Gator Country

If Tim Tebow was allowed to have an agent in college and I could have the job, I’d charge the University Florida a promotional fee every time his likeness appeared on TV.

Tebow is a walking, talking, living, breathing icon that has evolved into powerful advertising/promotional tool that gives Urban Meyer a huge recruiting advantage. And I’m not talking about just Tebow’s appearance in games or post-game highlights.

It was seemingly All-Tebow all the time on ESPN Saturday as Game Day rolled into town, followed by Brent Musburger and Kirk Herbstreit on the game call.

Even Urban Meyer made an appearance, saying that he wasn’t sure what to expect from his defense yet against the Hurricanes’ running game and also acknowledging that Miami might “have us a little bit” in speed. I’ll have to wait and see that to believe it.

The good news was that Urban also said of Percy Harvin “we will use him and use him a lot.” The other good news was that he planned to take the wraps off Tebow and “if we have to run him 35 times to win the game we will run him.”

I liked that Meyer said, “We’re going to let Tim Tebow be Tim Tebow.”

So look for Superman’s cape to be flying again.

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Welcome back Game Day

Having College Game Day on campus is nothing new around here, because Herbstreit, Chris Fowler and Lee Corso have come to Gainesville so many times they could become human GPS’s with blindfolds on. They could almost claim Homestead Exemption here.

This was the 11th time Game Day originated from the UF, the most of any school but one—tying Ohio State for that honor. Overall, Game Day folks have been here 23 times. It was also Game Day’s first time back here since Oct. 7, 2006 for Florida-LSU.

Writers and fans love to bash TV announcers, but I’m one who appreciates what they add to the pageantry and color of college football. I’ve publicly criticized Kirk Herbstreit for his neglect of acknowledging Florida’s BCS Championship worthiness during the 2006 season, but also appreciate that he later came on a Gator Country chat and answered all questions from critics.

So when the boys (and girls – can’t forget Erin Andrews) come to visit The Boys (and girls) of old Florida, it’s a good thing.

If nothing else for the free commercials: Pre-game pieces on Tim Tebow in the Philippines and another showing his workout routine.

I predict a huge night for Tebow in a 38-17 win for Florida. So look for him to be on TV a lot Saturday and Sunday as well. Apparently America just never gets tired of seeing No. 15. And neither do we.

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