Florida-Vanderbilt Preview

It's time for the annual grudge match between two hated rivals. Vandy's coming to town!!! The past few years, the Dores have managed to make it to the Florida game with a decent shot at making a bowl. That's not the case this year. Bobby Johnson's bunch have stumbled and fumbled their way to a 2-7 mark.

I really don't have much to say about this game. I hope the Gators are more fired up and ready to play than I am to watch it. I've already begun the countdown to South Carolina.


5 Keys to the Game

1. Play With Emotion - The Gators certainly need to play with more emotion than I have for doing this preview. If Florida comes out flat, they will struggle against yet another inferior SEC opponent. This shouldn't happen. Florida can see the finish line and they should be willing to do all that they can to reach that line undefeated.

2. Score Touchdowns in the Red Zone - Getting a little success in the red zone during this game could go a long way in determining how the Gators will finish the season. I like Caleb Sturgis and all, but I only want to see him on the field to kick extra points and kick-offs after touchdowns.

3. Pad Tebow's Stats - Tebow is still in the race for this year's Heisman. I'm never one to call for an individual to pad his stats. However, securing his second Heisman Trophy would pretty much seal Tebow's fate as one of the greatest college football players of all time. What better chance to pad your Heisman stats than against a Vandy team that just gave up 50+ points to Georgia Tech?

4. Don't Give Rainey The Ball - For one, he's coming off an injury. No need to risk further damaging it before the South Carolina game. For two, Rainey seems to always stall the offense when he's in the game. Florida will be driving down field, ripping off 5 yards a play. Then the ball would go to Rainey. Stuffed at the line. Happens all the freakin' time.

5. No Eye Gouging - This shouldn't be a problem as Brandon Spikes has now officially taken himself out of the entire game this week.


5 Players That Need To Step Up

1. Brandon Hicks - Hicks will probably get the starting nod on Saturday with Spikes out of the line-up. Believe it or not, there shouldn't be too much of a drop in production. Hicks could easily be the best linebacker on every other team in the conference. He's that damn good.

2. Brandon James - I'm still waiting on Brandon James to do something in the return game. We haven't seen anything that exciting since the Charleston Southern game. He should get some opportunity against this Vandy squad. I also think James should get more touches coming out of the backfield. We've completely gone away from that this season.

3. David Nelson - In order for Tebow to pad his passing stats, he's gonna need someone other than Riley Cooper and Aaron Hernandez to step up. I'm tired of talking about Deonte Thompson, so I'm gonna turn my attention to Mr. Nelson. He should have a big day against a very weak Vanderbilt secondary.

4. Emmanuel Moody - With Rainey dinged up and Manny running better and better each week, there's really no reason why he shouldn't get the bulk of the carries this week. Moody had himself a good day last year against a much better Vandy defense. I expect him to break the 100 yard mark for the first time this season.

5. Duke Lemmens - Duke has really been stepping his game up these past few weeks. If he continues to play this well, he will just be another dangerous weapon in Florida's front 7 defensively. Cunningham, Trattou, Dunlap and Marsh should get some rest this week, so expect Lemmens to come up big.

Here's some highlights from last year's Gators victory over the Dores.




Here's some Vandy fan's take on Meyer calling out the refs for the no-call on the late hit to Tebow last week.

I know, it's hard to believer for me too. There actually is such a thing as Vanderbilt fans.



My Prediction:

Florida - 55

Vanderbilt - 12

Florida-Tennessee Preview

Well it's fast approaching. The Florida v. Tennessee game is almost upon us. As we all know this particular issue of the rivalry is a poignant one. The Good Guys v. The Bad Guys. The Kiffins v. Meyer. Rocky Top v. The Orange and Blue. The Creamsicle Crusaders v. Brandon Spikes, etc. etc.

All the stories, plot lines and sub plot lines are enough to fill a decades worth of rivalry games. We get it all this Saturday. The Swamp will be crazy and Urb will be ready to exact his revenge and shut Laney up.

3:30 on Saturday can't get here soon enough....


5 Keys to the Game

1. Control emotions - There is so much hype surrounding this game. The Gators have to realize that it's all just hype. Sure they can use some of Lane Kiffin's words for motivation. I know I'm more pumped up for this game than I have been for a Tennessee game since the days of the 'Ol Ball Coach. But it's ok if I let my emotions get the best of me, I don't have a game plan to follow. Plus, I'll more than likely be drunk at game time.

2. Protect the ball - This is pretty much a key in any game. However, it should be emphasized more for this particular contest. In the Gators' only lost last season, they turned the ball over more than all of their other games combined. Hopefully they got all of their fumbles out of the way v. Troy last week.

3. Block out Rocky Top - It's just a god-awful song. If the Gator players accidentally subject themselves to the torturous ear raping that is Rocky Top, they may implode.

4. Avoid penalties - The last thing we need is to allow Tennessee to hang around longer than they should because of penalties. Even the greatest of talent, a.k.a. Florida Gators, can be cancelled out by drive-stalling penalties. Again, hopefully we got most of our penalties out of the way vs. Troy last week.

5. Don't listen to the hype - It's dangerous. Especially in a rivalry game.



5 Players That Need to Step Up

1. Brandon Spikes - Mr. Spikes needs to be ready to inflict as much punishment as possible on Saturday. I have to say B. Spikes hasn't looked like his normal self these past two games. Then again, it is kind of hard to get geared up for Charleston Southern and Troy. He should have no such problems vs. Tennessee.

2. Janoris Jenkins - The only unit on Tennessee's offense that is athletic enough to halfway compete with the Gators D are the wide receivers. Joe Haden will be solid as usual and should get another hard hit on Jonathan Crompton. I'm looking for Jenkins to step up and shut down one of those talented receivers. I'm looking at you Nu'Keese.

3. Brandon James - Brandon James has had his biggest games against Tennessee. For some reason they have never learned to kick away from him. Hopefully the new regime didn't get the memo either.

4. David Nelson - Riley Cooper has had 2 outstanding games. Deonte Thompson hasn't been all that impressive, but he managed to stop dropping balls long enough to catch 2 td passes. Even Justin Williams, Omarius Hines and Cade Holliday have looked good. The only receiver that hasn't produced has been David Nelson. Time for him to contribute.

5. Tim Tebow - Senior season. The most hyped Florida-Tennessee game ever. Keeping national title hopes alive. The Heisman. All are reason why it would be nice if Mr. Tebow went off for a monster game. Hopefully Timmy could even pull a Cam Newton on Eric Berry.


Here's some highlights from last season Gator victory.



Here's what those slack jawed yokels are saying.
My Prediction

Florida - 52

Tennessee - 7

Gator Running Backs: A Study in Genetic Freakiness

It has become a tradition in Gainesville every year to wonder aloud who will be the feature running back. In the past this question came about out of general concern. No real running back ever stood up to take over the helm. Not since C-4 graced the Swamp with his glorious presence had the Gators had a running back that they could turn to in dire situations. This year, the problem is a little different.

Last season, the Gators had an explosion of awesome out of the backfield. Chris Rainey, Jeff Demps and Percy Harvin provided defensive coordinators with fits. Coming into the 2009 season the Gators face an enviable problem. They have too many talented running backs. Who's gonna be the premiere back? Who will lose a lot of carries and disappear from the mix? Here's my completely accurate take on the situation.

Jeff Demps

Needless to say, Jeffrey Demps is the fastest of the Gator backs. This fact seems to get all of Gator Nation riled up and more excited than a redneck at Daytona. Every time I have the audacity to tell someone that Demps is just not a complete back yet, I get met with a lot of yelling and profane language. I think Demps will be the starter, and deservedly so. However, I think there are a few other backs on our roster that are just better all around. Of course, I won't care too much about all around play when Demps is breaking one loose against the Vols for a 75 yard touchdown run.




Chris Rainey

Rainey is one of those backs that I feel is a better all-around player than Demps. He has the speed, the elusiveness and he is a bit bigger than Demps. He does have a tendency to dance around too much, but I have the feeling Running Backs Coach Kenny Carter will get that straightened out this season. If Rainey can cut back on the amount of times he's dropped for a loss, his playing time could skyrocket.




Here's a little peak at what the two are capable of.




Emmanuel Moody
Moody is my personal favorite of the bunch. I still have not seen Moody go down on first contact. Unfortunately for Moody, and the Gators, he can't stay healthy. He was oft-injured last season, but when he played, he played great. Manny has already established himself in Gator lore. The supposed reasoning behind Urb calling those last minute timeouts against UGA was to get Manny more totes. He can add to his mystique by going off for 275 yards and 7 td's against against LSU in Tiger Stadium. The LSU fans will then rush the field, pushing their own players out of the way, to get to Moody and carry him off the field on their shoulders.

Eye candy.




Brandon James
Everyone knows about B. James as a kick returner, but he is a capable threat coming out of the backfield as well. Out of all the true Gator running backs, James is the most polished receiver. He an take a quick slant from Tebow and turn it into a huge gain. I don't know if James will see too much time in the backfield. But his carries will definitely increase with the departure of Harvin.




Highlights of James, including the greatest run back I have ever seen with my beautiful blue eyes.



Andre Debose
Debose is the one man on the roster capable of replacing Percy Harvin. That might not be this year though. He'll probably line up more at receiver this season. But look for him to take a lot of snaps in the "Percy" position.





Do I dare? Yes, I do...



Christopher Scott and Vincent Brown

These are two guys that will get some carries in blowouts this season. Scott has been impressing coaches all Spring, but I just don't see him overtaking the players listed above him. Brown got some playing time last season, and I see him getting about the same this year.

Don't forget about these guys coming out of the backfield either!

Florida-Vandy Preview

For some strange reason, I have never really done a preview for a Gators game. Last week, I mentioned a few players that needed to step up in the WLOCP, and as usual I was absolutely correct.

So I figure, why not do a preview from here on out? Here's this week's look to the historic Gators v. Vandy match-up.

Enjoy!

5 keys to a Gator Victory:

1. Show up.

I know the Dores are playing better than usual this season, but it's still freakin' Vanderbilt. Somehow, Vandy always seems to manage a way to give the Gators all kinds of problems. With the exception of last year's blow-out, this series has had a string of way too close games. With no real threat at the QB position, I think it will be pretty hard for Vandy to muster that kind of game once again. Then again, some strange things have happened in Nashville this season.

2. Avoid D.J. Moore

This guy is easily the best player on Vanderbilt's squad. He only has 3 picks this season, but that's mostly due to the fact that no QB in their right mind would throw the ball his way. He is the true definition of playmaker that should take away one side of the field on Saturday. Moore is also dangerous in the kick return game, so that's something else the Gators should be wary of.

3. Cuss like a sailor.

Bobby Johnson really hates curse words. Maybe if Louis Murphy dropped an F-bomb while running a go route along the sideline, he could seriously infuriate CBJ. Unless, of course, he thought Murphy was simply sending a shout-out to Vandy's TE. This could possibly lead to a Vandy coach/UF player throwdown, the likes of which we've never seen.

Well, almost never......

4. Give Moody the damn ball!

Supposedly, Manny is ready to go all out this week after coming off of an injury. Georgia fans know how healthy Moody is right now. He ran the ball 7 times for 73 yards against the Dawgs last week in his first game back from an ankle injury. I have been the biggest proponent all season long of Moody carrying the rock. Demps and Rainey should get good yardage due to their speed, but we need to start using Manny as a change of pace back more frequently.

5. Don't look ahead.

The OBC brings his Fighting Cocks to the Swamp next week. Looking ahead to that match up is probably the biggest challenge the Gators will face this week. Fortunately for us, we have Timothy the Great taking snaps, and I don't see him allowing this team to look ahead. We just need to gt to Nashville and take care of some business. Also, with a berth in the SEC title game on the line, I doubt Meyer and the rest of the coaching staff will really have any difficulty getting this team pumped up.

5 Gator players that need to step up:

1. Brandon James - The Gators D has played so good recently, that James hasn't been able to return that many kicks. BJ needs to make the most of his opportunities this week both in the kicking and running game.

2. Emmanuel Moody - I've already stressed the importance of Manny this week.

3. Markihe Anderson - The Gators are a CB short this week. Granted Jacques Rickerson didn't see the field all that much. Nonetheless, his departure means the rest of the secondary needs to put in a little extra work.

4. Louis Murphy - Aside from enticing a riot with his profanities, Murphy needs to play an important role in the passing game. His play becomes all the more important if the Dores play D.J. Moore on Percy Harvin all game long.

5. The Pouncey Boys - Vandy is very solid up front defensively. The Florida O-line, anchored by the Pounceys, will have to continue their run of great games to keep Tebow out of pressure.

Here's some Vandy fans perspective on the game.

My Prediction:

Florida 35

Vandy 13

Time to step up!

Here's a group of Gators (not named Tebow or Harvin) that need to step their game up this weekend against the Dawgs. If we can just get a couple of these guys to produce on Saturday we should reclaim the WLOCP.




Joe Haden - CB

Up until this point, true freshman Janoris Jenkins has outplayed Haden at the corner position. Rockstar did come through last week with a couple of near interceptions, but he is not playing up to his ability. I still think Haden has the ability to be an All-SEC type player. Perhaps a breakout game against UGA will get him on track.

Brandon James -RS

Brandon James was easily the Gators' MVP during the earlier part of this season. After the Ole Miss game, however James hasn't had an outstanding game. Winning the position battle against Georgia will go a long way for the Gators on Saturday. If James can return to his early season form, the Gators could possibly dominate.

Louis Murphy - WR

I don't really think it's Murphy's fault that he's not having that great of a season. Personally, I think Tebow locks on to Harvin way too much. If Timmy can stop undressing Percy for one second and through a god damn fly route to Murphy, I would be satisfied.

Terron Sanders - DT

Knowshon Moreno is gonna get his on Saturday. There's really nothing the Gators can do to stop him. The key to the game defensively for Florida will be getting pressure on Matthew Stafford. I really like the way Sanders has come on as of late. I look for him to continue that trend and provide some pressure up the middle. It doesn't hurt that ends Carlos Dunlap and Jermaine Cunningham will be getting double teams all game long.

Emmanuel Moody -RB

Even with the emergence of Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey, I still believe Moody is the best all around back we have. The Dawgs have a very speedy linebacker corps. Demps and Rainey might not get the chance to reach the second level too often. This game could be a trademark moment for Moody. I have never seen Moody go down after first contact. Those extra yards will be huge this weekend.

Rocky Toppled.

Man isn't that a clever ass title?

The Gators dominated the Vols today. The best part about the Gators' 30-6 victory was the fact that the UT band didn't have enough reasons to ravage our ear canals with Rocky Top.

Here's a look at the stats.


Florida









Florida Passing
Tim Tebow 8/15 96 yards 2 tds


Florida Rushing
Emmanuel Moody 9 55 yds
Chris Rainey 9 37 yds
Percy Harvin 6 31 yds
Tim Tebow 12 26 yds

Florida Receiving
Percy Harvin 2 recs 49 yds 1 td
Louis Murphy 2 recs 18 yds
Aaron Hernandez 2 recs 15 yds 1 td
Kestahn Moore 1 rec 9 yds
Riley Cooper 1 rec 5 yds


Florida Interceptions
Jannoris Jenkins 1 int


Florida Kick Returns
Brandon James 1 52 yds
Tate Casey 1 4 yds


Florida Punt Returns
Brandon James 2 92 yds 1 td


Florida Kicking
Jonathan Phillips 3/3 40 long


Florida Punting
Chas Henry 1 57 yds



Tennessee









Tennessee Passing
Garbage


Tennessee Rushing
Pathetic


Tennessee Receiving
Non-Existent


Tennessee Defense and Special Teams
Shit.



Player of the Game

Brandon James - Kick Returner, Punt Returner, Bad Ass

James' punt return for a touchdown may have been one of the best returns I've seen in a while. If James' punt return for a touchdown against the Vols his freshmen season wasn't called back, this would have been the third straight year the diminutive James would have torched UT.











Notes:

I think Urban Meyer may have read my previous blog on Emmanuel Moody. The Gators FINALLY gave Moody the ball. I must say Manny didn't disappoint. He showed the skill set that made him PAC-10 freshman of the year 2 years ago. I hope this is a sign of things to come.

Tebow was solid once again. Although he hasn't had the staggering numbers this season, he is playing very good football. Timmy has yet to throw an interception this season, and his decision making only seems to be getting better.

Our defense was phenomenal this game. The biggest question mark on this team is starting to prove themselves. Penalties were still an issue, although some could have easily went the other way. I can live with the penalties, as long as they aren't too costly.

All in all, it was a good win for the Gators. Our fourth straight vs. the Vols. I'm just glad we don't have to hear Tebow sing Rocky Top.

Where's Moody

Where the hell is this guy:

I was all kinds of pumped up when Sir Emmanuel Moody announced he was transferring to the greatest institution known to man.

"Finally," I thought, "We have a dangerous back that will take some of the load off of Tebow and Harvin." Whenever I attended a Gator game last year, I made sure to spot Moody on the sideline. I would elbow my annoyed girlfriend and say, "That guy right there is the answer."

Not since C-4 donned a Gator jersey had I been so excited about a Gator running back. Deshawn Wynn was ok, but I always felt that his power running style didn't fit in with our offense. And don't get me started on Kestahn Moore.

Heading in to week 1 and our momentous showdown against the Hawaii Warriors I was jacked to see this Gator offense in action. I wasn't disappointed. Jeff Demps, Chris Rainey and Brandon James had tremendous games at the running back position. Our rushing attack was stellar, and we didn't even need Tebow to help out. All of this excitement was somewhat diluted by the fact that I didn't get to see Mr. Moody do his thang.

2 carries?!?! Are you serious?!?!?! 2 carries?!?!?! I couldn't believe that Urban Meyer found a way to get the ball in the hands of every running back on his squad EXCEPT for Moody. I heard all kinds of reports after the game that Moody was a little dinged up and Meyer was a little hesitant to use him. However, I also heard that Moody was still struggling to pick up the offense. I have to say I believe the latter a little more than the former.

Week 2 came, and went. This time Moody didn't tote the pill even once! Granted our offense struggled all night against a very good and speedy Miami Hurricane defense. But we're talking about a guy who won PAC-10 Freshman of the year two years ago. Instead of giving him a chance, Meyer and Dan Mullen decided to give the ball to Kestahn Moore. Why we still hand the ball off to Moore is way beyond me.

This week the Gators will travel to Knoxville to take on Tennessee. While I don't expect a blowout on par with last season's whoop-ass, I do expect the Gators to win comfortably. That is, unless we hand the ball off to Kestahn over 5 times.

Moody transferred to Florida to escape the extremely crowded backfield at USC. With the likes of Chris Rainey, Jeff Demps, Brandon James, Mon Williams and even Kestahn Moore, our backfield is a little crowded too. However, I know Moody is a more talented back than all of these guys. He may not have the speed of Demps, the elusiveness of Rainey or the shittiness of Moore, but he IS a better all-around back.

I hope to see, at the very least, more than 2 carries for Moody this week. I guess we'll see what happens.

Will a real tailback please stand up!

For some time now, the Florida Gators have had one of the better offenses in the nation. Steve Spurrier was an offensive guru that revolutionized the way college football is played. Even during the dark ages under Ron Zook, the Gators still sported a rather potent offense. Now, under the direction of Urban Meyer, Florida is once again at the top of college football offenses.

Despite the offensive brilliance in Gainesville, there has always been a question mark at the running back position. With the notable exceptions of Fred Taylor and Earnest Graham, the Gators have not had a consistent ground game. There was the one year of serviceable Robert Gillespie, as well as the one year of Ciatrick Fason (who had potential to be the greatest of Florida's backs.) But a list that includes Ran Carthon, Elijah Williams, Deshawn Wynn, Terry Jackson and Kestahn Moore as starters, there is plenty of room for improvement.

This year the Gators have 5 potential starters at tailback after Spring. While this could be seen as a good thing, it's kind of disturbing that not one of these five players have clearly risen above the rest.

I'm going to break down the five in the order I believe they should play on the depth chart.







1.The Speedster.- Chris Rainey needs to be starting for UF this fall. The best place for him to start will be tailback. If you watched any of UF's Spring game then you know how special this guy can be. The move he put on Ahmad Black to stroll into the end-zone was unbelievable. Chris Rainey and Percy Harvin as the two options with Tebow would vault UF to the top running offense in the history of college football.










2. The New Star.- You would not believe how excited I was to learn that Emmanuel Moody had decided to transfer from USC to Florida. Conversely, I was just as disappointed to learn that Moody was struggling with UF's offense even after a year to sit and learn under it. Moody did flash some signs of life at the Spring game. Despite his fumble in the end zone, Moody was the most pleasant surprise of the afternoon. To watch his speed and elusiveness to get out of the backfield and then his power to run over tacklers in the open field mad me as giddy as a school girl.












3.The Embattled One.- I always thought Mon Williams would eventually become a starter and a star for the Gators. Unfortunately injuries have slowed him down. Williams would have been a perfect lightning to Deshawn Wynn or Kestahn Moore's thunder. Now that he's fully healthy he has a speedier Chris Rainey and a back with almost an identical but better running style in Emmanuel Moody. Although he won't start, Williams should see plenty more playing time this Fall.






4. The Incumbent.- No Gator player has ever frustrated me as much as Kestahn Moore. This include Kyle Jackson because I knew he was garbage so there was nothing to be frustrated about. Moore, however shows signs of a good running back at times, only to follow it with moments of utter horribleness. Moore's game against LSU last season may have been the worst game I've ever seen a Gator tailback play. Although Moore is serviceable, the Gators need to find another answer.







5. The Specialist.- Brandon James might just have more talent as a pure runner than anyone else on the team. The diminutive back provided spells last season for Moore and outperformed the starter. However, I think the Gators need to keep James as a return specialist and only use him in the offense for special situations. Perhaps Urban can develop a package with James as the premiere back and utilize his open field skills on set screens.