Gator Country

College football being such a great game, full of surprise and ecstasy and heartbreak, we often give way to the mythology that success is merely the byproduct of effort and a strong work ethic.

That makes for nice rhetoric and, while partly true, it may also be said that the teams at 0-5 are trying just as hard as those at 5-0. Indeed, effort is important, but talent, skill, execution of a good game plan, player intelligence and smart coaching decisions probably count for more. Halftime and pre-game exhortations not so much. The Gipper speech ain’t what it used to be.

I expect the Florida Gators to give a good account of themselves Saturday in Fayetteville, Ark.

The news for Gator fans that practices have been brisk and productive in Gainesville is good. No doubt Urban Meyer will have his team inspired and ready to play Arkansas. But will it be enough, or will mistakes of Saturday last reappear?

Meyer’s teams usually play hard and intelligently, priding themselves on defense, field position and ball security.

The most distressing aspects of the Gators’ performance in the 31-30 loss to Mississippi were the special teams mistakes, turnovers and blown plays. Not the least of the latter were three overthrows of wide-open receivers made by Tim Tebow.

Losing one game is not the end of football life itself, because we all know the possibility/probability of a one-loss team playing for the national championship is strong. We also know all roads lead through Atlanta.

Granted, losing to a mediocre SEC team with two losses is not exactly a harbinger of league dominance either. But it was more about how Ole Miss won.

Though admittedly it’s time now to look beyond that late September hiccup, we cannot really move forward until questions are answered. Even Meyer, when pressed about whether his team has responded to getting “hit in the mouth” has said over and over, “It’s too early to tell.”

At the same time, we’d do well to look at the calendar and note that we’ve barely made a dent in the ’08 season. Furthermore, most of the top teams have schedules full of potential losses and, in fact, many will play each other.

So it’s early and the BCS dance cards are not yet full.  Don’t panic, it’s a long season and this is not going to be a runaway race for the new national champion.

So many of the ranked teams play each other. Either LSU and Alabama won’t be unbeaten after they meet on Nov. 8 – or maybe even before they play. The Tigers have to win over the Gators first and then face South Carolina and Georgia and Alabama has Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee

Texas has to play both Oklahoma and Missouri in the next three weeks.

So a lot of teams are still alive for the big prize.

The Florida Gators’ effort will play a large role in their future, but if they are going to get to Atlanta, and beyond, they must play with intelligence and precision.

Quick Jump Starts

I’m beginning to agree with the theory that intensity of fan support in “The Swamp” might be lacking and that perhaps it stems from having it too good for too long.

According to my source very close to the SEC officiating office, Urban Meyer never filed an official protest charging that Ole Miss “hurdled” Florida’s line and there was very little question that it was called properly.

Understand his frustration with not wanting to dwell on past failures, but the job of the athletic director is not to suggest to the media following the coach’s press conference that they should be asking questions about the next game when there are so many unanswered about the last one.

Short Stuff

Phil Fulmer of Tennessee sits on college football’s hottest seat, followed closely by Clemson’s Tommy Bowden, but the name on that list that’s most surprising is Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz – just a few years ago the target of several job offers. … I’ll feel better when I can see Carl Moore catch a pass going over the middle. … I hate to think where this Gator team would be without Percy Harvin and Brandon Spikes, two warriors. 

My QB rankings to date

1. Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
2. Colt McCoy, Texas
3. Chase Daniel, Missouri
4. Tim Tebow, Florida
5. Matthew Stafford, Georgia

And for tomorrow …

… All you Gator fans headed for Sooey Piggyland – how about some bacon for breakfast?

About the author

BuddyShow

Buddy Martin is the author of seven books, including Urban Meyer's authorized biography, and was a recipient of an Emmy while working for CBS Sports on "The NFL Today." The native son of Ocala and Florida-educated journalist is the former sports editor of the New York Daily News, Denver Post, St. Petersburg Times and Florida Today. He has won more than 165 state and national awards for writing and editing. "Urban's Way" (St. Martin's Press) is now out in paperback. It can be purchased at all major book stores or by writing Buddy at buddyshow@aol.com.

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