Q&A: Marcell Dareus Postgame

Alabama sophomore defensive end Marcell Dareus, a rising star and a key cog to Nick Saban's 3-4 defense, spoke to the media following Alabama's victory in the BCS Championship. He made the pivotal play of the game when he returned an interception 28 yards for a touchdown to give the Crimson Tide a 24-6 lead heading into halftime earning him defensive MVP honors.

I just wondered if you could talk about the big plays you had, the one where you did knock out Colt McCoy when you hit him, if you knew he was hurt, and then obviously the interception return, as well.

When it came to the first play of McCoy, I really didn't try to hit him that hard. I didn't want to hurt him. It was a part of the game. You don't think, you just react, and I just reacted to what I saw. It is a part of the game. I didn't really try to hurt him.

But they tried to shuffle pass and Brandon Deaderick caught the running back while he was fumbling it, and my first reaction was grab the ball, and then after that I blanked out, and all I was thinking about is Mark Ingram and Javier (Arenas) and just doing moves I didn't think I could do. I was like, I can't believe I pulled off that screen. I saw that lineman coming for my legs, and my first reaction was to spin. I looked to my left and I saw Eryk Anders, I knew it was a touchdown. I could not wait to get to the end zone.

Could you just talk about the emotions of accomplishing what you set out to accomplish? You win the National Championship, it's a perfect season, your names are engrained in at least the minds of National Championship fans forever. What does it mean, this accomplishment?

Coach always talked about working hard. It's always good to bring it back. We worked all year for it, and we put in the time, we put in the sweat, and we all hurt. As you can see, I have a knee brace and an elbow brace on the left side of my body. It was pretty hard, but we pushed through it.

Coach always told us work hard. If you're hurt, sit down. If you feel like you can play, go out there and play and give it your all. Don't go out there and half step because you think you're hurt. Give it your all, and we just went out there and played our best, not taking anything from Texas.

Coach Saban talks a lot about process and about buying into his system he has over the past couple of years. Tell me, was there one particular moment for the players, the athletes, the team, a turning point when you knew it was going to work, when you really started to believe?

I would say last year when me and Mark were freshmen, and we saw a lot of the seniors and upperclassmen bought into the system. They had the same team we had the year before and bought into the system and turned our whole program around. We will always be remembered as the team that turned the University of Alabama program around. As they bought into the system, we were like we were going to make it our thing to buy into the system, and it took a little bit of – now we won the National Championship. We got our first Heisman Trophy winner, and me, I can't believe I got Defensive MVP. We just came so far and worked so hard, and that's why we bought into the system, and we knew it was going to work.

When Colt went out of the game and you're facing the opponent, are you seeing, are you smelling fear, or did you see more determination in them?

I really didn't know that Colt was hurt. He wasn't playing anymore until I got to the sideline a couple plays after. It wasn't about seeing the fear, I saw determination. They were like, man, we're not going down without a fight. Just because our leader is down, we're still going to play hard, we're still going to give them a fight.

I mean, I saw more determination in them. They weren't going to give up. I knew they weren't going to give up. The quarterback just had to work his way – when he got in, he warmed up, and he started doing better. He did hurt us and stuff like that, but we fought through that. I knew he wasn't going to stop, so we couldn't stop ourselves.

Marcell, coming from the Birmingham area, do you have anything you want to tell your friends and family back home watching the game, and the second part of that is, when you came out of Huffman High School are these the things that you envisioned?

Of course not. You know, I came out of Birmingham, I was a mediocre recruit. I felt like I was always better, but I mean, it is what it is. I didn't think I was going to work hard and get to where I am today, where I am now, and accomplish the things that I have accomplished.

I mean, my coaches always told me hard work isn’t going to hurt nobody, and I always worked hard for everything. I knew it wouldn't come easy and I knew what it was going to take to get it.

And so as for everybody back home watching the game, Roll, Tide, Roll, and I'll be back in the house before this weekend.

Q&A: Mark Ingram Postgame

Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram was selected as the BCS Championship’s Offensive MVP after his 116-yard, two-touchdown performance. He spoke with the media following the game.

Could you just talk about the emotions of accomplishing what you set out to accomplish? You win the National Championship, it's a perfect season, your names are engrained in at least the minds of National Championship fans forever. What does it mean, this accomplishment?

It's real special for our entire team and our entire organization. Since we lost to Utah last year, Coach said what do you want to be remembered as? Well, we had our mindset ongoing undefeated and winning the National Championship and winning the SEC Championship. Just the fact that we went out there and we worked every day and we had a common goal that we wanted to accomplish, it's real sweet that we're here and we took advantage of the opportunity. We're obviously proud and excited and can't wait to get to get back to Tuscaloosa and celebrate with the rest of Alabama and the rest of our team.

Could you expand on what Coach Saban was talking about, the two running back system, how you played off each other and always had that fresh pair of legs out there?

It's nothing but an advantage for our team to have two running backs, three, four running backs when they get in the game, as well, and you don't lose any production. Both of us can go out there and make plays, and we run together at night. We just both said we were going to go up for 100 yards. We said we needed to have a big game, we needed to have the team on our back tonight.

We just thrive off of each other, and even in practice. In the games when somebody is having big runs we thrive off each other in practice. When somebody is working hard and running sprints, we push each other and it helps us tremendously to elevate our games to different levels. It's going to be nothing but headaches for defense next year, next year or two.

Coach Saban talks a lot about process and about buying into his system he has over the past couple of years. Tell me, was there one particular moment for the players, the athletes, the team, a turning point when you knew it was going to work, when you really started to believe?

I remember our recruiting class, we were No. 1, and I was in what was kind of Coach Saban's first entire recruiting class, and we said we were going to win a National Championship our second year. It's kind of crazy that we actually did it.

But I remember after just seeing the seniors, like he said, buy into the program there, they had a 7-6 year before and we went 12-0, and kind of the turning point was when we lost to Florida and we lost to Utah. We weren't committed all the way, we were taking teams for granted and we didn't have the will not to be denied. We kind of took all his philosophies into perception, and this is where we are now. We had an undefeated season, and we're going to continue to try to have success.

Do you think that you've supplanted Florida as the power in the SEC?

Florida is a great team, and we're very grateful, and we worked hard all year, and that was our main goal was to beat Florida for the SEC Championship. They're a great team, and I think – I don't know. I don't know if we surpassed them, but we beat them, and we won the National Championship, so right now we're on top.

It's just a blessing, it truly is, and we worked hard for it. We shed blood, sweat and tears for this, and we're really excited right now?

What went through your mind when you saw Marcell, A) scoring the touchdown, and B) when you saw the first play when he knocked Colt McCoy out of the game?

Man, when he knocked Colt out of the game – I saw the hit, and I was like, ooh, I know that kind of hurt. But then somebody told me he was running off holding his shoulder. It was just real unfortunate for him because I got to know him as a person in New York and just know all the hard work he's put in to get to that point. It's really unfortunate that he didn't get to play in this game because I remember he was talking about it, about him having to watch the game from the sideline when he was a red shirt freshman. It was really unfortunate that he didn't get to play.

I just saw him keep moving the ball, keep trying to throw the ball, keep trying to run the ball. I was like they're going to do something, they're going to intercept the ball or do something. I saw everybody yelling and I saw Marcell taking off with the ball. He spun off somebody and then spun off another guy, threw the ball, got a 5 yard penalty, but it was all – I understand for him because D-tackles don't get in the end zone too much, so I was real proud of him. He made a big play, tremendous play that probably was the deciding factor in the game.

I didn't want to ask Coach about this because he doesn't like getting a lot of attention on himself. He is the first coach to win BCS title at two separate schools. Can you talk about what that says about him as a leader in every facet of the program?

He's just a coach that is driven, and he has a vision, and he tries to do his best to instill his characteristics in us. As you can see, like he was excited, but he was more excited for everybody else than he was more of himself. Just the things he can do to influence younger players is how he gets these national championship teams. He influences college athletes and high school athletes to buy into his system, and not only develop characteristics that' are going to help them in football but in life, as well.

I think that shows in the way he won the National Championship at LSU and turned our program around and helped us win the National Championship. He's just a great coach and he's real driven and he just tried to instill the characteristics that drive him in us, and we feed off of each other.

Mark, when you won the Heisman it was such an emotional moment for you. I'm just curious how you compared that moment with how you're feeling right now.

The Heisman was kind of shocking and something I never really expected coming into this year. And when I won the trophy, like, it was a great honor to win the trophy, but it was more than just a trophy to me. It was overcoming adversity. All throughout my life me and my family sticking together overcoming obstacles and people that tried to hold us back. A lot of emotion came from that.

This National Championship was more of everybody. I was so happy to leave my heart out there for the team, and blood, sweat and tears, we were out there running 110 sprints in 110-degree heat. We were like, ‘why are we doing this?’ Some days after practice you're like ‘why am I doing this’ or you get hurt and you're like ‘why am I doing this.’ Tonight was what it was all for, and just to know all the hard work paid off, it was more of just togetherness and a family and a feeling of all our brothers just being able to accomplish this together was real sweet for all of us. That's what the difference is.

Photo Courtesy of Alabama Athletic Media Relations

UFA's Joe Haden Declares

Junior cornerback Joe Haden is the first of many Gators who are contemplating making the jump the NFL to make it official. The Fort Washington, Maryland native announced earlier today that he will enter 2010 NFL Draft.

Haden became the first true freshman cornerback to start the season opener at Florida and has started all 40 games in his stellar career. After a somewhat rocky inagural campaign, Haden has been among the top cornerbacks in the nation and was a finalist for the Thorpe Award this season, which is given to the nation's top defensive back. He was a first team All-SEC performer and first team All-American as a junior.

Haden is a lock first round pick, who some believe could even crack the top five, in addition to being the favorite to be the first cornerback off the board come April. Not only is this Gator a lockdown cover man (4 interceptions, 10 pass break ups this season), he is an all-around defender–he’s very capable versus the run and an excellent blitzer (68 tackles, 3 sacks).

Photo Courtesy of College Press Box

Breaking News: Meyer To Step Down

According to ESPN, Florida's Urban Meyer is stepping down as the school's head football coach. Meyer is in his fifth season as the Gators' head man, with a record of 56-10 during that span. He has led Florida to a pair of BCS and SEC Championships as well.

In a release, this is what Meyer had to say about his decision:

“I have ignored my health for years, but recent developments have forced me to re-evaluate my priorities of faith and family. After consulting with my family, Dr. Machen (Florida President), Jeremy Foley (Florida Athletic Director)and my doctors, I believe it’s in my best interest to step aside and focus on my health and family. I’m proud to be a part of the Gainesville community and the Gator Nation and I plan to remain in Gainesville and involved with the University of Florida.”

Meyer has been coaching for 24 years, the last nine as a head coach, including two years at Utah before he arrived in Gainesville and two seasons at Bowling Green before that. Overall, Meyer has a record of 95-18 for a winning percentage of .841, the best among active coaches who have been coaching at least five years. He also tied former Alabama head coach Frank Thomas, as the fastest to reach 50 wins in SEC play (it took them both 59 games).

At this point it is unclear whether or not Meyer will coach the Gators in the Sugar Bowl against Cincinnati on January 1 (8:30 on FOX). The Bearcats are already without their head coach Brian Kelly who left the Big East school to take the head coaching job at the University of Notre Dame, a job that had been mentioned as a potential landing spot Meyer on multiple occasions.

Photo Courtesy of the SEC

Heisman On Location: Tebow Takes It In Stride

During the Heisman Trophy ceremony, not only was Florida’s Tim Tebow candid about not expecting to go home with the big prize, but he was also genuinely proud of Mark Ingram’s tremendous accomplishment.

“We hung out a lot, me and Mark, and I was really proud of him…I offered some words of encouragement beforehand. He was a little bit nervous; he was doing a little bit of his pre-game [routine], shaking back and forth. We actually prayed together beforehand,” revealed the all-time college great. “He’s just a great kid. He’s just a kid you want to be around—I’m really happy for him.”

Tebow was ready to move on when responding to questions of his disappointing SEC championship loss only a week ago, and told reporters that he’s determined to use the setback as motivation going into Allstate Sugar Bowl versus the upstart Cincinnati Bearcats.

In looking ahead to the NFL, the charismatic field general said he was ready to tackle the professional ranks head-on by offering: “I look forward to the challenges, quite honestly. I look forward to starting something new, a new venture…a new challenge.”

“The obstacle of trying to play in the NFL and trying to play quarterback in the NFL…that’s something I look forward to. I relish the opportunity to go out and compete against the best in the world.”

Tebow also harkened back to the unforgettable experience of winning the Heisman Trophy two years ago.

“It was very special and a lot of fun. It was an opportunity to do that as a sophomore [when] you’re still new to this college thing a little bit, so I kind of know what Mark is going through. It’s something I’ll never forget. A lot of years…a lot of stuff goes on, but you’ll never forget that.”

Georgia¹s Drew Butler Wins Ray Guy Award As Nation¹s Top Punter

ORLANDO, Fla. - University of Georgia All-American Drew Butler has been named the winner of the 2009 Ray Guy Award, which is presented annually to college football’s top punter by the Greater Augusta Sports Council.

Butler, a 6-2, 203-pound sophomore native of Duluth, Ga., received the award Thursday during The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show televised live on ESPN.

“I didn’t play a whole lot last year and knew that I had to come in and compete since I was following a great punter in Brian Mimbs,” said Butler. “We had a good punt team last year and I wanted to make sure we took a leap forward this year rather than a step backwards. The credit for this award goes to the team, all of the guys on the punt team. We call ourselves the ‘Pride’ team.”

Butler, who was also named to the 2009 Walter Camp All-America First Team on Thursday, said much of his success comes from coaching and his hard work.

“I want to thank Coach (John) Lilly and all of the coaches,” Butler said. “I tried to be consistent this whole season and it has paid off.”

Butler is leading the nation in punting with a 48.8 average on 50 punts. Butler and the Bulldogs also lead the NCAA in Net Punting at 42.8. Along with Butler, the other finalists were Michigan senior Zoltan Mesko and Florida junior Chas Henry. A national committee of sportswriters, sportscasters, football coaches, professional football punters and previous winners annually select the winner. The award is named after the legendary NFL punter Ray Guy.

This is the 10th year for the award, and Butler is the first winner from the Southeastern Conference. Also, he will be honored at the All Area Football Banquet presented by the Augusta Sports Council and the Augusta Chronicle on Jan. 14.

Photo Courtesy of College Press Box

Q&A With Tim Tebow In NYC

By Mark Zavodnyik

Tim Tebow was awarded the William V. Campbell Trophy Tuesday night in New York.

The trophy is sponsored by the National Football Foundation and presented annually to the “individual as the absolute best in the country for his academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership.”

Prior to the award ceremony and dinner, Tebow spoke with the media on a wide range of topics, including the Heisman Trophy, the SEC Championship Game, and his favorite football memories at the University of Florida.

-On his Heisman chances: “I think there’s a lot of great candidates,” Tebow said. “It would be tough based on that last game, that last loss [against Alabama]. It would be tough, probably a long shot. It’s just an honor that I am a finalist and that I have an opportunity [to win].”

-On getting over Saturday’s loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship game: “I don’t know that I will necessarily be over it…it’s still gonna hurt,” Tebow said. “It is still something that we wanted, a dream for us. It’s how you want to go out, how you want to finish things. So yeah, it’s gonna hurt.

“But I think we are moving on and bouncing back, using it as motivation in this next game and in the next steps that I’m going to take in my life,” Tebow said.

-On what sets Alabama’s defense apart: “Well number one, their coaching. Their coaching is phenomenal,” Tebow said. “They put themselves in great positions to make plays and they game-plan what you do well and what they are going try and take away.

“And then they have great players,” Tebow added. “They have some of the best players in college football. I respect so many guys on their team. From Rolando McClain to [Terrence] Mount Cody…all of those guys. Especially Rolando McClain, just him as a person and as a player. I respect him as much as anybody I’ve played against in college football in my career.”

-On the possibility of winning the Campbell Trophy, frequently called the “Academic Heisman”: “This award means so much because it's not just how you play on the field, it's not just what you do in the classroom, but it's what you do as a leader and someone who is going to serve your community,” Tebow said.

-On what position he pictures himself playing in the NFL: “Hopefully quarterback, that’s my goal. Ever since I was very young I wanted to be a quarterback and I just want to have an on opportunity and a chance to do that, that’s all I can ask for,” Tebow said. “My goal is to be a quarterback.”

-Favorite memories as a Gator:

“Obviously beating Alabama in the SEC Championship [2008]…coming back in the fourth quarter to beat them was fun,” Tebow said.

“All the rivalry games, really. If you count Alabama as a rival, we lost two games in our career versus rivals and that’s pretty special. We didn’t lose to Tennessee or FSU [Florida State], and we only lost once to Georgia and that’s pretty special,” Tebow said.

“I think that’s one of the coolest things that I’ll take away from my time at the University of Florida because honestly, as a Gator fan you grow up and every year it’s just, ‘OK, if we beat FSU, it’s a good year…if we beat Georgia and Tennessee it’s a good year, regardless of what happens.’ So that was pretty cool for me to be able to do that.”

Photos Courtesy of The National Football Foundation

Aaron Hernandez Wins John Mackey Award

Hernandez becomes the second junior to ever win the prestigious outstanding tight end award.

Manhasset, N.Y. (December 10, 2009) - The Nassau County Sports Commission has announced Aaron Hernandez of Florida as the 2009 John Mackey Award recipient. The Southeastern conference junior recorded 59 receptions for 739 yards and four touchdowns while leading Florida to the 2009 Allstate Sugar Bowl. Hernandez becomes the second junior to ever receive the John Mackey Award.

Hernandez was named first team All SEC in 2009. He also tied the single game Florida record for receptions by a tight end with eight in the 2009 SEC Championship game. Hernandez, who is well known for his blocking ability and receiving prowess has totaled 102 receptions, 1,271 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in his three year career with Florida.

The John Mackey Award is given to the collegiate tight end who best exemplifies the play, sportsmanship, academics, and community values of NFL Hall of Fame Tight End John Mackey. The 2009 John Mackey Award recipient was determined by confidential balloting of the John Mackey Selection Committee. Please visit www.johnmackeyaward.org for all Mackey Award related information including the John Mackey Selection Committee, the selection process and award criteria, information on all past award recipients and a high resolution image of the award trophy available for download.

The Nassau County Sports Commission, a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization created to enhance quality of life of Nassau County residents through sports, is responsible for the administration of the John Mackey Award and the John Mackey Award Selection Committee. For additional information, please visit www.nassausports.org.

The John Mackey Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA). The NCFAA was founded in 1997 as a coalition of the major collegiate football awards to protect, preserve and enhance the integrity, influence and prestige of the game's predominant awards. The NCFAA encourages professionalism and the highest standards for the administration of its member awards and the selection of their candidates and recipients. For more information, visit the association's official website, www.ncfaa.org.

Photo Courtesy of College Press Box

SEC Football Individual Awards Announced

Tebow, McClain, Arenas, Norman, Black and Saban given league’s top honors

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain and Alabama return specialist Javier Arenas were voted as the Southeastern Conference’s top offensive player, top defensive player and top special teams player, respectively, in a vote of the league’s coaches, it was announced on Wednesday.

The league’s coaches also selected Tebow and Vanderbilt return specialist/running back Warren Norman as the league’s scholar-athlete of the year and top freshman performer, respectively. It was the second straight year for Tebow to receive the academic honor.

LSU offensive lineman Ciron Black was selected as the recipient of the Jacobs Trophy, given to the league’s top blocker. Alabama’s Nick Saban was voted by his peers as the SEC Coach of the Year.

All of this year’s individual award winners were named first-team All-SEC in voting by the league’s coaches that was announced on Tuesday, outside of Norman, who was second team. There were no unanimous selections to this year’s individual award winners.

The 2009 first-team All-SEC quarterback from the Associated Press and SEC, Tebow leads the SEC in completion percentage (65.2), is second in passing efficiency (155.6), lowest interception percentage (1.8) and rushing touchdowns (13) in the league. He is the only player in NCAA history to rush and pass for at least 20 touchdowns in a season, with 32 passing and 23 rushing scores in 2007, and ranks first in the SEC’s record book for the most career rushing touchdowns.

McClain was named the 2009 SEC Defensive Player of the Year after leading one of the nation's top defensive units with 101 tackles, including 12.5 tackles for loss (-58 yards) and four sacks (-36 yards). He also added 14 quarterback pressures, three pass breakups, two interceptions (21 return yards) and forced one fumble. He anchors a defense that leads the nation in scoring defense (11.0 ppg) and pass efficiency defense (88.81 rating) while ranking second in rushing defense (77.9 ypg) and total defense (241.69 ypg). The Tide are also seventh nationally in pass defense (177.82 ypg).

Arenas was a first-team All-SEC selection at two positions. He was selected at cornerback after recording 66 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, five sacks, four pass breakups and three interceptions this season. He was also honored as a return specialist, where he accumulated more than 1,000 return yards and one touchdown this season. The Tampa, Fla., native is also the SEC's all-time leader with 1,733 career punt return yards, which leaves him 28 yards shy of Wes Welker's NCAA career punt return record.

Norman broke several SEC and Vanderbilt marks in his first Commodore season. He amassed 1,941 all-purpose yards, breaking a 29-year-old SEC freshman record set by legendary Georgia back Herschel Walker in addition to the all-time Vanderbilt record. Norman also topped the SEC with an average of 161.8 all-purpose yards, becoming the first freshman to lead the league in that stat category since Walker. Norman became just the second SEC player ever to return three kickoffs for touchdowns.

Boasting a 3.66 grade point average as a Family, Youth & Community Sciences major, Tebow has twice been named the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American of the Year. Based on his combined scholastic achievement and campus involvement, Tebow also recently earned induction into the University's Hall of Fame, one of the most prestigious honors awarded to students by the Division of Student Affairs at Florida.

Black, who was named to the All-SEC first team, has started 52 straight games at left tackle, which tied the school record of consecutive starts set by Andrew Whitworth. With one more start in the Capital One Bowl, Black will become the school’s record holder in that category. Black was a second-team All-SEC selection last season.

Saban has guided the Crimson Tide to a No. 1 BCS ranking and berth in the BCS National Championship Game after compiling a 13-0 record this season and securing the school's 22nd SEC Championship. Alabama will face No. 2 Texas on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. In three years at Alabama, Saban has compiled a 32-8 (.800) overall record and has led the Tide to back-to-back SEC Western Division titles. The Crimson Tide has won 26 of its last 28 games, dating back to the 2007 season.

2009 SEC FOOTBALL INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
Offensive Player of the Year: Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
Defensive Player of the Year: Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama
Special Teams Player of the Year: Javier Arenas, RS, Alabama
Freshman of the Year: Warren Norman, RS/RB, Vanderbilt
Jacobs Blocking Trophy: Ciron Black, OL, LSU

Draft Watch: LSU @ Alabama

* The Quarterbacks: Right now, neither signal caller—LSU’s Jordan Jefferson or Alabama’s Greg McElroy—is at the forefront in terms of quarterback prospects. Of the two, Jefferson (6’ 5”/19 years old) has more upside—he’s younger, bigger and faster. The true sophomore was forced into early action last year and not surprisingly has been inconsistent. Through the first six games of the season, LSU was conservative. Not that they didn’t allow their quarterback to throw the ball, they did, Jefferson attempted more than 25 passes in four straight games leading up to the Florida game. However, he wasn’t put in game-deciding situations, especially when they played Florida. Coming off a bye week, Jefferson set career-highs with his 21 completions, 31 attempts and 242 yards against Auburn. Last week against Tulane, he averaged a season-best 9.6 yards per attempt. Now, Tulane isn’t Alabama (btw…neither is Auburn), so it will be interesting to see if head coach Les Miles chooses to put the game in Jefferson’s hands or not this Saturday. How Jefferson performs against Alabama’s stout defense, could go a long way in his progress as a quarterback.

While Jefferson is progressing, McElroy appears to be regressing. In his first two games, the junior out of Texas threw for 471 yards; and in his first SEC start he torched Arkansas for 291 yards and three touchdowns (no interceptions) on 17-of-24 passing. In the four games since then, McElroy has failed to reach 150 yards in any single game, throwing for a season-low 92 yards with two interceptions (no touchdowns) against South Carolina. At Ole Miss he completed just 44.1 percent of his passes. In his last three games, McElroy has lead the Crimson Tide to one offensive touchdown, as Alabama has bogged down whenever they get into the red zone. Their only offensive touchdown in the last two games, saw Mark Ingram take five straight snaps from the Wildcat formation against South Carolina as he led the way to the end zone. An extra week to prepare did worlds of wonders for Jefferson, we’ll learn on Saturday if this is the answer to McElroy’s woes. Although he is a junior and 21 years old, prior to this season, McElroy attempted just 20 passes in his career. The extra practice time is an opportunity to work on some individual skills. McElroy has a solid arm and frame (6’ 3/220) and early on it appeared Alabama might actually expand their offense from a year ago. But he has struggled against tougher defenses; this is a chance for the Southlake native to turn that around.

* Running Between the Tackles: With Charles Scott checking in at 6’ 0”/234 pounds and Ingram 5’ 10”/212 pounds, the two backs don’t physically resemble each other, but both do most of their damage between the tackles. A senior, Scott entered the season as one of the top running backs for the Draft Class of 2010. He is a big bruising back whose greatest asset is his lower body strength. Scott keeps those legs churning and does an excellent job of leaning forward to get that extra yard or two. The Louisiana native’s numbers are down significantly from a year ago—1,174 yards, 5.4 yards per carry and 18 touchdowns to 459 yards, 4.5 yards per carry and four touchdowns. A big game in Tuscaloosa and Scott can regain some lost momentum.

Conversely, Ingram has thrust him into the Heisman conversation with his play this season—1,004 yards, 6.6 yards per carry and eight touchdowns. Ingram is an extinctive runner who uses his great vision to find the wholes and when they aren’t there initially, he possesses the patience to let the wholes develop and allow his blockers to do what they have to do. Ingram is a powerful runner—low center of gravity, great leg drive and he always keeps his legs moving after contact. The Michigan native does a nice job coming out of the backfield as a receiver as well; he looks to immediately take it up-field, he doesn’t dance, but can make people miss with his moves or by running them over. He makes such quick cuts in the open field. Ingram leads the SEC with 11 total touchdowns. The only thing missing from Ingram’s game is breakaway speed, but his game speed may be underrated.

* The Pass Catchers: At 6’ 4” and 211 pounds, true sophomore Julio Jones has prototypical size for a wide receiver—the youngster already looks like an NFL wide out. He is among the most talented pass catchers in the nation despite pedestrian numbers (20 receptions, 220 yards, one touchdown), which have been curtailed this season by some nagging injuries for Jones, as well as very inconsistent play by first year starting quarterback McElroy. They are a shocking 0-for-12 when trying to hook up in the red zone. Jones is a mismatch for most defensive backs—he cannot only run away from defenders, but the kid is so physical. He’s almost like a tight end, seeking out DBs to punish when he gets the ball in his hands. Throw out the numbers…with an extra week to rest, Jones could be a ticking time bomb ready to explode. Jones is also the Tide’s backup punt returner and he has surprising quicks for a guy so big. He will be the best receiver on the field this Saturday.

LSU does not have a clear cut number one wide receiver—junior Terrance Toliver leads the team with his 38 receptions and 501 yards, not to far behind is senior Brandon LaFell who has recorded 37 receptions for 478 and a conference-high eight touchdown grabs. At 6’ 3” and 206 pounds, LaFell has an excellent combination of size and speed. He is a very natural and fluid runner with the ball in his hands; dangerous after the catch, which is why the Tigers often like to get him the ball quickly—don’t be surprised to see more than one screen pass go LaFell’s way. He is not afraid to across the middle of the field. After a disappointing sophomore season, Tolliver has finally broken out as a junior and provides the Bayou Bengals with another player who can stretch the field. At 6’ 5” Tolliver is a big target and LSU’s Jefferson will look to use that long frame. Tolliver makes his opponents pay primarily working the sidelines. He is not as polished as LaFell, but may have more upside once he reaches his full potential. He still needs to be more consistent with his route running and at only 206 pounds at his height; the Texas native could pack on a few pounds. LaFell and Tolliver give the Bayou Bengals two wide outs who will challenge Alabama’s talented secondary.

Don’t sleep on the tight ends either. Georgia Tech transfer Colin Peek has flashed the ability to make plays for Alabama. He has a solid frame at 6’ 6” and 255 pounds and he can go get the football. Senior Richard Dickson for LSU isn’t as big (6’ 3”/240 pounds) as Peek, but is probably more dangerous after the catch. Dickson projects as a potential H-Back or even fullback at the next level.

* The ‘Backers – Stud/Sleeper: Alabama’s Rolando McClain is a no-doubt NFL talent and the best overall prospect in this game of prospects. There may not be a better defender in the nation. McClain has the size (6’ 4”/258), speed, instincts and intelligence to play almost any linebacker position. Ideally, he will fit in as inside linebacker in a 3-4 defense with he bulk to take blockers head on, shed them and make the play. He is also a student of the game and seams to improve on a weekly basis, with the knowledge and leadership skills that are earning him a reputation as a coach on the field. He should be a top 10 pick when he decides he is ready for the NFL. On the other of the field, LSU’s Kelvin Sheppard is one of the most underrated linebackers in the country (bright, can play all three linebacker positions). He possesses athleticism, speed, quickness and a very good frame (6’ 3”/239). Sheppard comes in playing his best football; he’s a sure tackler who has the ability to make plays in the backfield. The junior hasn’t had the hype of previous LSU linebackers such as Ali Highsmith and Darry Beckwith, but he will play on Sundays.

* Ranking the DBs: Where do we begin? Not only do all four starters on each team have a chance to play on Sundays, but so do some of their backups:

(1) Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU – The sophomore has it all—size, speed and athleticism. It will be fun with him match-up one-on-one with Jones; Peterson more than held his own when locked up with Georgia’s A.J. Green earlier in the season. Not just a cover guy, this kid is a football player who will play against the run.

(2) Chad Jones, FS, LSU – The junior has really stepped up his game in his third season on the Bayou. Since he was a freshman we all knew the ability was there, but he was raw, more an athlete than a football player. This season it is starting to come together. Jones can fly and at 6’ 3” and 225 pounds he has prototypical size. He has also displayed the knack for making the big play at the right time.

(3) Mark Barron, SS, Alabama – The sophomore safety leads the SEC in both pass deflections with 11 and interceptions with four. Like Peterson and Jones, Barron brings both size (6’ 2”/214) and speed, and if the numbers are any indication, he possesses the ball skills. Barron waited his turn last season behind Rashad Johnson and this year he has more than lived up to the recruiting hype. Jefferson must know were he is at all times.

(4) Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama – Jackson has excellent instincts and displays an understanding of the game. He gets his hands on the ball a lot and often it appears as if he knows it’s coming, which speaks to his ability to translate the game plan to the field. Not as big as Peterson, but Jackson is not undersized by any means (6’ 0”/193).

(5) Javier Arenas, CB, Alabama – Arenas is a unique player among this group. He lacks ideal length (5’ 9”) but is built solid (195 pounds). He also plays big—his four sacks are second on the team and the senior leads the Crimson Tide with his 8.5 tackles for a loss. It’s safe to say he is very comfortable playing near the line of scrimmage and coming on a blitz—run or pass. Earlier this year he stole the ball from Shay Hodge of Ole Miss for an interception, another example of his physical play. More quick than fast, he looks like a prototypical slot cover man, who is also a special returner.

(6) Justin Woodall, FS, Alabama – Because he lacks ideal speed, Woodall doesn’t have the upside of Jones or Barron, but he is a solid football player who has excellent size (6’ 2”/221), he’s the biggest defensive back on the Crimson Tide. He is a solid tackler, who has made two interceptions and six pass deflections.

(7) Chris Hawkins, CB, LSU – The senior cornerback is an ideal number two cover man, with good speed and length (6’ 1”), but NFL scouts will probably like to see him bulk up a bit (182 pounds). Like Woodall, Hawkins can get lost in the mix with so many phenomenal athletes stealing the spotlight, but worthy of mid-round consideration.

(8) Jai Eugene, CB, LSU – Eugene probably has more upside than Hawkins, but is not quite there as a football player. The junior had some talking him up as a future number one corner, but that was before Peterson took the field. Eugene has shown flashes, but needs to more consistent. He seams to lose confidence and give too much respect to the opposition (read: cushion).

(9) Brandon Taylor, SS, LSU – You have to love Taylor’s closing speed when he attacks the line of scrimmage as he is doing a nice job of stepping into big brother Curtis Taylor’s shoes. He is undersized for a safety (191 pounds), but he is a good open field tackler. Not a big hitter, however he possesses coverage skills that many college safeties lack.

(10) Marquis Johnson, CB, Alabama – Johnson is part of a group of unheralded seniors on the Alabama defense that have surprised many with their level of contribution. The backup corner isn’t going to wow anyone with his measurables but seams to have a nose for the ball and is tied with Jackson for second in the SEC in passes defended per game (1.25) for a total of 10.

(Bonus) Harry Coleman, SAM, LSU – The Bayou Bengals’ strong-side linebacker at 6’ 2” and 206 pounds is not playing linebacker at the next level—the former defensive back projects as a strong safety. Coleman is having a great senior season with 52 tackles and five tackles for a loss, which has caused him to rise up some draft boards, however it has to cause some concern that he is having more success at linebacker than he did at safety.

* Scout’s Will Also be Watching:

In the Trenches: The Tigers’ are best on the perimeter with left tackle Ciron Black and defensive end Rahim Alem, neither of whom has helped their stock this season. For Alabama they are built inside-out with noseman Terrance Cody having an excellent seasons as the prototypical noseman for a 3-4 defense and left guard Mike Johnson their most NFL ready offensive lineman.

Boom or Bust: Senior tackle Al Woods is finally seeing consistent playing time after being an enigma in his first three seasons at LSU. He was seen as a potential first round talent, but failed to deliver on the field. Woods could significantly improve his status with a strong finish to his career.

Opportunities: LSU’s LB Perry Riley is considered a solid, not spectacular player and he can get a stock upgrade if he does a good job against Ingram and company. Junior college transfer James Carpenter is a talented left tackle for Alabama who is still learning the game and can make people take note if handles Alem. How about son of Bobby Hebert and LSU center T-Bob Hebert who will lineup across from Mount Cody? If he holds his own, the sophomore will start to garner recognition. LSU junior right tackle Joseph Barksdale is a very good prospect and will get a chance to show what he can do both in the pass and run games against the physical front seven of Alabama.

Senior Sleepers: Alabama: OT Drew Davis, RB Roy Upchurch, DE Lorenzo Washington, DE Brandon Deadrick, OL Cory Reamer; LSU: RB Keiland Williams, RB/RT Trindon Holliday, DT Charles Alexander, LB Jack Cutrera, DB Danny McCray

Stars of Tomorrow: Alabama: RB Trent Richardson (FR), C William Vlachos (SO), OG Barrett Jones, Marquise Maze (SO), WILL Nico Johnson; LSU: WR Rueben Randle (FR), QB Russell Shepard (FR), DE Chancey Aghayere (FR)

Photos Courtesy of SEC Sports Media, Alabama Media Relations, Steve Franz/LSU Sports Information

College Football Insiders Newsletter 3.9

In this week's issue:

• Game Of The Week: LSU @ Alabama

• An Inside Look At The Independants: Navy vs Notre Dame & Army vs Air Force

• Between The Hashes: The Big Three Look To Carry The Torch Of “Linebacker U”

• Player Spotlight: North Carolina Defensive End Robert Quinn

• One On One: Arizona Head Coach Mike Stoops

• CFI Top 25 Poll, BCS Busters, Fan’s Weekend Guide, On Location Reports & More!

CLICK HERE TO GO TO DOWNLOAD PAGE (FREE)

Photo Courtesy of Mark Selders/Penn State Athletic Communications

College Football Insiders Radio - Week 10

The voice of college football is here as CFI Founder Daniel Mogollon brings you coast-to-coast coverage of all the football action from across the nation, every Thursday at 5:00pm ET. 60 min.

Special Guests:

* RB Jahvid Best, California - Talks about choosing California and the legacy of Golden Bear running backs.

* DE Robert Quinn, North Carolina - Talks about overcoming a brain tumor in his senior year of high school to become one of the nation's top pass rushers.

* Editor Kirk McNair of 'BAMA Magazine - Joins us LIVE to talk Alabama Crimson Tide football and preview the upcoming game against the LSU Tigers.

* Super Scout Kelron Sykes - The former Oregon State Beaver will tell us what happened to USC, how good Oregon is and preview this weekend's big games coming out of the Pac-10.

* Those topics and more in this week's edition of College Football Insiders Radio.

CLICK TO LISTEN

Call-in Number: (347) 945-6275

Photo Courtesy of Alabama Media Relations

Injury Updates: Week 10

QB Riley Skinner, Wake Forest – The Demon Deacons signal caller was knocked out of Wake Forest’s last game against the Miami Hurricanes and was not able to return. It is unclear if he will be able to play this week against Georgia Tech and is currently considered questionable.

“He seems fine. We didn't practice with him last night. I don't know how much they'll let him do today. He seems to be clear-headed, he doesn't have headaches or dizziness, so hopefully we'll have him by Saturday. I'm hopeful it's more than 50-50 whether he'll play. We've listed him as questionable, with head injuries it really is a day-to-day process. My hope is that he'll play, but certainly his health and well-being are more important than playing Saturday.” – Wake Forest Head Coach Jim Grobe

QB Blaine Gabbert, Missouri – The Tigers’ starting quarterback has been playing through an ankle injury that has been limiting his effectiveness. It does appear he is getting closer to being 100 percent.

“There are a lot of quarterbacks who I think are pretty good players who would just say 'I have limitations moving so I'd rather not play.' They want to get 100% healthy and they might not be healthy for three weeks. But comfort zone they're more worried about making mistakes out there and maybe not looking good because they can't throw as well. But he is just the complete opposite. His attitude is 'Don't even think I'm not going to play, coach.' If you want to be a great quarterback, you have to be a tenacious competitor, and you have to mentally and physically tough as nails. If you lack in any of those areas, you're not going to be a great quarterback. What he is showing me is his toughness. Any great one, that's what they do.” – Missouri Head Coach Gary Pinkel

WR A.J. Green, Georgia – The Bulldogs’ star wide out suffered a “pulmonary contusion” against the Florida Gators on Saturday, which knocked him out of the game. Green is out for this week, although coach Mark Richt has stated he expects his sophomore wide receiver to return on November 14 against the Auburn Tigers:

“We do. We're not 100-percent certain but the history of this type of an injury by the second week everybody has played to this point, so we don't have any reason to think that he won't.” – Georgia Head Coach Mark Richt

TE Michael Palmer, Clemson – The pass catching weapon missed the Tigers’ last game against Coastal Carolina due to a concussion. He is considered questionable for this week’s game against Florida State.

“He will get some [contact] today. We were just in vests last night and today he will do some pad work. He will practice today. He has been cleared. You never know until you see how he responds. Scotty Cooper was cleared and he didn't respond well so you never know. Terrence Ashe will be back. Kantrell Brown (questionable/concussion) is doing much better. They are clearing him to practice this week. They will hold him another ball game because they want to evaluate him after a week of contact.” – Clemson Head Coach Dabo Swinney

DE Da’Quan Bowers, Clemson – The Tigers’ top pass rusher injured his knee against Coastal Carolina and will likely miss this week’s Atlantic Division clash against the Seminoles.

“He looked pretty good yesterday. He seems to be responding well and in great spirits. He wants to play, but I don't see him playing this week. Beyond that I don't know, if he keeps improving like he has then I think we will get him back quicker than later. Yesterday was a good day for him.” – Clemson Head Coach Dabo Swinney

MLB Savion Frazier, Tennessee – Tennessee lost their second starting middle linebacker for the season (Nick Reveiz was injured earlier in the season), when Frazier tore his ACL on Saturday in Knoxville against the South Carolina Gamecocks on a collision near the sideline.

“Losing Savion Frazier, we have now lost our second starting linebacker for the season at a position that was already not very deep. Our guys are going to have to do a great job. Our staff is working on different options. We are going to open it up and Herman Lathers and Nigel Mitchell-Thornton will be in there and play a bunch this week at practice to figure out who is the best player. Maybe both of them will end up playing. They are going to have to step up because this is such a valuable position. We saw what happened when Nick Reviez went out. In the transition to Savion Frazier, we played about six quarters of our worst defense. We are going to need guys to step up around them and play better too if we are going to keep up this great defensive run we have been playing lately.” – Tennessee Head Coach Lane Kiffin

CB Trevard Lindley, Kentucky – The senior cornerback injured his ankle against the Alabama Crimson Tide earlier on the season and has not returned to the field, a span of four games. It appears he is close to returning, but could miss at least one more contest:

“He worked out yesterday. He'll try to work out tomorrow and we'll just have to see whether he's ready to play this week or not. I'd say he's questionable to doubtful this week. But there is no swelling in it after running on it yesterday. He went through the pre-game warm-up last Saturday night so he's getting really close, I think, to having a chance to get back out on the field.” – Kentucky Head Coach Rich Brooks

S Zac Etheridge, Auburn – Etheridge injured his neck while making a tackle on Saturday against Ole Miss. According to reports he lost consciousness momentarily in a scary moment. He is up and about, moving his extremities and according to headman Gene Chizik he is expected have full recovery. It is a season ending injury, which could put his career in jeopardy as well:

“We can't really go in that direction because we don't know one way or another. It would be hard for me to say, and we're just going to take everything day by day. It will all work out the way it's supposed to be, but just looking that far down the road right now, medically I just can't answer that” – Auburn Head Coach Gene Chizik

Photos Courtesy of SEC Sports Media

BCS Busters: Week 6 Preview

Game of the Week

Houston @ Mississippi State

After getting tripped up by UTEP last week, the Cougars now have everyone wondering how good they really are. They get the Bulldogs this week, which should be a good indicator to see if they put last weeks’ tough loss behind them. Mississippi State has already hung tough in their games against LSU and Georgia Tech and could pose problems on both offense and defense for the Cougars. Everyone knows that quarterback Case Keenum is the motor that makes this offense go, but as we saw last week, he can’t win games all by himself. The Cougars’ run game has been overlooked, or at times forgotten, thus far as they are relying on Keenum’s arm to win every game for them. In the first three games for the Cougars this appeared to be a plan that was working. But as we saw last week, it can be a major issue. If the Cougars had gone to the ground game early and controlled the clock and momentum of the game, the outcome would have likely been different. Running back Bryce Beal is a talented back who had 1,247 yards rushing (6.3 yards-per-carry) and 13 touchdowns in 2008. To date, he has only 60 rushing attempts for 279 yards (4.7 yards-per-carry) and three touchdowns, which makes him on pace for only 180 carries and 837 yards rushing. He will need to get back into the offensive mix if Houston wants to maintain leads, which they were unable to do against UTEP. They average 127 yards-per-game rushing, but that number should increase after this game. The defense will have to regroup as well, giving up a whopping 58 points to a mediocre, at best, UTEP offense last week. The Bulldogs come in averaging 28 points-per-game, which happens to be a higher average than what the Miners boasted coming into their game against Houston. The Cougars will win this game if they have a better balance on offense and if their defense can play better than the 32 points-per-game they are allowing. If not, then the Cougars’ dream season turns into a nightmare.
Prediction: Mississippi State 31, Houston 30

Players to Watch: Houston: Case Keenum (QB); Bryce Beall (RB); James Cleveland (WR); Tyron Carrier (WR); Mississippi State: Tyson Lee (QB); Chad Bumphis (WR); K.J. Wright (LB); Pernell McPhee (DL); Leon Berry (KR)

Other Game to Watch

Utah @ Colorado State: The first conference test comes on the road for the Utes where Colorado State is 2-0 this season. Quarterback Terrance Cain and running back Matt Asiata will look to score early to give their defense a chance to go after Rams quarterback Grant Stucker who has 10 touchdown passes this season.
Prediction: Utah 27, Colorado State 21

TCU @ Air Force: Quarterback Andy Dalton will have to be on his game against a fast Falcons' defense. Two years ago his costly interception allowed the Falcons to take the game to overtime and eventually the win.
Prediction: TCU 20, Air Force 10

BYU @ UNLV: The Cougars look to go 2-0 in MWC conference play. Quarterback Max Hall will need to protect the football to give his team a chance to win on the road. The Cougs will likely focus on the Rebels passing attack which is averaging 270 yards-per-game through the air this season.
Prediction: BYU 33, UNLV 14

Florida A&M @ Miami: The undefeated Rattlers head into Landshark Stadium for their biggest test of the season. Dual-threat quarterback Curtis Pulley will need to have an outstanding showing against the swarming hurricanes defense if they want to pull off a major upset. Their defense, which is giving up only 11 points-per-game this season, will try and put pressure on quarterback Jacory Harris and make him get outside of the pocket to make plays.
Prediction: Miami 34, Florida A&M 14

Photos Courtesy of College Press Box, University of Houston

Fan's Weekend Guide

Conference Pride Is on the Line When...Oklahoma St. hosts Georgia (September 5, 3:30, ABC): The last time Okie State had an out of conference foe ranked as highly as Georgia make the trip to Stillwater was sometime in the 1970s. If the Big XII wants to say they have passed the SEC, this is the type of game they need to win. Oklahoma St. has the best group of triplets in the nation with Zac Robinson at quarterback, Kendall Hunter at tailback, and Dez Bryant at receiver. They come into this one with heavy expectations. Georgia, on the other hand, is living life under the radar after going into 2008 as the number one team in the country. The Dawgs have been road warriors and will pull of the upset, allowing the SEC to do some chest thumping—as if they needed a reason. (Note: There will be no pre-game handshake for fear of a pre-game scuffle)

The Conference Title is on the Line When ...Cincinnati visits Rutgers (September 7, 4:00, ESPN): There are five teams who can compete for the Big East conference title—West Virginia, Pittsburgh, South Florida, and of course Rutgers and Cincinnati. How these teams fare in the head-to-head contests will decide the conference, and it starts in week one. The Bearcats are coming off their first Big East title, something the Scarlet Knights are still searching for. Tony Pike to Mardy Gilyard is the most dangerous combo the Big East has to offer, but the ‘Cats must replace virtually their entire defense. Rutgers will look to pound away behind a big offense line and power runners Jourdan Brooks and Joe Martinek. The Knights are banged up as their leading returning rusher Kordell Young and defensive leader Ryan D’Imperio are fighting injuries.

The Team on the Cusp is....Illinois (vs. Missouri, September 5, 3:40, ESPN): The Fighting Illini are 27th in the AP poll, so if one or two teams get knocked off, they are primed to jump into the top 25 with an impressive showing against their border rivals from the Show Me state. Everyone knows with Juice Williams and Arrelious Benn they will have one of the more explosive offenses in the Big Ten, but will the defense play like they did during their Rose Bowl run in 2007 or disappoint as they did a year ago when they went home early? We will learn a lot about the 2009 version by how the handle Mizzou’s spread attack.

Don't Call it an Upset When…Baylor visits Wake Forest (September 5, 3:30, ESPN360): The Demon Deacons have become a perennial bowl team under headman Jim Grobe, while the Bears haven’t made a bowl in…let’s just say it’s been a while. But this could be the year Baylor makes it back as Art Briles is in the midst of his own resurrection project. The Deacs’ defense will be adjusting to life without Aaron Curry and Alphonso Smith, allowing the dynamic Robert Griffin III to dominate with his arm and legs.

Three More to Watch

Minnesota @ Syracuse (September 5, 12:00, ESPN2): One of, if not the, biggest storylines of this contest will be former Duke University basketball player Greg Paulus lining up under center for the Orange. First-year head coach Doug Marrone has named Paulus the starting quarterback and wiped the slate clean by installing new offensive and defensive schemes for Syracuse. Look for the Gophers’ defense, which ranked No. 11 in the nation in turnovers last season, to put pressure on Paulus and test the Orange offense.

Super Senior: Lee Campbell, LB, Minnesota

Star of Tomorrow: Michael Holmes, FS, Syracuse

Maryland @ Cal (September 5, 7:00, ESPN2): In the first-ever meeting between these two squads last year, the Terrapins defeated the Bears, 35-27. With a pre-season ranking of No. 12, Cal should be champing at the bit for a little revenge, but after going 4-1 against top-25 ranked teams last season, don’t expect Maryland to roll over. Look for the Bears to hand the ball to standout junior running back Jahvid Best early and often.

Super Senior: Chris Turner, QB, Maryland

Star of Tomorrow: Jahvid Best, RB, Cal

Miami @ Florida St (September 7, 8:00, ESPN): In what used to be one of the best rivalries in college football, the 18th-ranked Seminoles take on a young Hurricanes squad. Look for the Florida State defense to pay close attention to Miami’s athletic quarterback Jacory Harris, to try and keep him contained in the pocket. They’ll also need to shutdown running backs Craig Cooper and Javarris James to force the young Canes’ receiving corps to make plays.

Super Senior: Dekoda Watson, LB, FSU

Star of Tomorrow: Sean Spence, LB, Miami

Photos Courtesy of SEC Sports Media & Syracuse University Athletics

CFI Countdown: #1 Florida Gators

2008 Record: 13-1 (SEC: 7-1)
Bowl Game: Won BCS Championship Game vs. Oklahoma 24-12
Location: Gainesville, Florida
Stadium: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (88,548)
Head Coach: Urban Meyer
Overall: 83-17 (9th season)
@ Florida: 44-9 (5th season)
Link to UF Football Page

The last time the Gators and Urban Meyer tried to repeat as BCS Champs, they ended up with a four-loss season. Don’t count on a repeat. Tim Tebow was there in 2007, but he has grown as a leader and they didn’t have all 11 starters back on defense two years ago either. Florida is pretty much the consensus number one team in the country, making them the popular pick to repeat. They fully deserve the accolades.

When the Gators Have the Ball

Offensive Coordinator: Steve Addazio (1st season)
Scheme: Spread Option
Starters Returning: Six
Key Losses: WR Percy Harvin, WR Luis Murphy, TE Cornelius Ingram, OT Jason Watkins, OT Phil Trautwein

According to inside sources, the Gators have constructive a set of plays in which Tim Tebow throws to…himself. Just kidding (obviously), but Tebow’s importance to the Gators’ offense cannot be overstated. What’s more important? Is it his passing skills, his leadership, or his will to win? Or could it be his ability to lower his shoulder and run over a defense? It’s tough to choose because Tebow can do it all. There are reports that he will see more time under center, which could help his stock as a pro prospect, but it’s unclear if it will benefit the Gators. Something that clearly would help the team is finding a legitimate number one tailback, something Meyer has yet to do as the Gator headman. Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps are explosive home run hitters, dangerous runners that must be accounted for…but neither brings the size to carry the load. In the passing game, they replace speedsters Percy Harvin and Luis Murphy with Riley Cooper and Davis Nelson, who provide more size but less big play potential than their predecessors. The man expected to take on the duties of Harvin was supposed to be true freshman Andre Debose, but he could miss significant time with a hamstring injury that may require surgery. Tight end Aaron Hernandez is an emerging weapon who has the knack of finding himself open when the Gators need him most. He is especially effective in the red zone. Other than Tebow, the strength of the offense is on the interior of the offensive line where all three starters return led by the Pouncey brothers—Maurkice handles the center duties and Mike is at one guard spot. However, they must replace both tackles from last season’s championship run, which is a major concern.

Top Pro Prospects: 1) QB Tim Tebow (SR), 2) TE Aaron Hernandez (JR), 3) C Maurkice Pouncey (JR)

When the Other Team Has the Ball

Defensive Coordinator: Charlie Strong (7th season)
Scheme: 4-3
Starters Returning: Eleven
Key Losses: None

Where do we start? The best secondary in the nation, the All-American middle linebacker, or the bookend pass rushing demons? Let’s start in the defensive backfield and work our way up. In junior Joe Hayden and sophomore Janoris Jenkins—a pair of future first-round picks—they have not one, but two lockdown corners. Backing them up are stellar safeties Major Wright and Ahmad Black, a pair of juniors. Wright has speed and is a ferocious hitter, while Black is among the most instinctive defenders in the game. Senior corners Wondy Pierre-Louis and Markihe Anderson were once starters and provide experienced depth. At safety, sophomore Will Hill is simply too talented not to push for playing time. The leader of the entire defense is Brandon Spikes. What Tebow is for the offense, Spikes is to the defense, which is why his return to Gainesville for one more season was almost as significant as Tebow’s. Spikes’ understanding of the game continues to grow each season and he is a solid tackler with the speed to cover ground sideline-to-sideline. Their outside linebackers are good, not great, but they do have four players who can get the job done. Up front, the defensive ends are special. Junior Carlos Dunlap, who checks in at 6’ 6” and 290 pounds, is a man-child who can just as easily run over offensive linemen as use his quickness to jet around them—he simply cannot be blocked one-on-one. Opposite him is senior Jermaine Cunningham, an impressive athlete and accomplished pass rusher in his own right. They are not as set at tackle, although junior Lawrence Marsh has the ability to be a force. Inconsistency in the middle of the line is their lone vulnerability.

Top Pro Prospects: 1) DE Carlos Dunlap (JR), CB Janoris Jenkins (SO), 3) LB Brandon Spikes (SR)

The Schedule

The out of conference schedule is not intimidating, especially early on when they play Charleston Southern and Troy, although it should be noted that Troy does have some players and had the LSU Tigers on the ropes last season before falling short. One match-up that could provide a challenge is their season finale against Florida St. It’s a home game, but this could be a better Seminoles team than the Gators have seen in a couple of years. The game everyone is anticipating is their week three contest with the Tennessee Vols. Florida gets that one at home and it should be a heated affair. That’s the sexy match-up, but the two biggest games come in October with a trip to Baton Rouge and the neutral site tug-of-war with the Georgia Bulldogs.

Pivotal Point

More is less when it comes to Tebow, and we’re not talking about the media backlash Tebow spoke about when he fell short of his second Heisman. Think of it more in an on-the-field, football sense. Let’s take a look at the raw numbers. In 2007, Tebow threw the ball 350 times and ran it 210 times. Those numbers dropped to 298 pass attempts and 176 carries in 2008, which saw his passing yards drop by 540 yards, his rushing yards by 222 yards, and his total touchdowns fall from 55 as a sophomore in his Heisman season to 42 in his National Championship season. Do you get the picture? (Yes, improved defense played a major role). It should come as no surprise that as the offense became more balanced (they threw for 739 more yards than they ran in 2007, in 2008 they ran for 240 more yards) and they spread the ball around more (Tebow accounted for 34 percent of the rushing yards in 2007, 21 percent in 2008), they became a better team.

CFI Final Analysis

Repeating as BCS Champs is no easy task. We saw powerhouse squads just as stocked with talent as Florida is go down when the Miami Hurricanes fell to Ohio St. in overtime and the USC Trojans saw Vince Young skate into the end zone in the waning seconds of their loss to Texas. Florida has the team to repeat, but it is easier said then done as each season brings new challenges. Who knew they would fall to Ole Miss last season? Who knows if they will repeat? One thing we do know is that Meyer will have his team in the middle of the race for the National Championship, and the Gators deserve to start that race on the inside post, atop the rankings.

College Football Insiders Top 25 Countdown:
The Next 25 (26-50) Plus 18 Bowl Teams
#25 West Virginia Mounainteers
#24 Tennessee Volunteers
#23 Clemson Tigers
#22 Pittsburgh Panthers
#21 Michigan St. Spartans
#20 Utah Utes
#19 Oregon Ducks
#18 Florida St. Seminoles
#17 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
#16 Boise St. Broncos
#15 North Carolina Tar Heels
#14 Penn St. Nittany Lions
#13 Mississippi Rebels
#12 Oklahoma St. Cowboys
#11 California Golden Bears
#10 Iowa Hawkeyes
#9 Virginia Tech Hokies
#8 Georgia Bulldogs
#7 USC Trojans
#6 LSU Tigers
#5 Ohio St. Buckeyes
#4 Alabama Crimson Tide
#3 Texas Longhorns
#2 Oklahoma Sooners
Photos Courtesy of SEC Sports Media