Week 5: Florida vs Auburn

Week 5: Florida vs Auburn notes

Florida escaped the state of Mississippi with a win last Saturday, thanks wholly to the show that is Tim Tebow and Percy Harvin. After further analysis of the game, Ole Miss had a really good game plan and it almost worked in their favor, but Florida's more skilled and athletic offense won the battle with ball control late in the game, converting on 4th down attempts when it counted the most.

Last week, Brandon Cox redeemed himself by not turning the ball over in a game against Texas A&M. Last week, he was booed on his home field. Cox went 13 of 19 for 135 yards, and running backs Tate and Fannin ran for over 100 yards rushing each.

This week's game with Auburn will be televised on ESPN, at 8pm. This will be the first time this year Florida will be hosted on the network, with huge hopes and intent to avenge the fluke loss from last year. I call it fluke because Florida had two costly miscues resulting in defensive scores for touchdowns. Auburn's offense could not move the ball on Florida's stiff defense.

So the question becomes, how good is Auburn. Auburn turned around a 1-2 record to go .500, with their only previous win against Kansas State to start the season. In game 2, they lost to what's turning out to be a good South Florida Bulls team, by 3 points, and last week they lost against a very stiff Mississippi State squad by 5 points. Auburn appears to be surging, but they also must travel to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium to face the Gators.

By the numbers - Auburn Team Stats
TDs Yds PassYds RushYds
Offense 12 331.5 173.5 158.0
Defense 8 306.8 193.3 113.5

By the numbers - Florida Team Stats
TDs Yds PassYds RushYds
Offense 25 517.8 280.3 237.5
Defense 7 307.0 252.5 54.5

Statistically, and defensively, Florida is better against the run than Auburn. Offensively, Florida is putting up more yards, and scores than Auburn also. Mathematically, Florida should win this game.

Florida may still be without Andre "Bubba" Caldwell, and Riley Cooper, and Joey Ijjas is day-to-day with a strained quadricep. Joey's absence was missed last week against Ole Miss, as the backup Jonathan Phillips missed a key extra point which would have given Florida a 7 point advantage. Hopefully Percy Harvin will remain healthy going into this week and throughout the Auburn game. If Florida can get through this week's game with Auburn relatively healthy, expect everyone back for the LSU road trip.

Keys to the game:
* Much of Florida's passing offense this year centered around Caldwell, Cooper and Harvin. Florida will need the help of its reserve roster to help make up the difference this week.

* Get to Brandon Cox, and force turnovers in the passing game to take away momentum.

* Force Auburn to become one-dimensional by taking away the run - Florida is allowing just over 50 yards per game rushing.

* Protect Tim Tebow at all costs.

Florida 38 Auburn 20

-Patrick

Week 3: Tennessee @ Florida

With so much riding on this 1st and pivotal SEC East Division rivalry game, both teams will be amped up, higher than usual, and playing to a better level of competition than in both games previously this year. Tennessee's first game found them playing catchup against a fast Cal offense, and stiff defense, ending in huge loss. Last week, Tennessee played a ho-hum first half to finally edge away from Southern Miss 39-19. Tennessee has not been impressive thus far, scoring 8 TDs and allowing 5, and averaging 425 yards / game while allowing 412. Florida on the other hand is averaging over 50 points per game, and more than 500 yards of offense, scoring 10 TDs and allowing 5.

Another undeniable statistic is that six of the last nine games versus the Volunteers have been decided by 4 points or less.

Statistics will go out the window this week as both teams are suffering from dinged up players. Florida's Percy Harvin is dealing with tendinitis in the knee and achilles, and Andre Caldwell is sidelined with a strained MCL (suffered last week in the second half against Troy). Electrifying Brandon James has a minor ankle injury but is expected to play. Tennessee will be without one of their starters at CB, Antonio Gaines, and will start a freshman in that position. The full list of injuries include the following:

Tennessee Injuries
Player Pos Injury Status
B. Colquitt P Leg Ques Sat
X. Mitchell DE Concussion day-to-day
A. Gaines DB Knee out for season
J. Cottam TE Wrist Late Nov

Florida Injuries
Player Pos Injury Status
M. Anderson CB Knee Prob Sat
J. Fayson WR Knee Prob Sat
P. Harvin WR Achilles Prob Sat
B. James RB Ankle Prob Sat
M. Manson CB Ankle day-to-day
B. Thomas SE Knee Out Sat
A. Caldwell WR Knee Out Sat
B. Williams RB Ankle Out indefinitely
P. TrautweinOL Foot Out indefinitely
M. Williams RB Knee out for season
R. Wilson OL Suspension out for season

Caldwell was contributing an average of 50 yards per game, meaning that one of Florida's other speedy receivers must step up to maintain the level of offensive domination Florida is capable of. Look for Riley Cooper to have a big game against an inexperienced Volunteer secondary, with contributions from David Nelson, Louis Murphy and of course C.I. Look for Florida to appear to have a much improved defense as Dustin Doe and defensive line play have been making good strides this season.

Keys to the game:
* In each of Tennessee's last four losses dating back to November of last year, they were outrushed by at least 100 yards. Florida must keep Arian Foster in check and limit the number of first down conversions on the ground. Florida needs to make Tennessee one-dimensional, and attack the QB. Ainge has the skills to find his receivers when given enough time, but when pressured he can make mistakes with the worst of them.

* Attack Tennessee's secondary fast and often.

* Tennessee will implement the no-huddle to try and tire out the Florida D. Florida must quickly recognize between run and pass, and congregate to the ball very quickly, and force turnovers.

* I think Florida will be able to out-gun Tennessee however, and will score in many ways including special teams, possibly on a blocked punt or other ways. Florida is well coached and should be victorious when the day is done.

Florida 49 Tennessee 31

-Patrick

Gator football just days away

I hope everyone's getting excited to see Tebow-ball, your new 2007-08 version of smash mouth football. I know I am.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and Big Red should be in for a long day.

_DJ Thump

यिकेस अल्मिघ्टी

इत हस बीन अ रेअल्ल्य लॉन्ग टिम सिंस ई व्रोते अन्य्थिंग, सो लेट थिस बे मय फर्स्ट पोस्टिंग।

ई'ल हवे सोमेथिंग कूल तो सय सून, ई प्रोमिसे.

Week 6: LSU @ Florida

Florida vs Alabama recap
========================
Alabama left The Swamp dejected after losing their second straight SEC game, all but eliminating them as a threat to the SEC-West. UF moves to 5-0 after producing two key turnovers in the second half to seal the victory.
Alabama posted an early lead by returning a Chris Leak fumble/botched snap 50 yards for a TD. That was the only touchdown for Bama however as the Gators bucked up and prevented the Tide from advancing the ball into the red zone for most of the day.

The Gator plays of the day include:
* overcoming false-start penalties on a 95 yard TD drive
* (SR) QB Chris Leak running 45 yards on a designed QB-draw play
* (JR) CB Reggie Nelson recovering a fumbled INT
* Nelson getting an INT and returning it 70 yards for a TD
* of 10-0 before the Gators scored to cut it to 10-7 at halftime
* (FR) QB Tim Tebow's 25 yard pass when the D was expecting a run
* Tebow's 2 yard TD plunge that couldn't be stopped, even when the D knew what was coming
* (SR) DT Derrik Harvey sacking Alabama QB J.P. Wilson to put the ball out of field goal range

Although the Gator defense did allow a few completed passes (and only 45 rushing yards) this game, a solid win was the result of excellent coaching by the Florida staff this past week.

The INT by Reggie Nelson returned for a TD is one of this week's "Pontiac Game Changing Performance" plays. Vote for Reggie on ESPN.com!

(9)LSU at (5)Florida - CBS @ 3:30 EST - Oct 7 2006
==================================================
LSU takes it's turn in the barrel this week as it visits Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The ESPN Gameday crew of Chris Fowler, Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit will be on hand to a rowdy Gator fan club, and probably some Bayou Bengal supporters as well.


Quotables:
==========
"We have a Tebow package (for every game) and it's getting closer and closer to our base package because he's becoming a better all-around player who understands the system. Tim's not an ordinary freshman quarterback. He's pretty much game ready now." - Urban Meyer, October 1, 2006.

Intangibles:
============
* UF will (probably) be without (SR) RB DeShawn Wynn, and (FR) WR Percy Harvin remains questionable
* LSU QB Jamarcus Russel had his best career performance last week, 18/20 for 330 yards
* LSU will have played 2 top 5 opponents within 3 weeks (then #4 Auburn on 9/16, resulted in 3-7 loss)
* LSU Coach Les Miles and UF Coach Urban Meyer have similar 2 year records (15-3 and 14-3 respectively)
* LSU won last year's meeting 21-17 in Baton Rouge, and the year before that in Gainesville under Ron Zook
* Miles is 4-3 vs top 25 opponents
* LSU is 6-6 in games played on Oct. 7, including a 1-3 record against Florida on the 7th
* The last time UF won at home against LSU was Oct 7 2000
* UF leads the all-time series 27-22-3, being 12-10-3 at home, and 15-12 in Baton Rouge
* Meyer is 12-0 in The Swamp

Players to watch:
=================
* LSU Offense
- #9 WR Early Doucet III
- #3 WR Craig Davis
- #80 WR Dwayne Bowe
- #2 QB Jamarcus Russell

* LSU Defense
- the entire secondary; LSU ranks 5th with 9 INTs so far

Avg Game Stats: LSU - UF
===========================
Passing Yards 275 - 286
Rushing Yards 145 - 167
Total Yards 420 - 453
Avg Points 38 - 30
Avg Pts vs Ranked 3 - 21

YTD Comparisons: LSU - UF
===========================
Top Passers Yds 1248 - 1240
Top Rushers Yds 214 - 354
QB TD Passes 10 - 14

What to expect:
===============
Florida plans to extend their home winning streak under head coach Urban Meyer to 13 this Saturday as the Tigers of LSU take the field in another 3:30 showdown hosted on CBS. Last week against a besieged (and SEC-West underachieving) Mississippi State, LSU racked up the passing yards after scouting MSU's questionable passing defense ahead of time. It was 35-0 into the second quarter before a thunderstorm stopped the game momentarily. Florida had it's own hands full before building a 15 point lead in the fourth quarter to eliminate Alabama from SEC title contention. LSU coach Lester Miles has done a good job leading his team to a 4-1 record, with the only loss coming at Auburn, a game that could have (arguably) been won but LSU couldn't capitalize on key field position during the game.

UF coach Urban Meyer knows that the last time UF won against LSU at home was exactly six years ago, on Oct 7 2000, when Spurrier was still the Gator 'ol ball coach. Meyer is expecting RB Kestahn Moore to fill in for an injured Deshawn Wynn. In last year's game, Kestahn scored on a 32 yard run and is definitely capable in that position. Last week, LSU held MSU to 14 yards rushing.

The keys to this week's game:
- ball control with no turnovers
- consistency on offense and avoid 3 and outs
- get playmakers involved early and often

Look for a handful of gadget plays to put LSU's stingy defense on its heels in front of a national audience. Florida will win in an instant-classic game, forging their status as a contender for this year's national title.

Geaux Gators!!

UF 27 LSU 24


Other games of interest
=======================
Thursday 10/05 -
(17)FSU @ NC State:
Chuck Amato will be on the sidelines but hopefully not wearing his red shoes and pink sunglasses because it makes him look like a pimp. Look for FSU to chalk up another victim in it's quest to be the team to beat in the ACC. FSU can win without an offense as it has proved since the Miami game. FSU 20 NCSt 12

Saturday 10/07 -
(2)Auburn @ Arkansas:
Arkansas has been surprisingly winning and has an unbeaten 2-0 SEC record going. They'll be put to the test against Auburn, also undefeated. Auburn has the edge however and might play their backups before the end of the 1st quarter. AU 49 Arkansas 16

Washington @ (3)USC
Aside of the Oregon Ducks and Notre Dame, Washington is possibly one of the few remaining teams on the USC schedule that can beat the Trojans. Last week Washington State tried to keep it close before losing 28-22. USC will win but not without sustaining injuries. USC 25 UW 21

(13)Tennessee @ (10)Georgia
Georgia can't seem to stop anyone's offense, and is barely keeping ahead of the competition. The only thing going for UGA is that this game is between the hedges, otherwise I'd look for a "Knoxville Miracle" for the 'Dawgs to pull this one out. Ugga in a close one. UGA 19 UT 17

(11)Oregon @ (16)California
Oregon puts it (much debated) undefeated record on the line against tough competition from the California Bears. Cal lost terribly earlier this year in its only defeat at Tennessee. Oregon is putting up some gawdy numbers on offense and can't seem to be stopped, look for the Ducks to roll. UO 41 Cal 30

Week 5: Alabama @ Florida

Are you ready for this, Gator fans? I don't need to remind anyone about last year and the bad feeling left with the hostile atmosphere, taunts and late in the fourth quarter running up the score leading to the season-ending injury to Tyrone Prothro (breaking his ankle). Karma, if you ask me. You'll see it in the papers, about it not being about revenge as much as it is about doing your assignment. Hogwash. It's about revenge, folks. That being said, it's time to play smash-mouth football and show the Tide who to respect.

Quotables:
==========
"While loads of fans/experts are ranting and raving about instant replay or West Virginia's chances or Charlie Weis or this and that, why not jump on the wagon and follow the Gators' run? If they make it through the season unbeaten, there's no way they can be denied a shot at the title." - Craig James, ESPN.

Intangibles:
============
* UF stand-out (FR) WR Percy Harvin is ready to go
* Meyer is 11-0 in The Swamp
* the Gators are out for revenge, no matter what you've heard
* Alabama lost to Arkansas last week but realize they can't lose another SEC game
* the last time Florida beat 'Bama was in 1998
* Alabama lost the recruiting battle for (FR) QB Tim Tebow

What to expect:
===============
The game is in The Swamp, not that it matters to Alabama players, but should rate as a very loud and disruptive environment. Alabama will try to improve their record while also trying to play catch-up with Florida's often potent offense. If Florida can run more no-huddles and get Tebow involved in a few more plays for balance, look for this to be a long afternoon for Mike Shula.

This is game 1 of a strong 3 game schedule for the Gators, and certainly they aren't looking ahead to next week's showdown with (currently #9) LSU. Florida should win this game and extend their winning streak to 5 in a row. UF 31 Alabama 24


Other games of interest
=======================
(2)Auburn at South Carolina (Thursday):
Spurrier is as mad as a hen in a wolf house (whatever that means) because he can't quite control his QB's bad passing as much as he'd like. Look for the 'ol ball coach to throw his headset, visor, assistant coach, and anything else he can pick up as Auburn coasts in this one. AU 49 USC 6

(1)Ohio State at (13)Iowa:
The "eyes" have it; this is test for the unbeatens as the Hawkeyes try to host Troy Smith and the favored Buckeyes. All eyes will be on this game at least in the Ohio/Iowa area of the country. Ohio State is averaging 31 points a game while Iowa is making 28 points on the board. It will be that close too in the end but with Iowa pulling out a win. Iowa 28 OSU 26

(14)Oregon at Arizona State:
The Ducks dodged a bullet with Oklahoma but will have less to worry about as the Sun Devils host the Ducks. The QB for ASU has thrown 11 TDs but also 8 INTs. OU can force turnovers and it would be cool if they do it wearing their banana suits. OU 38 ASU 27


Surprise games
==============
(3)USC at Washington State:
Washington State is leading in major statistical categories and is edged by USC in points scored 32 to 30. This game is in Pullman and in my opinion USC is far from last year's squad although so far successful. Look for Washington State to pull off the upset. WSU 33 USC 31

(7)Michigan at Minnesota:
Minnesota is 2-2 but stoked about the Wolverines coming to town. The Golden Gophers are going to pull an upset in this one. Minnesota 35 UM 32


[Results: UF beat Alabama, Auburn almost lost to SC, OSU beat Iowa, Oregon beat ASU, USC beat WSU and Michigan beat Minnesota]

Week 4: Kentucky @ Florida

Those bluegrass Wildcats come to town looking to spoil the Gators fresh off a tough win. This year is a must-win year for the Cats for several reasons; one of the biggest reasons being the coach and his career are at stake. Kentucky gave Ole Miss all they could handle and then some last Saturday, winning in a lop-sided battle 31-14. I had forgotten, but Ole Miss has ex-Tennessee QB Brent Schaeffer. UK has a good QB in Andre Woodson, as he completed 22 of 34 passes for 290+ yards, with three TDs and no INTs.

The Gators on the other hand are enjoying steak while getting one-up on their SEC East rivals Tennessee. Now it's time to settle down and focus on the next victim, er um opponent.

Quotables:
==========
"Kentucky, which has excellent special teams and more skill players than usual, is a dangerous team. But it's dangerous in the way an open manhole is dangerous - it's not a problem if you watch where you're going." - Pat Dooley, Gainesville Sun.

Intangibles:
============
* UK (JR) QB Andre Woodson named SEC "Offensive Player of the Week" while racking up 293 yards and 3 TDs
* UK demolished Ole Miss 31-14 in their last game and is gaining confidence
* Coach Rich Brooks is hungrier than ever to beat the Gators
* UF stand-out (FR) WR Percy Harvin is nursing a high ankle sprain and is questionable

What to expect:
===============
The 'Cats are confident after winning their first SEC opener in 19 years. They look to build on that by sneaking in under the radar and testing the Gators secondary. Kentucky gave coach Rich Brooks a reprieve last year after having yet another dismal season. Brooks chalked it up to being very unfortunate with loads of injuries and a poor group of backups. With no more excuses, you can believe that Kentucky is going to "bring it" this Saturday. I'm estimating there will be some major collissions as the blue men group try to force turnovers against the home team.

If Florida can designate linebacker Brandon Siler to play man-on with Andre Woodson, I don't expect him to be able to scamper around as much as he did against Ole Miss. Florida must bring the same intensity they played with at Tennessee in order to prevent being upset. Kentucky is no pansy, as the statistics will indicate. Woodson is a few yards shy of having the same stats as Leak as one indication.

Florida should win this game and extend the streak of wins against Kentucky to 19 in a row. UF 45 UK 17


Other games of interest
=======================
None - go out and do something after the Gator game


[Results: Florida beat Kentucky]

Week 3: Florida @ Tennessee

What better team to open SEC play; can I get a Volunteer? Florida will definitely be playing a more challenging team this weekend as UF travels to Knoxville to take on Fulmer's bunch. Tennessee is fresh off an almost upset against Air Force, giving up quite a lot of yards on the ground thanks to Air Force's mastery and perrenial use of the triple option. UT looked like it had never seen the formation before, and even Fulmer had to quip "I was standing on the sidelines, and I couldn't even tell who had the ball". Tennessee escaped with a win due to a missed two point conversion by Air Force with just over a minute to play. The score was 31-17 late in the 4th when Air Force scored to make it 31-24, and then recovered an on-side kick. Air Force drove late to score another touch down and went for the win, but was tackled for a loss in the two point try, losing to UT 31-30.

Historically, a hard-fought and close win game brings a team closer together. It can also take something out of you, as was the case when UT lost 2 starters in the matchup - both on defense. This aside, the game is in Tennessee, which can be daunting if you've never been in a closed-in space with 110,000 plus rabid SEC fans.

Intangibles:
============
* Knoxville hosts this year's matchup - not exactly a friendly site
* No more quarterback rotation, Ainge is the go-to guy
* Two UT starters out for season: DT Justin Harrell (torn tendon in bicep) and CB "Inky" Johnson (shoulder)
* Florida has several starters that have never played in front of so many fans
* No serious injuries [as of today] for UF going into the game

What to expect:
===============
Florida is confident going into this week's game, and rightfully so, having defeated two teams by a total score of 76-7. Leak has thrown 7 TD passess and 2 Int and Tebow has added another TD pass and Int as well; Erik Ainge [a Hillsboro Oregon native] looked pretty good in two games also. I predict this game to be high scoring, into the 30s as both teams try to wrangle the other. I do see Florida coming out with a win, on national television. UF 38 UT 32


Other games of interest
=======================
Clemson @ FSU: Last year the Tigers ran away with a 35-14 win. Son Tommy enjoys whooping his dad Bobby just as much as the next guy, but FSU has a very stingy defense. I don't see this one being a romp but could definitely be close. FSU 29 Clemson 27

Miami @ Louisville: Coker wants nothing better than to defeat the Cardinals this Saturday but unfortunately for him and his Hemicanes, it's not meant to be. Miami self-implodes and loses. Louisville 38 Miami 25

Ex-gators
=========
Josh Portis left Gainesville last year to go somewhere and be somebody. He landed at Maryland with the idea of being the starter. He's second string and hasn't thrown more than six passes this year.

Ingle Martin left Gainesville in '03 to run camp at Furman, a Division I-AA school. He's had varied success and almost helped win against Pitt last year before losing in overtime 41-38. He's now a 3rd string QB with Green Bay.

Rex Grossman left Gainesville after his Junior season to test the waters in the NFL, and was drafted by da Bears. In his second season and after becoming the starter, he became sidelined with a season-ending injury, and followed that up the next year with another season-ending injury. This year Rex hopes to remain healthy and is improving on his pass completions percentage.

[Results: UF beat Tennessee, but Clemson beat FSU and Miami lost to Louisville]

Week 2: UCF @ Florida

Conference-USA sends a second team this week to The Swamp, this time it's the Golden Knights of UCF. If you've followed various Florida teams you may recall that arguably the best thing to come out of UCF was Dante Culpepper. Since he left UCF has been mediocre at best, that is until a coaching change 2 years ago. UCF is on track to improve over 2004 and 2005 seasons, going 0-11 and 7-5 respectively. Their aspirations are so high in fact that they have scheduled Texas for the 2007 season, and should have completed an on-campus stadium holding half capacity of The Swamp (45000) by next fall.

Intangibles:
============
* UCF won 8 of 9 games in end of 2005 season, before losing to Tulsa in Conference-USA championship game
* UCF is 0-16 against BCS conference teams, 0-15 against ranked teams, 1-9 against the SEC (beat Alabama in 2000)
* Tuesday's practice (a general indicator of how well UF plays on Saturday) was not up to Meyer's expectations

What to expect:
===============
UCF has more talent than Southern Miss, and should try to keep it close at least in the first half. Meyer will put gadget plays in for some of the playmakers, and UF will have a more successful outing production-wise. I fully expect Florida to be ready for UCF despite the naysayers. It may not be a lopsided-affair but Florida should win handily.


Other games of interest
=======================
#1 Ohio State vs #2 Texas:
Texas suspended their best cover corner, and OSU will pick on the new guy; OSU 35 UT 30

#4 Notre Dame vs #19 Penn State:
Jo-pa is back (again) for yet another season and Penn State wants to put a damper on Brady Quinn's Heisman hopes. This chess-match could come down to a field goal as Weis pulls out all the stops. ND 27 PSU 23

#20 Oregon vs Fresno State:
Oregon pummelled Stanford last week, while Fresno took care of Nevada in a closer-than-the-score-indicates game. Fresno has a way of making games tough for everyone, including taking USC to the wire last year. I don't think Fresno has the offensive weapons this year as last, and Oregon looks ready. UO 41 FSU 19

[Results: UF beat UCF, OSU beat Texas, ND beat PSU, OU beat FS]

Week 1: Southern Miss @ Florida

Florida vs Southern Miss
========================
Significant factors and intangibles:
* in 2005, USM led Alabama at halftime 21-17 before losing 30-21
* annually in Division I-AA playoffs
* practice interrupted by lightning in 2 of 3 practice days in past week

Top USM Players:
* (JR) Cody Hull RB #28
* (JR) Chris Johnson WR #87

What to expect:
USM has the ability to score, and does in Conference-USA. USM is not used to playing against an SEC such as Florida, and could get embarassed in The Swamp, given the Gators explode to Coach Meyer's expectations. USM will get on the scoreboard but not often enough as the stingy Gator defense puts the clamps on by half time. Florida wins this one 42-17.

Other games of interest
=======================
#12 FSU vs #11 Miami (Monday Sept 4):
The battle of the aging coaches, Coker vs Bowden. Flip a coin on this one, I think it could go either way and be as close as a field goal; FSU 23 - UM 21

#9 Cal vs #23 Tennessee:
Cal sneaks in under the radar and blows through Knoxville somewhat unexpectedly to only Phil Phulmer; Cal 30 - UT 20

[Results: UF beat SM, FSU beat Miami, but Tennessee whooped Cal]

College football is here and not a moment too soon

"We haven't a second to lose!" Those are the words uttered by Batman while in pursuit of the bad guy du joir. This year (2006) it seemed to take forever for college football to start. Well it's here and we're already into week 6, can you believe it?

A member of the local Florida Gator fan club asked me if I would prognosticate this year and I agreed. I thought I would post them also to my site here for retrospect. I had done this before, and lost interest after the Gators weren't doing so well and my predictions were not matching with reality. Well I'm back, baby! In other words, the Gators have found their winning ways, and I don't think I'll jinx them by posting my previous predictions here, and future ones too.

Although the date may suggest October 2, 2006 for these, they were actually created four days prior to each week's game. Check it out (see post).

The Big "It" Tree: bigotry

Alright, where to start.

I can honestly say I am astounded to see the views of an acquaintance. There are many words to sum up how I feel when reading her rhetorical, nationlistic, opinionated, bigotry-filled statements. My face feels hot, my breaths become shallow and my mind spins in erratic circles feeling confined by the shortsided and shallow mind she so eloquently expounds upon.

I pondered my response, and you know what - okay first amendment gets upheld. I definitely and defiantly disagree with her line of thinking, and apologetically acknowledge that she lives in this great land the United States of America. It is the first amendment of the Constitution that allows her to be dim-witted. This very amendment allows her to write whatever she likes [barring certain phrases and words deemed anti-American, anti-establishment, or terrorist-related]. She is allowed to speak her opinions and beliefs. As much as she is allowed, so too am I allowed.

That being said, I wish to now publish content of an email message, the first part being a purported comedy sketch by George Carlin, and the second part is her [asinine] reply.

[Part 1 - edited fictional material, not by George Carlin - "I am a Bad American"]


I Am Your Worst Nightmare.
I am a BAD American.
I am George Carlin.

I believe the money I make belongs to me and my family, not some mid level governmental functionary be it Democratic or Republican!

I'm in touch with my feelings and I like it that way, damn it!

I think owning a gun doesn't make you a killer.

I think being a minority does not make you noble or victimized, and does not entitle! you to anything.

I believe that if you are selling me a Big Mac, try to do it in English.

I think fireworks should be legal on the 4th of July.

I think that being a student doesn't give you any more enlightenment than working at Blockbuster. In fact, if your parents are footing the bill to put your pansy ass through 4 years plus of college, you haven't begun to be enlightened.

I believe everyone has a right to pray to his or her God when and where they want to.

My heroes are Babe Ruth, Roy Rogers, and whoever canceled Jerry Springer.

I don't hate the rich. I don't pity the poor.

I know wrestling is fake and I don't waste my time arguing about it.

I've never owned a slave, or was a slave, I didn't wander forty years In the desert after getting chased out of Egypt. I haven't burned any witches or been persecuted by the Turks and neither have you! So, shut-the-Hell-up already.

I want to know which church is it exactly where the Reverend Jesse Jackson practices, where he gets his money, and why he is always part of the problem and not the solution. Can I get an AMEN on that one?

I also think the cops have the right to pull your ass over if you're breaking the law, regardless of what color you are.

And, no, I don't mind having my face shown on my drivers license. I think it's good.....and I'm proud that "God" is written on my money.

I think if you are too stupid to know how a ballot works, I don't want you deciding who should be running the most powerful nation in the world for the next four years.

I dislike those people standing in the intersections trying to sell me crap or trying to guilt me into making "donations" to their cause.

I believe that it doesn't take a village to raise a child, it takes two parents.

And what the hell is going on with gas prices... again?

If this makes me a BAD American, then yes, I'm a BAD American.

If you are a BAD American too, please forward this to everyone you know.

We need our country back!


The above text can be found in an email message circulating since at least the year 2000. I questioned its validity, having heard comedy material by George Carlin. The style is somewhat similar, but honestly reaks more sinister or leaning towards Dennis Leary than G.C. In any regard, the text is from neither comic, but is really an edited "open letter" originally entitled "I Am A Bad Republican."

The email was forwarded to several contacts in hopes of provoking thought, but instead I received a reply I couldn't not ignore yet, I so wanted to delete the message. I am posting the reply here so you too can see that bigotry exists. And now, the reply:

-----
From: Cskcheek@***.com
Sent: Monday, September 26, 2005 4:33 PM
To: [edited]@comcast.net
Subject: Re: FW: A BAD AMERICAN this is great!!!!!!!!!

I couldn't agree with you anymore. WHy in the h*ll do all the mexicans have to go to the same store at the same time? You would think with all the brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts and uncles... that somebody could babysit all the little f*****g kids instead of taking them to the grocery store too... Is this a mexican family reunion or what? I hate the fact that the sons of bi*****s are ALWAYS in my way... I actually ran into a little boy on purpose once in Wal mart, and ya know what? the little f****r learned how to MOVE!!!! HAH!

I feel very passionate about not being able to tolerate grocery shopping. It shouldn't have to be so painful... what do we do? Write our congressman? yeah right!
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I still cannot believe what I read above. Can people really feel this way? And if they really DON'T feel this way, are they pretending because they think maybe someone else does, and will rally to their opinion?

I debated posting this email but thought the best way to express my disbelief was to share it with anyone that can use GOOGLE. I edited the email for content because my daughter also reads my posts here, she doesn't need to be exposed to profanity.

So there you have it, netizens. And if you are wondering, yes, the email account is in one of the most popular online services in America. That's your only hint, if you are wanting to write a letter that is.

My next post will be more uplifting and positive, promise.

Gimme some nerd gas

Today at 11:20a I am scheduled for a (routine?) heavy clean job on half of my mouth. Apparently if you avoid going to the dentist for a lot of years, barnacles and unknown things become part of your teeth and the dentist must do some dastardly things to your mouth in order to clear them.

For this procedure I'll be enjoying laughing gas until I pass out, and then I'll wake up to a 50% terrifically clean, yet terribly numb mouth, after which, I believe painkillers might be required.

The first appointment was for reconnaissance it seems. This second visit is to clear one half of me mouth, a third visit to clear the other half, and a fourth visit to run a floor buffer over my teeth for that perfect shine.

I shouldn't be such a procrastinator. I'd like to change but I keep putting that off. I can see my wife snickering at me as I write this. She knows how much I loath having a Dr. Mengele-like apparatus in my front orifice. She even went so far as to call me a wussy for not wanting to stay alert/awake for the (un)common procedure. I don't mind though, afterall I do have the choice of comfort over discomfort. I think that I'll suggest (next time) that she forego the epidural *grin*.

To the family of Peter Jennings

Dear Jennings family -

I didn't personally know Peter Jennings [PJ] on a personal level, but in many ways he is like a relative. I was an inconsistent fan and admirer of PJ since I can remember. Like so many other Americans that grew up with only 3 channels to choose from in rural America, I learned to enjoy the daily briefings, particularly from the ABC News London office. I often wondered why PJ did not have a cockney or English accent - he spoke with a firm and clear tone, easily understandable and convincing. These are qualities you want from an anchor.

I am not an avid news watcher and periodically check in to see how things are going. I guess some times you take things for granted, like the supposition that figures in the media will always be there. People like Walter Cronkite, Dan Rather and Peter Jennings. PJ is someone I consider a rock and foundation and TV icon. Definitely recognizable in any crowded room. I think it would be cool to have met PJ, as I understand his personality affords talking to anyone at any level about anything.

As an aside, I notice there are parrallels with Peter's children and myself. Peter Jennings was born in the 1930s (1938), my father was born in 1935. My father passed away as a result of years of smoking, as has PJ. When my dad passed away, I was in my 20s, and so are his two children Christopher and Elizabeth. To Christopher and Elizabeth, I really do feel your anguish - I am utterly saddened right now. I can absolutely relate to how you feel. I offer you my deepest sympathies and wish that you endure this phase with great strength.