It’s been a while since I last posted.  Mostly because there are so many good blogs on here that by the time I do find something to write about, it’s been said already.  But since most of the SEC is being covered (Carolina – Demon, LSU – by LSU fan (like who didn’t see that coming, and Arkansas – hogfan), I figured why not shine a little more light on Florida. 

 You may all know the names of Florida standouts Chris Leak, Dallas Baker, Earl Everett, Brandon Siler, and Eric Wilbur.  (Okay, the last one was for those not paying attention.)  There are some new Gators in town and they’re going to be making an impact sooner rather than later.  Some of them have already shown what they do.  These individuals are showing up fashionable early for the BCS party. 

 Riley Cooper – While he hasn’t gotten a boat load of playing time, he’s proved vital to Florida.  He’s the player that made the hit on Doucet that caused the fumble and then safety. 

 

Brandon James – As the return specialist, this kid is quick and elusive.  He’s always one cut or block away from taking it to the house.  Just ask Tennessee who saw him take the kickoff back only to be called back by a phantom holding call and then lucky enough to trip him up (literally) to prevent him from scoring.  It’s just a matter of time before he officially makes his mark.

 

Ryan Smith – While not a true freshman, Smith is playing his first year with Florida.  Transferring from Utah, where he graduated in three years, he’s making a name for himself in the secondary.  Smith had back to back games with two interceptions with a couple of chances at having three against LSU.  Florida’s secondary was a huge question mark coming into the season.  Smith along with Tony Joiner and Reggie Nelson has turned that question mark into an exclamation point. 

  

Percy Harvin – While hobbled for the last few games with a high ankle sprain, number eight hasn’t been able to show his flair for big plays.  Harvin did show brilliance in the backfield and at receiver for the first two games.  He’s a playmaker in every since of the work.  He’s already getting comparisons to a certain Bush (not George W.)  When his ankle completely heals, look for Meyer to find new ways to get the ball in his hands. 

  

Tim Tebow – Either you love him or you are tired of hearing about him.  The kid runs over highly touted, veteran safeties, moving piles like he was Jerome Bettis.  The defenses know what’s coming, but they can’t stop it.  He still needs to work on his throws, but it doesn’t matter if the secondary is frozen by your first step and your receiver is standing alone in the end zone.  If he’s a sign of things to come, things are looking very well for Tebow Meyer, and the Gator Nation. 

  

SEC Notes:

Florida represented well on ESPN College Game Day – Whether they were chanting “Leak for Heisman” or belting out their conference pride with huge “S-E’C” chants.  Game Day is always a fun way to start off your Saturdays, but it just seemed like Gainesville upped the ante a little bit.  Side note…got to love the guy painted bronze and doing the Heisman pose. 

 

 Auburn did not look well.  Florida better keep their eyes on them and not get distracted by their ranking. 

Arkansas looked good.  Really good.  Felix Jones and Darren McFadden are a deadly combo. 

Tennessee is officially back.  Great come from behind win for them. 

 

 Funniest College Game Day sign (to me)

HETLAND FOR GROZO

Chris Hetland has yet to come through on a field goal attempt.  He’s 0-4 on his attempts.  As most of you know, the Grozo award goes to the Nations Top Kicker. 

 

 Wedding note:

I went to a wedding on Saturday.  (Yeah I know, who plans a Wedding on Saturday during college football season.  Let alone Florida vs LSU.)  I had my phone on me and my brother texting me with updates of the game.  There were more people talking about that game than paying attention to the bride and groom. 

Sign that SEC is king of college football – Two ladies (both late 50’s, early 60’s) sat at our table and talked football for over 45 mins. 

  

Personal notes:

I saw Gary Allan on Saturday night as well.  He puts on a great concert.  The place was packed and you could hear everyone singing along.  Pretty good stuff. 

$4.50 for a beer is way too much.  But of course I still paid.  I'm sure that won’t stop them from selling $4.50 beers. 

- Welcome Reggie Bush to the NFL. Reggie ran ten times for 66 yards and had four catches for 24 yards in two preseason games. Can we officially stop the Bush hype? Here’s an inside scoop that you may not know: NFL defenses are faster than PAC-10’s. (Some high schools may be too)
A side not that I though was interesting. Another rookie running back out of New Orleans isn’t doing a bad job. Could he challenge Reggie and Duece for first string?
*Jamaal Branch had 87 yards on 22 carries and three catches for 70 yards.

- Staying with the Trojan theme. Is anyone luckier than Matt Leinert? He gets to command one of the youngest and up and coming offenses. He has a QB in front of him that’s as fragile as glass. It doesn’t hurt that ASU isn’t that far away. There female quantity and quality is quite underrated.

- Why does everyone who doesn’t play fantasy sports complain? If you don’t like it, don’t worry about it. I don’t play dungeons and dragons and I don’t have a problem with those that do. You can do whatever you want.

- Adam LaRoche has got to swing (not bunt) in that situation. I like his team first attitude, but someone with 25 HRs shouldn’t lay down a bunt. Of course, if he would have grounded into a double play, I would say that he should have bunted. Fans are never happy unless their team wins. Sometimes, that doesn’t work either.

- Back to the Braves…you have to believe that a few teams will be gunning for John Smoltz in the off-season. I’d like to see him retire as a Brave, but I also have to remember how we got him. Trading a veteran for a rookie prospect.

- Do you think any team in any conference could take on the Florida Gator’s schedule and make it out unscathed?

- I think Chris Leak could have been a first round pick. He’s looking like a third from where I sit. It’s going to be even harder this season with the trouble they are having with the o-line.

- Outkast new album is interesting. If you like Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, you’ll enjoy this one as well. Hollywood Divorce is my early favorite. I think Andre could give Jay Z a run for his money. If anyone else has some good music advice, I’m all ears. I’m into anything.

- I picked up Madden for both the 360 and the regular Xbox (rented). The Xbox plays great in the NFL Superstar mode. It’s not as easy and you can’t pick your “home run” plays all the time to blow up your stats. The Xbox 360 graphics look worse than Xbox.

- I’ve had my Xbox 360 for a little over a month now and it’s already on the market to be resold. It’s not worth it right now if you are thinking about it. NCAA 07, NBA LIVE 06, and Madden 07 are all better on the original Xbox. Save your money until they make some advancements.

Does anyone own a Dodge Charger out there? I’m looking to buy one and want to see how an owner enjoys it. Hit me up if you do.

Hope everyone has a great weekend.