January 09, 2009

I linked to Bill Plaschke's column because I liked his description of Tebow as "antique." He plays quarterback like a linebacker.

posted by rcade at 08:57 AM on January 09, 2009

I thought the announcers were terrible too. They kept interjecting a bunch of gauzy, Hallmark Channel stuff about how players were great people and motivated to win. Motivated to win? You're shittin' me, man! I figured that these guys were just some slackers without anything better to do on a Thursday night in Miami.

posted by rcade at 10:24 AM on January 09, 2009

It wasn't a bad game, considering the length of the layoff both schools had to endure. Bradford just had bad luck on 2 of the interceptions when his receivers just couldn't hold well-thrown passes. Don't blame him on either one. Florida was smart in the 4th quarter to pull Oklahoma defenders out of the middle, then go back with the shovel pass, etc. This was a good tactic on the part of the Florida OC and poor execution on the Oklahoma defense.

I agree about the broadcast. They spent an awful lot of time extolling the virtues of the overhead camera. They were also guilty of a serious man crush on Tim Tebow, who admittedly is a fine football player, but unlike what the announcers seemed to imply, he is not quite ready to push Jesus out of his seat at the right hand of God.

On the subject of Tebow and professional football, I do not know how much more he has to complete for his degree, but if he will be only one or two easy elective courses short (as was the USC QB a year or so ago - his name escapes me now), he should try the NFL. He won't be a QB, but he belongs somewhere on the field. I would suggest slot receiver, based on his running ability. From that position he could also be put in motion to come back toward the QB and be in position to run or throw from there.

posted by Howard_T at 12:13 PM on January 09, 2009

I linked to Bill Plaschke's column

Please don't encourage Plaschke. He might actually believe he's a sportswriter. And, as a L.A. Times subscriber, I can tell you he's not.

posted by cjets at 01:38 PM on January 09, 2009

Did anyone else see Nic Harris of the Sooners trash-talking during and after the opening coin toss? He's the player who was the target of Tebow's gator-chomp in the late fourth quarter, though they hugged it out after the game ended. Apparently he was jawing at Tebow during the pregame.

posted by rcade at 03:47 PM on January 09, 2009

FOX should be embarrassed of their broadcast, and especially of the announcers they had assigned to the biggest game of the college football season. They were horrible, confused, lost. Towards the end of the game, I gladly turned down the volume. The team they had doing the game wouldn't have even been a good pairing for the worst NFL matchup of any given weekend.

As for the game, it was a good one in many respects. Florida's goal line stand in the first half was huge, as was holding Oklahoma to 14 total points.

I honestly think the top three teams in the country, now that the games are complete, are Florida, USC, and Utah.

And yeah, rcade, I did see the trash-talking after the coin flip. The refs allow that to take place, but then give a stupid penalty to a Florida player when he makes the first-down signal after a big catch. Makes sense.

posted by dyams at 03:57 PM on January 09, 2009

"If you're fortunate enough to spend five minutes or 20 minutes around Tim Tebow, your life is better for it."

posted by justgary at 04:42 PM on January 09, 2009

It was always likely to be an anticlimax, and the whole "Mrs Thom Tebow" hearts-and-flowers thing from the announcers didn't help. I caught some of the ESPN Radio commentary with Musburger and Herbstreit, and it wasn't bad, in the context of a game that had frankly been upstaged for sheer competitive value by Ohio State-Texas.

posted by etagloh at 04:55 PM on January 09, 2009

I almost forgot about that one, justgary.

I remember thinking "did he just say that?".

From the wording you can almost see his brain working; "5 minutes? Did I say 5 minutes? That's pushing it. 20! That works better."

I had no rooting interest in the game, but by the end, because of the announcers I was pulling for a Ok miracle.

posted by justgary at 05:05 PM on January 09, 2009

OK, got to say it.

The BCS Trophy that so many teams would kill themselves to win has got to be one of the ugliest, least imaginative and least inspiring looking trophies in all of sport.

It doesn't look like it was originally designed as an award. I think someone swiped it from the fountain in the lobby of the old Eden Roc Hotel.

Put four stubby legs and a tail on it and tell Paris Hilton it's her own personal Spuds MacKenzie.

posted by beaverboard at 07:58 PM on January 09, 2009

I loved how the announcers tried to justify Tebow's taunting penalty late in the game. They replay it, and one of them remarks how Tebow is backing up as he does it..."he's backing up, that's good".

I think college officiating has gone over-board with the clamp down on celebrations. After each score you can see the officials tracking each player just waiting to throw the flag. Let it go.

Beaverboard, I agree about the trophy, pretty lame.

Hopefully Obama can get the NCAA to go to a playoff...right after he sends me my tax rebate check!

posted by dviking at 10:05 PM on January 09, 2009

First of all, I see Tebow as a good college QB, period. He isn't the GREATEST college player ever. He isn't in the top 10. He will be a decent H-Back in the NFL for maybe a few seasons if that. He has so far won 1 BCS Trophy (the other belonged to Chris Leak), he won an SEC championship, and a Heisman. I fail to see this love affair with him. And, when he gets up and starts flexing after a simple first down on their own 40 yard line, a bit pathetic if you ask me.

Here is what I see is wrong with the whole BCS crap. These were the best two teams (forget about the TX, USC, etc...) at the end of the season. They won their League Championship games and they should have met on a field a week or two later - NOT SIX WEEKS. They might have well gone though spring ball by now. That is the first part that really sucks.

Secondly, OU gets the ball and is moving it down the field and picks up a first down, and they blow Phil Loadholt for following through his block. What the hell was that. Give a verbal warning or something, but that was not unsportsmanlike. They were both locked up on each other. Then, a long pass is thrown down the sidelinie to a receiver - who just before he reaches for the ball - is hammered out of bounds. PASS INTERFERENCE. Don't you have to at least allow him to try to get his hands to touch the ball before he is beheaded? What a ruse??? The great catch by Gresham at the five.

Now I do agree that the play calling sucked on the goal-line and that is nobodys fault but the OC. But, call a roll-out to the opposite side- TD. Same on throwing to the goal liine when Iglesias was open on the other side. But, that was on OU.

Sam Bradford should stay another year (better than being a Detroit Lion), but he did his usual pinpoint passing for the majority of the game. It was Manual Johnson that dropped a beautiful pass that should have been caught. It was Iglesias that bobbled the ball and had it stripped at FL 25 with OU only down by 3 in the fourth. That had them at least in FG range.

Lastly, the mess about OU talking trash was nothing more than the media's love affair with Tebow. He started the jawing with the "I can't wait to face a Big 12 Defense". Florida showed no class at all - including the Tebow chomp. Tebow didn't will anyone to victory. There were eleven men on the field blocking, pushing, fighting, etc... HE might have tried to psych them up, but we all know that is showmanship. He ws playing to the audience. I bet he does go back to FL for another year. HE wouldn't make it in the NFL as more than a 2-3 round pick. And, if he does come back, I still don't think they win the SEC again, much less the BCS.

posted by Mickster at 01:31 AM on January 10, 2009

I bet Colt McCoy will outplay him next year and take the Heisman from him.

I'm not so sure McCoy will outplay Tebow next year. While I think they will both have great seasons, take a look at the offensive talent Tebow has returning next year! Practically everyone he has around him is scheduled to return. McCoy will, as usual, have talent around him, too, but there are some seniors leaving that really contributed to McCoy's stats. He loses his top three receivers who combined for over 220 catches and 20-something TDs. With all the increased coverage and swooning love Tebow has received in his run to the national championship, the Heisman has to be considered his to lose next season.

As for Tebow in the NFL, I have really struggled to envision him having a major impact in the NFL at the QB position. Running the way he does in that league will allow him to last about 2 months. Maybe with some imagination he can be utilized in creative ways be certain teams, possibly like a Matt Jones (without the baggage).

posted by dyams at 08:52 AM on January 10, 2009

I just don't see a 240 lb Tebow taking on a Brandon Jacobs (260+) in the open field and making the tackle. Plus, who is going to spend a high draft choice on a player that will have to change positions. I know "SLASH" did it for awhile, but that was a novelty and eventually, they figure it out.

I do believe he will stay in college one more year. I also know that McCoy came in second this year due to an unbelievable completion percentage, plus him leading his team in rushing. Jordon Shipley, his roomate and best friend has applied for a hardship year and was granted it. He will be back as well. The core of the TX team is not laden with seniors and I think they will be more likely to unseat Tebow / FL if not another SEC team such as Alabama.

posted by Mickster at 01:11 PM on January 10, 2009

First of all, I see Tebow as a good college QB, period. He isn't the GREATEST college player ever. He isn't in the top 10. He will be a decent H-Back in the NFL for maybe a few seasons if that. He has so far won 1 BCS Trophy (the other belonged to Chris Leak), he won an SEC championship, and a Heisman

I'm a huge FL & Tebow hater, but to say Tebow didn't help win that first BCS Trophy is disingenuous. His style helped kept opposing defenses confused with the contrast to Leak's pure pass-back style. Tebow also had some important plays that season to help then get that far.

I bet Colt McCoy will outplay him next year and take the Heisman from him.

I have to agree with dyams. I live for hating Tebow, but damn if he isn't the perfect QB for college where he can run over and around defenses while stilling throwing a decent ball when needed. And with all the offensive weapons around him, it only makes his running the ball that much easier.

And, if he does come back, I still don't think they win the SEC again, much less the BCS.

Besides a young Alabama team, I'm not sure who you have taking the SEC crown from FL. UGA's loosing their RB (though King is good) and QB, Auburn's in a funk, UT's been on a downward spiral, etc.

posted by jmd82 at 02:46 PM on January 10, 2009

I hear that he cured a fan of psoriasis at halftime. Sloppy game but beats a rerun of "My Name's Earl".

posted by spofomofo at 06:54 PM on January 10, 2009