Gators Hire Muschamp; Targeting Smart and Applewhite?

The University of Florida has stunned sports prognosticators by naming University of Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp to replace outgoing coach Urban Meyer. Although Muschamp currently works with the Big 10 Longhorns, he has a long history in the SEC; he even played football at the University of Georgia -- a primary rival of the Gators.

Reaction to Muschamp has been pretty solid, although the decision has shocked many observers. Andy Staples of SI.Com, for example, describes the decision to hire Muschamp as "bold" and "intelligent."

Furthermore, the St. Petersburg Times has collected reactions from many major voices in college football, and the reactions are also very positive. Urban Meyer gracefully describes Muschamp as a "great hire," and Tim Tebow is predictably humble and respectful. ESPN's David Ubben says that Muschamp is "arguably, the best defensive coordinator in college football and one of its best recruiters." And the Gainesville Sun's Pat Dooley expects Muschamp to "bring fire" to the Swamp.

Kirby Smart and Major Applewhite Next?
Muschamp's hiring has led to a new round of rumors regarding new staff for Florida. Even before Muschamp was hired, the sports world tried to predict which coach would replace Meyer; these predictions and rumors were way off the mark. Before Meyer resigned, a flurry of rumors surrounded the much-hated Steve Addazio, the current offensive coordinator for the Gators.

Since the announcement that Muschamp would take over as head coach, two significant rumors have emerged. First, several observers predict that Muschamp will try to convince Kirby Smart, currently at Alabama, to become Florida's new defensive coordinator. Smart has a great reputation, and Alabama already gave him a big raise to keep him from going to the University of Georgia. Smart and Muschamp, however, are close friends. Both played for the University of Georgia, and they have worked together as assistant coaches in the past. Perhaps, the Muschamp's relationship with Smart can seal the deal.

Another rumor thread has Major Applewhite, the running backs coach at Texas, joining Muschamp in Florida. The Applewhite chatter, however, is mixed, with some "reliable" sources saying he will remain in Texas and others saying he will move to Florida.

According to one Texas media site, Applewhite told Malcolm Brown, one of the nation's highest ranking running back scouts, that there might be coaching changes in Texas. Brown, however, refused to say whether Applewhite indicated that he would be leaving Texas. Whether or not Applewhite comes to Florida, if the Gators are indeed looking for an offensive coordinator, then this will please many Florida fans who do not want the current coordinator Steve Addazio to remain in his position.

[Editor's Note: Although this is primarily a law and politics blog, I occasionally comment on sports and other matters related to pop culture.]

Gators Pull Off Victory Despite Very Sloppy Offensive Performance

The Florida Gators opened its football schedule at home playing Miami of Ohio. Although the Gators won 34-12, the offense played awful football.

Several commentators have rushed to blame Florida's offensive performance on the absence of Tim Tebow. Some of these same commentators, however, likely predicted that Tebow would fail in the NFL, and they probably harshly criticized him during his time at Florida.

Analysts who watched the game looking to understand what actually happened will resist the kneejerk "post-Tebow" script. Quarterback John Brantley actually did a decent job for his first start. Some of the veteran offensive players, however, had an inexcusably terrible performance. Mike Pouncey, for example, had over a dozen bad snaps, which made it hard for Brantley to utilize his powerful throwing arm. Also, several offensive players fumbled the ball, resulting in Gator turnovers.

The strongest element of the game was the defense. Despite numerous turnovers and mistakes by the offense, the Florida defense prevented Miami from going into the endzone.

Thankfully for the Gators, the team was able to escape this miserable performance with a victory. In addition, the Gators will have a week to correct mistakes and get ready for SEC play. Alabama is only two weeks away for Florida.

UPDATE: This analysis at Bleacher Report gets it right.

Urban Meyer Apologizes to Fowler, While Some Gators Praise His Conduct

Given the viral nature of the news that Urban Meyer recently had a temper tantrum, I am not surprised that he has apologized.  The story started when Meyer expressed anger towards Orlando Sentinel reporter Jeremy Fowler. Fowler quoted Deonte Thompson, who, when comparing Tim Tebow and John Brantley, described Brantley as a "real quarterback." Thompson meant to imply that Brantley was a more conventional quarterback, but Fowler's article did not give the quote such a gloss. Fellow Gators pressured Thompson, and when Fowler showed up at a Gator practice, Meyer let him have it (see video below).

Meyer's anger sparked a flurry of articles, most of which demanded that he apologize. Some articles also foolishly opined that he was mentally ill -- a conclusion that was even more over-the-top than Meyer's rant. Given the negative coverage, Meyer's apology comes as no surprise.

Although Meyer has apologized, according to ESPN, several Gator players are proud to have a coach that stands up for them:

Florida quarterback John Brantley and several teammates applauded coach Urban Meyer's recent outburst Friday, saying it's nice to see him come to receiver Deonte Thompson's defense.

"Coach has our back," Brantley said. "That's what you want to see out of your coaches. We trust our coaches and they trust us, and that's what we want to see. . . ."

"He got our back and we got his back," center Mike Pouncey said.

Defensive backs coach Chuck Heater called the whole situation "real positive."

"Urban's a real passionate guy about his players, as we all are, so yeah, I think it's real positive from that standpoint," Heater said. "Everybody sees it and everybody gets it."

Although I believe that Meyer was too headstrong, I agree with the sentiment his players expressed.  I also believe that the media coverage of this issue has been overblown.  Reporters ridiculously speculated that Meyer was mentally unfit. This was too melodramatic and did not represent appropriate analysis of the situation.  Meyer's apology, however, should lay this story to rest.

CBS Sports Writer Salivates Over Prospect of Tim Tebow Injury

Yesterday, the number-one ranked Florida Gators defeated Southeastern Conference foe University of Georgia 41-17. The game was only close at the beginning.

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow threw two touchdown passes, and he rushed for two more. Tebow also surpassed the rushing touchdown record of legendary Georgia tailback Herschel Walker. The defense played amazingly good football, as usual, intercepting four Georgia passes, making three sacks, scoring one touchdown, and limiting Georgia to only 286 yards.

Salivating Over Prospect of Tebow Injury
During the game, Tebow took a few hard hits from Georgia's defense. The possibility that one of Georgia's players could have injured Tebow, who already suffered a concussion this season, excites Dennis Dodd, a CBS Sports writer:

If Tim Tebow makes it the end of the season without another debilitating injury, it will be a minor miracle. Florida might have worked 'em silly, Georgia almost knocked Tebow silly [sic]. It wouldn't be the first time for a Gators opponent. We already know Superman isn't indestructible after that concussion suffered in Kentucky. At this rate, something big and terrible is coming. . . .

Everyone assumes Tebow will make it through, but will he make it through playing at such a high level? Two years ago, he came into this game with an injury to his non-throwing shoulder and was under orders to limit his running. Georgia sacked him six times in the Gator Stomp game, a 42-30 victory. . . .

Tebow showed no outward signs of damage. In fact, he sprinted around the rim of Jacksonville Municipal Stadium for a final victory lap in his last Georgia game. But could Georgia somehow have an impact on the national championship by being part of the cumulative effect?

While most other journalists who covered the game reported that Florida played its best football in weeks, a clearly excited Dodd predicts gloom and doom for Tebow.

Dodd also quotes Georgia player Demarcus Dobbs, who is more blatant about his desire that Tebow sustain an injury. Addressing a particular hit he delivered to Tebow, Dobbs says: "I was hoping he didn't get up, but he's competitor, he's a great player. . . ." Expressing a desire that another player suffer an injury is highly unprofessional. Dodd, unlike Dobbs, is a professional, and should operate at a higher level of sophistication.

Other Inflammatory Things
To make matters worse, Dodd falsely states that Brandon Spikes admitted last week that he and Tebow had a "skirmish" after the team's victory over Mississippi State. But Dodd's own transcript of the exchange between Spikes and a Florida Times-Union reporter disproves his portrayal of the interview. The reporter certainly asked Spikes whether he and Tebow had a "skirmish." Spikes, however, dismissed the question, stating: "Me and T's friends, brothers. It wasn't nothing. It was all positive. We came together me and him, got the team together and we kind of got things right."

Finally, Dodd also ponders whether Urban Meyer will leave the Gators and "parlay this run into a new job somewhere else." He also predicts that Florida will not have a successful time playing after Tebow leaves and when the "somewhat more conventional" John Brantley takes over at quarterback.

Question: Is Dodd hostile to every team or is he simply a Gator-hater?

Orange....Blue: Pre-Season Practice Begins for the Florida Gators

The University of Florida football team began pre-season practice this week, and according to the local daily the Gainesville Sun, the team is aiming for perfection -- an undefeated season. Although the Gators have won three national championships, the team had one loss in each of those years.

Whether or not the Gators go undefeated, if the team wins the national championship, this season would continue the "embarrassment of riches" for Florida sports fans. Together, the basketball and football teams have won 4 national championships in 4 years. I'll settle for 5 (with or without a loss).

GO GATORS! UF DEFEATS OKLAHOMA 24-14, WINS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

I predicted it earlier this year. After the Gators lost at home early this season to Mississippi, I knew that they would go all the way. Watching Tim Tebow's locker room speech convinced me. They would repair that harm, by winning all of their other games. The rest is history. Great game! 4 championships in 3 years (counting the basketball team). Pretty nice.

Here's the season-changing video (post-game Ole Miss); the good stuff starts at 2:29:

Will Not Be Denied: Gators Win SEC Championship With 31-20 Victory Over Crimson Tide

The Gators defeated Alabama yesterday and won the SEC Championship. The victory over Alabama, ranked number one and previously undefeated, should place the surging Gators in the BCS Championship Game for the second time in three years. Oklahoma ripped Missouri in the Big 12 Conference Championship Game, and this win should give them the opportunity to play for the national championship as well.

The game was a thrill to watch (assuming you are not an Alabama fan). If Oklahoma and the Gators both play to their potential, the title game should provide some classic football.

Gators Beat Up FSU 45-15, Head to SEC Championship Game

Gainesville Sun Photo

The University of Florida extended its winning streak to 8 games and in the process, continued its dominance over opponents. Next week the Gators face undefeated and presently ranked number one Alabama in the SEC Championship game. The winner will play for the BCS Championship.

One Down, Three to Go: Florida Beats Citadel 70-19

After Florida romped South Carolina last week, former Gator coach (and current SC coach) Steve Spurrier showed a lot of class when he encouraged Urban Meyer to win "four in a row." If the Gators follow Spurrier's advice, they would probably win the national championship.

Today, they inched closer to that goal by blasting the Citadel in yet another lopsided outing. Since the Gators lost a home game to Mississippi by a mere one point, the team has won seven consecutive games. And the victories have been decisive. The Gators have outscored opponents 369-82 during this surge . Overall, the Gators have demolished their opponents 512-131.

UF closes its season with an annual clash against in-state rival FSU, followed by the SEC Championship Game against Alabama, which currently holds the top spot in the rankings. If the Gators win those two games, they will likely earn a spot in the BCS Championship Game. If they win the championship, the Gators would attain their second football title in three years, and considered together with basketball, the Gators would have won 4 national championships in four years. Good stuff!

Disclaimer: This blog normally focuses on law and politics, but as a Gainesville native, Saturday means football.

Source: ESPN

Another Day, Another Blowout: Gators Bash Spurrier and South Carolina 56-6

Unfortunately, I could not watch the game today, because I was stuck in pure madness at the Newark Airport returning from an international trip. But I did not miss much, because this week was about the same as all the rest: pure Gator dominance! That one-point loss to Ole Miss stays with them every week, and every team that have played has received a punishement for the early-season upset. I have not seen the Gators play this well in years.

Source: Gainesville Sun

Unrelenting: Gators Dismantle Vandy, Wins SEC Champ Bid!

The Florida Gators made it look easy again in a 42-14 victory over Vanderbilt. This week, they continued to massacre other SEC teams in order to get a one-point loss to Ole Miss out of their system. Apparently, running up the clock and being absolutely stingy and greedy on defense is great therapy. It sure is fun to watch.

The win secures the Gators a spot in the SEC Championship game. They will face number one Alabama, who managed to defeat LSU in overtime. Penn State also saved the Big Ten from being embarrassed by the SEC in another BCS Championship Game by losing to unranked Iowa. The Penn State loss leaves Texas Tech and Alabama as the only two undefeated contenders for the BCS prize. If Florida were to defeat Alabama (and close out the regular season without losing), then the team would have a great claim to a seat in the BCS matchup.

The Big 12, which is rivaling the SEC this year as the best football conference, might have something to say to the Gators. Texas, Oklahoma, and Texas Tech are very strong teams. Oklahoma State is as well, but Texas Tech proved that its victory against Texas last week was not a fluke by blowing away Oklahoma State. The intra-conference cannibalism continues!

PS: Although this blog covers law, politics, and world events, as a Gainesville, Florida native, I cannot resist devoting an entry per week to Gator sports.

Gators Brutalize Georgia: 49-10!

I truly felt sorry for Georgia fans at one point during the game. Every time the Bulldogs approached or entered the "red zone," Florida took the ball and scored. Georgia became the latest victim of the Gators, who continue to punish Ole Miss indirectly by slaughtering other SEC opponents. Next year, the Gators will probably pulverize Ole Miss on the latter team's home turf.

As a BCS chaser, I also enjoyed watching Texas Tech's thrilling upset victory over the Texas Longhorns. That was quite an amazing game that went down to the final seconds. The Gators, by contrast, outscored Georgia before halftime. Still, seeing all of those touchdowns was really fascinating.

In order to help set up the Gators' next BCS championship showdown, Penn State and Texas Tech need to lose. We will take care of Alabama in the SEC championship game (knock on wood), but maybe LSU will help us out next week. If USC, with its pitiful schedule, ranks higher than UF in the BCS standings at the end of the season, then the BCS will lose the little remaining credibility it currently has.

OUCH: GATORS DECLAW WILDCATS 63-5!

Wow! Ever since the Gators suffered an embarassing -- and unusual -- one-point loss at home to Ole Miss, any team that has had the nerve to step into the Swamp has paid dearly. First, the UF whipped LSU 51-21. Now, Kentucky has paid for the Ole Miss defeat.

Go Gators. And go Ohio State and Oklahoma State! If you know the BCS, you know what I'm talking about.

Disclaimer: This is a law and politics blog, but I was born in Gainesville....So deal with it.

PS: I have no idea what game the picture is from, but it looks good!

Go Gators! Florida Routs LSU: 51-21!

If there is one thing about which I am truly partisan, it is Gator football. Having grown up in Gainesville, Florida, I did not have a choice about (1) liking football and (2) loving the Gators. Both were mandatory for good mental health. Although my crusty Ivy League education has changed me in many ways, it has not robbed me of my Florida football spirit. I really like LSU -- when they are not playing UF. Last night, it was all orange and blue.

PS: I know this is a law and politics blog, but I couldn't resist.