Gators vs tigers?

[NorCal Buckeye]

Can't believe nobody is talking about this one already.

Gator, this is your chance to opine without being called a homer...what's going to happen this weekend? The only thing I know about these teams is Tbow's health is an issue, and the Tigers are overrated. What say you?;)

[cartyboi]

"This is a very business-like game for the Gators."

[gator]

LSU is a very talented team, nobody should forget that. I personally think Miles is overrated as a coach, but he is a great recruiter. When you have talent like that, you obviously have a chance in nearly every game. For this particular game I would say that the Tigers have little to no chance (regardless of if Tebow plays) except for the fact that it is in Death Valley at night. For that fact alone, I will say the Tiger's chances of winning are as high as 15%. My strict football analysis for this game is as follows:

I don't think it will matter if Tebow plays or not because LSU's offense has looked terrible. Yes, NorCal, I just said a team in the SEC has a terrible offense and it is not due to the great defenses of the SEC. Jefferson has looked confused and inept so far this season, and Miles is not complacent enough to use the "just run the clock and see what happens" gameplan that Tennesse followed. LSU will throw 2 or more interceptions in my estimation. If FL simply holds on to the ball and does not turn the ball over in this game, I think 14 points will win it for the Gators. The only difference Tebow will make, IMO, will be the final margin of victory. If Tebow plays, I think FL wins going away (3 TD's or more), and if he doesn't, I think it's FL by 10-14 points.

Like I said, however, I never count my eggs before they hatch against a team as talented as LSU. Moreover, FL (now 4-0) has only made it to 6-0 three times that I can remember: 1995 (made it to NC game undefeated to get destroyed by NEB), 1996 (lost last reg season game, but creamed FSU in NC rematch), and 2006 (lost the 7th game to AUB before going on to title). Hence, we don't go 6-0 too often (not even last year's championship team), but it is a good omen if we do. For one of the three times we went 6-0, we lost the very next game (2006). If FL is going to drop a regular season game, I look for them to drop one of their next 3. I am not particularly worried about Arkansas at home, so that leaves LSU (which has won 32 consecutive home night games) and Mississippi St (which is much improved and hasn't given FL a win in Starkville since 1985). Throw in Tebow's injury (the heart of the team), a talented team facing the #1 team at home and wanting to make a statement, and Urban's 0-2 record in Baton Rouge and it makes me about as nervous as I can be for a game.

[NorCal Buckeye]

LSU is a very talented team, nobody should forget that. I personally think Miles is overrated as a coach, but he is a great recruiter. When you have talent like that, you obviously have a chance in nearly every game. For this particular game I would say that the Tigers have little to no chance (regardless of if Tebow plays) except for the fact that it is in Death Valley at night. For that fact alone, I will say the Tiger's chances of winning are as high as 15%. My strict football analysis for this game is as follows:

I don't think it will matter if Tebow plays or not because LSU's offense has looked terrible. Yes, NorCal, I just said a team in the SEC has a terrible offense and it is not due to the great defenses of the SEC. Jefferson has looked confused and inept so far this season, and Miles is not complacent enough to use the "just run the clock and see what happens" gameplan that Tennesse followed. LSU will throw 2 or more interceptions in my estimation. If FL simply holds on to the ball and does not turn the ball over in this game, I think 14 points will win it for the Gators. The only difference Tebow will make, IMO, will be the final margin of victory. If Tebow plays, I think FL wins going away (3 TD's or more), and if he doesn't, I think it's FL by 10-14 points.

Like I said, however, I never count my eggs before they hatch against a team as talented as LSU. Moreover, FL (now 4-0) has only made it to 6-0 three times that I can remember: 1995 (made it to NC game undefeated to get destroyed by NEB), 1996 (lost last reg season game, but creamed FSU in NC rematch), and 2006 (lost the 7th game to AUB before going on to title). Hence, we don't go 6-0 too often (not even last year's championship team), but it is a good omen if we do. For one of the three times we went 6-0, we lost the very next game (2006). If FL is going to drop a regular season game, I look for them to drop one of their next 3. I am not particularly worried about Arkansas at home, so that leaves LSU (which has won 32 consecutive home night games) and Mississippi St (which is much improved and hasn't given FL a win in Starkville since 1985). Throw in Tebow's injury (the heart of the team), a talented team facing the #1 team at home and wanting to make a statement, and Urban's 0-2 record in Baton Rouge and it makes me about as nervous as I can be for a game.

Good man, thanks for the insight. Maybe my espresso hasn't kicked in yet but if I'm reading you right we're going to see an upset?:eek:

[gator]

I don't know if I underrated the LSU defense or if I overrated UF's offense. Maybe I'm too close to the situation. I think UF's offense is pretty damn good (leading the nation in rushing yards per game). I just thought FL got really conservative (or stupid) inside the redzone. Why not just pound Moody and Tebow inside the 10 yard line. Even the Tebow plays didn't look like real Tebow plays......they looked half assed (like they didn't really want to pound him up the middle). I'm willing to admit that maybe LSU's defense is better than I thought, but I still thought FL left points out on the field and it probably had more to do with FL being safe than LSU stopping FL.

On the other hand, FL was the first team #1 team to go into the house of another top 5 team's house and come away with a victory in 20 years (according to ESPN graphic). I guess I can't argue with the victory, but I thought FL could have won by more points.

[cartyboi]

I wouldn't worry, Gator. Florida's offense was extremely vanilla to try to keep Tebow out of troublesome situations. Urban Meyer won the game without running anything crazy or even his whole offense. I would be proud of that.

[NorCal Buckeye]

I don't know if I underrated the LSU defense or if I overrated UF's offense. Maybe I'm too close to the situation. I think UF's offense is pretty damn good (leading the nation in rushing yards per game). I just thought FL got really conservative (or stupid) inside the redzone. Why not just pound Moody and Tebow inside the 10 yard line. Even the Tebow plays didn't look like real Tebow plays......they looked half assed (like they didn't really want to pound him up the middle). I'm willing to admit that maybe LSU's defense is better than I thought, but I still thought FL left points out on the field and it probably had more to do with FL being safe than LSU stopping FL.

On the other hand, FL was the first team #1 team to go into the house of another top 5 team's house and come away with a victory in 20 years (according to ESPN graphic). I guess I can't argue with the victory, but I thought FL could have won by more points.

That was a good win by your team, Gator. With Tebow's health being a real issue especially. Your FL vs AL tagline is homerism, but that's OK. It will set you up for looking kind of dumb if neither one even makes it to the NC. There is a lot of football remaining to be played.:)

[amazinblue]

That was a good win by your team, Gator. With Tebow's health being a real issue especially. Your FL vs AL tagline is homerism, but that's OK. It will set you up for looking kind of dumb if neither one even makes it to the NC. There is a lot of football remaining to be played.:)

NorCal,

Tell me - who do you think is playing better football right now than Florida and Alabama? IMO, no one. Virginia Tech is the best one loss team in the country.

I'm not a fan of the SEC, but you can't knock what the Gators and Bama are doing on the field week in and week out. I'd be VERY surprised if one of those teams is not in the MNC game.

[NorCal Buckeye]

NorCal,

Tell me - who do you think is playing better football right now than Florida and Alabama? IMO, no one. Virginia Tech is the best one loss team in the country.

I'm not a fan of the SEC, but you can't knock what the Gators and Bama are doing on the field week in and week out. I'd be VERY surprised if one of those teams is not in the MNC game.

Trouble is the SEC teams could easily knock each other out of the NC game by pinning losses on each other during the season and conference championship. Then Texas, VT, USC, or god forbid OSU could slip in. Don't forget how the 07 season shook out. Lots of possibilities here still.;)

[Wolvrin704]

Trouble is the SEC teams could easily knock each other out of the NC game by pinning losses on each other during the season and conference championship. Then Texas, VT, USC, or god forbid OSU could slip in. Don't forget how the 07 season shook out. Lots of possibilities here still.;)

It could happen but I still think OSU loses another game.

[NorCal Buckeye]

It could happen but I still think OSU loses another game.


With all due respect, it won't be to your guys!:D

[amazinblue]

Trouble is the SEC teams could easily knock each other out of the NC game by pinning losses on each other during the season and conference championship. Then Texas, VT, USC, or god forbid OSU could slip in. Don't forget how the 07 season shook out. Lots of possibilities here still.;)

Lots of possibilities - yes. OSU in the title game? I don't think so. Dream as you may. Even if OSU runs the table the rest of the way - don't you think voters will be saying - a one loss SEC team vs. a one loss Big 12 or Pac 10 team would be a better choice than OSU.

If OSU keeps winning, and somehow makes it through the Big 10 season undefeated, they won't be going anyplace except the Rose Bowl.

[NorCal Buckeye]

Lots of possibilities - yes. OSU in the title game? I don't think so. Dream as you may. Even if OSU runs the table the rest of the way - don't you think voters will be saying - a one loss SEC team vs. a one loss Big 12 or Pac 10 team would be a better choice than OSU.

If OSU keeps winning, and somehow makes it through the Big 10 season undefeated, they won't be going anyplace except the Rose Bowl.

Depends on who the one loss SEC/B12 team lost to, and by how much. If our only loss is to a fine 11-1 SC team which everyone knows we beat every which way except on the scoreboard, don't you think we deserve it as much as anyone else?

BTW, do you guys still have any bowl plans?:rolleyes:

[amazinblue]

Depends on who the one loss SEC/B12 team lost to, and by how much. If our only loss is to a fine 11-1 SC team which everyone knows we beat every which way except on the scoreboard, don't you think we deserve it as much as anyone else?

BTW, do you guys still have any bowl plans?:rolleyes:

Michigan will go bowling - where, I don't know - a bowl will provide what I think is most important - additional practice time, and a reward for a team that's really busted their humps to get this program where it is and rebuild the foundation for where its going.

Regarding OSU's bowl - what I think doesn't really matter - it's what the voters will do. And, I can see no circumstance where the pollsters will put OSU in the MNC game over a one loss SEC team - regardless of the size of the loss, or a one loss Big 12 team (which would be Texas, since I think Oklahoma already has two losses), or a one loss USC. Heck, an undefeated Boise State would probably stay in front of the Buckeyes, and if VT remains a one loss team, I don't think there's anything that would vault the Bucks over the Hokies.

Is it possible? Sure. But, I would be VERY surprised if the pollsters gave OSU the chance to play for another MNC with anything short of an undefeated season - and, we know OSU isn't going to be undefeated this year.

[NorCal Buckeye]

Michigan will go bowling - where, I don't know - a bowl will provide what I think is most important - additional practice time, and a reward for a team that's really busted their humps to get this program where it is and rebuild the foundation for where its going.

Regarding OSU's bowl - what I think doesn't really matter - it's what the voters will do. And, I can see no circumstance where the pollsters will put OSU in the MNC game over a one loss SEC team - regardless of the size of the loss, or a one loss Big 12 team (which would be Texas, since I think Oklahoma already has two losses), or a one loss USC. Heck, an undefeated Boise State would probably stay in front of the Buckeyes, and if VT remains a one loss team, I don't think there's anything that would vault the Bucks over the Hokies.

Is it possible? Sure. But, I would be VERY surprised if the pollsters gave OSU the chance to play for another MNC with anything short of an undefeated season - and, we know OSU isn't going to be undefeated this year.

Well, no one will ever accuse you of being a conference homer!:eek:

[amazinblue]

Well, no one will ever accuse you of being a conference homer!:eek:

NorCal,

I always root for the Big 10 when they play out of conference - either early in the season or during Bowl season. I want the conference to win - and, when teams play well - and represent the conference, I'm glad to see it.

One of the challenges of recent years is when two Big 10 teams make it into the BCS. The result is that we usually "lose" one ranking level in the non-BCS matchups - i.e. the Capital One, Outback, Alamo, etc. bowl games. So, instead of conference #2's matching up - it's a #2 SEC vs. #3 Big 10 - and THAT impacts which teams line up, and the end result.

Oh - I really should mention that it IS possible for OSU. I looked at the recent coaches polls and what I felt was - how does an undefeated Iowa team that beat Penn State in State College get ranked behind them - same thing to Oregon and Cal. So - the coaches could theoretically do anything... and, that wouldn't surprise me.

[Wolvrin704]

With all due respect, it won't be to your guys!:D

With all due respect it might not be. Your guys have a rough stretch coming up in November so anything could happen. Not to mention your guys have had trouble with PSU in the past especially at their place. Is TP going to be confident enough going into Happy Valley with the way he's been playing knowing he was the reason they lost last year?

[gator]

That was a good win by your team, Gator. With Tebow's health being a real issue especially. Your FL vs AL tagline is homerism, but that's OK. It will set you up for looking kind of dumb if neither one even makes it to the NC. There is a lot of football remaining to be played.:)

Nor Cal, you just can't be happy can you? I just kind of felt my signature had made fun of Terrell-e Pryor long enough, and I wanted to quit rubbing it into the OSU fans' faces. Since I didn't feel like coming up with one of my usual clever little quotes, I thought I would just say something about the season so far. Of course I can always come up with another one about Pryor, that guy provides endless material. My statement may look like homerism (word?) to you, but it is my honest assessment of the season so far. I would have never said that if Texas had not looked so vanilla lately. Seriously, how bad has Colorado been? F'in AWFUL, right? Colorado did get BLOWN OUT by Toledo. Texas was losing to them at halftime. Hence, I think it is clearly a race between Alabama and Florida at this point. Interestingly, that will be decided before the big game. The regular season game between those two next season will loom large on the schedule.

[blueisbetterthanred]

I have to agree with you gator, those are the best 2 teams right now in the country. Every announcer/commentator/fan outside of the big brown stain that is ohio knows that tuos doesn't have the offense needed to compete in a NC game.

I don't think anyone with any sense (so again, excluding tuos fans) puts a 11-1 uos ahead of a 10-2 alabama, or a 10-2 usc, or a 10-2 (insert any non big 10 power team here).

[NorCal Buckeye]

Nor Cal, you just can't be happy can you? I just kind of felt my signature had made fun of Terrell-e Pryor long enough, and I wanted to quit rubbing it into the OSU fans' faces. Since I didn't feel like coming up with one of my usual clever little quotes, I thought I would just say something about the season so far. Of course I can always come up with another one about Pryor, that guy provides endless material. My statement may look like homerism (word?) to you, but it is my honest assessment of the season so far. I would have never said that if Texas had not looked so vanilla lately. Seriously, how bad has Colorado been? F'in AWFUL, right? Colorado did get BLOWN OUT by Toledo. Texas was losing to them at halftime. Hence, I think it is clearly a race between Alabama and Florida at this point. Interestingly, that will be decided before the big game. The regular season game between those two next season will loom large on the schedule.

It's cool! I said it was OK...no problemo, amigo. Welcome back. We all missed you. I like what you add to the board. You are one of the most astute commentators here. Keep up the good work. CFB is a contact sport. If I slam into once in awhile it's just part of the game. Especially OSU vs SEC/FL. We owe you, right?:D