Mind Your Gator Business!

Are the Florida Gators Really That Dominant? The Numbers Do Not Lie

2011-05-09T19:27:00.000-04:00

I never realized just how much of a brand the Florida Gators have become until today. Much like the Yankees of Major League Baseball and Manchester United of international football, the Gators impose a major presence in the sports world.

As the clear dominant force in arguably the NCAA's strongest conference, the Gators proudly assumes the role as big brother in the SEC. In April 2011 the University of Florida took their 200th Southeastern Conference title thanks to the men's golf team. Before you scoff at the sport wait until you see the lists below.

With anything in life it's tough being at the top of your class. You tend to become public enemy number one with everyone placing you under a microscope. The overall feel in Gainesville, FL, though, is to gladly embrace center stage. "It's a source of pride." Athletic Director Jeremy Foley said. In his 19 years as AD of the Florida Gators, 102 of the 200 SEC titles have come while he was at the helm.

In the 2010-11 sports year, Florida has won SEC regular season titles in women's cross country, soccer, volleyball, women's tennis, men's basketball, men's golf, and men's indoor track. If women's lacrosse was a sanctioned SEC sport, then you'd be able to throw that title in there, too.

You know with success comes critics. Many of them point out that it is because of UF's financial resources why the titles come with such frequency. They may be correct as the Florida Gators reported that they had a school budget of $96.4 million this sports calendar year. That was a school record, by the way. "There are plenty of programs out there that have money that aren't doing what we do here," Florida track coach Mike Holloway states. He's partially responsible for leading the men's and women's teams to a total of five SEC titles.

Resources or not, you still cannot purchase championships. We've seen that before in the Yankees and even the Dallas Cowboys. The promising thing about this all is the fact that no one athletic program gets "shortchanged," according to Halloway. "No one is going hungry at the dinner table," he says. That's the great thing about American capitalism; the sky's the limit and everyone has a fair shot. Why Gator Nation has the most accurate one is another story. Take a look at the numbers for yourself...

SEC Championships*

School                     Titles

Florida....................200
Tennessee...............150
Georgia...................134
LSU........................117
Alabama...................75
Arkansas..................75
Auburn.....................70
Kentucky..................66
Miss State.................28
Miss.........................20
Vanderbilt...............10
South Carolina..........8

*Arkansas and South Carolina joined the SEC in 1991

Gators SEC Titles

Sport                                         Titles

Men's swimming & diving..............33
Women's tennis.............................25
Women's volleyball.......................19
Women's swimming & diving.........17
Men's golf.....................................15
Baseball........................................11
Women's soccer...........................11
Men's tennis..................................9
Football........................................8
Women's golf................................8
Women's gymnastics.....................7
Men's indoor track........................6
Women's indoor track...................6
Men's basketball...........................5
Women's cross country.................5
Women's outdoor track................5
Men's outdoor track.....................4
Men's cross country......................3
Softball.........................................3

SEC Budgets*

Schools                 No.         Budget

Tennessee..............20............$111,670,619
Florida..................21............$105,824,376
LSU.......................19.............$102,326,769
Alabama................20.............$98,961,214
Auburn..................21..............$90,908,902
Kentucky...............23..............$79,002,986
South Carolina......20.............$78,295,030
Georgia.................21.............$77,250,831
Arkansas...............19.............$71,801,905
Mississippi.............18.............$45,737,904
Mississippi St.........16.............$36,265,186

*2009-10 school year. SEC schools with number of sports offered.
(source: USA Today)

Florida Falls to Resilient Butler Bulldogs in OT; Loses 71-74

2011-03-26T20:15:00.003-04:00

In New Orleans, the Butler Bulldogs have done it again. In a battle that had the Florida Gators go up by as much as 11 points, there was just no stopping the fight from those dogs. The team concept that carried the Gators to their 5th Elite Eight game was absent tonight. Vernon Macklin got it going early by finishing the first half of the game with 15 points and shooting 8-9 from the field. The Bulldogs of Indianapolis just couldn't seem to stop the Gators inside attack.

The problem with Gators in this game was their inability to get everyone else going. The Gator bench finished two points, while the Butler bench chipped in with 23. SEC Player of the Year, Chandler Parsons was almost invisible, going 2 for 9 on field goals. Butler did a good job of hanging with the Gators on the glass, which was a glaring difference between this matchup and the previous BYU one. They beat the Gators in offensive rebound category, 13-5.

Butler made it a point to apply pressure on Earvin Walker from their guards. The minute Walker crossed the half court, they attacked like he was canned food. Walker couldn't get into his rhythm in the second half, and was forced to dribble around on the perimeter quite often. The easy inside passes that were there in the first half were no longer there. Butler's, Shelvin Mack, stole the show with 27 points and a game high four three pointers. Teammate Matt Howard played his dirty sidekick. Howard's an extremely versatile player, chipping in with 14 points and drawing Macklin out on the perimeter to compensate for his shot.

So the season ends for us Gator fans, and I'm not too happy about it. With three of our starting five being seniors, it will be a surprise to see the Gators reaching this far again in 2012. But that's what makes March Madness so beautiful. It's nothing short of surprises. I salute coach Billy Donovan, and the rest of the senior class. Great season, guys. Now who's ready for some recruiting?

Top performers:

(Butler) Shelvin Mack: 27 pts, 4 ast, 4 rebs, 1 stl
(Florida) Vernon Macklin: 25 pts, 5 rebs, 1 blk

Box Score

Florida Gators Needed OT to Make Jimmer Fredette Take His Last Bow; Final 83-74

2011-03-25T10:42:00.002-04:00

(Florida Gators Needed OT to Make Jimmer Fredette Take His Last Bow; Final 83-74)
Copyright © Kevin J. Timothy
http://marketingmachine.biz/

It was a game of passion, pride, and poise as your Florida Gators avenged last year's loss to BYU. It took the Gators overtime, but Jimmer Fredette and his BYU Cougars didn't have enough down the stretch. The Gators jumped out to a 17-8 lead off a Chandler Parsons three just five minutes into the game. In the New Orleans southeast regional semi-final, what first appeared to be an early insurmountable lead building, turned out to be a suspenseful game of all sorts.

Tyus, Parsons, Macklin

In a game where Jimmer Fredette scored 32 points on 11-29 shooting from the field (3-15 from the arc), he was the only Cougar scoring in double figures. The Florida Gators did an excellent job of containing him by making work for each and every shot.

Fredette missed many shots early, until he discovered that penetrating the lane would help get a rhythm going. His lone bright spot was going perfect on seven attempts at the stripe. Gator forward, Alex Tyus was the man of the night, however, scoring 19 points on 8-9 shooting from the field, and grabbing 17 rebounds.

Tyus powered the forced that BYU lacked all season, which was a beast-like inside game in the paint. He made the Cougar shooters alter many shots, and negated all sorts of second chance opportunities. BYU shot a paltry 35% from the field. The score was knotted up 36-36 at the half and it looked like BYU had figured out Florida's strategy.

The Gators appeared to have been trying to match the Cougar's frenentic pace with rare spurts of slowing down into a half court set. BYU countered by alternating a 2-3 zone defense with a high pressured man defense. The man defense worked well, forcing the Gators into making 15 turnovers.

Early on, every time the Gators fed the bigs on the inside, the Cougars swatted and created fumbles and steals (11 to 8). The balance of Billy Donovan's Gators were just to much, though. Four Gator players scored in double figures (Tyus, Parsons, Kenny Boynton, and Earvin Walker), and Vernon Macklin scored nine to go with his three steals.

Earvin Walker made his usual big shots, and Chandler Parsons played like a rouge warrior with his quiet numbers. The win proved that it takes a team concept coupled with great guard play to succeed in March. It's too bad that Jimmer Fredette ended his NCAA career on that note, but who cares? The Gators move on to face Butler University to try for their 5th ever trip to the Final Four.

The Key Player:

Alex Tyus
19 points, 8-9 FGs, 17 rebounds, 1-1 3PT FGs, 1 block, 1 turnover

Box Score

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Florida Gators - UCSB Gauchos Round 1 Review

2011-03-18T20:55:00.000-04:00

Ok. These Gauchos of the Big West conference had me concerned for a whole 45 seconds of Florida's opening round game of the 2011 NCAA tournament. Immediately after tip off, the Gators jumped all over UC-Santa Barbara. It looked almost like a David versus Goliath battle, only David had a dismembered leg. It was an annihilation from the jump.

The Gators raced off to an 11-1 run and kept pouring it on. Florida went up by as much as 25 points prior to halftime, shooting a remarkable 58% in the first half. At the break the score was 43-19. But, then again, that's exactly what a #2 seed is supposed to do to a #15 seed. The game was pretty much wrapped up long before half time. Gators SEC Player of the Year, Chandler Parsons, was really close to a triple double with over ten minutes left in the game. He finished with 10 points, 10 assists, and only three rebounds away from joining the likes of Shaquille O'Neal, Oscar Rebertson, Magic, and Dwayne Wade as one of only eight to do it in an NCAA tourney game.

It was total domination across the board, but Billy Donovan kept it classy and sat his starters late in the game. All but one Florida Gator starter (Alex Tyus) finished the game in double figure points. Next up the Gators get to face UCLA. What are the odds they get to face the same university (different campuses) in consecutive rounds. Either way, I love seeing the Gators beat up on those California schools.

Key Stats

Assists - Florida 22, UC-SB 8
FG Shooting - Florida 55%, UC-SB 36%
Final Score - Florida 79, UC-SB 51

Total Beatdown. Go Gators!

Box Score courtesy of USA Today

2010 FL Gators Football; Game 1 Thoughts

2010-09-05T13:19:00.000-04:00

2010 FL Gators Football; Game 1 Thoughts
Copyright © Kevin J. Timothy

The long wait was over; the FL Gators finally took the field today against the University of Miami (OH). Like the rest of Gator Nation, I too was very disappointed with what I saw. True we beat the Redhawks, 34-12, but it was the games inside of the game that perturbed me. First of all, what in the world was going through the minds of center, Mike Pouncey, and quarterback, John Brantley? The two combined for at least 10 bad snaps and a few fumbles. Pouncey, who held down the guard position for the past couple of years, seemed like he was in a different world. Some snaps looked like he bowled the football back to Brantley. While the play essentially begins with the center position, I won't give Pouncey all the blame. As a quarterback, Brantley was supposed to be able to control at least some of them.

If it wasn't for the team speed of the FL Gators, we probably wouldn't have able to pull a victory out today. Janoris Jenkins picked a pass in the 2nd quarter and took it 67 yards to score the Gators first touchdown. It was obviously a momemtum changer. Early in the 4th quarter, Jeff Demps exploded to the right side for a 72 yard touchdown run to put the Gators up 27-12. The other three Gator touchdowns resulted from Redhawk misfortunes. Two of which came from a shortened field in which Miami (OH) turned the ball over. The one that made the game 34-12 was a 25 yard heave that bobbled around in the end zone and eventually landed in the hands of Chris Rainey.

FL Gators 34
Miami (OH) 12
Box Score

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Good As Gold: Two FL Gators Break Records at Pan Pacs

2010-08-21T20:26:00.000-04:00

Good As Gold: Two FL Gators Break Records at Pan Pacs
Copyright © Kevin J. Timothy
http://kevintimothy.biz/

Last night at the 2010 Mutual of Omaha Pan Pacific championships, freshman Elizabeth Beisel (N. Kingstown, RI), and former FL Gator, Ryan Lochte (Daytona Beach), claimed gold medals in the same event for the second consecutive day. The Pan Pacs was a showcase for University of Florida swimming.

Ryan Lochte & Elizabeth Beisel

For Lochte, this was his fourth and fifth gold medal earned on Friday. The swimmer set meet records in the men's 200-meter backstroke, and men's 400-meter freestyle relay. Lochte's time of 1:54.12 was the fastest time in the 200-meter backstroke this year. A record time of 3:11.74 landed a gold medal in the 400 free relay.

Lochte joined Michael Phelps, Jason Lezak, and Nathan Adrian to create a virtual dream Team USA in the event. Lezak is no stranger to success, claiming seven NCAA championships as a FL Gator between '02-'06. Ryan Lochte now has his hands on a meet high of five gold medals in just the first three days! He's crowned the champ at the 200 back, the 200 free, the 400 individual medley, the 400 free relay, and the 800 free relay. "This is just a stepping stone for Worlds next year and then the Olympics," Lochte told USA Swimming.

As for the FL Gator newcomer, Beisel, she won her first gold medal of the week on Thursday in the 400-meter individual medley. Friday she took the womens 200 backstroke in aggressive fashion. Her time of 2:07.83 posted as the second best time in University of Florida swimming history. Its good to see our FL Gators humble even in the midst of triumph. Beisel said, "I was definitely excited to be able to come in first, but it wasn't easy, that's for sure."

At the end of day three of the Pan Pacs, the US mens swimming team is in first place. Coached by the University of Florida swimming coach, Gregg Troy, he has to be happy with the early success. The US womens team is also in first place.

Here are the standings through August 20, 2010:

1. USA – 167
2. Japan – 89
3. Australia – 87
4. Canada - 53
5. Korea - 32
6. Brazil - 28
7. South Africa - 24
8. China - 19
9. New Zealand – 6
10. Papua New Guinea - 1

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FL Gators Football: 2010 Predictions

2010-08-11T21:28:00.003-04:00

FL Gators Football: 2010 Prediction
Copyright © Kevin J. Timothy
http://myresiduals4life.info/

2009 Record: 13-1 (8-0 SEC)
2009 Bowl: Allstate Sugar Bowl (beat Cinncinatti 51-24)
Final 2009 AP Ranking: #3
Head Coach: Urban Meyer (57-10 at Florida; 96-18 overall)
Non-Conference Schedule: Charleston Southern (9/5), Troy (9/12), FIU (11/21), Florida State (11/28)

2009 Offensive Statistics

Scoring: 35.9 (10th overall in NCAA)
Rushing Yds/Gm: 221.8 (10th overall in NCAA)
Passing Yds/Gm: 236.1 (41st overall in NCAA)
Total Yards/Gm: 457.9 (6th overall in NCAA)

2009 Defensive Statistics

Scoring: 24 (88th overall in NCAA)
Rusing Yds/Gm: 99.8 (12th overall in NCAA)
Passing Yds/Gm: 152.8 (T2nd overall in NCAA)
Total Yds/Gm: 252.6 (3rd overall in NCAA)
2009 Miscellaneous Stats

Pass Efficiency Rating-Defense: 96.1 (6th overall in NCAA)
Takeaways: 23 (T 50th overall in NCAA)

Returning Starters

Offense: 6
Defense: 6
Kicker/Punter: 2

Top Returning Stat Leaders

Passing: QB John Brantley, JR (36 of 48 for 410 yds, 8.54 yds/att, 7 TDs, 0 INT)
Rushing: RB Jeff Demps, SO (99 carries for 745 yds, 7 TDs, 7.5 ypc, 57.3 ypg)
Receiving: WR Deonte Thompson, SO (24 rec, 343 yds, 4 TDs, 2.2 rec/gm, 14.3 yds/c)
Tackles: LB Ryan Stamper, SR (78); S Ahmad Black, JR (70)
Sacks: LB Brandon Hicks, JR (4.0)
Interceptions: LB A.J. Jones, JR (3)

2010 Pre-Season Rankings

Athlon Sports: #6
Lindy's: #5
Mark Schlabach: #11
Phil Steele: #7
Rivals: #6
Scout: #4
Sporting News: #8
Sports Illustrated: #11
USA Today Coaches Poll: #3

2010 Pre-Season SEC Prediction

Scout: #2

2010 Bowl Prediction

Fiesta Bowl (vs. Texas)

The dream is over. FL Gator fans can forget about the Tim Tebow era. We've had a great time since he was recruited back in 2006 but its now time to move on. There is still good news, however. For now we can still be entertained by The Urban Meyer show, and I am surely going to enjoy it before its cancelled. Up comes year one of life after Tebow, and its time for the 2010 FL Gators to defy odds. I think it'll be a great but necessary experience so here are some things to consider:

What are the strengths of the 2010 FL Gators?

In the previous season the FL Gators were a much more experienced team. While it would be hard pressed to find anyone to argue against that, don't assume that the FL Gators will be short on talent. First year starting QB, John Brantley, has the mobility and talent to make a push for a Heisman mention. He is no stranger to Urban Mayer's Spread offense, and he will be surrounded by lightning quick weapons to throw to.

Speed is one thing but experience is foreign with the receivers. This year the strength of the FL Gators will lie in the special teams, not the offense. They return kicker, Caleb Sturgis, and punter, Chas Henry. Aside from being two of the few returning positions with experience, those two can really help both sides of the ball by shortening the field.

What are the weaknesses of the 2010 FL Gators?

It's really been the weakness for the FL Gators football program for over ten years. This season will be no different as the FL Gator ground game will be a great liability. Brantley is good, and while his throwing mechanics are far better than Tebow's, the Gator offense will miss his bruiser style and short yardage ability.

Sure you can bank the likes of Jeff Demps, Mike Gillislee, and Chris Rainey to score from anywhere on the field. But what happens when the FL Gators gets stopped on the four yard line with three downs to go? Urban Meyer needs to develop short yardage plays for Emanuel Moody or discover a bruiser.

What will be the first major test for the FL Gators in 2010?

You don't have to look any further than the Tennessee match up on September 18th. Unlike years of the past, the FL Gators will be tested much more sooner that the third game of the season. Look for the second home game to be a tough one as the Gators face intrastate rival, South Florida for the first time. In 2007 the USF Bulls tasted some of the national spotlight by ranking as high as #2 in the AP Poll.

Since then the Bulls have had a coaching change, but the program is fed up with being after thoughts in the state. Not to mention USF shares picks for the same talent pool of recruits the other major state schools pick from. New regime or not, FL Gator fans should be concerned. The Bulls will try to seize this opportunity to slightly sway the decisions of future recruits

What team should the FL Gators fear the most in 2010?

The debacle in last year's SEC Championship game would tempt me to say that the trip to Tuscaloosa should instill the most fear. True, Alabama are defending champions. True, they return arguably the best 1-2 backfield punch since the Gators had to face Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. Yes, the Tide is led by an NFL calibur coach, but these aren't reasons to be afraid of them. The FL Gators got blasted 13-32 last December and they have every reason to be motivated to return the favor right on Alabama's home field.

The team that the FL Gators should fear the most is LSU the week after they visit the Tide. Even if the Gators lose in Tuscaloosa, if they win out the rest of the year they can still make a push for the national title game. But this will only be made possible if a tired Gator team can defeat the LSU Tigers. Win or lose, the FL Gators will probably be beat up after facing Alabama. They will need everything they have to beat LSU in the Swamp. The Tigers are also flying under the radar and has a better than advertised team this year.

Who is the best FL Gator player that no one talks about?

Quick, ball hawk, former quarterback, size. This has to be Will Hill, hands down.

#10, Safety, Will Hill

Who is the best offensive player on the team?

The best offensive asset on the FL Gators this year will be center Mike Pouncey. The senior has been riding with the team since day one, and unlike his twin brother, Mike had the desire to return for his final season to block for the Gators future (Brantley). Not only is Mike a seasoned vet, he plays one of the most important positions on the offense. Pouncey is the cornerstone of the most experienced unit on the team, the offensive line. They will need his leadership and stable direction for the tough games this year. It's his last year as a college athlete so you can count on All-SEC Pouncey to be at his best for the NFL scouts.

Who will be the most impactful defensive player on the 2010 FL Gators?

You can expect senior Ahmad Black to be the game changer each Saturday this year. The strong saftey is coming off a year with a career high in tackles (57) and never mind his small frame. This guy has a huge heart and he knows what winning is all about. The former Lakeland High School star is only two years removed a year in which he picked seven passes and returned two for scores.He doesn't just display speed when he recovers the ball, he has field vision to take it to the house each time. As its his last year he will show up and be the general for the FL Gator secondary.

What FL Gator player needs to step up in 2010?

Before the Gators begin to even think about being relevant in December, the defensive line will have to be formidable. The front four will really have to get it together but the glue of the force will have to be Junior defensive end, Justin Trattou. The NFL stripped the FL Gators of their two starting defensive ends, Jermaine Cunningham and Carlos Dunlap. With them they took a combined 16 sacks and 22.5 tackles for losses. You thought the Gators had a tough time against the run in last year's SEC title game? The 2010 FL Gators will catch some serious hell tackling the Ingram-Richardson combo, much less penetrating the backfield. Gator Nation (and the secondary) will need Trattou to step up

So what will the FL Gators final record be in 2010?

I can see the Gators running through their first four opponents in 2010. The South Florida game will be close and the game in Knoxville won't be as close as advertised. The FL Gators will take a 4-0 record into Tuscaloosa where great coaching and a barrage of bad calls by the officials will make the Gators winners againts Alabama. Florida doesn't take beatdowns too well so they will avenge that loss from last year. Yes, you read it here first; Florida will defeat heavily favored 'Bama in the regular season.

The FL Gators, wore down from a physical game against 'Bama will lose in the Swamp vs. LSU. At that point they are 5-1. After the shocking loss in the swamp, the Gators take it out on Miss State right before a much needed week off. I won't predict another 13-1 season since they lost so many quality starters so I will say that their next loss comes at Florida State. The powers that be won't let them destroy two intrastate rivals in the same season. Hey, it's a Florida thing! The FL Gators football team will finish 2010 with a record of 9-2 (7-1 SEC)

So, what will make the 2010 season a success?

Too easy; added experience. It's a rebuilding year by Florida's standards. The highlight will be knocking off the Tide on their home field in a statement game. However, it will be Florida vs Alabama in a rematch for the SEC Championship game where 'Bama will get the last laugh and go on to play someone like the Buckeyes or Oklahoma as a #2 seed (again). But what will make this year satisfactory is being able to expose the younger players to big games and opportunities. There is a lot of young talent on this team. Don't forget, the FL Gators are still beasts when it comes to recruiting. So Gator Nation, don't let 2010 depress you. You will be back on top within 2-3 years time.

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Former FL Gator, T.J. Lawrence, Believes the Grass May Be Greener

2010-08-08T22:08:00.000-04:00

Former FL Gator, T.J. Lawrence, Believes the Grass May Be Greener
Copyright © Kevin J. Timothy
http://www.truetraffic.info/

The FL Gators have never been strangers to talent, but sometimes stockpiling all of that talent can harm the three time NCAA champions. This past Thursday the Gators lost wide receiver T.J. Lawrence. The former Kathleen High School (Lakeland, FL) star was finally granted his release from the Gator football program. "It's like the whole recruiting process all over again from when you graduate from high school, but it's just a lot less colleges, " Lawrence said on Saturday. The former four star prospect chose to leave the FL Gators because he felt that his talents were not being showcased on the team. Is he to blame? Urban Meyer really likes to make sure his offense is deep at that position.

Currently a redshirt sophmore, T.J. Lawrence expressed several reasons as to why he made his decision. In 2008 he dressed for five games, but he didn't get on the field for one snap. Last season he managed to get into three games in which he made no catches but returned two kickoffs for 69 yards. Originally, the Gators recruiting staff were high on him but obviously times have changed.

According to Lawrence several schools have been contacting him. Eastern Kentucky, Pearl River CC, and U of South Florida are just a few from the list. While Lawrence claims to have a prospective list, the door for options may be fairly narrow. "I believe the Gators are going to put barriers on all SEC schools, rival schools and schools Florida plays in the next two years," Lawrence said.

NCAA rules state that if Lawrence chooses to attend another Division I school, he will have to miss all of the 2010 college football season. The only way to avoid sitting out this year is to attend a lower division school. Right now Lawrence really isn't sure what his final decision will be, but he should know by this Monday or Tuesday. Things must really be heating up in this fall practice. There is definite quality at the wideout position for the FL Gators this year, but I wish Lawrence the best. Athletes coming out of Lakeland, FL usually have decent careers.

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John Brantley & 2010 Florida Gators Are Armed with Surprises

2010-08-05T18:21:00.000-04:00

John Brantley & 2010 Florida Gators Are Armed with Surprises
Copyright © Kevin J. Timothy
http://www.myresiduals4life.info/

It has to be uncomfortable being in the shoes of FL Gators quarterback, John Brantley. Today the fourth year junior faced the media, and I'm sure Brantley was a bit perturbed. For months leading up to the FL Gator fall practice there have been doubts circulating. Can John Brantley get it done this year? It has got to be uncomfortable going from a state record setting QB from Ocala, to a huge question mark.

Sure filling the shoes of Tim Tebow is a daunting task, but John Brantley is confident of his situation. "For the first day, we looked pretty good. I was real happy with it. We're just going to keep getting better from here on out." The FL Gators were led by one of the game's greatest players in Tebow. Now its time to move on. It's Brantley's team now. He really shouldn't have that tough of a time and he knows it. "Having those playmakers around me makes it easier on me," Brantley said.

Tim Tebow will go on to do well in the NFL, and I remember a time when I didn't think the FL Gators could replace Wuerfful. "Tebow was a once in a lifetime quarterback. You can never replace a player like that," guard Carl Johnson said. "The offensive line believes in him (Brantley) and everyone is buying into the system." Center Mike Pouncey is even high on the abilities of his new quarterback, stating, "..Johnny B is going to hold his own and everyone is going to be surprised how he plays." Not bad when a key player on your O-line thinks that.

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Tim Tebow NFL Legacy Begins with New Contract

2010-07-29T22:40:00.000-04:00

Tim Tebow NFL Legacy Begins with New Contract
Copyright © Kevin J. Timothy
http://www.myresiduals4life.info/

Its been almost four months since the 2010 NFL Draft but the wait is over. Former Gators Tim Tebow gets under contract with the Denver Broncos for a term of five years. The deal is worth about $11 million over that period, and more than $8 million of that is guaranteed. According to an ESPN report, Tebow could earn as much as $33 million over the five years.

As much hype as he received coming out of college I'm surprised that the contract wasn't worth more. After all, he was a first round pick. The city of Denver hasn't seen a media avalanche like this since John Elway back in 1983. But with Tim Tebow jerseys already being a top seller, I'm sure that he has no worries. I didn't even discuss his endorsements with EA Sports, Jockey, and Nike. Financially, the man will be alright. But on the field...

His signing leaves Demaryius Thomas, Denver's top pick, as the only unsigned member of the Broncos' draft class. As a premier receiver out of Georgia Tech, Thomas' presence will be detrimental to the Tim Tebow football development in the NFL. We shall see how that unfolds but it'll be wise for ownership to work out a deal soon. The last thing your young quarterback needs is to have his complementary wide receiver missing training camp.

The Broncos are very high on Tebow as their future. Kyle Orton, their starting QB last year, didn't even get a long term deal this off season. He signed a $2.6 million tender as a restricted free agent and the only other QB competition is Brady Quinn. You remember that Notre Dame poster boy? I have a really good feeling that Tim Tibow will be an overachiever in the NFL...regardless of what the haters may think. Congrats, Timmy. At least you didn't hold out for $50k more like some other ingrates. See you at the top.

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Florida Gators and Shands Hospitals Team Up For 3rd Charity Event

2010-07-27T21:25:00.000-04:00

Florida Gators and Shands Hospitals Team Up For 3rd Charity Event
Copyright © Kevin J. Timothy
http://myresiduals4life.info/

The Florida Gators football team is holding its third annual Gator Charity Challenge this Friday, July 30 at 7pm. The challenge consists of the 2010 Gator team taking on each other in a series of strength competitions. The fun will take place at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and it is open to the public. If you plan on going, it is free and make sure that you enter through Gates 1-4 on the west concourse. Gates will open as soon as 6pm.

Last year roughly 2,500 Florida Gator fans showed up to watch the team beat up on each other in three head to head events. Not a bad turn out for a positive cause. This year will be no different as the 2010 Gators will be divided into six teams. Each one will be representing an organization related to Shands Heathcare. This is the university of Florida's health network. World renowned, and one of the best employers to work for in the Gainesville area.

Once there you will have the opportunity to pick up pledge cards on the West Concourse. Sorry Gator fans, no cash or checks will be accepted. You can only pledge through forms. Save all your cash instead for the concessions (Gate 2) and the Gator Sportshops. If in the Gainesville area come out and show your support. On that day it'll be much bigger than Gator football.

The 2010 Gator Charity Organizations and Captains

1. Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida - A.J. Jones (Tampa)

2. American Cancer Society - Brandon Antwine (Garland, TX)

3. March of Dimes - Duke Lemmens (West Lake Village, CA)

4. STOP! Children's Cancer - Lorenzo Edwards (Orlando)

5. Shands Cancer Hospital - Ahmad Black (Lakeland, FL)

6. American Heart Association - Terron Sanders (Bradenton, FL)

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Florida Gators TV Schedule: First Three Games Are Set

2010-07-21T20:57:00.000-04:00

Florida Gators TV Schedule: First Three Games Are Set
Copyright © Kevin J. Timothy
http://www.myresiduals4life.info/

Sorry Gator fans, I know I've been M.I.A for quite some time but I promise I'm back. The past several weeks have been pressure packed and stressful as my family had to complete a move. Moving sucks! So before you find a home, make sure that you can see yourself there for a long time.

Well I want to tell you that today the SEC released the Florida Gators tv schedule. Granted it was only for the first three weeks of the season, but they include three must see games. As if any Florida Gators 2010 game isn't a must see. Life after Tebow, know what I mean? We make our season opener on ESPN (Sep 4th @ noon) as we host the Redhawks of Miami(OH). They're probably best known for being Roethlisberger's alum. The only other time we met them was in the '73 Tangerine Bowl. This should be fun.

Game two of the Florida Gators 2010 season is the one I'm really looking forward to. It will be the first time we face the up and coming USF(Tampa) Bulls. I guess they want to run with the big boys of Florida now. But I'll tell you that I doubt we'll slip up the way Florida State did last year. It will be a good game though, if not historic. So be sure to tune into the SEC Network on September 11th at 12:20p.

The following Saturday (Sept 18th, 3:30p) we get the first test of the Florida Gators 2010 season when we visit the Vols. It'll be the first SEC game on CBS this season so get your kegs and grills ready. Just because the Kiffins took their disloyalty out to the west coast doesn't mean that they took the fans with em. Neyland Stadium gets severely loud! Later in the year (Oct 30th, 3:30p) we get our rivals, Georgia. Also on CBS. The times for the rest of our games will be announced at least ten days prior to kickoff. I'll keep you posted.

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I Really Want the Gators to Beat Them the Most This Football Season

2010-06-20T22:08:00.000-04:00

I Really Want the Gators to Beat Them the Most This Football Season
Copyright © Kevin J. Timothy
http://myresiduals4life.info/

Ok, I've been a Florida Gator fan since roughly 1990, and ever since I've looked forward to the annual UF-UGA matchup. This season I'm tempted to say that I really want the Gators to chomp some charred Bulldog, but the memory won't let it rest. I'm talking about the memory of last year's SEC Championship game against the Crimson Tide of 'Bama. Sure the Bulldogs are arguably our most hated rival, but I just don't see them as a threat to anyone this year. Sorry Bulldogs

Aside from the 32-13 debacle the Gators took from the Tide, I'm anxious to see how Alabama reacts to the loss of nine defensive starters. Sure the Gators lost the greatest offensive player in school history, but as always we have the speed to make any defensive coordinator shiver. I've been hearing too much talk about how fortunate Alabama is to bring back their offensive core. Greg McElroy (QB), Julio Jones (WR), and that darn backfield tandem, Trent Richardson and defending Heisman winner, Mark Ingram.

Never mind losing Spikes, Dunlap, and Haden, the Gators will be returning a pretty stunning secondary. Also, to replace Brandon Spikes we have rising star Jelani Jenkins who's geared up to replace him. He's a little undersized for a MLB at 225lbs, but the two time Mr. Maryland runs a 4.40. The Gators also managed to sign a total of three 5-star recruits on the defensive side of the ball. And they all play on the defensive line. Don't think that coach Urban Meyer is all about scoring points.

In my opinion, the Gators are a lock for winning the SEC East once again. Given a returning quarterback and Nick Saban's knack for play calling, I see 'Bama taking the West once again too! This season's game in Tuscaloosa will surely be crucial in terms of Gator confidence. We upset the Tide on their field and you're looking at some serious drama going down in Atlanta this December. C'mon Gator nation, you know you really want to see 'Bama go down!

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Muskegon, Michigan Athlete Impresses the Gators This Summer

2010-06-17T21:30:00.001-04:00

Muskegon, Michigan Athlete Impresses the Gators This Summer
Copyright © Kevin J. Timothy
http://myresiduals4life.info/

There's a new name that seems to be constantly coming up around Gator camp this summer and its Willie Snead. The 5'11", 175lb ATH out of Muskegon, Michigan is dropping jaws and popping eyes with his ability. When he's not running past defenders with his blazing speed, he's confusing them with his excellent route running ability. Everyone at camp is raving about how he stops on a dime and changes directions.

Snead is the son of former Florida Gator, Willie Snead III, who played for them in the 1980's. With offers from Cincinatti, Toledo, Ball State, Michigan State, Troy, LSU, Georgia, FIU, and Bowling Green, Snead is no lock to be in the orange and blue just yet. But be proud of our recruiting efforts. Premier athletes in that town usually end up going to MSU or Ohio State. His father swears that he has nothing to do with him working out with he Gators. "He's much better than I was.", Snead III said. As a junior for Muskegon Heights High, he played quarterback and these were his stats:

139/188 on passes for 2,937 yards and 30 touchdowns. He also rushed for 1,120 yards and 15 scores.

Now that's just crazy! What's more astonishing is that his high school is known more for their basketball prowess, while rival Muskegon High School has the football accolades. I was fortunate enough to find this video for you. I really like this kid's versatility to play both sides of the ball. As you're watching, pay particular attention to how he explodes on a kid near the line of scrimmage at the 4:40 mark. What a shame! I'll be thinking about that for at least a week.

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Gators Advance to College World Series. Game 1, Saturday

2010-06-15T11:04:00.000-04:00

Gators Advance to College World Series. Game 1, Saturday
Copyright © Kevin J. Timothy
http://myresiduals4life.info/

Go home, Miami!

Your Florida Gators are back in the hunt for a College World Series crown. After sweeping the Miami Hurricanes over this past weekend, 7-2 in Game 1 and an extra innings Game 2 resulting in a score of 4-3, the Gators are determined. The 64th CWS will be played at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, NE, making it the first time it was held there since 2005.

"Moving on" is always a phrase you like hearing in Gator sports. Except for football, of course. Only the almighty knows when college football will convert to a playoff system. The CWS action continues this Saturday, June 19th when the Gators (47-15) open up against the Bruins of UCLA (48-14). The game's first pitch will be tossed at 7pm and will be played on ESPN. It feels so good eliminating a state rival, so allow me to pause in elation for a moment....

Ok. Now the FSU Seminoles (47-18) did advance, and they're facing TCU (51-12) in Saturday's only other game at 2pm. The other participants are:

Game 3 (Sunday) – 2 p.m. South Carolina (48-15) vs. Oklahoma (49-16)

Game 4 (Sunday) – 7 p.m. Clemson (43-23) vs. No. 1 Arizona State (52-8)

The winners and losers of the weekend's games will face each other respectively on Monday, June 21st. I'm backing the Gators all the way, but I would be lying if I said that I wasn't proud to see the majority of the particpants being from the southeast region. You know the west claims to know everything about sports. Congratulations to the Gators for making it this far but there's more work to be done.

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Gators Finish in Top Three at NCAA Track & Field Championships

2010-06-12T23:49:00.001-04:00

Gators Finish in Top Three at NCAA Track & Field Championships
Copyright © Kevin J. Timothy
http://myresiduals4life.info/

Today in front of over 12,800 fans, the Florida Gators mens and womens track team each finished in the top three. While the coveted NCAA Outdoor Championship eluded both teams today, we did manage to claim several individual titles. On the final day at Hayward Field (University of Oregon) here were the winning results:

Mens

1) Texas A&M 55

2) Florida 54

3) Oregon 45

4) Arizona State 37

5) Southern California 35.5

6) LSU 34

7) Kansas 26

8) Florida State 22

8) Stanford 22

10) Virginia Tech 20.5

Womens

1) Texas A&M 72

2) Oregon 57

3) Florida 40

4) Penn State 34

5) Virginia Tech 33

6) LSU 31

7) Texas-El Paso 29

8) Iowa State 28

9) Southern Illinois 26

9) Oklahoma 26

11) Miami 24

Makes you wonder what they're doing over there in Texas. The Gators did win a total of six individual titles over the weekend: RB Jeff Demps (100-meters), Christian Taylor (triple jump & 4 X 100 relay), Charlotte Browning (1,500-meters), Evelien Dekkers (women's javelin), and Mariam Kevkhishvili (women's shot put). Browning, who was the 2010 mile champion, gave the Gators their first 1,500-meter title since 1997 with a time of 4:15.84. Its been a long time coming girls, but i'm proud. The long distance events are terribly underrated in track & field. As for the senior, Dekkers, well she brought home the first NCAA javelin championship in school history. Her toss of 59.0m was also a Gator record.

The mens 4 X 100-meter relay team claimed its second straight NCAA title with a time of 39.04. Fueled by RB Chris Rainey, Jeremy Hall, Terrell Wilks and Demps, the fleet brought home the fourth ever 4 X 100-meter relay title in school history. Now that's what i'm talking about! Combine that with a brick wall of an offensive line this season, and we may be playing in Atlanta for at least another SEC crown.

sources: NCAA.com & GatorSports.com

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Gators Snatch Another Lakeland Dreadnaught WR in McRoy

2010-06-11T21:57:00.003-04:00

Gators Snatch Another Lakeland Dreadnaught WR in McRoy
Copyright © Kevin J. Timothy
http://www.myresiduals4life.info/

Its been a relatively long time since Urban Meyer and his recruiting team made some noise. Roughly two months to be exact! But the Florida Gators are back with another premier recruit out of Polk County, FL. Wide receiver, Javares McRoy is the latest Lakeland High School Dreadnaught to commit to play for the Gators. He makes the fifth Gator recruit to be added to the 2011 class.

Believe it or not Florida wasn't McRoy's first choice. He actually originally committed to Texas Tech along with his brother, Benjamin. That's a very rare move for a Lakeland High football recruit as they usually tend to stay in the southeast. In 2007 the Gators signed a total of seven Dreadnaughts, a class that was featured with recent NFL draft picks Major Wright and Carlos Dunlap. McRoy implied to the Lakeland Ledger that he chose UF because they fit his running style. Not quite sure what that means but we'll have to see. He's the first offensive skill player of the year so i'm hoping his high school exploitations translate well into the SEC.

In a spring game this past May, McRoy lit up Tarpon Springs HS for 299 yards on nine carries (33.2 yds per carry). Totally insane! Judging from this 2009 highlight film, the young man may very well be ready for the SEC. By the way, you know coach Meyer doesn't redshirt freshmen.

(Javares is #9. His brother, Ben is #21)

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The Florida Gators Gear Up For Showdown with Miami. Regionals Are Set

2010-06-09T23:29:00.003-04:00

The Florida Gators Gear Up For Showdown with Miami.
Copyright © Kevin J. Timothy
http://www.myresiduals4life.info/

For FL Gator fans abroad, we just came off one of the most exiting weekends in a long time. It first began with a win against Bethune-Cookman College, then we awaited Oregon State. Well those west coast boys could'nt do anything with us because we butchered those Beavers 10-2. To cap off the weekend Florida Atlantic University fell victim to another Gator beatdown, 15-0. Goodness! Who gets beat by that kind of score in the game of baseball? The score looked similar to a Orange and Blue spring game. Sorry FAU, but we had to do it to ya. We had to claim the Gainesville Regional for the second straight year.

Next, we must face those arrogant Miami Hurricanes in Friday's NCAA Super Regional. I think that this game is more than advancing closer to the College World Series, this game stands for interstate supremacy. Sure we want to win it all, but Miami has got to go. You see, too many people talk football here. After all it is a football state. But ever since the 1980's Miami has tried to separate themselves as the elite school in the state. Who cares!

Friday, June 11th at 7pm will be crazy because those stinkin' 'Canes have got to go down. If you can't make it up to Gainesville, make sure you show your support by watching it on ESPN HD. Game 2 (Saturday, June 12th) will be down in Miami and you know it'll be hectic down there. So we must make sure and stick it to em in Game 1. On Sunday will be Game 3 if necessary. Gator sweep maybe?

Here are the other Super Regionals going down on Friday, Jun 11th (All Times are Eastern):

Vanderbilt (45-18) at Florida State (45-17)

Noon (ESPN2), 1 p.m. (ESPN), 1 p.m. (ESPN)

TCU (49-11) at No. 2 Texas (49-11)
3 p.m. (ESPN2HD), 1 p.m. (ESPNHD), 4 p.m. (ESPNHD)

Cal State Fullerton (45-16) at No. 6 UCLA (46-13)

10:30 p.m. (ESPN2), 7 p.m. (ESPN2), 10 p.m. (ESPN2)

No. 11 Miami (42-18) at No. 3 Florida (45-15)

7 p.m. (ESPNHD), 7 p.m. (ESPN2HD), 7 p.m. (ESPN2HD)

and these four Super Regionals will kick off on Saturday, Jun 12th (All Times are Eastern):

South Carolina (46-15) at No. 4 Coastal Carolina (55-8)

Noon (ESPNU), 1 p.m. (ESPN), 1/7 p.m. (ESPN2)

Oklahoma (47-15) at No. 5 Virginia (50-12)

3 p.m. (ESPNU), 4 p.m. (ESPN), 1/7 p.m. (ESPN2)

Alabama (41-23) at Clemson (41-22)

6 p.m. (ESPNU), 7 p.m. (ESPN2), 1/7 p.m. (ESPN2)

Arkansas (43-19) at No. 1 Arizona State (50-8)

9 p.m. (ESPNU), 10 p.m. (ESPN2), 7 p.m. (ESPN2)

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Gator Rookie Records 10 Strikeouts in Tournament Opener; Wins 7-3

2010-06-05T11:51:00.000-04:00

Gator Rookie Records 10 Strikeouts in Tournament Opener; Wins 7-3
Copyright © Kevin J. Timothy
http://www.myresiduals4life.info/

Your Florida Gators improved to 24-0 all time against Bethune-Cookman College behind the arm of ace, Hudson Randall (8-3). The rookie came out hot not allowing a hit until the fifth inning, while picking up his sixth straight win as a pitcher. By the time the fifth inning came around, Randall had only tossed 54 pitches. Not bad for a rookie in an important game. Your fourth ranked Gators will now advance to play third seeded Oregon State in the winners bracket tommorow on Sun Sports (7pm).

The Gators jumped out to a fast start, making the score 4-0 off of five hits in the second inning. B-CC starting pitcher, Ali Simpson (6-2), pretty much nullified his chances of landing the tournament MVP. In the mean time Randall was making a pretty good case for himself. Aside from his 10 strikeouts, Hudson Randall now has an ERA of 2.03 in his last 10 starts. Last night he became the first pitcher since Bryan Augenstein in May 2007 to record 10 K's in a single game.

The Gator offense was its usual self and just as impressive as Randall, out hitting the Wildcats 12-7. This season the Gators boast a record of 32-4 when scoring first. As a team they are batting .386 when the bases are loaded and has 80 RBI's and three grand slams! Those poor guys from the west coast are up next and i'm wondering if they have the pitching to contain our bats. Tampa's Preston Tucker is hitting .400 in his last 11 games with nine runs, seven RBI and five extra-base hits (three doubles, one triple and a homer). In six career NCAA Tournament games, Tucker is hitting .625 (15-for-24) with eight RBI, eight runs and three home runs.

Lets show those OSU Beavers what Gators do to puny mammals. Go Gators!

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Florida Gators VS Bethune-Cookman Wildcats: Tournament Opener Tonight

2010-06-04T15:14:00.004-04:00

Tonight at 7pm EST is made just right for a Florida baseball fanatic, as the Wildcats and the Gators battle it out. The top seeded Gators (42-15) will face the fourth seeded Wildcats (35-20) at McKethan Stadium in Gainesville. The winner will advance to play the winner of Florida Atlantic University and Oregon State, who are seeded 2nd and 3rd respectively in this regional.

The Gators are 67-53 all time in NCAA tournament play and has reached the College World Series five times: 1988, 1991, 1996, 1998, and 2005. If history repeats itself things aren't looking so good for the Wildcats of BCC. Out of four times that they met the Gators in the NCAA tournament, the Gators won all four meetings. Go Gators!

There are several ways to tune into tonight's game, so check em out.
Florida Gators vs BCC

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Florida Gators 2010 Football Schedule

2010-06-04T14:44:00.001-04:00

Florida Gators 2010 Football Schedule
Copyright © Kevin J. Timothy
http://myresiduals4life.info/

I wanted to add this post for you football fans. I'm trying my best to not make this blog football heavy but I couldn't help it. Besides, what do you really think put the University of Florida on the map? Gatorade? Possibly. It was the football players in the 1960's chugging it down though. Ok, so the annual Orange & Blue game is behind us so here it is:

Sept. 4: University of Miami (OH) @ The Swamp......12pm....ESPN

Sept. 11: University of South Florida @ The Swamp...TBA

Sept. 18: Gators @ University of Tennessee.....3:30.....CBS

Sept. 25: University of Kentucky @ The Swamp.......TBA

Oct. 2: Gators @ University of Alabama......TBA

Oct. 9: Louisiana State University @ The Swamp......TBA

Oct. 16: Miss State University @ The Swamp.....TBA (Homecoming Game)

Oct. 30: GEORGIA BULLDOGS.....3:30......CBS

Nov. 6: Gators @ Vanderbilt U.....TBA

Nov. 13: University of South Carolina @ The Swamp....TBA

Nov. 20: Appalachian State University @ The Swamp....TBA

Nov. 27: Gators @ Florida State University....TBA

The South Florida Bulls finally made their way on the Florida Gators 2010 schedule. Some test for the first year coach at USF. And I would not be surprised if the Gators win in Tuscaloosa with first time starter, John Brantley. What you think, a season with lest than 3 losses?

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Tampa Football Star James Wilder Jr to the Gators?

2010-05-19T21:06:00.002-04:00

Remember the legendary James Wilder of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? Well not quite legendary, but anywhere around Tampa Bay in the 1980's he was. The son of the 1984 All Pro, James Wilder Jr II, is being recruited heavily by fellow reruit (QB) Jeff Driskel to play for the Gators. Wilder Jr. is a class of 2010 graduate from Tampa's Plant High School. The 6'2", 227lbs beast played on both sides of the ball laying down hits as a linebacker and plowing ahead for touchdowns as a running back.

Driskel quoted, "You're only as good as the players you have around you." and he's absolutely right! If you thought the Gator leadership ended with Tim Tebow, think again. Even though Driskel is fully committed to play for the Gators this fall, he's participating in the recruiting process like he's a coach. This is good news. Looks like John Brantley may have some fire right behind him in the line up with the freshman. I'm not sure if Wilder Jr. has enough speed to play on Urban's offense. He only runs a 4.77 40 yd dash, but with his size I think he should experiement with him on the goal line. Keep in mind we rank #1 in the 2010 recruiting class signing 17 of ESPNU's top 150. Your thoughts, Gator football fans?

Holy Smokes! These Guys are Fast!

2010-05-18T20:18:00.001-04:00

Sunday, May 16th

On a nasty day in Nashville, TN the Florida Gator mens Track & Field team won their first outdoor championship since 1987. That's a little tough to fathom considering all the speed that has come through their football team in the past decade. Say, "Go Gators!" I'm very proud of these guys, but really proud of sprinter Jeff Demps. The Gator mens team won on the impressive effort of his mind blowing 100 meter dash time of 10.06 seconds. Demps, who ran the fourth fastest time in school history, claimed the 100 meter crown. This hadn't happened since Bernard Williams took the crown in 2000. Terrell Wilks of New Haven, CT placed sixth with a time of 10.30 on during Sunday's SEC championship.

Can you imagine the talent that was out there for a sprinter to come in sixth place with a time of 10.30 seconds. That's just insane! There were professional world class sprinters that couldn't run a 10.3 in the summer games of 2008. I say Coach Urban Meyer let Wilks get a shot on that football team this year. Don't you? Wilks and Demps were also part of the quartet that ran the Mens 4 x 100 relay. Chris Rainey and Jacksonville's Jeremy Hall rounded out the elite group. Although they placed second behind Mississppi State with a time of 39.10(seconds), it was very close as Miss St. won with 39.09. Now that was some drama! Its too bad the Bulldogs can't translate that on a football field.

Other notables from Sunday's event:

Triple Jump
1. Christian Taylor – 54-8.75 ft
2. Omar Craddock – 53-7 ft

Mens 4 x 400
1. Florida (R. Anderson, T. McQuay, C. Taylor, C. Smith) – 3:02.69

Mens Final Score
1. Florida – 124

2. LSU – 100
3. South Carolina – 89
4. Auburn – 88
5. Georgia – 83
6. Ole Miss – 74
T7. Arkansas – 64
T7. Mississippi State – 64
9. Tennessee – 46
10. Kentucky – 44
11. Alabama - 41

^Take that and shove it Crimson Tide!^