Good times, good times…

Now, I live in Huntsville, AL. When people ask how I like it in Huntsville, my pat reply is that the only thing wrong with Huntsville is it is surrounded by Alabama.

As this post is written, ESPN’s College Gameday program is being broadcast from Baton Rouge, where the Alabama Crimson Tide (WTF is a Crimson Tide supposed to be anyway?… [shudder]…) is rolling into town to take on the Tigers of the Louisiana State University. Normally, not must-see TV for the average Gator fan especially with Florida heading into a potential trap-game against a better-than-usual Vanderbilt on the same day. Howver, Florida has a stranglehold on the SEC East title and Alabama has a stranglehold on the SEC West title, meaning these two teams will most likely match up in early December in the SEC Championship Game.

And right now, Alabama is the #1 team in the country. So, Florida fans, if you want to see our beloved Gators in the BCS title game, playing for the national championship, the ideal situation you can hope for is for Alabama to roll into Atlanta undefeated and still #1.  If Florida beats the #1 team in the country in their final game of the season, a CHAMPIONSHIP game, guess who goes to the title game?

It ain’t USC beating up on a weak PAC-10, buddy.

Gator fans, say it loud, say it proud:

Roll Tide.

After the way the Giants went out in Week 17 and competed with their full roster when they had every reason to rest the starters, it’s great to see them go on this run.

Outstanding. Although some people might not agree.

Most people know I’m a Gator fan. I don’t pretend anything else.

Now, we’re hearing reports that Urban Meyer contacted the girlfriend of a recruit, who is also a gymnast and probably a legitimate scholarship athlete herself, supposedly to recruit her with the idea that she and the football recruit would probably accept scholarships together.

Maybe not such a big deal?

Think again.

Here’s why it IS a big deal: The NCAA has rules in place to prevent coaches from recruiting for other sports to prevent undeserving athletes from receiving scholarships as part of a “package” to get the more-desired athlete signed. Suppose this gymnast was not a legitimate Division 1 athlete? Suppose she’s Division II at best? Now, Florida would be providing extra inducements to get the football recruit, a big no-no.

Personally, I think this is an innocent case; it appears the gymnast is a legitimate Division I athlete, and would have received a scholarship offer from a number of schools. In fact, she was apparently competing for UCLA in 2006, prior to transferring to a junior college. So, I think it’s probably a case of no-harm, no-foul.

BUT, if it’s true, it’s a violation, and it gives the perception of a program tip-toeing the ethical line. Given that there are so many more ways to accomplish the same goal – getting both athletes to UF – this is a pretty dumb mistake.

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I’m not the greatest football handicapper, so I asked my brother to drop some knowledge about the matchup. He gave me some pretty solid food for thought: BuccaneerMike’s analysis of the Patriots vs. Jaguars.

Check it out.

This game made sense for Jax when FSU & Miami were contenders. But they’re not. Yes, I smiled when I wrote that.

So, the ACC was disappointed that Jax residents didn’t pony up $60 for a crappy game between two opponents that have zero interest to local football fans. Instead, they’ll move the game and drop ticket prices to $25.

Why couldn’t they drop ticket prices in Jax? I don’t think it would have mattered, the game still wouldn’t sell here. This is an SEC town.

The wonks are predicting the game will do just as poorly in Tampa. I’m not so sure. Tampa is more of a destination for families as well as roving bands of college kids. Busch Gardens is across town and Disney is a little over an hour away, so families can make a mini-vacation out of attending the game. The college kids know Ybor City has a great party atmosphere, and who’s kidding who: Males 18-34 love football, and REALLY love the Tampa strip clubs.

Yeah, I said it. Ever go to Mons Venus after a football game? SRO, buddy. Or so I’ve been told. And that was back when the Bucs sucked. Ahem.

There are a lot more reasons for football fans to attend a road game in Tampa than in Jacksonville. I don’t know if it will be a “success”, but it will do a helluva lot better than in Jacksonville. If you’re trying to get tourists to make the trip down and spend their money, you have to offer a lot more than a water taxi.

I’m just saying.

I admit it. I am one jealous, fat, middle-aged man.

So, anyway, congratulations to Tim Tebow of THE University of Florida. For a sophmore on a 3-loss team to win the Heisman, it’s a testament to him that the Heisman voters perceive him to be the best player in college football. Well done, Gator Nation is proud of you, don’t show up against Michigan fat and slow like Troy Smith did in the National Championship game last year.

And, stay away from the girls that have received more than their share of God’s blessings. They’re bad for the legs. Makes ‘em weak.

I’m a Florida fan, but haven’t necessarily been a Tebow fan, but there isn’t any way to deny this guy his due.

Without much hype or countdown outside of Jacksonville, Fred Taylor reached a milestone equaled by only 21 other men in the history of the world: 10,000 NFL rushing yards.

To give you some perspective on this accomplishment, here’s some numbers:

Number of people to climb Mt. Everest: @ 660

Ok, I’m too lazy to go find more numbers. But that one makes the point pretty well, doesn’t it?

Anyway, for a guy tagged with the nickname “Fragile Fred” early in his career, he’s certainly proven dependable and productive. Plus, he’s a Florida Gator, so there’s that, too.

Finally, did you know Fred Taylor has never been to the Pro Bowl? Such is the result of playing in the AFC. Had he been a Tampa Bay Buccaneer, he’d have led the NFC in rushing a number of times and been a perennial pro-bowler. While it is debatable that he’ll have the numbers this season, he’s shown a tremendous amount of professionalism in providing leadership to a young running back corps for the Jaguars, including another possible pro-bowler, Maurice Jones-Drew. For this reason, as well as his career accomplishments, y’all need to get over and vote for Fred Taylor for the Pro Bowl.

You Gators – this is mandatory. You Seminoles and ‘Canes – show some class and give credit where credit is due, unlike with your test grades.

Go Gators!

They may also have forgotten that this is the Jaguars, who were supposed to wipe the field with the Texans twice last season and instead lost twice and missed the playoffs.

And really, the next reporter that sneers and suggests we should buy tickets just because this is the NFL will get the Florida Sun Dog "Douchebag Award". Sue us for feeding our kids and paying our bills. Jerkoffs.

However, the Jags got the job done over the weekend. In the process, they showed that they had the mental toughness they lacked last year, overcoming early mistakes and going on to dominate. This looks like a playoff team.

Next up on the schedule is the Colts on Monday night, a game that was going to sell out anyway. You can’t really draw any conclusions about ticket sales until the Chargers come to town on November 18, during which time the Jags will play the aforementioned Colts and then go on the road 3 straight weeks to Tampa Bay, New Orleans, and a Tennessee team that seems to have their number. Easily, they can go 1-3 in this stretch. Will tickets sell for the Chargers then?

Nope.

But, 2-2 or 3-1 or (don’t jinx ‘em!) 4-0, and the blackout is averted. For one week, at least.

Hope so, because I want to see it on TV. I have kids to feed, I’m not buying Jags tickets. Priorities, donchaknow?