Alabama sleepwalks for the win over Florida, 31-6

The good old days, a distant memory now.

My Thoughts and going forward:

• Alabama did not look impressive; as a matter of fact, they were uninspired in their efforts. 

• For all the flak over ‘Bama’s defense they have stepped up when needed. Why doubt them? They are coached by Nick Saban and have defensive coordinator Kirby Smart whipping them into shape mentally. 

• Florida needs to find an identity on offense, spread attack or pro-style offense? Pick one. 

• I have been singing the praises of John Brantley to everyone; it was premature of me to think they would not have a hiccup with Tebow gone. 

• Brantley probably would be best served at the next level, where they do not run spread-option attack plays. 

• Did Florida actually think ATH Trey Burton was going to make a fool of Nick Saban and his defense?? Not a chance. Florida needs to stop channeling Tebow and let Burton be Burton, you are not Tebow. 

• This game was really flat, nothing like the last two meetings in the SEC Championship games. 

• I do not know if emotionally and physically the Crimson Tide was beat up after their game with Arkansas. 

• Where does Florida go from here? Who knows? Maybe the Gators should play Texas and we can see which team has the better offense. 

• The Gators have a date with LSU in the Swamp, can Les Miles AKA The Mad Hatter pull off the upset. I wonder how much offense will be generated in this game. Both teams are atrocious on the offensive side of the ball. Get ready folks, this might be 19-16 score when it’s all said and done. Lots of field goals and maybe a safety or two thrown in for good measure. 

• I know it sucks for Brantley but Florida needs to go back to 2006 ala Leak and Tebow. Let Burton try to do his best impression of Tebow and Brantley can be Chris Leak. This is the only way they can get this offense moving. They can’t just go to a pro style offense with their skill players that are speedy and small; they are more suited for the spread attack and can make mismatches in space. 

• When have you seen an Urban Meyer team look so undisciplined? Can’t be good for his health condition? 

• Florida needs to draft a big back that can push the pile. They really need to establish run and punish defenses but they cannot with a scat back like Demps.

In Tebow, I Trust

Just like Martha Coakley thought she had the Senate seat in the bag, maybe the Timothy Tebow naysayers will eat crow when he becomes successful in the NFL as a quarterback. Granted, he did not look good in the first Senior Bowl practice, fumbling six snaps, but who are we as fans and journalists to determine his fate. For starters, he is probably the best collegiate player in this modern era to play college football: two national championships, Heisman Trophy winner and many more offensive accolades to add to the growing list of accomplishments. With 32 NFL scouts in Mobile, Alabama, he was skewered, devoured, and regurgitated for the viewing public to witness. We all know he came from a spread-option offense run by Urban Meyer and these quarterbacks (think Alex Smith) have trouble lining up under center and making the necessary drop-back throws in the NFL. But who are we to think that Tebow, a God-fearing kid from Jacksonville, FL, will not make it at the next level? There is no denying his passion for the game and as a leader; it has been on display for the last four years as he suited up as a Gator. He did not get the nickname of Superman for no reason. Everyone has witnessed his bowling over of defenders for first downs and touchdowns, his patented jump-pass, his fiery pep talks, his vow to never lose again after a bittersweet loss to Ole Miss in ’08. The scouts are saying that he needs to switch to H-back or tight end. But then they question his speed, is he fast enough to play those positions? It took a lot of courage for him to attend the Senior Bowl; he knew the critics would come out in full force to dish out the criticism real thick like some Missouri barbeque sauce. What kills me is that those who adored everything he did in college are the ones who are vehemently against his success at the quarterback position. It took me a while (three years to be exact) to warm up to Tebow. I guess I had a negative affinity toward Urban Meyer and his winning ways at Florida; it was his mocking smile underneath the surface, and his penchant for exacting revenge on a rival SEC coach if they slighted him in a press conference or his team on the field. But I like Tebow and I think he is good for the sport of football. If I were Tebow, I would do the NFL Scouting Combine and his pro day. The more work he gets in on his mechanics the better for him in the long run. In the senior bowl last Saturday, he did OK; he was not awful. You can still see the hesitancy lining up under center. He had two fumbles but that North defense was a ferocious bunch. I felt that the ball did not come out with enough velocity to reach its target, but all these things will be worked on through him being drafted and well into his career in the NFL. I cannot tell whether he will be a star in the NFL, at the quarterback position, but you know that he will give a 110% in improving his weaknesses. This kid won’t rest or take a day off; when the rest of his team will enjoy the clubs and the bars, he will head home to watch more tape and improve. It’s is in his DNA, and those individuals that are doubted and no one gives a benefit of the doubt to, do rise above the negativity. And I hope, Tebow does. He deserves it.