Parting Shots

Good morning, Gators. Turns out I couldn't close out the 2009 season without a little more commentary. Congrats to Bama for claiming their 8th National Title and the fourth in a row for the SEC. I think the SEC champ should now receive an automatic bid to the BCS Championship game, regardless of record. Here are my thoughts on the game in no particular order-

- Bama should be very grateful that Colt McCoy couldn't go after sustaining a pinched nerve in his shoulder. Had he been healthy, I think Texas would have been up 14-0 after Bama's initial failed fake punt and the turnover on the kickoff. I think it was incredibly sad that McCoy couldn't go in this one. He put in so much time and worked for this one opportunity only to see it end within a few plays of the opening kickoff.

- With that said, can you imagine Tim Tebow sitting out with a pinched nerve? I think he sits with a severed arm. Maybe.

- I thought both coaches made some goober calls last night. Saban's lowlights included the fake punt from his own 20 on the first series of the game and his decision to try a 52 yard field goal up 11 with about 10 minutes left where the opposing offense had been struggling all night. They miss, Texas gets a short field, scores a TD and makes the 2 point conversion, suddenly the 11 point lead is now down to a field goal. I thought Mack Brown's decision to call timeout late in the 1st half deep in his own territory probably cost him the game. It was galactically stupid in that his true frosh QB hadn't done anything to suggest they could get the 40 yards needed to get into field goal range with only 30 seconds left. The next play they run a shovel pass (whom everyone has now stolen from Florida) which ends up being picked and returned for 6 by the same dude who knocked McCoy out of the game. Talk about your MVP. But again back to Mack Brown, he calls a timeout to setup a shovel pass against THAT defense? Absurd.

- I thought there was a very interesting contrast between the #8's in this game. Beyond the obvious discrepancy in physical appearance, Bama's Julio Jones went virtually unmentioned except for a few blocks whereas Jordan Shipley for Texas was unstoppable in the second half. I thought Texas's secondary was unreal all night, even when McElroy had time to throw nobody was open. By contrast, Texas's receivers not named Shipley couldn't catch a cold so when Texas needed drives in the fourth quarter it was obvious they were going to #8. But Bama couldn't do anything about it. Think about this kid's life for a minute. He's a good looking honkey receiver at the University of Texas AND plays in a band. I think Hugh Heffner is jealous of Jordan Shipley.

- I'm glad Nike makes all coaches who win the national championship wear those gross leather jackets. Who the hell at Nike comes up with this trash? I think they must have a bet going over how goofy they can make coaches and players look.

- I consider myself an SEC guy, but I was totally rooting for Texas in the fourth quarter.

All in all, it was a good game and I think Texas would have won had McCoy been able to go. Here's my final thoughts going into the off season-

- Urban isn't taking it easy at all. I think we have a big day coming tomorrow with the Army High School game. If we can get Elam back in the fold and add one or 2 more we're a lock for the best recruiting class in the country.

- The new D-Coordinator hire was a surprise, but George Edwards seems to be a great hire. He's been at UF and has 11 years experience of coaching the NFL which should help counteract the Monte Kiffin pitch that Tennessee must be giving recruits. It seems like a clear sign that we're trending toward running the 3-4 defense as well which should better utilize our speed.

- Jevan Snead is foregoing his senior year at Ole Miss for the draft. What a jackass. The guy threw 20 picks including 3 in their bowl game. IF he's drafted he's a 6th or 7th rounder, but he wasn't in the top 3 QB's in the SEC, and we're not a QB rich league.

- Auburn signed former UF QB Cam Newton. Newton is a moose but obviously has some decision making issues as evidenced by his alleged theft of a laptop in a UF dorm room. Good luck with that, Tiger fans.

- I think the top 5 for next year will look something like this-

1. Bama- returns something like 9 guys on offense including the best 2 running backs in the league, giving them the best tandem in the country. We'll see if they can replace that D.

2. Ohio State- they finally won a BCS bowl, return most of their team, and play a soft schedule. Hopefully they run the table, guaranteeing the SEC that they'll win 5 national titles in a row.

3. Boise State- Seriously, these guys are good.

4. USC- They were very young this year and play a soft schedule.

5. Miami- Yes they sucked against Wisconsin but with so much young talent and playing in a bad league they'll get some early love.

I think Florida will start just outside the top 5 which is plenty good enough. If we can win the East we'll have a shot, and that's all you can ask for.

Again, thanks for reading, we'll see you next season.

Go Gators!

BS