Gators Pull Away From Razorbacks

By JC De La Torre

The Florida Gators remained undefeated in Southeastern Conference play, rallying from an early 1st half deficit and pulling away in the 2nd half for an 80-65 win over the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Florida phenom Nick Calathes led all scorers with 28 points.

Midway through the first half, Florida trailed by 7 points, 20-13 to a tough and determined Razorbacks squad before Calathes led a 9-3 Gator run to shave the lead to 1 and Kenny Kadji's jumper gave Florida the lead. The Gators would hold a 3 point advantage at halftime, 37-34.

After shooting a miserable 3 of 17 from three point range in the first half, Florida heated up from downtown in the second, drilling 8 of 13 in the second half that essentially buried the Razorbacks. The Gators opened up the second half with a 9-0 run and Arkansas fell behind by as many as 17, never getting closer than 9 the rest of the way.

"Our 3-point shooting is definitely our main offense," Calathes told the St. Petersburg Times, "We can hit 14 threes in a game, we can hit two 3s in a game. When they fall, it's tough to beat us."

Florida improved to 3-0 in SEC play and 16-2 overall.

Harvin Leaves, Spikes Stays

By JC De La Torre

Surprising no one, Florida Wide Receiver/Running Back/Phenom Percy Harvin has taken his fleet feet to the National Football League, while the middle of the great Gator defense that shutdown one of the most prolific offenses in college football history, middle linebacker Brandon Spikes, is coming back for his Senior season.

"I will have a lot of great memories from my time at Florida, but the championships we won in 2006 and 2008 will be at the top of my list," Harvin said in a prepared statement, ''When it is all said and done, I wanted to win. I wanted to be a part of championship teams. We did that at Florida and I had a great group of coaches, teammates and medical and strength staff that helped make that happen. I will always be a Gator and look forward to watching them play next year on Saturdays."

Brandon Spikes elected to return to Florida which means the Gators will return all 11 starters from the 08 Championship squad.

"It was a tough decision for me and my family," Spikes said in a statement. "I just felt like it was the right choice to come back."

Harvin leaves the Gators with 133 receptions for 1,929 yards and 13 touchdowns, while rushing the ball 194 times for 1,852 yards with 19 touchdowns. His 32 touchdowns is tops all-time for Gator wide receivers.

We'll miss Percy's slash and dash style of running and big plays during big games ability. While Florida will definitely miss him, Urban Meyer's recruiting ability should bring us the next Florida Phenom to fill his very fast shoes. As for Percy, we wish him the best of luck in the NFL (Buccaneers...are you listening?)

Weekend Round up - Tebow, The Lightning, Bruce Allen, and More!

By JC De La Torre

Hey folks, apologies for the late posts, the old warhorse that was my computer finally past away. So with excuses out of the way - let's touch on some topics that effected Tampa Bay sports over the weekend.

Tim Tebow Returning to Florida
Florida Phenom Quarterback Tim Tebow announced he will be returning for his senior season at Florida, to the glee of all Gator fans. During the Gators celebration of their latest national championship at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, the crowd chanted "One More Year" and after thanking his teammates, God, and his family, "Superman" added, "Oh, by the way, one more thing, let's do it again. I'm coming back." At that moment, there was a collective, "Aww...crap..." everywhere in the southeast outside of Florida (and a few in Tallahassee, too). Tebow will have the unique opportunity to cement his legacy as one of the greatest Gators in school history while enhancing his resume for the Pros. We think it's the best move for Tebow and even if he doesn't succeed in the Pros, Tebow will be a legend that all Gator quarterbacks are measured against for many, many years.

Gators Basketball team opens SEC schedule with victory over Ole Miss
Billy Donovan's Florida basketball team held on for a 78-68 victory over Ole Miss to open up their SEC schedule. Donovan, however, was none too pleased with his team's performance. Florida was outrebounded 46-22.

"What really got exposed is the thing that I've always been worried about with our team, is, will be physically compete up front and create a level of confrontation in the paint," Donovan told the St. Petersburg Times, "I don't know the last time, since I've been here, we've been outrebounded by 24 rebounds."

Ole Miss rallied from a 21 point decifit to pull within 2:07 left in the game. Florida would hit their free throws down the stretch to provide the difference.

USF Upends DePaul for 1st Big East Victory
The USF Basketball team got 22 points from Dominique Jones and 18 from Jesus Verdejo to get their first Big East victory of the season, an 80-58 destruction of DePaul. The Bulls opened up the game with a 15-6 run and never looked back.


Bruce Allen Speaks to the Media
Buccaneers General Manager Bruce Allen spoke to the media on Friday on a myriad of issues facing the team. The gist of the conference was yes, the Glazers are as ticked off as the fans are at the end of the season and no, they aren't holding the wallet because of their Manchester United debt. Allen has the go ahead to sign any free agent he deems will improve the team. Allen is never one to get into specifics but it seems the team is tired of using retread quarterbacks for Jon Gruden's system and may seek out a young stud to go along with 2008 5th round draft pick Josh Johnson that the team can build around for the forseeable future. The team also believes Carnell "Cadillac" Williams will return to the Bucs, but aren't counting on him for at least the first half of 2009.

Bolts Blow Another Lead, But Pull Out Win in Anaheim
The Tampa Bay Lighning blew another 2 goal lead Saturday night but Ryan Malone's second of the game gave the Lightning a 4-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks. Vaclav Prospal and Martin St. Louis also scored, while Kari Ramo made 29 saves in his first start of the season. Steven Stamkos did not play in this one. The Lighting put Stamkos on a conditioning program to build up his strength after a 16-game stretch with only one goal and two assists.

Bolts Owners Amend Financial Deal with Palace Sports
The principals of OK hockey, Palace Sports, and the NHL met in New York to amend the $70 million dollar financial agreement between the OK hockey and Palace Sports. While details of the changes were not released, all sides seemed pleased with the changes.

"The only thing I can say is they're in fine shape," Palace Sports CEO Tom Wilson told the St. Petersburg Times.

"It gives us a lot of room to maneuver and do what we want to do with the team," Lightning Principal Owner Oren Koules said.


NFL Final Four Set
Two of the four teams will make it to Tampa for the Super Bowl and no one had them pegged as likely candidates. The Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, Arizona Cardinals, and Philadelphia Eagles each advanced to their respective conference championship games and play for the right to go to the Super Bowl. The Cardinals shocked the Carolina Panthers 33-13 in a game no one saw coming. The Panthers' Jake Delhomme threw five interceptions in the loss. Baltimore stunned top seeded Tennessee in a defensive battle 13-10.

On Sunday, the Philadelphia Eagles continued their improbable run, beating the defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants in a dominating defensive performance, 23-11, while Pittsburgh outslugged San Diego 35-24 to become the only home team to win during the Divisional playoffs. It marks the first time since going to a 16 game schedule that two teams that did not win at least 10 games played each other in a conference championship.

The Philadelphia Eagles will head to Arizona for a 3pm (ET) kickoff of the NFC Championship game, while Pittsburgh will host division rival Baltimore at 6:30 pm (ET) in the AFC Championship game.

Gators Outslug Oklahoma for National Championship

By JC De La Torre

It wasn't the game the world expected, but it still was one heck of a ballgame as the Florida Gators won a defensive battle against the #1 ranked Oklahoma Sooners 24-14 for Florida's second national championship in three years and their third in school history. The Gators' victory made it three consecutive national championships for the Southeastern Conference, something that hasn't been done since the 1940's. It was Florida's defense and the playmaking of 2007 Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Tim Tebow that were the difference in this game.

Oklahoma took the opening kickoff to the Florida 38 but a sack by Brandon Hicks on the 2008 Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford lost 14 yds and on third down the Sooners only managed 7 yds forcing the Sooners to punt. The Gators drived to midfield, but Tebow threw only is third interception of the season as defensive back Nic Harris stepped in front of a Gator wide receiver and returned it to the Oklahoma 46 yd line. Normally, this is an easy score for the highest scoring offense in college football but the Gators defense stiffened, forcing the drive to stall at the Florida 47. Two drives, no points for the vaunted Oklahoma offense and the first quarter ended scoreless.

Back came the Gators, driving 86 yds in 12 plays, capping the drive off with a 20 yd Tebow touchdown pass to Louis Murphy to give Florida a 7-0 lead. Oklahoma's offense rumbled to life on the ground. Chris Brown rushed for 16 yds, then 14 yds, and 15 yds to set up Sam Bradford's 6 yd score to tie the game at 7.

The Sooners would take momentum, intercepting Tebow for the second time this time big defensive tackle Gerald McCoy dropping into coverage and intercepting an under duress Tebow pass, setting Oklahoma up at the 28 yd line. The Sooners tried to pound the Gator defense, running Chris Brown on five straight carries. The Gators put together two goal line stands, stuffing Brown on 3rd and 4th and goal from the 1 yd line. Florida took over at their three yard line and Percy Harvin promptly ran 45 yds to get the Gators some breathing room. With 2:32 left in the 1st half, Oklahoma got the ball back and drove 74 yds on the arm of Bradford, driving all the way to the Florida 6 yd line with 10 seconds left. On first and goal, Bradford's pass to the goal line was tipped and picked off by Major Wright, keeping the game tied at 7 going into halftime.

The start of the third quarter continued the defensive team as the teams exchanged punts on their first possessions of the 2nd half. Florida began pounding the middle of the tougher than expected Oklahoma defense with their battering ram - their star quarterback Tebow. Tebow's runs drove Florida 75 yds in 13 plays, setting up Percy Harvin's 1 yd plunge to give the Gators a 14-7 lead with 4:21 left in the third quarter. Oklahoma tried to answer as Bradford drove the Sooners to the Florida 32 before the drive stalled. Oklahoma kicker Jimmy Stevens attempted a 49 yd field goal but it was blocked by Carlos Dunlap. Florida couldn't take advantage, having their drive stall at their own 38 yd line as the third quarter expired.

Bradford took advantage, driving his offense 77 yds and setting up an 11 yd touchdown pass to tight end Jermain Gresham to tie the game at 14 with 12:13 to play. The Gators came right back, as Percy Harvin rushed for 52 yds and 12 yds to set up Jonathan Phillips 27 yd field goal to give the Gators 17-14 advantage with 10:45 left. Bradford tried to rally the Sooners, driving Oklahoma to midfield. Bradford tried to hit his star receive Juaquin Iglesias deep over the middle but Gator defensive back Ahmad Black ripped the football away from him, intercepting the pass. Tebow and the Gators took advantage, driving 76 yds in 11 plays, mostly behind the running of Tebow and Harvin. On 2nd and goal from the Oklahoma 4 yd line, Tebow faked a run into the line and fired a pass David Nelson to give the Gators a 10 point lead with 3:07 left. Bradford's Sooners went four and out, his last pass being batted down by the Florida defense. The Gators took over and ran out the clock to clinch the BCS title.

Tim Tebow hasn't announced if he's coming back to Florida, but if he doesn't, he's ended his Gator career as one of the most decorated players in college football history. Two National Championships, one Heisman trophy, two Maxwell awards, a Davey O'Brien award, a BCS Championship Game Offensive Player of the Game and an AP National player of the year - plus the admiration of people across the world. He may be the greatest Florida football player ever to grace an Orange and Blue uniform. Selfishly, I hope he comes back, I don't want to have seen the last of Superman, as his teammates call him, in a Gator uniform. Urban Meyer became the first coach to win two BCS Championship games and is only the 5th coach in college football history to win two national championships in his first four years at his school.

JC De La Torre's Tampa Bay Sports Blog offers our congrats to Gator Nation and the University of Florida for their third National Championship in school history.

Florida-Oklahoma - Who Wants it More?

By JC De La Torre

The BCS National Championship game is Thursday, featuring the #1 Oklahoma Sooners vs. #2 Florida Gators. Both teams bring in high octane offenses and have been playing lights out since suffering early season losses. JC De La Torre's Tampa Bay Sports Blog takes a closer look at the 2009 BCS National Championship game and predicts a winner.

The Series
Remarkably, the Gators and Sooners have never faced each other, despite playing over hundred years of football.

Florida's Offense vs. Oklahoma's Defense
The worst thing that could have happened for Oklahoma is that Percy Harvin got healthy for the BCS Title game. The Gators come in with the #3 scoring offense in the country, 17th in total offense, 56th passing, 9th rushing against an Oklahoma defense that is 58th in scoring defense, 63rd in total defense, 107th against the pass, 15th against the rush. The Gators passing attack is ranked low, not because of poor play by Quarterback Tim Tebow, who was a finalist for his second Heisman Trophy and threw for 2,515 yds, 28 touchdowns, while only tossing 2 interceptions this season. Florida's running game, led by athlete Percy Harvin, running backs Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey, as well as Tebow has made the passing game a secondary weapon. That's not to say its not capable, as Harvin, WR Louis Murphy and tight end Aaron Hernandez all have made big time plays for the Gators offense.

Oklahoma would appear to be fairly stoudt against the run this season, but when you put the microscope on the Sooners - their solid run defense play seems to fade away. Only Oklahoma State rushed the ball better than Florida in the Big 12 and they rushed for 198yds and a touchdown against Oklahoma. In fact, the Sooners have given up some big rushing numbers to top level competition - Texas (161 yds, 3 touchdowns), Baylor (194 yds, 2 tds), and even Nebraska (204 yds, 3 touchdowns). That simply won't get it done against Florida. Oklahoma does rush the passer extremely well - they're ranked 3rd in the nation with 42 sacks. They also lead the nation in turnover margin (+23). Florida is 2nd in the nation (+22).

Oklahoma's offense vs. Florida Defense
We all know about Oklahoma's offense - the Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford, 58 or more points in their last six games. Oklahoma boats the #1 scoring offense in the nation, #3 in total offense, #16 rushing, and #3 passing. Bradford threw for 4,464 yds, 48 touchdowns and completed 68 percent of his passes this season. Juanquin Iglesias led all receivers with 69 receptions, 1,092 yds and 10 touchdowns. DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown split carries at running back, combining for 34 touchdowns and 2112 yds but Murray is injured and won't play. Florida meanwhile comes in with the #4 scoring defense in the nation, 7th in total defense, 14th in rushing defense, 22nd in pass defense. As mentioned previously, Florida is 2nd in the nation in turnover margin (+22) and are 2nd in the country in interceptions (24). Only three times this season has Gator opponents scored more than 20 points (Ole Miss, LSU, Alabama) and the most points the Gators gave up this season was 31 in their 1 point loss to Ole Miss in September. Since that loss to the Rebels, no team has scored more than 21 against Florida. The Gators defense has not allowed a 300 yd passer this season.

Florida's Special Teams vs. Oklahoma's Special Teams
The Gators are ranked 48th in kick return average and 7th in punt return yardage. They've returned two punts for touchdowns with the dangerous Brandon James returning. Oklahoma is 106th in kick return coverage and 17th in punt return coverage. Oklahoma has allowed 4 kick off returns for touchdowns this season. Oklahoma is 5th in kick return average led by DeMarco Murray's 27.6 yds a return - as stated previously, Murray will not play. Oklahoma is 70th in punt return average and they returned one punt for a touchdown this year. Florida is 89th in kick return coverage, 9th in punt return coverage and have not allowed a return for touchdown. Florida is 17th in punt average and 2nd in field goal percentage. Oklahoma is one of the nation's worst in punting average, ranked 116th and they're 67th in field goal percentage.

Coaching
Florida's Urban Meyer is 82-17 (43-9 in 4 yrs at Florida), he's won four conference championships (including two SEC titles), and a national championship. This is the second time in three years that Meyer has guided the Gators in position for a National Championship. Bob Stoops is completing his 10th season at Oklahoma with a 109-23 record. Stoops' Sooners have won 6 Big 12 championships and 1 National Championship (2000). Oklahoma has lost their last two trips to the BCS Championship Game (2003 to LSU 21-14, 2004 to USC 55-19). This is the fourth time in 8 years Stoops has the Sooners playing for the National title.

The Spread
We always mention the spread because Urban Meyer has always been well aware of the betting line due to many boosters that partake in the short term investment market.

Florida by 3 1/2

Final Score Prediction
What a match up we have for the National Championship game - two of the top offenses in the nation face off in a winner take all match up. The big difference in this one is defense and special teams. We all know the old adage - Defense wins championships. The next time Oklahoma plays good defense will be the first time - they're terrible and even worse, one of their players talked trash about Florida Hesiman Trophy winning and 2-time finalist quarterback Tim Tebow. Cornerback Dominique Franks told reporters that Tebow would be the 4th best quarterback in the Big 12 behind Heisman Trophy Winner Sam Bradford, Texas' Colt McCoy, and Texas Tech QB Graham Harrell.

As Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes said to the Associated Press, "How could you say something like that when he won the Heisman as a sophomore? We really didn’t think too much of it. When you talk about Tim, he’s going try to come out and make you pay. It’s kind of like deja vu all over again. Last time a guy talked about him, he came out and put 50 on him.”

Ricky Jean-Francois was the defender in question for LSU. Jean-Francois said he was going to knock Tebow out of the game - only to see the Gators roll up 51 points and Tebow score 3 touchdowns. In 2007, Florida State linebacker Geno Hayes was foolish enough to say Tebow was "going down" in their annual matchup only to see Tebow account for 5 touchdowns in route to a 45-12 destruction of the Seminoles. Its not wise to trash Tim...and the rub? LSU and FSU were much better defenses.

On the other side, Florida's is by far the best defense the high flying Sooners have faced this season.

"You keep hearing they've done this and scored all these points in the last five games," Spikes said, "But I really feel like they haven't faced a defense like ours, and Big 12 defenses are a joke. It's always like a bunch of basketball scores when I watch SportsCenter. So we'll see."

I agree with him. Oklahoma has run roughshod over the Big 12 because they had the better atheletes. In the SEC, the better atheletes play on defense (as evidenced by the number of defensive players drafted in top rounds of the NFL out of the SEC). Like Ohio State before them, Oklahoma hasn't seen the speed that Florida's defense will bring to the table. While it will definitely be a challenge for the Gators as well, since this is the best offense they've faced all season, you can't outscheme or coach speed. You either have it or you don't. Oklahoma does have some great skill players that will make some plays in this game, but they won't destroy Florida's defense the way they have every one else.

Then you factor in special teams, where Oklahoma is just flat out terrible and that's two of the three phases of that favor Florida. The game will be competitive early but Florida will eventually pull away in this one.

My Prediction: Florida 51, Oklahoma 34

Gators win Conference Tuneup Over ACC Contender NC State

By JC De La Torre

The University of Florida Gator basketball team was in desperate need of a measuring stick. After feasting on a schedule of cupcakes and losing to the only two teams that would be considered candidates for the big dance (Florida State and Syracuse), the Gators needed a "quality win". They got it in dramatic fashion against a solid NC State sqaud, rallying from an 11 point deficit to win 68-66.

Florida's Super Sophomore Nick Calathes led the Florida charge with a career high 32 points, 24 of which came in the second half of the Gators thrilling come back. The two teams began by feeling each other out, neither team getting more than a two point lead until the Wolfpack's Julian Mays drilled a three pointer with 6:08 left in the first half to give NC State a 20-15 lead, triggering a 13-9 run at the end of the first half that gave the Wolfpack a 33-23 half time lead.

With 16:13 left in the game and trailing 39-30, Florida began to increase the heat defensively, causing multiple Wolfpack turnovers that sparked an 11-4 rally that cut the lead to 43-41 with 12:45 left. The teams would exchange blows, with the Wolfpack getting no larger than a five point lead until finally, with 3:59 left in the game, Calathes's arching three pointer put the Gators up for the first time since midway through the first half, 59-58. Calathes took the game over in the final four minutes, scoring the last eight Gator points as the teams exchanged the lead eight times in the closing minutes. Calathes put the Gators up to stay with eleven seconds left with an incredible jumper that clanked around the rim before dropping and giving Florida a 67-66 lead. NC State would fumble the ball away on their ensuing trip down the floor and Calathes would add a free throw for the final margin.

The Gators improved to 12-2 on the season and have one last cupcake, Longwood (trying...to...avoid...being...crude...), before embarking on the tough SEC schedule that should decide whether they will be part of the madness in March.

Gators going to the BCS Championship!

By JC De La Torre

The University of Florida is now officially on their way to Miami to face Oklahoma for the National Championship Fox Sports announced tonight.

Your BCS Schedule is -
Jan. 1 Rose Bowl - Penn State vs. USC
Jan. 1 Orange Bowl - Cincinatti vs. Virginia Tech
Jan. 2 Sugar Bowl - Utah vs. Alabama
Jan. 5 Fiesta Bowl - Ohio State vs. Texas
Jan. 8 BCS National Championship Game - Florida vs. Oklahoma

We would like to offer our congrats to the Florida Gators and Oklahoma Sooners for making it to the big one. Should be a fantastic championship game.

Game For the Ages: Florida Outlasts #1 Bama for SEC Title

By JC De La Torre

Photos courtesy of Gatorsports.com and ESPN.com

The Florida Gators claimed their eighth Southeastern Conference Championship, outslugging the #1 team in the country, the previously undefeated Alabama Crimson Tide 31-20 in an epic battle that was much closer than the score indicated. Barring an unforeseen travesty in the final BCS Standings, the Gators will be playing for the National Championship in Miami against either Oklahoma or Texas (depending on the results of the Big 12 Championship Game tonight). Florida played with out their offensive superstar, Percy Harvin, who was nursing a high ankles sprain, so Heisman Trophy quarterback Tim Tebow put the Gator offense on his back and basically willed Florida to victory.

After Alabama opened the game with a 3 and out, Tebow drove the Gators right down the field, rushing for 19 yds, throwing for 25 yds and completing a 9 play 59 yd drive with a touchdown pass to little used wide out Carl Moore, who caught his first touchdown pass of the season. Surprisingly, Alabama struck back quickly, as John Parker Wilson connected with phenomenal freshman Julio Jones on a 20 yd curl, Jones spinned away from Gator defensive back Joe Haden, and raced 64 yds to the Florida 18 yd line. Before the Gators could catch their breath, Alabama's Glenn Coffee powered off tackle and rumbled 18 yds for the tying score.

The Gators offense had a rare three and out and punter Chas Henry, perhaps shocked he had to go out there so quickly shanked the punt for 36 yds, which was fielded on the run by returner Javier Arenas, who raced 19 yds to the Gators 25. Wilson hit Nick Walker for 12 yds to the Florida 13, but would get no closer as the Florida defense stiffened and Alabama settled for a 30 yd Leigh Tiffin field goal. Alabama led 10-7, the first time Florida trailed in a game since the gut wrenching loss to Ole Miss.


The two defenses flexed their muscles as the game moved into the 2nd quarter. Each punched and counterpunched but neither seemed to get a foothold. Finally, midway through the second quarter, Tebow found WR Riley Cooper wide open down the sideline and hit him in stride for a 51 yd gain all the way to the Alabama 4 yd line. Like the Gators, the Crimson Tide defense wouldn't allow the score - stuffing Demps once and Tebow twice and forcing the Gators to settle for a 19 yd Jonathan Phillips field goal, tying the game at 10 with 8:59 to go in the first half..

The Gator defense 3-and-outed the Tide offense once again, and Tebow once again put the Florida offense on his back. After Brandon James rushed for 4 yds and an Alabama defender was nailed for grabbing the face mask, tacking on a 15 yd personal foul that put Florida on the Crimon Tide 38. From there Tebow figured in 8 straight plays for Florida, four rushes and 4 passes, including a 22 yd strike to tight end Aaron Hernandez to put the Gators at point blank range at the Bama 5 yd line. Tebow would scramble to his left and fire a low trajectory pass into the end zone, where underrated wide receiver David Nelson made a terrific grab just barely off the turf to give Florida back the lead 17-10, it would stay that way until halftime. Alabama trailed at the half for the first time this season.

Florida got the ball first in the second half, but Alabama's defense forced the Gators offense 3-and-out. Chas Henry blasted a massive 57 yd punt that drove returner Javier Arenas to his 9 yd line where he was wiped out by the solid coverage of the Florida special teams crew. From there, it became the Julio Jones show. Jones made three big catches for 38 yds while his teammate Glenn Coffee pounded the right side of the Florida defense for 31 yds. Alabama drove 91 yds, in 15 plays and ate up 6:53 off the clock and cashed in with the game tying touchdown on Mark Ingram's 2 yd run. The Gators tried to answer, with Tebow finding Louis Murphy for a 34 yd gain to the Alabama 37. Jeff Demps would gain 12 yds on two carries to the Crimson Tide 25. On 1st and 10 from the 25, Demps would get stuffed and Tebow would throw two incompletions, forcing Florida to settle for a 42 yd field goal attempt by Jonathan Davis. It was the longest attempt of the year by Davis and it ended up being his first miss of the season as he pushed it wide right.

John Parker Wilson hit Nick Walker for 17 yds, then Alabama went back to the running game, pounding Coffee at the Florida front 4, driving it to the Gators 37 yd line. From there, Wilson hit Julio Jones for a 22 yd gain to the Florida 12 yd line. The Gators defense stiffened again, forcing two incompletions by Wilson and stuffing Coffee on a two yd run. As the 3rd quarter expired, Leigh Tiffin kicked a 27 yd field goal to give Alabama a 20-17 advantage moving into the final quarter.

In his illustrious career at the University of Florida, Quarterback Tim Tebow had done just about everything. The one thing he had never done was lead the Gators back for a victory when trailing in the second half - he was 0-5 lifetime. The Gators patiently and methodically moved down the field on Alabama's stout defense, driving 62 yds in 11 plays, setting up Jeff Demps on the option toss for a 1 yd score, giving Florida the lead back at 24-20.

On Alabama's ensuing drive, Wilson fired an incompletion intended for Julio Jones, then saw Glenn Coffee stuffed after a 2 yd gain. On 3rd and 8, Jermaine Cunningham sacked Wilson for an 11 yd loss, forcing Alabama to kick it back to the Gators with 7:27 left. Florida would then beat the Tide at their own game. Three runs by Florida got them to the 48 yd line, then Tebow hit Louis Murphy for 33 yds and Aaron Hernandez for 15 yds, moving the ball to the 6 yd line. Tebow rumbled 5 yds to the Alabama 1 yd line....then, inexplicably, the Gators were called for a sideline infraction. The call was legit, Urban Meyer and some of the other coaches were on the field - but to make that call with the game on the line...wow. It could have been a game changing call, but Tebow made up for the penalty, finding Riley Cooper in the end zone for the game clinching score, putting Florida up by 11 with only 2:50 left in the game.

Alabama would get the ball back one last time but John Parker Wilson's desperation pass was intercepted by Joe Haden and Florida ran out the clock, clinching the SEC Championship and at least a BCS bowl berth. With an 11 point victory over the #1 team in the nation, most pundits are saying that this victory should vault the Gators into the Bowl Championship Series title game. Then again, in this fouled system you never know. One year Auburn went undefeated and was shutout of the National Championship game. Think about that, a team that went undefeated in the SEC didn't get a chance to play for the Crystal football. That's why you can never know. It will be a great injustice if the Gators are denied an opportunity to play for the title as the way they have dominated the SEC, scoring 30 or more against every SEC opponent and having double digit victories in 9 straight they are without question playing the best football in the country. If its about the best teams, I don't see how anyone can argue with Florida playing for it all.

Saturday Showdown - Gators Battle Tide for the SEC Championship

By JC De La Torre

The #1 team in the nation faces the hottest team in the nation as the first two teams to ever play in the SEC Championship game return to face off in a contest that should decide one of the participants the BCS Title Game. The undefeated Alabama Crimson Tide will meet the #4 ranked Florida Gators (11-2) in Atlanta to settle who is tops in the Southeastern Conference.

Let's take a look at the matchups for this titanic matchup.

The Series

Alabama leads the All-time series 21-13, while Florida won the last meeting in 2006. Florida and Alabama have met five times in the SEC Championship game, with the Gators leading 3-2. Alabama won their last meeting in the SEC Championship game in 1999, 34-7. Alabama has advanced to the SEC Championship five times, meeting Florida each time. Florida has been to the SEC Championship game eight times, and hold a 6-2 record (with their only losses to Alabama).

Florida’s Offense vs. Alabama’s defense

The Gators offense is without question, one of the most feared in the country. Florida comes in boasting the 3rd highest scoring offense in the nation. Florida's 17th in total offense, 10th rushing, 61st in passing offense. The Gators boast a galaxy of offensive stars - Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Tim Tebow, running backs Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps, wide receivers Percy Harvin and Louis Murphy, while they have one of the toughest offensive lines in the nation. Since being upset by the Ole Miss Rebels on September 27th, the Gators have outscored their opponents 414-97 in eight victories (including 4 against ranked teams). Florida has dismanted top ranked defenses in LSU, South Carolina, Florida State, and Kentucky, each came in with defenses ranked in the top ten of the nation and left with large, ugly defeats. This is the challenge that faces the 3rd ranked defense of the Alabama Crimson Tide. Alabama has been fantastic against both the run and pass, ranked 3rd in the nation in both. The Tide are led by sensational linebackers Rolando McClain, Brandon Fanny and Dont'a Hightower. They are anchored on the defensive line by senior Bobby Greenwood and in the secondary by Rashad Johnson.

Alabama’s Offense vs. Florida’s Defense

Overlooked in the Main Event matchup of Florida's offense against Bama's defense is the flip side. Alabama offense comes in 28th in scoring, 22nd in rushing, 97th passing, and 53rd in total offense. The Alabama rushing attack is led by sterling junior Glenn Coffee who has rushed for 1,235 yds and 9 touchdowns. Freshman Mark Ingram has shown to be a force, finding the endzone 11 times himself. Another fabulous freshman, Julio Jones, is really Alabama's only receiving threat. Quarterback John Parker Wilson doesn't light up the scoreboard but has shown to be an effective game manager who commits few mistakes. Playing in the shadow of their offense, the Gators quietly have fielded one of the best defenses in the nation. The Gators are ranked right behind the vaunted Alabama defense in scoring, 4th overall in the nation. They're 7th in total defense, 12th in rushing defense, and 17th against the pass. Florida ranks second in the nation in interceptions with 23 and Florida is #1 in the nation in turnover margin (+21). The Gators are led on defense by junior linebacker Brandon Spikes. The strenght of the defense is their secondary, led by Major Wright and Ahmad Black, as well as fab freshmen Janoris Jenkins and Will Hill. Sophmore Carlos Dunlap lead the Gators with 9 sacks.

Florida’s Special Teams vs. Alabama’s Special Teams

Florida is 7th in the nation in punt returns, 59th in kickoff returns, 4th in punt coverage but 89th in kickoff coverage. Florida's Brandon James is a whizz in the return game, as he has returned two punts for touchdowns this season. Florida's Jonathan Phillips has not missed a field goal this season, however his missed extra point against Ole Miss was the difference in the ballgame. Punter Chas Henry is rarely called upon but he is averaging 42.3 yds a punt. Alabama is ranked 107th in kickoff return average, 13th in punt returns, their 73rd in kickoff coverage and 74th in punt coverage. Javier Arenas does the return job for Alabama, he too has returned 2 punts for touchdowns. Junior Placekicker Leigh Tiffin has struggled a bit, only making 71% of his kicks and missing an extra point. PJ Fitzgerald handles the punting for the Tide, averaging 41.1 yards a kick.

Coaching

Florida's Urban Meyer is 40-9 at Florida and has the Gators in position for the 2nd SEC and National Championships of the Meyer era. Nick Saban is in his second season with the Crimson Tide. After a 7-6 first season, Saban has returned the Tide to national prominence with a stunning 12-0 record and a return to the SEC Championship game for the first time since 1999.

The Spread

We always mention the spread because Urban Meyer has always been well aware of the betting line due to many boosters that partake in the short term investment market. Florida is favored by 10 by most oddsmakers.

Final Score Prediction

Without question, Florida is the best team Alabama has faced this season. While the Gators have won roughshod over the SEC East, Alabama has won ugly most of the way to the #1 ranking. Good defense and a strong running game has been their hallmark all season. Florida comes in with speed and speed typically trumps strength, as has been the case in the last few BCS Championship games. Simply put, Alabama is overmatched in two of the three phases (on offense and special teams) and Florida has an argument on defense because of how opportunistic they are. The Tide simply do not have the horses to hang with Florida. If the Gators avoid beating themselves with costly turnovers, Florida should pull away from the Tide and win this one comfortably.

My Pick: Florida 30, Alabama 13

Gators Devour Noles at Drenched Doak

By JC De La Torre

After Florida dominated their cross state rivals in rainy Doak Campbell Stadium, concerns were focused on the injured Percy Harvin, who slid awkardly on a muddy field and had an FSU defenseman fall on his right ankle. The injury's severity was not made public but it may force Harvin to miss the SEC Championship game next week in Atlanta against #1 ranked Alabama. It would be the only bad news for Florida, as the Gators crushed Florida State 45-15 for their fifth straight victory in the series.

Percy Harvin opened the scoring, capping Florida's opening 9 play 65 yd drive with a 9 yd run to give Florida a 7-0 advantage just 4:08 into the ballgame. Michael Garvin returned the ensuing kickoff 63 yds to the Florida 24 yd line but the stingy Gator defense forced Florida State to settle for a 37 yd field goal by Graham Gano to cut the lead to 7-3 with 9:20 left in the first quarter.

After a rare 3-and-out by the Florida offense, FSU QB Christian Ponder was intercepted on a pass that was tipped by Florida CB Janoris Jenkins then nabbed midair by Major Wright deep in Gator territory. Jeff Demps ripped off a 44 yd run that would lead to a Tebow to Aaron Hernandez 7 yd touchdown as time expired in the first quarter, the Gators led after 1 quarter of play 14-3. After a short kickoff trying to avoid Garvin set up the Noles at their own 45, Ponder could do nothing with the football and FSU punted back to the Gators. Florida's running back Jeff Demps would cough up the football on the Gators' own 14 yd line, setting up the Noles at point blank range. Two incompletions and a 1 yd scramble later, Florida State settled for their second field goal from Gano and a 14-6 deficit.

After a penalty set the Florida offense back at their own 14 yd line, Florida would march the length of the field against the staunch Noles defense, highlighted by a 28 yd Tebow to David Nelson pass and a pass interference penalty on FSU's Tony Carter. On a 1st and 10 from the FSU 13, Harvin darted for 5 yds but during the play was rolled up on by two Florida State defenders. Harvin grabbed his right ankle in obvious pain. Florida State fans cheered the injury, and ticked off Tebow.

"That kind of irritated me," Tebow told the Associated Press, "I told the coach to give me the ball because I really wanted to hit somebody."

Coach Urban Meyer obliged and Tebow pounded it up the middle with a little help from his offensive line surged into the endzone for a 4 yd score to increase the Florida lead to 21-6.

Florida State got the ball back at the 40 yd line thanks to Florida kicker Caleb Sturgis kicking the ensuing kickoff out of bounds. Ponder took advantage of the field position, driving the Noles 46 yds in 9 plays but once again, Florida State had to settle for only three points, this time 32 yds for Gano and the lead was 21-9 2:04 left in the first half. That would be too much time for the potent Gator offense. Ignoring the driving rain, Tebow hit on passes of 13, 8, 26, and finally a 24 yd touchdown pass to Aaron Hernandez for the second time in the game to give the Gators a commanding 28-9 lead.

Garvin would burn the Florida kick coverage again, returning it 28 yds to the FSU 46 with 0:57 left. It would be enough time for Ponder to move the Seminoles into field goal range, but instead of taking the points, FSU Head Coach Bobby Bowden called for some chicanery, faking the field goal and tossing it to the kicker Gano who promptly slipped and fell in the muck of the field, tackling himself and ending a dismal half for Florida State.

The second half would start no better. After Sturgis set up the Noles at their own 40 with another out of bounds kickoff, the very first play from scrimmage saw Ponder intercepted by Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes, who returned it 26 yds to the 20 of Florida State. Tebow would make the Noles pay for the turnover, connecting with Louis Murphy in the back of the endzone for a 23 yd score and a 35-9 advantage.

Ponder's work was done for the day and an old Gator friend, Drew Weatherford, took over at quarterback for the Seminoles. Weatherford's first effort wouldn't do much as they would go three and out. The Gators took over at their own 26 yd line - but wouldn't stay there for long as on 1st down, running back Chris Rainey ripped off a 62 yd run, finally being dropped at the FSU 12 yd line. Florida State's defense stiffened and the Gators had to settle for a 29 yd Jonathan Davis field goal and a 38-9 lead. FSU would answer with their finest drive of the ballgame, an 8 play, 58 yd drive that was capped by Jermaine Thomas' 4 yd score to cut the lead to 38-15. Gano's extra point was blocked by the Gators.

It would stay that way until the 13:09 mark of the 4th quarter, when Janoris Jenkins stepped in front of a D'Vontrey Richardson pass at the Florida State 38 yd line. Florida ran the ball in from there, Jeff Demps plunging in from 2 yds out on the option to give the Gators their final margin 45-15.

"It was a good tail-whipping," FSU Coach Bobby Bowden told the AP, "I didn't think they would beat us like that here. The last time we had a beating like that was last year against them."

So there's one game left for Florida before they know their bowl fate, the big one versus Alabama. The Tide looked good today as well, demolishing their big rival Auburn 36-0. It should be a good one next week, Gator fans. We wanted a playoff - well, basically the Gators are in the semi-finals facing Alabama and whoever wins will move on the BCS Championship game.

Gators vs. Noles - We Don't Like Them, They Don't Like Us

By JC De La Torre

I'm a Florida Gator fan. I never attended the University of Florida but most of my family did. My uncle coached the offensive line for the Gators in the 1980's during the Charley Pell-Galen Hall years, most of my cousins went to UF. I was the black sheep, deciding to stay close to home and go to school here in Tampa (not that I could have got into UF. My rambunctious childhood was more in tune for FSU, but I digress). I grew up raised a Gator and when I was very little was taught to love the Orange and Blue and hate anything Garnet and Gold.


Sure, Florida has plenty of rivals – Miami, Tennessee, and Georgia come quickly to mind - but no school seems to pull the hatred out of me like the Seminoles. Perhaps its simply the arrogance of their fans, the “dadgumit” nature of their coach, that annoying-assed Seminole War Chant, or the erector set they call a stadium – for whatever the reason there's no hate like the one for Florida State. (I do admit that when playing EA Sports NCAA 09, I have added the Seminole War Chant and other music for the Noles into the game, so when I go on the road at Florida State – it feels like I’m really there).

Keep that in mind as we break down the UF-FSU matchup that could decide who takes this year’s Governor’s Cup. Interestingly enough, if Florida wins, it would be the first time they earned the Seminole War Canoe (for beating Miami) and the Governor’s Cup (for beating Florida State) in the same season since 1985.

The Series

Florida leads the overall series 31-19-2 and has won 4 straight against Florida State, including last year’s 45-12 woodshed whuppin’. Florida coach Urban Meyer has never lost to Florida State 3-0. Before Meyer, Bobby Bowden’s Seminoles won 13 of 16 contests with 1 tie (the infamous Choke at Doak).

Florida’s Offense vs. Florida State’s defense


By now you know Florida’s cavalcade of stars. Tebow, Harvin, the triple headed monster at running back (Rainey, Demps, Moody). Florida’s #3 in the country in scoring, #5 in passing, 18th in total yds and 11th in rushing. However, the strength of the Florida State football team is their defense. While they’re 19th in scoring defense, FSU is 7th in the nation in yds allowed, 20th against the run but 4th against the pass. Florida State is tied for 61st in the nation with turnover margin of 0.


For the Seminoles to have a chance, their defense will need to slow the Gators down and force turnovers. In the Gators only loss this season, Florida turned the ball over three times in their upset loss to Mississippi. It allowed the Rebels to stay in the game and steal it at the end. This is where FSU needs to be. Keep the Gator offensive machine in check, stay in the game, take a lead late. Florida is 0-5 when trailing in the second half with Tim Tebow at QB.


Since the loss to Mississippi, Florida has outscored their opponents 369-82. Florida has outscored its opponents 122-0 in the first quarter of its past six games. Florida State has fallen behind in the opening quarter in four of its past six, usually by double digits, weathering the early barrage by the Gators and staying in the game early will be paramount for Florida State.


Florida State’s Offense vs. Florida’s Defense

While the Noles lack the firepower of the Florida offense, they can score. FSU 22nd in the Nation in scoring, averaging 34.3 points per game. The Noles are 47th in total offense, 30th in rushing and a dreadful 85th in passing. Those numbers must improve if the Noles hope to win this football game. Florida State needs to hold on the to football and limit the Gators opportunities with the ball. Unfortunately for the Seminoles, the Florida defense is the best is been in quite some time and the most improved part of the football team under the direction of Coach Charlie Strong. The Gators are 3rd in the nation in scoring defense, 9th in total yds allowed, 13th against the run, 20th against the pass. What really makes this Gator defense go are the splash plays. The Gators are 3rd in the nation in interceptions, and #1 in the nation at turnover ratio as a +10. Florida also leads the nation with 5 interception returns for touchdowns.

The Seminoles offense will need to protect the football, grind out yards on the ground and find some big plays from Antone Smith and Jermaine Thomas at the running back position.

Florida’s Special Teams vs. Florida State’s Special Teams

Both teams return kickoffs and cover kick returns fairly well, but the difference may be in the punt return game. Florida is 6th in the nation in return yardage for punt returns, including 2 touchdown returns by Florida’s Brandon James (Florida State ranks 59th in punt return yardage). Florida is also 4th in the nation in punt coverage while the Noles struggle at 59th in coverage. The Gators are also 3rd in the nation with 7 blocked kicks/punts this season. Florida State is 45th with 2.

Coaching

Urban Meyer has the Gators primed for another National championship run, while Bobby Bowden appears to be winding down his career at Florida State. Bowden’s Seminoles definitely are a better squad this season then they’ve been the last few years but they are not an elite level program that they were in Bowden’s heyday in the 90’s. Jimbo Fisher has been named the successor-in-waiting for Florida State but Bobby seems to be hanging on as long as he can, hoping to outlast Penn State’s Joe Paterno and take the most victories mantel. That’s not going to better FSU as a program and that’s not going to help them out recruit Urban Meyer.

The Spread

Urban Meyer knows that Florida football alumni enjoy their small term investments and Florida is typically a very good bet to cover. Most betting services have Florida favored by 16.5-17 pts.

Final Score Prediction

In rivalries, you never know what you’re going to get. Many times you can simply throw out the records as they don’t matter in these types of games. However, adrenalin and intensity because you’re playing your hated rival will only get you so far – you have to have the talent to be able to compete. Florida State is on the upswing, they’re definitely getting better – but they are not in Florida’s class right now. I think the Noles will have plenty of fight in them but in the end the Gators will be just too much.


My Pick: Florida 42, Florida State 24

I will say this, though, Florida State fans sure know how to remind you they were once an all girls school!

Gators Take it Easy on the Citadel, Only put up 70

By JC De La Torre

For a lot of the Gator players, this homecoming game will be the final memory of Florida Field as a football player. Some will move on to the Pros, others will find careers in business, science, or law. All of them will remember this was the day that the Gators were charitable, calling off the dogs and even letting their opponent get a couple cheapo touchdowns against the waterboy. The Gators dominated the Citadel Bulldogs 70-19. They could have easily scored 100.

Urban Meyer understood the fine line between making it look good for the pollsters and just being downright cruel. When the Gators pulled Tim Tebow and the starters midway through the 2nd quarter, it was 42-0. Tebow attempted only 11 passes, but had 201 yds passing and 3 touchdowns. Chris Rainey carried the ball just 7 times, but had 143 yds and a score. Percy Harvin touched it just 5 times, yet had 125 yds and a touchdown (his 13th straight game with a score). Before unloading the bench on defense, the Citadel's offensive possessions consisted of four punts and two interceptions.

Eight different Gators scored, and they scored 70 points for the first time since 2001. Florida totaled 706 yards of total offense -- the third most in school history. Gators running backs Chris Rainey and Emmanuel Moody each went over 100 yards on the ground, the second time in seven games Florida has had two 100-yard rushers (previously they hadn't done it since 1997). During their 7 game winning streak, Florida has outscored their opponents 369-82.

Even the ultra-focused Urban Meyer admitted that at halftime he was already thinking about Florida State next week.

So what does this do for the Gators in the polls? Honestly, not much. Despite putting a 70-burger on the Bulldogs and continuing to destroy every opponent they face, the Citadel game actually hurt Florida's strength of schedule. It didn't help that Ole Miss, the bug of the SEC, took down LSU - who is gaspiping the end of this season and hurting the Florida strength of schedule. It does help Florida in that the team that beat them nearly beat #1 Alabama (losing by 4), beat Florida, and now took down a ranked team in LSU. Ole Miss may actually be a ranked team by next week, making the Gator upset all the more legitimate. Florida was also helped by Florida State's dominant victory over a ranked Maryland team, which may allow the Noles to climb back into to top 25 before the Gators head to Tallahassee. Of course, Oklahoma's demolition of #2 Texas Tech has sent the Big 12 in to disarray, it will be interesting to see how the BCS rankings realign. Will Oklahoma jump both Florida and Texas? Will Texas, who had a bye week, move up to #2, Oklahoma #3, and Florida staying at #4? Or will it be #1 Alabama, #2 Florida, #3 Oklahoma, #4 Texas? As I said, its going to be interesting. One thing is certain, the BCS will not have a non-conference champion play for the BCS title. So you will see the champion of the Big 12 face the Champion of the SEC...barring some awful chicanery that may cause a congressional investigation into the BCS.

In any event, no Gator fan cares about anything this week but making Florida State look like the Citadel on Saturday.

South Carolina No Match for the Gator Machine

By JC De La Torre

Steve Spurrier has seen many blowouts at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, the place that he nicknamed "The Swamp". He's seen the Gators completely dominate overmatched opponents time and time again. Spurrier has never been beaten in the Swamp the way the Gators unleashed on South Carolina today. #3 Florida demolished the 25th ranked Gamecocks 56-6, churning up 516 yds of offense and limiting Spurrier's offense to 173 yds and 4 turnovers. The fifty point loss was the worst for South Carolina since 1995, when Spurrier's Gators ripped the Cocks 63-7.

The Gators opened up the scoring when Brandon Spikes intercepted SC QB Chris Smelley and returned it for a touchdown to make it 7-0. After receiving the ball back, Smelley would be picked off again, this time by Ahmad Black, who returned it to the South Carolina 26 yd line. From there, Percy Harvin took over, running the remainder for the score and a quick 14-0 advantage. Spurrier thought his team needed a spark, so he called for a trick play on the ensuing kickoff. After fielding the kickoff, Deion LeCorn attempted to lateral the ball to a waiting Chris Hail, but the ball sailed over his outstretched hands, where Gators special teamer James Smith would recover and rumble to the goal line for an apparent touchdown. After review, Smith was ruled down at the one, but it would only delay the inevitable as Florida QB Tim Tebow would plunge it in from a yard out to make it 21-0.

In the 2nd quarter, Tebow would connect with Deonte Thompson 46 yds for a score to balloon the advantage to 28-0. South Carolina would finally get on the board with 2:36 left in the first half with a 42 yd field goal by Ryan Succop. Florida led 28-3 at halftime.

The Gators received the kickoff to start the second half and on their first play from scrimmage, Harvin would take a handoff and race 80 yds for a touchdown - 35-3 Gators. South Carolina responded with their best drive of the game, going 56 yds in 11 plays and capping it with a 44 yd Ryan Succop field goal to narrow the Florida advantage to 35-6. The Gators would come right back, driving 82 yds in 6 plays with Jeff Demps going the to the house on a 38 yd jaunt. 42-6 Florida.

On the first play of the 4th quarter, Aaron Hernandez's circus catch in the back of the endzone capped a 40 yd 6 play drive to add another 7 points to the Gator lead. Chris Rainey would take on another score late to provide the final margin, 56-6.

Florida ran for 346 yards, 167 of those by Percy Harvin with the two touchdowns. South Carolina was the 11th best team in the country against the run, allowing just over 101 yards. Since losing to Ole Miss back in September, the Gators have outscored their opponents 299-63 and has won each game by at least 28 points.

After yet another destruction of a ranked team, it will be interesting to see if the pollsters continue to have Texas ranked over the Florida juggernaut. As I type this, Alabama is struggling with Mississippi State and Florida State is in a dogfight with Boston College. Both may eventually come back to win their games but these are the two teams that stand in the way of the Gators advancing to the BCS Title game.

Tonight, its great to be a Florida Gator.

JC De La Torre is an author of Science Fiction/Fantasy and other realms of Speculative Fiction - check out his latest works at JC Delatorre.com

Ol' Ball Coach Back at the Swamp Again

By JC De La Torre

Storm clouds are on the horizon for the Swamp. 40% chance of rain threatens the Florida-South Carolina matchup at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field today, but there's a larger cloud looming. Its that of South Carolina Head Coach and former Gator great Steve Spurrier returns to the place he named the Swamp, trying to derail the Gators freight train to the BCS Championship game.

For the Gators, its all about style points right now. The Gators need to win and do it impressively to try and jump Texas, putting them in the driver seat for a BCS Championship game berth. Since Spurrier has arrived in South Carolina, Florida has had trouble distancing themselves from the Gamecocks. Spurrier won his first meeting against Urban Meyer in 2005, ending a fourteen game winning streak against South Carolina. In the National Championship season of 2006, it took a blocked extra point in the closing seconds of the game for the Gators to escape the Gamecocks and go on to win the BCS title. Last season, South Carolina lead 14-13 after the first quarter before finally succumbing to the Gators in a 51-31 shoot out.

If the Gators can get by Spurrier's hot South Carolina squad (they have won six of their last seven after starting the season 1-2), Florida State is all that stands in the way of Florida's having a meaningful showdown with Top Ranked Alabama in the SEC Championship game for the right to play for the national title.

Florida has the better atheltes on both sides of the ball and it will be difficult for the Gamecocks to keep up with the Gators in this one. Florida has been dominant since being upset by Ole Miss in September. I don't look for a let down against SC - Florida should win this one handily.

JC De La Torre is an author of Science Fiction/Fantasy and other realms of Speculative Fiction - check out his latest works at JC Delatorre.com

Gators Have the Road Set for National Title Run

By JC De La Torre

The Florida Gators have sights set on Miami and now know the road to get there. With Saturday's upset of the Penn State Nitanny Lions by Iowa, Florida now doesn't have to worry about that fantastic Texas Tech squad slipping up somewhere along the line. The road is clear for the Gators and their case got even stronger with Florida State's victory over Clemson. Take care of their own business by finishing off with victories over South Carolina, the Citadel (on homecoming), and Florida State, they likely will face Alabama for the right to play for a berth in the National title game.

Florida will be ranked no worse than #4 when the BCS standings are released this evening, putting only Bama, Texas Tech, and Texas in their path to 1 of the 2 spots in the BCS. Florida emphatically stated their case to jump Texas by clobbering the nearly bowl eligible Vanderbilt Commodores 42-14, while Texas struggled early against god awful Baylor before finally getting their bearings and blowing out the Bears 45-21.

The biggest problem for the Longhorns is their remaining schedule, as they face two schools having down seasons in Kansas (6-4) and Texas A&M (4-6). They are in the same division as Texas Tech, so unless the Red Raiders fall to Oklahoma, they won't play in the Big 12 Championship game. Meanwhile, Florida plays South Carolina (7-3), the Citadel, and currently #22 Florida State (7-2, 1st place in the ACC Atlantic Division) before taking on #1 Alabama in the SEC title game. If both teams were to win out, there's little doubt that the Gators would jump Texas.

Of course, if the Red Raiders stumble in either the Oklahoma game or the Big 12 championship game, that opens up a big time mess in the BCS standings that could have Florida playing Texas or USC or Oklahoma or maybe even Penn State gets back into the mix. Basically, the BCS folks are praying to the football gods that the Red Raiders or Alabama can win out and keep this from being a nasty clusterfudge that President-elect Obama may inject himself into to force a college football playoff.

For the Gators, its simple - take care of your own business, avoid any minefield losses like Ole Miss, and you'll get a shot at the Crystal.

After the Humiliation of Georgia, the Gators in Striking Distance

By JC De La Torre

The University of Florida destroyed one of their biggest rivals, the Georgia Bulldogs 49-10 (rubbing it in a little bit with a couple time outs at the end of the game - revenge for last year's team celebration by Georgia) and thanks to the impressive win against a top 10 team, the Gators find themselves a bit closer to a BCS title berth, as they jumped several 1 loss teams, jumping to #5 in the BCS Standings. Alabama is #1, with Texas Tech at #2, Penn State #3, and Texas dropping to #4.

While they definitely hoped to hop Texas, one thing is certain, the Gators National Championship hopes were boosted with their dominant performance and the loss by Texas to Texas Tech.

Texas Tech still has tough games against Oklahoma State and Oklahoma, plus the Big 12 Championship game to get threw. The Gators, if they win out, would get their shot at #1 Alabama. A Texas Tech stumble would put the Gators fate into their own hands. Penn State may have the clearest path to the title game with only one game remaining against a ranked opponent (Michigan State). Alabama still have a trip to Death Valley to face LSU and the annual war with Auburn left. Florida still has pesky Vanderbilt and South Carolina before their war with Florida State. Texas does have a tough game on the road against Kansas, but likely will need to win out and hope to see Texas Tech drop two to get to the Big 12 championship game. If Texas doesn't reach the Big 12 Championship, its definitely possible because of the Gators strength of schedule, Florida could jump them.

I think if the Gators run the table and win the SEC Championship, they will be in the title game, likely facing Penn State.

Gators Crush LSU

By JC De La Torre

The Florida Gators made a move back into the National Championship picture by destroying the previously undefeated defending National Champion #3 LSU Tigers by the score of 51-21.

The Florida offense, which had struggled to find a rhythm most of the season, exploded on the highly regarded LSU defense, totaling an impressive 475 yds, most of it coming on the ground (265 yds total).

The first touchdown of the game was a tip ball that fell into the hands of Percy Harvin, who raced 70 yds for a score. After a FG made it 10-0, Tim Tebow would find Percy Harvin again, for a 7 yd score to make it 17-0 after one quarter of play.

Jonathan Phillips 34 yd FG would make it 20-0, which it would remain until late in the first half, when a bad kickoff set up the Tigers in good field position and allow them to go 60 yds in 6 plays, capped off by a Jarret Lee to Chris Mitchell TD pass to cut the lead to 20-7 before halftime.

The Tigers would open up the second half with an 80 yd scoring drive, capped off by an Andrew Hatch 3 yd plunge to cut the margin to 6. From there, the Gators running game took over, with Tebow and Jeff Demps scoring to blow open the game 34-14. Lee would be intercepted on the first play of the 4th quarter by Gators linebacker Brandon Spikes, who returned it 52 yds for another score.

Florida will pile on another 10 points before its all said and done, and the final would be a definative one.

I, for one, am a little stunned that the Gators pummelled LSU by this margin. I expected a close, hard fought ball game - but the Gators got off an running and with exception of a few minutes early in the third quarter, basically slept walked through this laugher.

With this win, the Gators have put themselves back in the hunt for a Championship.