win at Vanderbilt. Cox completed 16-of-31 passes to 10 different receivers and also had a career-long 65-yard touchdown pass to receiver A.J. Green. The offense had scored just two touchdowns in the previous 11 quarters.

Georgia's defense, which entered the Vandy game ranked 100th nationally in scoring defense, registered three sacks and an interception that set up the Bulldogs' first score.

"The season has been up and down; there's no doubt about that," Richt said.

"We've just not played consistently well, in really any game this year. I guess the closes we came was against Vanderbilt where we did well offensively, defensively and special teams. We were pretty good overall, but we know we'll have to be much better (Saturday)."

Georgia has used four different starting combinations on its offensive line this season, and the fifth could be on the way against the Gators. That being said, Richt stressed pivotal keys will be the Bulldogs' ability to protect Cox and display offensive balance against one of the nation's best defenses.

UF has allowed only four touchdowns this season -- two rushing, two passing. (The other two touchdowns scored against the Gators were on interception returns.) They are No. 1 in the nation in total defense, No. 2 in scoring defense, No. 2 in pass defense.

"They are very, very talented and difficult to deal with," Richt said.

"They've got guys just about at every spot better than your average bear, you know, and they are going to be a great challenge for us no doubt.

"The biggest concern anybody would have is to get into a situation where they know you are going to throw and they know you have to throw it to succeed. That's when things get very difficult to protect and very difficult to move the ball when there's no threat of a run or a play-action pass."

Despite Florida's issues, specifically on offense -- the Gators have scored just seven touchdowns in 25 trips in the red zone in SEC play -- Richt expects UF's best effort. The Gators scored five touchdowns in five tries in the red zone last year against Georgia.

UF quarterback Tim Tebow promised the Gators are working hard this week to fix their struggles inside an opponent's 20-yard line.

"We moved the ball on every possession (last weekend), just drove it right down the field and then we'd get in the red zone or do something kind of stupid and it cost us a drive," Tebow said during his Monday morning press conference with the media. (He also apologized for ducking the media after Saturday's game).

"We have to fix those little mistakes, they're very costly. There are things we need to work on and get right and that game could have been out of hand quickly. We're not excited the last few games how we've played in the red zone but we're going to get better."



The Bulldogs should also be healthier than they've been in several weeks -- linebackers Marcus Dowtin and Akeem Dent are expected to return.

"We've got to prepare for this game thinking that Florida is going to be at its best, which I'm sure they will be," Richt said.

"We have no reason to think that's not we're going to get. We've always gotten Florida's best shot before so that's we've got to be expecting."

Georgia Blends Rest, Preparation for Upset 'Cocktail' originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>mark richtTim TebowTimTebowJim HenryTue, 27 Oct 2009 06:00:00 EST Gators Determined to Ignore Criticshttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/25/gators-determined-to-ignore-critics/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/25/gators-determined-to-ignore-critics/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/25/gators-determined-to-ignore-critics/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Urban MeyerThe Florida Gators are circling the wagons.

Even while UF regained the top spot Sunday in The Associated Press poll from Alabama, which was ranked No. 1 for a week ahead of the Gators, UF coach Urban Meyer appears to be growing weary of critics focusing only on his team's blemishes.

Though the Gators pulled away from Mississippi State in the fourth quarter for a 29-19 victory Saturday night to push their season record to 7-0 for the fifth time in team history and first time since 1996, questions continue to outnumber answers.
More Coverage: Latest Rankings | FanHouse Top 25

"There's a lot to build on and I'm going to build on that, not this other stuff," Meyer said Sunday during his teleconference with the media.

Of course, time also continues to tick as UF turns its attention to Saturday's showdown against Georgia in Jacksonville, Fla.

While the Gators extended the nation's longest winning streak to 17 against the MSU Bulldogs, coached by Dan Mullen, who helped UF win two of the last three national titles as offensive coordinator, they found themselves in a struggle in the fourth quarter for the second consecutive week.

Even Meyer admits to frustration, impatience and pressing to be perfect, but he also wants to make sure his players rally around each other and ignore outside distractions. Meyer addressed that situation following the game.

No finger-pointing and let's enjoy the journey, please.

"Very on guard with the human element," Meyer said.

"I have seen it in the past, I haven't seen it on this team yet. Just like this group of questions I have today [Sunday] I'm not worried about me, I'm worried about the young players and how they handle it and the way questions are sometimes worded and all of a sudden it's front-page headlines so-and-so said this, of course he didn't say that.

"I know how our players feel about each other. I just want to make sure that I addressed it. We had a great meeting and very good chemistry on our team and our guys are going to stick together."

Naturally, a second consecutive victory -- and fourth in the past five meetings -- over rival Georgia would go a long way to soothe Gator souls. Georgia (4-3), idle last Saturday, snapped a two-game losing streak with a 34-10 victory over Vanderbilt on Oct. 17.

Meyer won't have to look very far when he begins his search for answers this week

Tim TebowOnce again Saturday, UF faltered in the red zone. Mississippi State kept quarterback Tim Tebow and the Gators out of the end zone on four of five trips into the red zone. UF has scored just two touchdowns in 15 trips inside the opponent's 20-yard line in the last three games.

Tebow, meanwhile, had two interceptions returned for touchdowns and declined requests for interviews and quickly boarded the team bus following the game. It was only the second time in Tebow's UF career that he has tossed two picks in a game.

The Gators' passing game hasn't had much variety to it -- only tight end Aaron Hernandez (33 catches, 392 yards) and receiver Riley Cooper (27-396) have caught double-digit passes. Cooper, in fact, has 19 more receptions than the team's third-leading receiver, David Nelson.

Tebow also has more interceptions (four) than touchdowns (three) in five SEC games.

The good news was at least UF rushed for 249 yards against the Bulldogs, topping the 200-yard mark for the first time in three games.

Meyer's described Tebow as "very frustrated."

"He's used to playing at a certain level," Meyer said Sunday.

"A lot of guys are frustrated. You go down there and win 29-19, 10 points on the road and same old song and dance as the last couple weeks. Guys want to play better. One of the greatest stories of all is when we hold that Arkansas team [last week] and the defense was really upset with how they played.

"Our job as coaches is to coach them really hard, manage expectations and just play, have fun playing the game and not worry about this, worry about that. Today's day and age that's hard because it's just thrust upon you. Not coaches, who cares about coaches? I'm talking about these young players."

The Gators also received another stellar performance from its defense, even without injured All-American linebacker Brandon Spikes (groin) and two defensive linemen.

UF stuffed the Bulldogs' ground game, forced three turnovers as it picked off a season-high three passes and recorded four sacks, pushing its total to 13 over the last three games.

The Gators also survived potential disaster in the fourth quarter when linebacker Dustin Doe returned an interception 23 yards for a touchdown, but replays showed Brandon McRae might have stripped the ball from the celebrating linebacker short of the goal line.

Despite the frustration and nit-picking that accompanies the Gators' struggles, Meyer is not interested in excuses. Much has been made this year of lost play makers to the NFL, injuries and questionable decisions.

"You don't even think about that kind of stuff as far as the expectations and did we foresee an issue," Meyer said when asked if he underestimated the loss of players from last season such as receivers Percy Harvin and Louis Murphy.

"We lost a couple good players. It was a little like in '06, we lost a couple good players on defense. Everybody has that."

While UF didn't look like a national championship team Saturday, it's one of the few that still have a chance to win it as October begins to draw to a close.

"It's part of college football at the highest level," Meyer said.

"Why is one area or two areas or three areas not performing at a high level? There's more focus on that. We're going to work hard to improve that, that's what we do."

Gators Determined to Ignore Critics originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Tim TebowTimTebowUrban MeyerUrbanMeyerJim HenrySun, 25 Oct 2009 20:30:00 EST SEC Notebook: Polls Not Tide's Concernhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/23/sec-notebook-tide-not-worried-about-polls/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/23/sec-notebook-tide-not-worried-about-polls/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/23/sec-notebook-tide-not-worried-about-polls/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

When it comes to debating rankings, Alabama head coach Nick Saban is a fuddy-duddy.

So there's no need to waste your time, even if the Crimson Tide leapfrogged SEC rival Florida into the top spot of this week's Associated Press poll. Of course, Alabama is also ranked second behind the Gators in the initial installment of the weekly BCS poll that will determine national title invites by early December.

Saban doesn't mean to be a killjoy -- or does he? -- but his game-at-a-time mantra is focused on Saturday's showdown against visiting Tennessee.

"If anybody asks me any questions about where we're ranked or what the poll is, what matters?" Saban asked. "Why does it matter? What's changed from this week to this Monday to last Monday? What's changed? We've got another game. This is the most important game of the year."

OK, agreed.

The Crimson Tide (7-0) is determined to finish October with a flourish. Off next Saturday, Alabama closes out a three-game homestand with a visit from LSU on November 7 before it positions itself for the regular-season's final stretch.

Of course, Alabama could have its hands full with the Vols (3-3) if not careful. But if the Crimson Tide is need of a hero, a shining star has risen from the Crimson Tide's backfield, and his name is Mark Ingram.

The sophomore has rushed for 905 yards and eight touchdowns for 129.29 yards per game average to rank fourth nationally and first in the SEC. Ingram's flashy -- he leads the nation with 30 rushes of 10 or more yards and also has chipped in eight receptions for 10 or more yards. And Ingram's tough -- he has gained 580 yards after first contact.

Best yet, Ingram is coming off his best performance of the season, rushing for 246 yards against South Carolina last week.

"He's a great competitor and a driven guy," Saban said.

"He works hard in practice every week. He plays fast all the time. He has a great competitive spirit and certainly will stay focused on the things that are going to help him continue to satisfy his goals."

Don't look for Alabama to change its goals, or its approach, according to the philosophical Saban.

"I'm very hopeful that we can stay on the positive side of it and be positive about our approach to what we are trying to accomplish and what we're trying to do and not get risk-aversive and start playing to keep from getting beat and a lot of negative motivation about what's going to happen if this happens and all that kind of stuff," Saban said.

"Not to avoid but to gain, is the way we'd like to approach it."

FINALLY, A STRONG FINISH?

South Carolina has been down this road before.

The Gamecocks are 5-2 and positioned nicely to make this coach Steve Spurrier's most successful season at South Carolina. The Gamecocks can continue their surge with a home victory over Vanderbilt on Saturday, a win that would give Spurrier 105 conference wins and tie him with Vince Dooley for third-most in SEC history.

Spurrier isn't one to relax, even if Vanderbilt has lost five straight conference games. Let's not forget the Commodores have beaten the Gamecocks the past two years.

"We're not a real dominant team," Spurrier said. "I think we're a real good team. We can play with almost anybody. We have to play a lot harder. We have to play with courage, effort and smarts."

That approach could help the Gamecocks avoid an unsettling trend of poor finishes. They lost their final three games last season, their final five in 2007 and, for the record, are 10-15 from the midway point of October under Spurrier.

"The pressure is on us to play the best we can every week," Spurrier said.

"We don't get too much in what happened last year or the year before. They outplayed us the last two years. They were better than we were. Give them credit. We'll try to play better this year and coach better, and see if we can come out on top against Vanderbilt."

ROAD TRIP

Save the postcards.

Florida hasn't enjoyed its past visits to Starkville, Miss.

The Gators travel to Mississippi State on Saturday seeking their first win at Davis Wade Stadium since 1985. They have dropped their last four games there, losing to the Bulldogs in 1986, 1992, 2000 and 2004. Second-ranked UF entered three of the games ranked, and two of the games are among the 12 conference defeats that Spurrier suffered as Florida's coach.

The showdown is also a reunion for Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen, a former assistant coach under UF's Urban Meyer since their days at Utah. Mullen last served as the Gators' offensive coordinator, helping quarterback Tim Tebow win the Heisman Trophy and UF a pair of national titles.

"We're coming in, planning to win the football game," Mullen said.

"You never go to play a game that you think you can't win. Our guys are focusing on winning the game this Saturday, and focusing on doing the things you have to do to win the football game. There's nothing quite like winning a football game. It isn't anything crazy we need to do to win, we just have to focus on the game plan at hand in order to come out victorious."

OFFENSIVE OUTBURST

LSU and Auburn tangle in a game where both teams need their offense to set the tone.

LSU, which was off last week, is 5-1 overall and 3-1 in the SEC. The Tigers are one of two SEC West teams -- the other is Alabama -- to control its own destiny in the division race.

They will need solid performances from quarterback Jordan Jefferson and running back Charles Scott. Jefferson has been inconsistent as a passer and Scott is in search of a breakout game. LSU figures to rely heavily on the run because Auburn is allowing 181.4 yards per game, 11th in the SEC and 99th nationally.

Auburn, meanwhile, is coming off its worst offensive performance of the season, managing just 315 yards in its 21-14 loss to Kentucky.

Auburn (5-2, 2-2), which opened the season with five consecutive wins, has scored a combined 37 points in its past two games; it scored at least 37 in each of its first four. The passing attack is struggling, too. Quarterback Chris Todd threw 11 touchdown passes in the first four games but just one in the past three.

"You can't pinpoint our struggles on one thing. I don't believe in that," Auburn coach Gene Chizik said.

"There are a lot of things that can go wrong. I still feel that we can fix some of the mistakes and get back on track. There's a lot of issues in there, and we really feel very strongly that we're going to get that rectified. But it has been off the last two weeks."

SEC Notebook: Polls Not Tide's Concern originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Jim HenryFri, 23 Oct 2009 13:15:00 EST Dawgs Won't Tuck Tails After Rocky Losshttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/12/dawgs-wont-tuck-tails-after-rocky-loss/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/12/dawgs-wont-tuck-tails-after-rocky-loss/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/12/dawgs-wont-tuck-tails-after-rocky-loss/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Joe CoxWhat's next for the reeling Georgia Bulldogs?

Head coach Mark Richt, the dean of SEC coaches, admits the Bulldogs have "a long way to go" to be a good football team. After consecutive losses to LSU and Tennessee, Georgia has this week to find the necessary answers to beat Vanderbilt Saturday. Off Oct. 24 before meeting top-ranked Florida in Jacksonville, Fla., Oct. 31, the Bulldogs actually don't return to Sanford Stadium for 35 days.

Considering the foul mood of fans, that might be a good thing.

"People are upset and that's what you expect," senior quarterback Joe Cox said.

"But we work hard. We don't want to come out on a Saturday, get embarrassed and then say 'Oh, well.' It hurts us worse than anybody, worse than fans, the coaches... we're the ones who play the game. It's not like we go out there and play bad then kind of say 'whatever.' We've been working since January every day to play 12 games.

"It's not a good feeling when you work that hard and it doesn't show but I think everybody is eager to work, I think everybody wants to correct mistakes and continue on with our season and finish up strong. We don't want to lay it down; we haven't done that yet. It would be even worse to get to this point and let it keep sliding."

While Richt doesn't expect to make wholesale lineup changes, he indicated that some tweaks could be made as players competed in practice this week. Fans also have voiced their frustration with defensive coordinator Willie Martinez and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo.

At 3-3 -- its worst six-game mark since 1996 -- Georgia has struggled across the board. The Bulldogs are 100th in the nation in scoring defense (out of 120 FBS teams), 97th in total offense, 116th in penalties and 118th in turnover margin.

Changes? Take your pick.

"We've got to get better at defense, we've got to get better on offense, we've got to get better at coaching," Richt said.

"I guess what I'm saying is that it's a culmination of everyone. I'm not pointing fingers at any one individual; I'm pointing fingers at all of us as a whole, we all must improve; that's what I'm trying to say."

Follow Us on Twitter Friend Us on Facebook
Cox, who threw for 146 yards and two interceptions against the Vols and agrees he deserves his share of the blame for offensive woes, tried to say it, too.

"I think we all need to have a big gut check and find out how we want to finish out the season," Cox said. "You have to find guys that want to play and want to do it the right way."

The 45-19 defeat at Tennessee was certainly the wrong way.

The Bulldogs have surrendered 37 or more points in three of their last six games, while the offense has managed just four touchdowns in its last three games.

Cox says the Bulldogs need to regroup in a hurry. After throwing for 738 yards and eight touchdowns in the first three games of the season, Cox has 617 passing yards and three touchdowns in the last three. Overall, he has completed 104-of-178 passes for 11 touchdowns with eight interceptions.

"We obviously want to win every game," said Cox, who backed up by redshirt sophomore Logan Gray and true freshmen Aaron Murray and Zach Mettenberger.

"We've had a couple wins -- I know Arizona State, as an offense, we felt like we lost that game. The way it felt after the game, we know we didn't play well. I didn't play well. It was the first time I had won a game but felt like I lost the way I played the game.

http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=515420&pid=515419&uts=1255381631
http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_gallery/v1/ke_media_gallery_wrapper.swf
Latest College Football Photos
Washington's Kavario Middleton catches a pass for a touchdown against Arizona during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Seattle, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009. Washington won 36-33. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
AP
FR74207 AP

Latest College Football Images

    In this Sept. 26, 2009, photo, Michigan cornerback Boubacar Cissoko (33) trails Indiana wide receiver Tandon Doss (2) on a long pass during an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich. Michigan has suspended Cissoko indefinitely for violating team rules. Coach Rich Rodriguez made the announcement Saturday night, Oct. 10, after Iowa beat the Wolverines 30-28. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)

    AP

    Washington's Desmond Trufant returns an intercepting of a pass from Arizona's Nick Foles at the end fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Seattle, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009. Earlier in the quarter Washington intercepted another pass returning it for a touchdown to win 36-33 over Arizona. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

    AP

    Arizona's Nick Foles, left, talks with teammates before taking to the field for the final series against Washington during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Seattle, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009. Foles gave up two interceptions near the end of the game one scoring the winning touchdown as Washington wins 36-33. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

    AP

    Washington's Kavario Middleton catches a pass for a touchdown against Arizona during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Seattle, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009. Washington won 36-33. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

    AP

    Washington players including Taylor Bean, front, celebrate the 36-33 win over Arizona of an NCAA college football game in Seattle, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

    AP

    Washington head coach Steve Sarkisian congratulates quarterback Jake Locker after the 36-33 win over Arizona in an NCAA college football game in Seattle, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

    AP

    Washington's Devin Aguilar, right, celebrates with Senio Kelemete, left after Aguilar scored a touchdown against Arizona during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game in Seattle, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009. Washington won 36-33. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

    AP

    UNLV quarterback Omar Clayton (2) passes during the first half of their NCAA college football game against BYU at Sam Boyd Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009 in Las Vegas. BYU defeated UNLV 59-21. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)

    AP

    BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall watches his team during the second half of their NCAA college football game against UNLV at Sam Boyd Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009 in Las Vegas. BYU defeated UNLV 59-21. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)

    AP

    BYU quarterback Max Hall (15) looks to pass against UNLV during the first half of their NCAA college football game at Sam Boyd Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009 in Las Vegas. BYU defeated UNLV 59-21. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)

    AP



"We just have to put everything together and finish the season strong. Obviously we want to win every game -- that's our goal. But right now we are going to focus on Vanderbilt and win this game and go into the off week with a good mindset, give everyone some rest and kind of catch a second wind to finish the last half of the season."

Dawgs Won't Tuck Tails After Rocky Loss originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Mark RichtMike BoboJim HenryMon, 12 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EST Kiffin Officially Arrives at Tennessee, Brings Crompton With Himhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/10/kiffin-officially-arrives-at-tennessee-and-brings-crompton-with/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/10/kiffin-officially-arrives-at-tennessee-and-brings-crompton-with/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/10/kiffin-officially-arrives-at-tennessee-and-brings-crompton-with/#commentsFiled under: ,

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Most SEC coaches who have achieved a measure of dominance in their coaching careers have had a signature victory over one of their rivals in their first season as head coach.

In his first season at Alabama, for example, Nick Saban beat Tennessee 41-17. That followed up Saban's dismantling of Alabama, Tennessee, and Ole Miss in his first season at LSU, when he took the Bayou Bengals from 3-8 to 8-4. Urban Meyer beat all three of Florida's fiercest rivals, Florida State, Georgia, and Tennessee, in his first year in Gainesville. Georgia's Mark Richt beat Tennessee in Knoxville, the famous hobnailed boot game that convinced Bulldog fans that better days were at last ahead. And there was Les Miles at LSU, beating Auburn, Alabama, and Ole Miss in his first season.

On Saturday Lane Kiffin and Tennessee gave Georgia a 45-19 woodshed beating that wasn't as close as the final score indicated. Time will tell whether Kiffin will ever hoist SEC Championship hardware like the other coaches listed above, but for the time being Kiffin got his own signature victory in front of a delirious Vol crowd that wants desperately to believe there are many more victories to come.

Kiffin's victory came in no small part because Jonathan Crompton played the game of his career, leading me to wonder whether I ought to call for Crompton's benching every week. For one week, at least, crow has never tasted better. Coming into Saturday's game, the best performance of Crompton's SEC career came in the final game of the disastrous 2008 season. In that awful, rainy game against Kentucky, Crompton went 6-of-8 for 101 yards. That was the only SEC start he'd ever completed a pass in and won. (In one of the truly odd stats of football, Crompton won the game against Vanderbilt last year despite attempting only one pass, an interception.) Against Georgia Crompton finished 20-of-27 for 310 yards, four touchdowns, and an average of 11.48 yards per completion.

The conclusion? If Crompton could play against a Willie Martinez defense every week, he'd win the Heisman Trophy.

Here are 12 observations from Saturday's game.

1. Mark Richt is Phil Fulmer in 2005

Only Richt has never won a national championship. He has the two SEC titles, the extremely successful start to his career, but he has also has the albatross of losing to a rival that hangs around his neck and infuriates the fan base.

What's more, as I've been saying for over a year, Willie Martinez is Richt's Randy Sanders.

In 2005, Fulmer was forced to replace Randy Sanders at offensive coordinator. He rebounded for two solid years, but eventually slipped when he hired Dave Clawson and suffered another losing season.

Eight years ago, in 2001, Mark Richt jogged onto the field at Neyland Stadium and beat a favored Tennessee team on a last-second touchdown. Georgia fans were ecstatic, convinced they'd found the man who would finally take them to the promised land. Every year since then, Richt has won more than eight games. This year, he's not going to win eight. And in that eight-year stretch, you can etch the coaching trajectory of a meteor coming to earth. Georgia fans are restless, their championship has not yet arrived and probably seems as far away today as it ever has been.

What's more, all four of their big rivals, Florida, Auburn, Georgia Tech, and Tennessee have hired new coaches since 2005, the last year Richt won an SEC title.

After this year, Richt is going to be forced to toss Martinez to the fans to keep his job. Either that or he's going to pursue a job somewhere else. I think Georgia and Richt are a couple headed for a divorce. I don't think anything's fundamentally wrong with either side, but I think it's becoming increasingly clear that they're both tired of one another.

And the end ain't going to be pretty.

2. Georgia's defensive coordinator Martinez is good for what ails your offense

I've been critical of Tennessee's coaching staff, but watching them go against Martinez and Georgia's defense was as big of a mismatch as tossing an SEC player Othello and having him read aloud.

Despite constant movement and changes of formations by Tennessee's offense, Georgia's defense never left its base formation. I didn't watch them constantly, but I don't remember seeing their defense make an audible adjustment all day. Clearly, that's because Martinez doesn't trust his guys to get into a better formation than the one he sends in from the sideline before he even sees the offense line up. Martinez is so gun shy he'd rather get beaten on every single snap than embarrassed on a couple.

How ominous is that if you're a Georgia fan?

Not as ominous as letting this year's Tennessee offense hang 45 on you. Tennessee took its foot off the pedal midway through the fourth or they might have scored more. Putting that into perspective, in 2008, Tennessee scored a total of 47 points against Florida, Auburn, Alabama, and South Carolina. So far this year, they'd scored 35 total points against Florida and Auburn.

The offense put up 45 on Georgia.

Case closed.

http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=515420&pid=515419&uts=1255231443
http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_gallery/v1/ke_media_gallery_wrapper.swf
Latest College Football Photos
Miami's LaRon Byrd (47) fights off Florida A&M's Curtis Holcomb, right, on a pass-and-run play during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009, in Miami. (AP Photo/Hans Deryk)
AP
FR157679 AP

Latest College Football Images

    PASADENA, CA. - OCTOBER 10: Nate Costa #7 the Oregon Ducks looks to pass in the third quarter against the UCLA Bruins on October 10, 2009 at the Rosebowl in Pasadena, California. The Ducks Defeated the Bruins 24-10 (Photo by Jacob De golish/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Nate Costa

    Getty Images

    PASADENA, CA. - OCTOBER 10: Talmadge Jackson #37, John Boyett #20 and Eddie Pleasant #11 of the Oregon Ducks celebrate an interception in the fourth quarter against Ucla Bruins on October 10, 2009 at the Rosebowl in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jacob De golish/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Talmadge Jackson;John Boyett;Eddie Pleasant

    Getty Images

    PASADENA, CA. - OCTOBER 10: Kevin Prince #14 of the UCLA Bruins throws the ball to teamate while playing against the Oregon Ducks on October 10, 2009 at the rosebowl in Pasadena, California. The Ducks defeated the Bruins 24-10 (Photo by Jacob De golish/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Kevin Prince

    Getty Images

    PASADENA, CA. - OCTOBER 10: Kevin Prince #14 of the UCLA Bruins looks to pass as Casey Matthews #55 of the Oregon Ducks closes in on him on October 10, 2009 at the Rosebowl in Pasadena, California. The Ducks defeated the Bruins 24-10 (Photo by Jacob De golish/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Kevin Prince;Casey Matthews

    Getty Images

    Georgia Tech running back Anthony Allen runs during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Florida State, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Phil Coale)

    AP

    Miami's LaRon Byrd (47) fights off Florida A&M's Curtis Holcomb, right, on a pass-and-run play during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009, in Miami. (AP Photo/Hans Deryk)

    AP

    Iowa's Derrell Johnson-Koulianos is tackled by Michigan's Donovan Warren (6) after making a reception during the second quarter of this NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

    AP

    Air Force's quarterback Connor Dietz drops the snap but it is recovered by Air Force against TCU in first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009 at Air Force Academy, Colo. (AP Photo/Will Powers)

    AP

    Washington State wide receiver Johnny Forzani, left, catches a Jeff Tuel pass while defended by Arizona State cornerback Josh Jordan (23) during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. Forzani ran the pass in for a 99-yard touchdown, the longest passing play from scrimmage in Washington State history. It was his only catch of the game. Arizona State won 27-14. (AP Photo/Dean Hare)

    AP

    Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi is sacked by Michigan's Brandon Graham (55) during the first quarter of this NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

    AP



3. Georgia fans will be seeing the naked bootleg in its dreams

I understand that you might fall for the naked bootleg once or twice. But on consecutive plays? Constantly throughout the game? Is Tennessee's rushing attack really so dominant that you've got to bite on this every single time? Crompton didn't have just one open receiver on every play, he often had two or three. What were the defenders doing?

Give Tennessee credit for continually getting Crompton outside the pocket and limiting the field so he could make easier reads. But, man, how can Georgia not defend the same play on consecutive attempts? And how did they look so clueless even after halftime?

They made Crompton look like a cross between Jesus and Joe Montana.

I'm fairly certain he's actually neither.

4. Tennessee's point totals against Georgia in three of the past four years: 51, 35, and 45.

Their margins of victory in those years: 18, 21, and 26.

And this year was the worst beating of all, even worse than 2007 which up to this point had been the best beating Tennessee has put on a rival since Mike Shula was still patrolling the sideline for the Crimson Tide.

5. During halftime, the Georgia band spelled out Georgia. The Dawg fan sitting next to me said, "We all know how to spell Georgia. How about they spell defense instead?"

The mournful tone of his voice was the best part, I recognized it as the same tone Tennessee fans have been using to describe our offense for the past two years.

Until today.

6. With Tennessee's defensive talent, Monte Kiffin is going to dominate pro-style offenses

Lost amid the shuffle of the past several games was the fact that Tennessee played three consecutive spread offenses: Florida, Ohio, and Auburn. You got the sense watching this game that Monte Kiffin was rubbing his hands all week and grinning at his good fortune to draw an offense that he'd been going up against for decades in the NFL.

How dominant was Tennessee defensively? Georgia's only points came on a 52-yard field goal. Otherwise Georgia scored on a kick return, an interception return, and a blocked punt. In fact, Georgia didn't even get inside Tennessee's 30-yard line all game. I don't know that I've ever seen a game where that didn't happen before. Have you?

Lane Kiffin said after the game that Monte used a similar gameplan to neutralize A.J. Green that the Tampa Bay Bucs had successfully used against the Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith.

Is that even fair?

Meanwhile, not to be outdone, Willie Martinez said that his defensive gameplan was the same one that the Marietta Middle School Rebels trotted out to stop the highly talented Jamie Smith of the Duluth Panthers.

7. Did anyone else notice when A.J. Green lined up in the slot and Eric Berry lined up across from him?

I elbowed my friend and said, "That's $40 million in guaranteed money within that tiny circle."

If you're an NFL fan you want both of these guys on your team.

Now.

At least Georgia fans know that Green can't leave after this year. He's a true stud. But how unfair is it that he has to stay in college when he'd be a top 10 pick if he left? Anyway, credit to Georgia on offense and to A.J. Green for being capable of playing every wide receiver position on the field. Georgia lined him up in every wideout position during the game. The Bulldogs didn't have great success with him, but they kept Tennessee from using the same defensive formation to neutralize him throughout.

8. For at least one game, Crompton was special

Give credit where credit is due, this is the kind of game that Tennessee fans have been expecting of Crompton for five years -- ever since he signed as one of the most heralded quarterback recruits in the nation.

Most impressive plays of the entire game? Crompton's return to the field after he threw an interception that sliced Tennessee's lead to 24-19. In past games one bad play led to several. I'd be lying if I said I didn't cringe when Crompton dropped back for his next pass. But Crompton completed his next four on the following drive, including two third down conversions.

Tennessee scored on a 39-yard run from Montario Hardesty, but Crompton bounced back from the interception and put them in position to score the final 21 points of the game after Georgia cut the lead to 24-19.

My only quibble with the quarterbacking today? I thought Kiffin should have brought Crompton in for one of the final series, allowed him to hand off, and then brought him out of the game so he could receive a justified round of applause.

9. The only flaw all day? Tennessee jumped the gun on announcing Eric Berry breaking the NCAA interception return yardage record

Berry actually returned a fumble instead of picking off a pass. As usual it was a breathtaking return that brought the crowd to fits of pandemonium, but it wasn't a new record.

Not yet, anyway.

Follow Us on Twitter Friend Us on Facebook
10. It's a shame Georgia can't use its special teams more frequently

I'm halfway expecting for Martinez to debut the punt coverage defensive formation for Vanderbilt's opening snap next week.

In typical Georgia fashion, they scored on a touchdown and a blocked punt. And they drilled a 52-yarder that would have been good from 60.

Also, Willie Martinez might want to point out that his defense scored more points than Georgia's offense on Saturday.

11. Josh McNeil played center for Tennessee today late in the fourth quarter

If you haven't read this story, read it now. Josh McNeil is a warrior. I don't know if anyone mentioned him being on the field, but it deserves to be noted.

12. Tennessee doused Lane Kiffin in Gatorade.

Papa Smirk looked upset that his team dunked him. I think he expected to win this game and didn't think the dousing was necessary. As he and Richt met at midfield to shake hands, beneath the gray skies of an autumn afternoon, the moment had the feel of two programs passing one another. I'm not sure where Kiffin is headed, but he's got his signature win in 2009. As for Richt, in 2001, he brought a hobnailed boot with him to Neyland Stadium. In 2009, he brought Willie Martinez.

And that made all the difference.

Kiffin Officially Arrives at Tennessee, Brings Crompton With Him originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 10 Oct 2009 21:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Clay TravisSat, 10 Oct 2009 21:20:00 EST LSU Fans Have John Brantley's Numberhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/06/lsu-fans-have-john-brantleys-number/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/06/lsu-fans-have-john-brantleys-number/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/06/lsu-fans-have-john-brantleys-number/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Florida hasn't hit the field to play LSU, but already the Tigers have Gator quarterback John Brantley's number. His cell phone number, in fact. Yes, those crazy Cajuns have struck again, discovering the phone number of projected Gators starting quarterback John Brantley and doing pesky things with it like you'd expect an amateur fan base to do.

This is sort of old hat for LSU, as its fans also figured out how to reach out and touch opponents such as Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson and Georgia back Knowshon Moreno. They're rumored to have also discovered the numbers for several other Florida players and even coach Urban Meyer. At this rate they're probably not to far from reaching President Barack Obama with a different kind of 3 AM call if his health care push upsets them too much.
Actually, they could probably take a lesson the president is fast learning -- sometimes the more you're seen, the less effective you are as prestige diminishes. After the stunt's initial victory over Tebow's Gators in 2007, they've dropped the last two such crank call games, the targeted players defiantly making on field 'call me' gestures. They could definitely lose on Saturday, leaving a smoldering mess of the perceived effectiveness of the phone stalk.

This is one of those rare times I'm with Dr. Saturday and calling for an end to this silly stuff. It was funny if outrageous the first time, increasingly desperate, depraved and amateur once escalated.

LSU Fans Have John Brantley's Number originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Barack ObamaJohn BrantleyJohn Parker WilsonKnowshon MorenoUrban MeyerBrian GrummellTue, 06 Oct 2009 16:15:00 EST A.J. Green Hero, Goat for Bulldogshttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/03/a-j-green-hero-goat-for-bulldogs/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/03/a-j-green-hero-goat-for-bulldogs/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/03/a-j-green-hero-goat-for-bulldogs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times for the nearly unstoppable force that is Georgia receiver A.J. Green. After scorching Arkansas (137 yards, two touchdowns) and Arizona State (153 yards, touchdown) in consecutive weeks, Green mixed in a third consecutive dose of awesome (99 yards, touchdown) in catching a leaping touchdown to give Georgia a 13-12 lead over LSU with just over a minute left on Saturday. Then, while being mobbed by teammates he somehow drew a celebration penalty, going 'Locker 2.0' on his teammates.

The penalty was crucial, contributing to a lengthy kick return by LSU's superfast dwarf, Trindon Holliday. Holliday took the kick to the Bulldogs' 42 yard line, almost into field goal position. LSU back Charles Scott did him one better, shedding several tackles on the way to a 33-yard touchdown run several plays later for the eventual 20-13 margin. Effectively, that was ballgame despite Georgia thoroughly dominating the second half in escaping the hole of a nearly game-long 6-0 deficit.

For good measure, Scott's equally mundane celebration -- he dropped the ball in the end zone and pointed both arms into the stands -- also netted a celebration flag. Whatever, the damage was already done. Neither celebration, from what was presented on television, merited such a dire penalty especially given the game atmosphere.

This writeup commenced with the opening line from Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities and well, the game was a tale of two halves. LSU dominated the first half in building a 6-0 lead while dismantling the Dawgs' offense. However, Georgia opened the second half snagging three consecutive sacks to throttle LSU's first possession. They later took the game over with an 18-play, 60-yard, seven-minute touchdown drive spanning into the fourth quarter that gave them a shocking 7-6 lead. Georgia converted several consecutive third downs on the drive, frustrating the Tigers' defense while eating up the clock.

In the end it was wasted motion, Green's soaring catch (redemption after having two similar 50/50 balls broken up earlier in the game) being the high water mark that quickly sewed their demise.

Of little consolation but perhaps major future dividends for Georgia, the appearance of freshman back Washaun Ealey sporting Knowshon Moreno's No. 24, seemed to spark the offense. His numbers were pedestrian (4.1 yards/carry, 33 yards) but he ran hard and the offense responded to his style. Established veterans Caleb King and Richard Samuel have been uninspiring, leaving Ealey a window from which to build a case he should be the team's lead back.

Meanwhile, LSU earned the victory and remain undefeated but confirmed many peoples' suspicion that as of right now, they're not a top-five team. The date with Florida next Saturday will go a long way to confirm or deny those suspicions, but for this week, they earn a slight downgrade if folks are being honest about the Tigers.
Follow Us on Twitter Friend Us on Facebook

A.J. Green Hero, Goat for Bulldogs originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 03 Oct 2009 20:42:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>A.J. GreenCaleb KingCharles ScottJake LockerKnowshon MorenoRichard SamuelTrindon HollidayWashaun EaleyBrian GrummellSat, 03 Oct 2009 20:42:00 EST LSU Beats Georgia in Stunning Finishhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/03/lsu-beats-uga-with-last-minute-drive/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/03/lsu-beats-uga-with-last-minute-drive/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/03/lsu-beats-uga-with-last-minute-drive/#commentsFiled under: ,

ATHENS, Ga.(AP) -- Charles Scott scored on a 33-yard run with 46 seconds remaining to cap a wild finish that gave No. 4 LSU a 20-13 victory over 18th-ranked Georgia on Saturday.

Neither team reached the end zone through the first three quarters, but the teams traded touchdowns back and forth over the final three minutes before the Tigers (5-0, 3-0 SEC) came out on top in their second straight close call.

With Georgia (3-2, 2-1 SEC) ahead 7-6 after finally scoring in the opening minute of the fourth period, LSU reclaimed the lead, 12-7, on Scott's 2-yard run with 2:53 remaining. The Bulldogs bounced back on Joe Randle 16-yard touchdown pass to A.J. Green with 1:09 left, going up 13-12 before missing a 2-point conversion.

But LSU, starting in good field position after an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Georgia, was already in field goal range when Scott broke two tackles at the line and went all the way to the end zone.

Next week, LSU hosts top-ranked Florida.

No one could have expected such a finish after the teams settled into a defensive struggle, Georgia weathering a dominating performance by LSU in the first half to only trail 6-0.

Georgia dominated the third quarter, sparked by a hard-rushing defense that sacked Jordan Jefferson six times, and the hard running of freshman Washaun Ealey, who gained 33 yards on eight carries in his first college appearance.

Cox hooked up with Orson Charles on a 22-yard reception, and Georgia recovered even after Charles was dubiously flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct for pumping his right fist after making the big catch.

The Bulldogs got it to the 1 on a pass to Michael Moore, who came up just short of the goal line. On fourth-and-inches, Georgia decided to go. Cox faked a handoff to Caleb King, then spotted fullback Shaun Chapas, who made the touchdown catch while falling backward to give Georgia its first lead of the game.
Follow Us on Twitter Friend Us on Facebook

But that catch was overshadowed by the ending.

Jefferson completed a 16-yard pass on third down to Rueben Randle, hit Scott on a screen for another 16 yards, and got loose down the sideline for a 27-yard run that set up Scott's first TD. LSU went for the 2-point conversion, but Jefferson was sacked again.

Trailing 12-7, Georgia quickly drove downfield. Tavarres King got loose behind the secondary and hauled in a 46-yard pass from Cox. One play later, the senior quarterback threw it for grabs in the end zone and Green reached over cornerback Chris Hawkins to snatch the ball before tumbling into Sanford Stadium's famous hedge.

But, with the crowd going nuts, Georgia was flagged again for excessive celebration. The Bulldogs missed their 2-point try, then had to kick off from their 15. Trindon Holliday returned it to the Georgia 43, and a 5-yard penalty for an illegal formation pushed LSU even closer.

Two plays later, Scott appeared stopped at the line by Rennie Curran and Marcus Dowtin. But the LSU runner stayed on his feet and didn't stop until he was in the end zone.

Scott rushed for 95 yards on 19 carries, while Jefferson was 18 of 27 for 212 yards. Cox completed 18 of 34 for 229 yards, including five passes for 99 yards to Green.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

LSU Beats Georgia in Stunning Finish originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 03 Oct 2009 19:23:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>charles scottgeorgiaFanHouse NewswireSat, 03 Oct 2009 19:23:00 EST Is NCAA Guilty of Excessive Sportsmanship?http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/03/is-ncaa-guilty-of-excessive-sportsmanship/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/03/is-ncaa-guilty-of-excessive-sportsmanship/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/03/is-ncaa-guilty-of-excessive-sportsmanship/#commentsFiled under: ,

AJ GreenA.J. Green's voice was flat as he explained exactly what had happened after he momentarily turned the gravity off in Sanford Stadium to rise over LSU cornerback Chris Hawkins and catch what, in a world ruled by common sense, might've been the game winning touchdown.

"I was just trying to celebrate with my team," Green said of his reaction after putting Georgia ahead 13-12 with 1:09 left. "Then I guess they threw a flag."

Georgia's star wide receiver wasn't so much upset as he was deadpan as he apologized for an error he never made.

Fortunately for Green, there were no SEC referees lurking in the locker room. He might've been penalized for excessive sadness. Or perhaps excessive apologizing. Either would've been just as ridiculous as the celebration penalty.

"I don't know what happened," Georgia coach Mark Richt said after the game. "I can't hardly make a comment. I'm sad that it happened. I hope our boys weren't taunting anybody. I guess you can't get too excited too long or they throw a rag on you."

Perhaps this will help, Coach; the SEC later released a statement clarifying the referee's decision.

''Following a brief team celebration," the statement said, "Green made a gesture to the crowd calling attention to himself.''

Which is important. Certainly, the 6-foot-4 wide receiver that went up a cornerback's posterior like had a ladder attached to his cleats and then hovered like a subject from the Absent Minded Professor's flubber experiment would've been missed otherwise.

New law, officials: If you can cheat the rules of physics, you should be allowed to cheat the laws of sportsmanship. At least temporarily.

Of course, that's exactly what was so galling about the penalty. It wasn't excessive. Green didn't Riverdance his way out of Chad Ochocinco's playbook or turn and trash talk his opponents.

He just celebrated, exactly what you would expect a kid to do after making the grab of a career. And everyone in the stadium knew it. At least everyone not wearing stripes.

"I don't know about the excessive celebration for Georgia," LSU coach Les Miles said. "I have always instructed my team to turn their backs on someone if they were to celebrate."

The flag led to Georgia kicking off from its own 15, which led to Trindon Holliday's Roadrunner act on the kick return, which then allowed LSU to run the ball in the final minute rather than pass it, which was fortunate for the Tigers considering Georgia already had half a dozen sacks. And so, two plays later, Charles Scott crashed through a tackle at the line of scrimmage and ran 33 more yards without a hand on him for the game-winning touchdown.

Then Miss Manners, er, the referees struck again. After Scott scored, he -- cover your children's ears -- pointed at the crowd.

Fifteen yards. Excessive makeup call.

Follow Us on Twitter Friend Us on Facebook
Of course, people have celebrated an extra checkout line opening at the supermarket more emphatically than Scott celebrated his touchdown. If that's excessive, then every player that scores a touchdown should be required to trade the ball for a Xanax.

The game would end three plays later when Joe Cox threw an interception.

The Bulldogs didn't lose because of a bad call. The field position likely altered LSU's playcalling, but Scott's run would've scored from 33 yards out or 330 yards out. No, Georgia lost because they didn't have Holliday running back the kickoff into field goal range. They lost because they didn't have a backfield threat as good as Scott. The lost because they only had Green. And even though he might be the best player in the SEC, he wasn't enough to help Georgia past a superior opponent.

But that doesn't make the referee's decision any saner, nor does it mean Richt shouldn't be on the phone tearing into the SEC's head of officials ears like he was a telemarketer that called during dinner time.

If anyone even cares. In a sport already riddled with controversy -- the BCS, Big Six cronyism, Notre Dame's most favored program status - this is just another problem to add to the long list.

In college football, it's always about the controversy and never about the answer. It's a designed chaos to keep people on the edge of their seats and tuning in every week. There is no grand conspiracy here, of course. SEC referees made a bad call. But no one connected to the business side of college football is pausing reflectively over their martini to weep for Georgia.

More controversy. More interest. That's college football.

But this controversy needs to end here. And so does the NCAA's drive to become the great paragon of sportsmanship first and a competitive athletic association second. From the syrupy sportsmanship commercials to the over-the-top full-team handshakes before games in Week 1 (which, by the way, preceded the game in which LeGarrette Blount sucker-punched his way into infamy), the NCAA has gone so far beyond the pale to where nothing could be worse than a celebration. The idea is laudable. Sportsmanship absolutely is important, but so too is understanding that not every player has the personality and temperament of Barry Sanders. So too, by the way, is winning football games, something these players prepare for year round, rather than being a billboard.

Football is a game of passion in which guys like Scott have to gear themselves up to run into men the size of Kias that want nothing more than to make SportsCenter for dislodging as many of your bones as possible.

So when they're a little fired up at the end of the game, is it too much to ask to cut them a little slack? Sure, they might violate the letter of the law in a rule book, but ask a defensive lineman how many times they call holding exactly as it's written in the book. It's not just knowing the rules that makes a good official, It's knowing how to apply them.

Will it really corrupt the moral fiber of youth football if Green celebrates with his teammates after they've finally fought and clawed for the lead?

This, of course, isn't the first time that high spirits have gotten a team in trouble.

Last year, Washington's Jake Locker tried to put a football in orbit after scoring -- straight into the air and without any mockery of BYU, unless they were deniers of the axiom that everything goes up must come down -- but was flagged and the ensuing long-range extra point was blocked. BYU held on for the win. As it turned out for winless Washington, they probably should've been allowed to do anything short of animal sacrifice on the field for winning a game last year.

But they lost. Not because they didn't play hard enough or well enough. But because in a moment of great personal triumph, Locker celebrated by tossing the ball. He didn't trash talk. He didn't show up his opponents. He merely got caught up in the moment.

Why can't anyone think of the children?

The lesson: Always be afraid to let your emotions show, young ones, lest you be punished for making someone feel bad.
http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=515420&pid=515419&uts=1254630534
http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_gallery/v1/ke_media_gallery_wrapper.swf
Latest College Football Photos
Miami's Joel Figueroa (61) and Travis Benjamin celebrate after Benjamin scored the second touchdown of the third quarter against Oklahoma during NCAA college football action Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009 in Miami. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)
AP
AP

Latest College Football Images

    South Carolina's Stephen Garcia looks on from the sidelines during the fourth quarter against South Carolina State in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009, at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C. Garcia threw two touchdown passes and scored a touchdown as South Carolina defeated South Carolina State 38-14. (AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain)

    AP

    Miami's Dedrick Epps (18) celebrates as he scores a third-quarter touchdown against Oklahoma during NCAA college football action Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009 in Miami. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)

    ASSOCIATED PRESS

    South Carolina's Alshon Jeffery(1) and Moe Brown (9) celebrate Jeffery's touchdown as South Carolina defeated South Carolina State 38-14 in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009, at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain)

    AP

    Miami's Joel Figueroa (61) and Travis Benjamin celebrate after Benjamin scored the second touchdown of the third quarter against Oklahoma during NCAA college football action Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009 in Miami. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)

    AP

    Washington State defender Terrance Hayward breaks up the pass intended for Oregon receiver Jamere Holland during the first half of their NCAA college football game in Eugene, Ore., Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Don Ryan)

    AP

    TEMPE, AZ - OCTOBER 03: Wide receiver James Rodgers #8 of the Oregon State Beavers runs with the ball after a reception past Terell Carr #5 of the Arizona State Sun Devils during the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on October 3, 2009 in Tempe, Arizona. The Beavers defeated the Sun Devils 28-17. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** James Rodgers;Terell Carr

    Getty Images

    TEMPE, AZ - OCTOBER 03: Wide receiver Damola Adeniji #80 of the Oregon State Beavers runs with the ball after a reception past Terell Carr #5 of the Arizona State Sun Devils during the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on October 3, 2009 in Tempe, Arizona. The Beavers defeated the Sun Devils 28-17. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Damola Adeniji;Terell Carr

    Getty Images

    TEMPE, AZ - OCTOBER 03: Head coach Dennis Erickson talks with quarterback Danny Sullivan #15 of the Arizona State Sun Devils during the college football game against the Oregon State Beavers at Sun Devil Stadium on October 3, 2009 in Tempe, Arizona. The Beavers defeated the Sun Devils 28-17. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Danny Sullivan;Dennis Erickson

    Getty Images

    TEMPE, AZ - OCTOBER 03: Runningback Dimitri Nance #31 of the Arizona State Sun Devils rushes the ball against the Oregon State Beavers during the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on October 3, 2009 in Tempe, Arizona. The Beavers defeated the Sun Devils 28-17. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dimitri Nance

    Getty Images

    TEMPE, AZ - OCTOBER 03: The Arizona State Sun Devils and the Oregon State Beavers compete in the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on October 3, 2009 in Tempe, Arizona. The Beavers defeated the Sun Devils 28-17. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

    Getty Images



Yet when Notre Dame played Michigan State, Irish receiver Golden Tate dove into the Spartan band like he was the opening act at Lollapalooza and wasn't flagged for excessive celebration. Perhaps the referees rightly ruled that a little exuberance is part of competitive sports, as they should've Saturday for Green and Scott. Or perhaps they realized that a high-speed collision with cement is more penalty than any flag.

Why even punish the team on the field for an act that gains no advantage and doesnt' detract from the game? If it's not a glaring sportsmanship issue that demands immediate punishment, why not settle it during the week? Force the player to do community service, spend Tuesdays listening to Joe Paterno's stories of the old days, or heck, do some real good for the world and get them on a letter writing campaign to eradicate Cotton-Eyed Joe from sports stadiums everywhere.

When did the NCAA get so caught up in forcing kids to be role models that it forget to let its players be kids every once in a while?

There's a difference between throat slashing or debating the less than wholesome ways someone's mother may make a living -- actions that deserve an immediate and severe penalty -- and just celebrating because you made the play of the season. This wasn't Kentucky dancing over a kayoed Tim Tebow or even these same Bulldogs doing a team dance in the end zone against Florida two years ago.

This was a kid who just made the play of his team's season and just wanted to celebrate a little.

And had common sense instead of college football ruled, everybody in the stadium would've known it.

Is NCAA Guilty of Excessive Sportsmanship? originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 03 Oct 2009 18:42:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>aj greenRay HollomanSat, 03 Oct 2009 18:42:00 EST