My College Bowl Pickem'

Sports Talk Readers Group Type: Private Group Creator: gaturprincess 1 Group Motto: "Harpo Won't Win" Group Message: Hey Guys, I just thought it would be nice to test our knowledge once again before college football leaves us for another season. Thanks to everyone for being Sports Talk Readers
RNK		Record	PPR	Max	TOTAL	PCT
1	januszak, K. Januszak	11-7	16	27	11	97.8
2	gaturprincess 1, C E Dawson	10-8	16	26	10	92.8
2	dukesmsespn 1, D. Nunya	10-8	16	26	10	92.8
4	ogarroh 1, H. OGarro	9-8	16	25	9	81.4
5	SoBeDawson 1, G. Dawson	8-10	16	24	8	62.2
5	Coach32176 1, T. Dawson	8-10	16	24	8	62.2

Tebow And The Message In His Eye Black

You know I did not know that Tebow just started the eye black message in 2008. I have been so accustomed to it I assume he had been doing since he arrived at Florida. There have been so many knocks on Tebow but, I don't see how you could knock a guy for this one. A bible verse on eye black that sparked so much interest when he wore it the National Championship game google had to shut down for a minute. There were over 90 million hits on John 3:16 in the immediate aftermath of that game. And, we as sports fans...how many times have we seen John 3:16 in the end zone as a field kicker is kicking the ball through the uprights....I can't count it's been so many. 

But, just for nostalgic reasons hear is the rundown of all of Tebow's messages.... 

2008

Regular season: Philippians 4:13 — "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

BCS championship game: John 3:16 — "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life."

2009

Sept. 5 vs. Charleston Southern: Proverbs 3: 5-6 — "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Sept. 12 vs. Troy: Mark 8:36 — "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"

Sept. 19 vs. Tennessee: Romans 8:28 — "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

Sept. 26 at Kentucky: Isaiah 40:31 — "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

Oct. 10 at LSU: Thessalonians 5:18 — "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

Oct. 17 vs. Arkansas: Psalms 23:1 — "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."

Oct. 24 at Mississippi State: Ephesians 4:32 — "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you."

Oct. 31 vs. Georgia: Philippians 4:6-7 — "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Nov. 7 vs. Vanderbilt: Colossians 3:23 — "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men."

Nov. 14 at South Carolina: Joshua 1:8-9 — "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LordLORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."

Nov. 21 vs. Florida International: Romans 1:16 — "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."

Nov. 28 vs. Florida State: Hebrews 12: 1-2 — "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

SEC championship game, Dec. 5 vs. Alabama: John 16:33 — "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

SEC Bowl Games

Kentucky 13 Clemson 21 
It would have been nice to send Rich Brooks out with a win. But, CJ Spiller is a a difference maker. I am so sorry he didn't choose the Gators as his college stop but, oh well, let's not make a review of the Wildcats and Tigers about the Gators. At least Kentucky finished with a winning record for the year. For a school that focuses on basketball Brook's work can't be denied. And, Dabo's first year definitely considered a success. It was a nasty Bowden departure at Clemson so it's good that the program could keep it together.

Texas A&M 20 Georgia 44

This game was of interest to me. I wanted the Bulldogs to win for the conference sake but, it would not have bothered me if they loss. This was a close one for a half. I am not sure what was the difference here. I would like to say the speed of Georgia but, the Aggies had speed too. I think though, the Bulldogs had better athletes in some positions. AJ Green was a monster and he was obviously playing with one arm...that shoulder is still not healed. And, because of those superior athletes Georgia took over. The Aggies though gain more yards; had more first downs but, Georgia's special teams was obviously better. Good win for the Bulldogs so they can say they had an eight win season. All in all the program and the fans had to be disappointed in 2009. 

Va Tech V Tennessee 
I don't care about any conference allegiance. I hope the Vols get stomped in the ground. But, this won't be easy for the Hokies...(btw what the hell is a Hokie?) Montell Hardesty at RB is a beast and I am sure that Eric Berry will want to put on a show for the scouts. I also think Jonathan Crompton is a different and better QB....yes Crompton. And, for a player that has taken more grief than any other college player, good for him. I think the Hokies were a disappointment at 9-3. Playing in the ACC they had a chance to be a top five team and squandered it for whatever reason. I think Tennessee wins this one.

Northwestern v Auburn

The way Auburn came out of the gates you thought they were really be a top 10 or 15 team. But, they faltered coming down the stretch. The way they played against Alabama in that last game influences me to think they will run all over Northwestern. The spread will win out here. Auburn's speed and power will shock Northwestern.

Penn State v LSU

I would like to think the Tigers have something in store for the Nittany Lions. But, I have not been impressed with LSU all year. They are lacking in experience at QB. Jordan Jefferson just didn't look comfortable all year against good teams and Jarrett Lee is just a mistake waiting to happen. When I think Penn State I think big and slow but, I think they will find a way to beat the Tigers.

CIncinnati v Florida

I can't even be objective about this game. I want a Gator blowout. And, I would like to think the Bearcats haven't seen athletes like ours. But, we will see. I think if we can keep Ginyard in check then this will be easy. I am hoping after all the strange things that have happen within the program in 2009 that this will be a game for the ages....and total dominance. I would hate for Cincinnati to be the Utah of 2009. I will be there no matter what though. This is it for Tebow and I want to see up close. 

UConn v South Carolina

This should not be close if the Gamecocks come to play. Garcia at QB has improved. Norwood is a beast at LB and this South Carolina team can compete with anyone when they give it all for the entire game. I have seen the Huskies play this year and even though they are my sentimental team since the incident to Howard.....I think the Big East is a joke in football. 

Oklahoma State v Mississippi 

I actually like the Cowboys in this one. I think the Rebels were ranked based off of a performance against Texas Tech in last years Cotton Bowl. They never lived up to the hype. And, I think Jevon Snead having to overcome the death of his grandfather just took to much from him. If the Rebels can get the ball to McCluskey on offense and let him make plays they have a chance. But, I like the Oklahoma State team minus Dez Bryant.

Arkansas v East Carolina

I could care less about this game. Let's see I hope Mallet has a good game. If he does then Holtz's Pirates won't know what hit them. But, again, I really don't care. I am not a Petrino fan after the way he left the Falcons.

Texas v Alabama

I want the Longhorns to win. But, that's because I can't stand what the Tide did to my Gators. I think the Longhorns are in for a long night though. From Mount Cody to McClain to Julio Jones...take your pick. I think the Longhorns won't know what hit them. I hope I am wrong. If there was a way that they both could lose I am all for that. There is so much more I could say about this game. I am interested in Shipley's value...how will McCoy handle the presser of Alabama's defense. Will McElroy handle this big of a stage? Should be a great match up for the sake of college football but, I won't be watching.

More Texas Tech.....

This is footage recorded by Adam James while he was placed in this so call shed. It is obvious this an electrical room. If I were a parent I would want the same action taken. I applaud the James family. And, to all the fans who support this coach and these actions you need to be ashamed. As a coach you cannot be vindictive.These parents entrust the lives of their kids to the universities and the coaches. There ie nothing more precious than someone's kids.

Mike Leach's Statement Issued....Priceless

The following statement was released from Mike Leach regarding his recent termination from Texas Tech University as Head Football Coach.

"I want everyone to know what a privilege and pleasure it has been to teach and coach more than 400 student-athletes at Texas Tech University over the past 10 years.

When I arrived at Texas Tech, the football program was on NCAA probation and the graduation rate was far below the national average. However, in the past 10 years, Tech has been to 10 straight bowl games, has the third best record in the Big 12 Conference, and has the highest graduation rate for football players of any public institution in the country.

Over the past several months, there have been individuals in the Texas Tech administration, Board of Regents and booster groups who have dealt in lies, and continue to do so. These lies have led to my firing this morning. I steadfastly refuse to deal in any lies, and am disappointed that I have not been afforded the opportunity for the truth to be known.

Texas Tech's decision to deal in lies and fabricate a story which led to my firing, includes, but is not limited by, the animosity remaining from last year's contract negotiations. I will not tolerate such retaliatory action; additionally, we will pursue all available legal remedies.

These actions taken by Texas Tech have severely damaged my reputation and public image. In addition, Texas Tech has caused harm to not only my family, but to the entire Red Raider nation and the sport of college football.

As you know, I prefer to engage in question and answer sessions; however, in this instance my counsel has advised me to simply make a statement. There will be time to answer questions about this issue in the future, but the serious legal nature of this situation prevents me from going into further detail at this time."

Getting The Committments To Stick With Florida Now

I have said over and over that I am can't stand the recruitment process. I feel these young men hold us (college football fans) hostage with their decisions. And, truly verbal commitments mean nothing until the real deal on National Signing Day. I have been wondering what Urban Meyers waffling weekend was going to do for those already committed to the Gators and those that are thinking about it. Here is what ESPN wrote about Joshua Shaw.

For Under Armour All-American corner back Joshua Shaw (Palmdale, Calif./Palmdale), this week featured a sweeping range of emotions. In the end, he was simply happy that the head coach he had built a strong personal relationship with would not be departing the program he had picked to join.

Shaw, a Florida commitment, was stunned just like all of college football when Gators head coach Urban Meyer announced on Saturday he was resigning after five years at the school.

"I got a text from a teammate and he asked me if I was watching 'SportsCenter,'" Shaw said. "He told me that Urban was stepping down. I didn't believe it. Then my dad came and knocked on my door and we went in my room and sat down and watched it."

At that point, it was all about reaching out with a spirit of concern to the head coach that had gone the extra mile to build a relationship with his future player.

"Before I made any decisions, I said that I needed to talk to Urban," Shaw said. "I e-mailed him, then I gave him a call. It really wasn't about my situation, it was really about him. I know he loves the game so much, so I knew his health had to be on the downside then. My main thing was just making sure he was OK."

Joshua Shaw plans to do some recruiting on Urban Meyer's behalf at the UA Game.

The conversation did include some discussion of Shaw's future.

"We just agreed that we would talk on Sunday and not jump to any conclusions at that time," he said. "We agreed I wouldn't try to de-commit and call up other schools. Then I just left it in God's hands. The next morning, I got to talk to Urban. He told me that he basically isn't going anywhere."

That was refreshing news for Shaw, who said he felt like Meyer was personally recruiting him. He also said that he did not know of any other head football coach out of all the programs recruiting him that approached his recruitment the way that Meyer did.

"We have a father-son relationship basically," Shaw said. "I talked to him before he had his press conference and he was letting me know basically it was still safe for me to attend Florida."

That was good news for Shaw.

"It couldn't have come at a better time for me because I am enrolling early," he said. "Right after this game, I am heading up to Gainesville for orientation on Jan. 4. We are all getting situated up there. I just left it in God's hands and it all worked out and I am 100 percent Gator."

If there was any doubt, Shaw showed up to the team hotel on Monday wearing an orange and blue Gators stocking cap and a Florida sweatshirt. He added he was looking forward to talking up the Gators this week with the uncommitted prospects, including four-star receiver Chris Dunkley (Pahokee, Fla./Pahokee), who is set to announce this week.

"I am hoping that Chris Dunkley will be a Gator," Shaw said. "No doubt about it."

Reaction By Texas Tech Fans On Coach Leach Firing

I said this could only end one way....and that was resignation. But, I should have included termination by Texas Tech. And, that's exactly what the Red Raider's Program did on Wednesday morning. As Leach's attorneys showed up for court proceedings they were handed a termination document. Leach couldn't have expected anything different after trying to force his boss to let him coach a bowl game. The school and it's image was taking a hit and they couldn't allow this go on publicly. It interesting to see though the support from this message board for Coach Leach. This is going to be ugly for awhile.

• 
  What's wrong with you! Did you expect this to go over well? Do you really think you would get the support from students and staff? REALLY?
  Expect this Tech!!!
  You will loose all funding.
  You will loose all support.
  You will loose attendance!
  You will be in debt!
  Good luck at paying off the new stadium.
  Everyone, do not buy any season "
  great spelling smart one
  
• 
  
  I honestly dont think Leach is going to have a problem at all getting another job. Howbout Washington St. that would be a good fit.
• 
  
  James, consider a new career. Forget about Tech, you screwed this up, you should take full blame for this. If you can be a man for one thing in your life, take full responsibility for this and move on. You do not deserve to be Red Raider.
  Stand down NOW!
  
• 
  
  You haven't heard the last from Leach. He is an attorney by trade himself, before he became a football coach. The University is screwing him out of the $800,000 bonus he was supposed to receive by firing him. They were equally as cheap when they were signing him to his 5 year deal last season. If I were a coach, I would not want to deal with the idiot bureaucrats at Texas Tech. I smell a lawsuit coming by Leach.
• 
  
  
  Mike Leach is unprofessional. After the way he has acted in the past year I say the university had just cause to fire him even before this incident. It doesn't matter who the player is, you don't do things that could get you fired... simple. Act like the adult, something I have NEVER seen Mike Leach do, and cut the player from the team. If he was a problem player, which he seemed like he was, cut him, don't have them sit in a storage room. If you have to debate if the room was adequate for a player to be in, don't put a player in there. Simple common sense right?
  How is it Adam James or his fathers fault Mike Leach didn't properly do his job? If every Mike Leach fan in Lubbock threw there tv out of a 3 floor window and never watch ESPN again I doubt they would even notice.. grow up and quit espn bashing, espn isn't the reason Mike Leach doesn't have a job, Mike Leach's lack of professionalism is the reason he is out of a job. Have any of you seen the way he acts??? The things he says?? Mack Brown or Nick Sabin wouldn't be caught dead acting the way he acts.
  I wish Mike Leach and his fat little girlfriend a happy new year!
  

Jonathan Bender....His Story Is Full Of Heart and Perseverance

I had never heard of Mr Bender before today. This great story was just referred to me by someone close in my circle. 

I must say, "I love these types of stories....where redemption is better than condemnation. Where happy endings are found. Where it is proven if you keep on pressing good things will happen....maybe not in your timing but, the timing ends up being so perfect anyway.



It seems Jonathan Bender had every reason to walk away from basketball. And, he actually did. It seemed he had no other choice. 

He was drafted right out of high school with a lot of expectations. The next everything had been predicted in his game. But, injuries continued to happen. And, it it eventually took a told on his physical and mental state. He was forced to walk away from the game he seem to love. 

What would have happen if he had a chance to go to college and develop that 6'11 skinny frame and really learn the game of basketball. The debate of the declaring for the draft right out of high school and one and done's will be debated at a later time though. 

He was the fifth overall pick in the 1999 draft, selected by the Raptors and then traded to the Indiana Pacers.

Now I know that injuries force a lot of professional athletes out of their game. So this is definitely another one of those stories. But, i like to read and hear about the deck of cards handed to a person called life and see and know how they respond. It continues my growth. Makes me a better person. And, the Jonathan Bender story has done that.

Bad knees forced him to miss 172 games in his final three seasons, until the pain of bone rubbing against bone became too much, and the Pacers waived him.

Sports Illustrated even rated him as No. 11 on its list of the 20 biggest busts in modern NBA draft history.

But his name has resurfaced again....and if you have any kind of heart you have to be routing for him. You have to have your pom poms out on this one.

Donnie Walsh who was his GM at Indiana is now the GM at the New York Knicks. And, once again he has found a way to give Bender a chance to play the game he loves. 


Bender hasn't been quiet in retirement in 2006 either. He seized the moment to make a difference in his home town. Hurricane Katrina had ravaged his house and all those around him. 


Bender stated, imagine leaving home for just a moment with the tv and lights still on in your home and not being able to come back until three days later." Now we all have personal accounts of Katrina and lots of sad stories of what went on there. I for one spent three days glued to the television and CNN watching this tragedy unfold. 


But, what have we done about it? I have given some donations....but, in all honesty I could have done a lot more. 


Well, that's exactly what Bender did....a lot more. Pictured below is Bender standing in the midst of affordable housing he finance and architected to help those less fortunate recover. 

I assume with the money he made in the NBA he could have walked away from his home and rebuilt anywhere in the country. 


But, it is obvious he had a higher calling....a desire to help....a desire to improve and assist.


For those actions I think he is being rewarded. He is being given a second chance at his first dream....his first love. The NBA....


Fanhouse reports....
Jonathan Bender signed with the Knicks earlier this week, with most believing that as heartwarming a story the player's comeback has been, this is mostly about an old friend (New York president Donnie Walsh, who acquired Bender for Indiana early this decade) helping the kid out.

As it turns out, Bender can still play! Well, at least he could for one glorious night. In Madison Square Garden against the Clippers, Bender checked into an NBA game for the first time since November 5, 2005. The Knicks were down 26-8 when Bender came in. He proceeded to score five straight points to spark the Knicks -- in the second half, he hit a pair of free throws to give New York its first lead of the game. Mike D'Antoni was glowing in post-game remarks, so expect to see plenty more Bender in days to come.

The amazing thing about all of this is that while Bender's career feels an era removed, he's still only 28 years old. If the knee holds, Bender could have a lot of basketball -- maybe at MSG,

Riley Cooper Has Choices

Riley has been one of my favorite players. You can tell that he is well liked on the team too.
Much was made of Riley at the beginning of the season. Gator Nation waited anxiously to hear if he would come back for his Sr season or continue on with his professional baseball career with the Texas Rangers.  Urban Meyer said during the season that Riley would have a decision to make. Now that the season is culminating with the Sugar Bowl, that prediction appears to be coming true. Riley said on Monday that he is "definitely" thinking about giving up on a pro baseball career to play in the NFL, instead. He said he hasn't heard from the Rangers since last summer.

"I must not mean that much to them. . . . Hopefully they contact me, I'm not going to contact them," said Cooper, who has 44 receptions for 780 yards and eight touchdowns this season.

In my eyes he could have had a lot more in receptions and touchdowns. There were several key drops by Riley....actually some disappointing ones. But, his talent and knack for the game is undeniable. He is a tall receiver with 4.3-4.4 speed. He is probably the toughest receiver in the SEC when it comes to blocking.

He is supposed to report for spring training in March but said he can give his signing bonus back and would be cleared to concentrate on football. .

He plans to go to the NFL's predraft combine workouts in Indianapolis.
"I do think I'm definitely going to have a decision to make," Cooper said. "I'm going to train hard, show up at the combine, hopefully run a good 40 (yard dash), hopefully run a 4.3, 4.4 . . . and hopefully my draft stock goes up a lot."

Cooper said he is definitely looking harder and harder at playing football instead of baseball.

"I wouldn't say it's because I love it more because I've been playing both for so long," he said. "But maybe the money will be better. I think my mindset is a football player. I kind of struggle with failure in baseball and kind of get frustrated with it."

The Pouncey Twins

As a Gator fan Mike and Maurkice Pouncey have been a pleasure to watch on and off the field. I have been proud to have them represent the Gator Nation. Here we are though in their Junior year and they have a decision to make....the NFL or return for their Senior year. I for one selfishly hope they return for another season and give the offensive line some continuity for John Brantley....the QB in waiting. The QB after Tebow. A lot has been said about their decision. But, the most powerful statement has been voiced by their parents who stated, "if the Pounceys are not predicted first or second rounders they will return."

Gatorsports reports....Maurkice, who has been projected by most mock drafts to be one of the top centers taken in the draft, said no decision on either one's future has been made and he is not planning to leave UF if he's not projected to go in the first two rounds.

Mike shares Maurkice's feelings.

"If I'm not going to be in the second round I'm coming back," Mike said. "I'll come back to play center next year to improve my draft stock."

There's also a chance that one could leave for the draft, while the other stays in school. A thought most believed to once be impossible.

Mike actually hopes Maurkice is projected to go higher than him and isn't afraid to hang back at UF for another year.

"Maurkice plays a more unique position, so I hope he gets drafted higher," he said.

Whatever happens with two of them I wish them well. They have been exemplary athletes in a high profile program.

Mike Leach

I don't know what Coach Leach was thinking or is thinking now. But, from a legal standpoint this is not good. There is no way that it is ever good to force anyone to stay in a closet. And, that is what has been alleged here. 

Then to couple that with it being Adam James, the son of Craig James, a former high profile college player who happens to be just as popular now on ESPN as an analyst....wow! I remember when Adam committed to the Red Raider program. It was smiles all around. And, James as a former college athlete, i got the feeling that they had done their homework and was pleased with where their son would be getting an education and playing football. 

This is ugly and a black eye for college athletics. There is only one way this will end and that is with Mike Leach's resignation. Thanks to the Red Raider Program the spotlight is now on someone other than Urban Meyer.

Urban Meyer

What a rollercoaster of emotions for Gator Nation. What does all of this means? I guess the questions will be answered after the game on January 1st.

It was comforting to me to hear Meyer say, "his gut feeling is he will be back at the beginning for the first day of football of 2010. Even though the University is taking a big gamble in keeping him and going through this with him. I think we owe hime that much. What he has given the program is worthy of us given that back and more.

I sincerely hope there is not a huge fall out of recruits.

Go Gators!!

Extra Security For The Sugar Bowl

Associate athletic director Greg McGarity said the school has elected to add several extra security officers for the team's stay in New Orleans, for several reasons. One is the attention Gators Tebow draws when he is in town.

But this week could be like no other because fans and memorabilia collectors alike realize this is his last collegiate game.

Fans started showing up in packs outside Florida Field late in the 2009 season after games seeking Tebow's autograph -- before it was too late. He even had to be escorted separately to the team hotel before a game because the crush was so overwhelming the team could have been delayed for hours while Tebow signed autographs.

Sprinkle in many of the other star seniors -- such as linebackers Brandon Spikes and Ryan Stamper -- and the attention will be intense. UF's arrival in SEC towns was similar, like a rock band arriving. But those were quick arrivals and departures of less than 48 hours.

With the Gators in the same town for seven days, it figures to get even more intense.

Another issue that has UF concerned is the likelihood that this is also the final college game for a bunch of UF juniors who will turn pro. That, undoubtedly, means agents and runners will be around.

"Autograph hounds and agents are our main worry,"

One of the most embarrassing incidents that my readers may not know of in Gator history originated in New Orleans, when former agent Tank Black first made contact with a number of future Florida stars before the '96 Sugar Bowl and he eventually started giving them money. Since Black's actions became known following the 1998 season, UF officials have been hyper-active in educating athletes and putting up preventive measures for a repeat.

First Female In A Bowl Game....couldn't resist making note of this one.

Sarah Thomas made history at the Pizza Bowl on Saturday, becoming the first woman to officiate a bowl game when she worked the match up between Ohio and Marshall.

 

Thomas is one of five women officiating in major college football, but Pizza Bowl spokesman Tim Moore said she was the first to draw an assignment for a Bowl Subdivision postseason game.

"It was an honor," Thomas said while running off the field with her colleagues after Marshall's 21-17 victory at Ford Field.

Sarah Thomas was hardly a fan of referees in her days playing basketball at the University of Mobile.

But at age 36, she no longer argues with the folks in stripes.

In fact, as the first woman to referee NCAA major college football, Thomas finds herself on the receiving end of the ire.
 

"When I walk on the field, if they don't look at my face they don't know I'm a woman," said Thomas, who keeps her hair tucked under her striped cap.

She has called practice games at New Orleans Saints training camps and wouldn't mind making the leap to the NFL as the first female referee.

Thomas said she's never had a negative reaction from her peers. "It's a fraternity they've allowed me to join," she said.

I truly didn't know we had a female in the business of being a referee for Div 1 Football and to now know we have five of them. 


I pray that the door opened for her will be open for many more after her.

Urban Meyer Staying

As a Gator fan I am willing to wait a year and see if Meyer can rejoin the team. I think this was a good move my Athletic Director Jeremy Foley and President Machen of UF. The move to allow Meyer to take a leave of absence.

Now OC Steve Addazio will take over. I love his personality and I am sure he will do it the Meyer way. 

I think this move was all about trying to keep some continuity in the program and to keep commits on board. 

Whatever the reason it's great to be a Gator!!!

Where Do We Go From Here?

Well, I can't stay away from this subject all day. This has been quite a shock to Gator Nation. But, it is true. It is had been compared to already as the same as Jim Brown walking away from the game of football at the pinnacle of success. Well, I am not a Jim Brown fan so I don't really like that comparison. But, the shock of all this is like Steve Spurrier walking away in 1999.

And, look at this picture of Coach Meyer....this intensity is what made us successful but, at the same time probably the reason we lost him so early.

I had heard rumblings of this on Christmas but, truly just dismissed it as a rumor.

I never thought we would be looking for another Coach at this point. I thought the season was salvage because Urban Meyer was still our Coach.

We had the #1 Recruiting Class on ESPN and the #3 Recruiting Class on Rivals. Life was good in Gator Nation as we thought about post Tebow.

We fans considered ourselves better than USC....we were reloading too and taking recruits from California.

But, now all of this puts so much into perspective. We arrogant Gator fans can go sit down for awhile.

I wish Urban Meyer well....he has given so much to the University and the program.

I am literally still in shock.

My Rookie Watch

Tyreke Evans, Sacramento Kings, College, Memphis, Drafted #4

I don't think I caught one game of Evans as a Memphis Tiger. I have never been a Calipari fan so that may have something to do with it. But, I have seen enough of him now in the NBA to know he is the truth. He is a pure shooter, a natural shooter. He also seems to have great court awareness and you just don't get the idea that you are watching a rookie.

Blake Griffin, LA Clippers, College, Oklahoma, Drafted #1

This player was my favorite in college. I loved his game. I don't know who to compare him to from the NBA. Maybe an athletic Charles Barkley. Now, we all know he has not had a chance to show his skills in the NBA since he got hurt. But. he has been cleared to begin a tougher workout so hopefully we will see him back on the court after the All- Star break.

Dejuan Blair, San Antonio Spurs, College, Pittsburgh, Drafted in 2nd Round

I hate to admit it but, I am a huge Big East fan when it comes to college basketball. And, because I am, I have watched a lot of Pittsburgh and Blair. I loved his game. I really thought Dixon had this team on the way to the Final Four. It's amazing that all the teams that Blair worked out for passed on him in the draft and he ended up going to the Spurs in the second round. My beef with the NBA draft and Commissioner Stern is we let the franchises draft foreign players that are a project in the making and consequently take a draft spot from those college players that we have seen perform at a high level. I have also heard that Blair's knees were a concern. I have heard that he has no cartilage in his knees and the franchises passed for that reason. The Spurs on the other hand thought they would give him a chance and he is definitely making the best of it.

Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors, College. Davidson, Drafted #7

I think we all saw Curry's performance in the NCAA Tournament. Those performances alone put him in the NBA. With that type of talent why do you settle for Davidson? It has been brought to my attention though that he did not get a lot of offers coming out of high school. He was 5'9 and small build coming into his senior year. And, then his senior he grew a few more inches. By then though he had already committed to Davidson.  I guess it doesn't really matter now. He has the same long range in the NBA and seems to be acclimating to the NBA game. He is a pure shooter. I wonder though if he will have to strengthen his body for longevity. From talking to others though that are in the game.....it's not advised to increase weight at a rapid rate. That aside, his game has adapted to the NBA and I am thrilled that he looks so good.

Ty Lawson, Denver Nuggets, College, North Carolina, Drafted #18

Of course I watch a lot of ACC Basketball and I am a huge Roy Williams fans. Even though he comes off with this "shoot I reckon personna." Kinda country bumpkin like....I don't like it but, he is a good coach and obviously has the Tar Heels on the right path post Daugherty years. Coach Williams keeps producing great guards and Lawson is no exception. I was unsure of his success at the next level only because of his size. It seems though he is in a perfect situation with Billups and Coach Karl. He is getting plenty of minutes and producing. And, his speed puts him at an advantage. I love his game. 

Jonny Flynn, Minnesota Timberwolves, College, Syracuse, Drafted # 6

I wasn't a Flynn fan while he was at Syracuse. I don't know why...because I loved Carmelo and just a couple of years ago I loved Eric Devendorf. But, maybe it's because I have heard some comparisons to Chris Paul and Jonny Flynn and I just think it's an injustice to even think of that one or even try to argue that comparison. But, Flynn obviously has game. He is very strong and seems to be a consistent double digit threat when it comes to scoring. I don't know if I saw that for him as a rookie in the NBA. He won't win ROY but, it's obvious the Timberwolves think he has a tremendous upside. He is though, on a bad team with a first year Coach....so there will be some growing pains all around.

Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee Bucks, Drafted #10

Jennings is the biggest surprise to me. I remember when he made the decision to forego the US game and all it's rules and go overseas. So far, it seems to have paid off. I don't think anyone saw a 55 point game from Brandon Jennings though. Or his ability to blow by people like he is doing. It will be interesting to see his role when Michael Redd is back at full strength. For now though it seems like Jennings is the go to guy. Amazing to me..

Toney Douglas, New York Knicks, College. Florida State, Drafted # 29

Of course I have watched Toney plenty times with him being at Florida State....and many of them up close. It was said that he couldn't play defense yet he was Defensive Player of the Year in the ACC. His shooting game is undeniable. His ability to make things happen off the dribble is excellent also. I think though he is in a situation where he won't get playing time right away. There are so many other things going on on that team. And, right now the politics of basketball and the business of basketball is in full bloom in NY. I am hoping after all the moves are made and roster is settled that Toney is given an opportunity to show what he has.

NBA Rookie Stats As Of 12/27

PLAYER NAME, TEAM NAME		GP	MPG	PTS	FGM-FGA	FG%	3PM-3PA	3P%	FTM-FTA	FT%
1	* Tyreke Evans , SAC	28	37.0	20.3	7.6-16.4	.461	.5-2.1	.250	4.6-6.0	.778
2	* Brandon Jennings , MIL	28	34.8	19.3	7.1-17.6	.404	2.0-4.8	.407	3.1-3.9	.815
3	* Jonny Flynn , MIN	31	29.3	14.3	5.3-12.2	.430	.9-2.7	.337	2.9-3.6	.804
4	* Stephen Curry , GSW	29	33.0	12.1	4.6-10.3	.443	1.4-3.4	.404	1.6-1.8	.849
5	* Omri Casspi , SAC	27	25.5	11.9	4.3-8.7	.492	1.3-2.9	.443	2.0-3.2	.609
6	* James Harden , OKC	29	22.6	10.0	3.1-7.9	.397	1.1-3.0	.360	2.7-3.2	.830
7	* Marcus Thornton , NOH	23	18.4	9.7	3.7-8.8	.416	1.2-3.5	.333	1.2-1.7	.675
8	* Tyler Hansbrough , IND	24	18.7	9.2	3.2-8.5	.374	.0-.2	.000	2.9-3.8	.758
9	* Terrence Williams , NJN	28	23.2	8.8	3.4-9.2	.374	.5-1.9	.288	1.4-2.0	.696
10	* Jonas Jerebko , DET	27	28.5	8.5	3.3-7.0	.473	.4-1.6	.250	1.5-2.1	.702
11	* Taj Gibson , CHI	28	24.4	8.4	3.6-7.2	.502	.0-.0	.000	1.2-2.3	.531
12	* Wesley Matthews , UTA	30	24.9	8.3	3.0-6.4	.476	.7-2.1	.317	1.5-2.0	.754
13	* Chase Budinger , HOU	26	18.5	8.2	3.1-7.6	.409	1.2-3.5	.333	.8-1.1	.750
14	* Ty Lawson , DEN	30	20.7	7.9	2.9-5.9	.494	.6-1.3	.425	1.5-1.9	.789
15	* Darren Collison , NOH	24	18.9	7.8	2.9-7.2	.401	.3-1.1	.269	1.8-1.9	.913
16	* DeMar DeRozan , TOR	31	20.3	7.6	2.7-6.3	.438	.1-.4	.333	2.0-2.6	.787
17	* Sam Young , MEM	29	16.6	7.3	2.9-6.5	.439	.1-.7	.158	1.5-2.0	.754
18	* Toney Douglas , NYK	22	13.3	6.9	2.9-5.8	.496	.8-2.3	.340	.4-.5	.800
19	* DeJuan Blair , SAS	27	15.2	6.4	2.9-4.7	.617	.0-.0	.000	.6-1.3	.429
20	* David Andersen , HOU	30	14.5	6.1	2.5-5.6	.440	.4-1.3	.325	.7-1.0	.724
21	* Jrue Holiday , PHI	20	19.2	6.0	2.2-6.4	.354	.6-2.2	.302	.8-1.0	.800
22	* Rodrigue Beaubois , DAL	19	11.6	5.4	2.3-4.3	.524	.4-1.4	.308	.4-.5	.800
23	* Eric Maynor , OKC-UTA	28	13.9	5.1	2.0-5.0	.400	.2-.9	.240	.9-1.2	.758
24	* Austin Daye , DET	27	14.6	5.0	2.1-4.6	.456	.5-1.4	.333	.3-.6	.600
25	* Serge Ibaka , OKC	21	15.7	5.0	2.2-4.4	.511	.0-.0	1.000	.5-.9	.556
26	* Wayne Ellington , MIN	29	16.6	4.8	2.0-5.3	.373	.4-1.8	.235	.5-.7	.737
27	* Jodie Meeks , MIL	22	12.9	4.5	1.7-4.5	.370	.8-2.4	.346	.4-.4	1.000
28	* Derrick Brown , CHA	20	12.6	4.2	1.7-3.6	.466	.0-.2	.000	.8-1.6	.548
29	* Chris Hunter , GSW	13	12.9	3.9	1.6-3.3	.488	.0-.0	.000	.7-1.0	.692
30	* Jordan Hill , NYK	10	8.0	3.8	1.7-3.3	.515	.0-.1	.000	.4-.5	.800
31	* Jeff Teague , ATL	27	10.9	3.7	1.4-3.8	.369	.1-.6	.235	.7-.9	.870
32	* James Johnson , CHI	20	10.3	3.6	1.2-3.4	.373	.2-.6	.250	1.0-1.1	.909
33	* DeMarre Carroll , MEM	27	13.8	3.6	1.4-3.5	.400	.0-.0	.000	.8-1.3	.647
34	* Gerald Henderson , CHA	20	9.2	3.4	1.1-2.8	.386	.2-.7	.286	1.0-1.2	.800
35	* A.J. Price , IND	9	7.4	3.2	1.1-3.3	.333	.4-1.7	.267	.6-.7	.833
36	* Earl Clark , PHX	22	8.7	2.8	1.2-3.0	.400	.0-.0	.000	.5-.7	.625
37	* Hasheem Thabeet , MEM	25	10.6	2.8	1.2-2.0	.612	.0-.0	.000	.4-1.0	.417
38	* DaJuan Summers , DET	19	9.0	2.7	.9-2.8	.315	.4-1.0	.421	.5-.6	.750
39	* Jeff Pendergraph , POR	3	13.6	2.7	.7-1.3	.500	.0-.0	.000	1.3-1.3	1.000
40	* Dante Cunningham , POR	19	7.8	2.6	1.3-2.5	.500	.0-.0	.000	.1-.4	.286
41	* Marcus Landry , NYK	8	6.2	2.2	.9-2.2	.389	.5-1.1	.444	.0-.0	.000
42	* Jon Brockman , SAC	21	10.5	2.1	.9-1.7	.514	.0-.0	.000	.4-.9	.444
43	* Jermaine Taylor , HOU	10	4.6	1.7	.6-1.9	.316	.0-.4	.000	.5-.6	.833
44	* Danny Green , CLE	6	2.4	1.2	.3-1.0	.333	.2-.8	.200	.3-.3	1.000
45	* Lester Hudson , BOS	14	3.8	1.1	.3-1.0	.286	.1-.3	.500	.4-.4	.833
46	* Trey Gilder , MEM	2	2.6	1.0	.5-.5	1.000	.0-.0	.000	.0-.0	.000
46	* Taylor Griffin , PHX	2	7.0	1.0	.5-1.5	.333	.0-.0	.000	.0-.0	.000