January 09, 2009

Tim Tebow Leads Florida to BCS Title Over Oklahoma: In an MVP performance in which he accounted for 340 of Florida's 480 total yards, including a game-clinching jump pass touchdown in the fourth quarter and 109 yards rushing, quarterback Tim Tebow led the Florida Gators to a 24-14 win over the Oklahoma Sooners in the BCS Championship game. "He's one of those guys that you give him your best shot, he's going to get back up," said Sooners safety Nic Harris.

posted by rcade to football at 08:56 AM - 31 comments

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

Tebow was Tebow, no question, but the strongest impression I got from the game was the look in Sam Bradford's eyes on several occasions.

Sam's really still just a kid, and what a talented kid who had a great year, but having to face that Gator defense gave him an indelible "I don't believe this is happening" experience.

Last night was a mile marker in the growth and maturity of Bradford. He'll be a better player because of it.

But his OC didn't do him any favors in the red zone. They could have let him throw on at least one of those downs at the goal line.

I enjoy watching the college game much better when I don't give a damn about the NFL prospects of the players. I don't care if Tebow goes to the pros or not. I just like watching him do what he does at the collegiate level for what it is.

The officiating and broadcast crews were not close to being worthy of working a title game.

posted by beaverboard at 10:17 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

My thoughts on the game:

1. I found myself losing interest as the game progressed. I'm not sure if I can really put my finger on it, but neither team seemed to play the football that they had played all season. (with the exception of Tebow/Florida in the 4th quarter) This is not an indictment of 2 high-powered offenses not scoring much, as I can definitely appreciate a good defensive battle. This game didn't feel like that, though. It seemed to me that they just weren't clicking. Florida got it together late, and they parlayed that into a victory.

2. Tim Tebow is a great college athlete/quarterback. He is fun to watch now. I expect we'll see him at Florida next year, too. I'm sure someone will draft him to play in the NFL, but I'm curious to see where he plays and how good he is. He certainly has enough athleticism to get a shot at something.

3. I agree completely on the announcers. They were awful. Alas, that's what you get when you sell the rights to Fox, and they have to scrape the bottom of the barrel for talent because they don't cover college football during the season. There should be a stipulation (and I realize that ESPN gets the BCS next year, so this may be moot) that to get the BCS, you have to cover some amount of football during the season to at least have some level of qualification. I thought the Fox studio show was ok, but who really cares about that when there is only one game going on?

**On preview: Live Preview now. Sweet!**

posted by bender at 11:22 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

Holy crap! Old SpoFi is back, with new options (Live Preview)! Come back, folks who left.

Horrible, horrible announcing and overall game production. I can't say I'll be sad for Fox to lose the BCS rights to ESPN in a few years (bender -- I'm pretty sure ESPN does not get the full rights until 2011).

Overall, pretty sloppy game, but good on Florida for overcoming the miscues and sloppiness to win. SEC (which had a down year this year, in my opinion) is now 5-0 in BCS title games, for what it's worth.

posted by holden at 12:50 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

I'm pretty sure ESPN does not get the full rights until 2011

Holden, it looks like you're right. I think perhaps I heard some early talk about making the switch earlier, but that's not happening. Thanks a lot...

posted by bender at 01:55 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.

posted by dyams at 03:56 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

I like the updates to the pages with regards to posts, but can we get the tab back that allows you to update your comment for a minute or two after you have originally posted? That would keep me from screwing up and double-posting like I just did. Sorry about that.

posted by dyams at 03:59 PM on January 09, 2009

It's not easy to give Tebow more hype than he deserves. He's a great player, a great leader and thus far has lived up to his amazing rep off the field.

But Fox's announcers managed it. I cringed when I heard that quote, Gary. I live in the county where Tebow played high school ball, and I've been hearing about him long before he was signed by Florida. I thought that was the creepiest broadcast tongue bath since Greg Gumbel and Phil Simms were apologists for Ray Lewis during Super Bowl XXXV.

posted by rcade at 04:53 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

"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

I almost forgot about that one, justgary. My god, it was like he had been in the presence of the Pope....or Nelson Mandella....or Oprah (gag!)

posted by dyams at 05:02 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

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.

I think you're going a little nutty there, Howard. Tim Tebow doesn't sit at the right hand of anybody...they sit at the right hand of Tebow!

It's great to be a Florida Gator! Two BCS Championships in three years, and you can't bitch too much, becuase they beat the Number One team in America both times!

posted by The_Black_Hand at 07:11 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

Congratulations to Florida on a second national championship. It wasn't the most exciting of games, but they certainly got the job done.

I already disliked watching Florida play because of the announcers' love affairs with Tim Tebow, and this game was no different. I especially liked when Tebow "willed" himself to a first down run on third and long even though he wasn't touched for the first nine yards.

posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 08:29 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

Announcers sucked wind--who is Thom Brennan and what was he doing on this telecast?!?!?!--but I thoroughly enjoyed the game as someone with no rooting interest. Tebow was outstanding but both defenses were monsters. 7-7 at the half when you have two of the highest scoring offenses this season? But Tebow got it together after a poor start and Bradford lost his footing when the Gators switched coverage on his tight end.

posted by billsaysthis at 01:27 AM 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 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. Probably the BCS crown as well. He's a 240 lb fullback or H-back that has the ability to throw with decent accuracy. He will not last long in the NFL.

I did hear some chuckles today when the comparrisons of Greatest College Player ever get bunked by names like Herschel Walker, Roger Staubach, Reggie Bush, Matt Leinert, Barry Sanders, Jim Brown, and I could list at least another ten.....

I think Corso has the biggest crush on him though.

posted by Mickster at 01:40 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

Tebow might do OK trying out as a strong safety in the NFL. He could probably do a bit of run stopping if a back got to the second level. He's big enough and not afraid of the contact.

And athletic enough to be good for a few picks.

To ice the cake, he could join the O every so often as an RB and throw an option ball out of a toss sweep left. How many defenses work on RB option throws to the left side?

TimBow, go break out some film of Fulcher and Lynch.

And Randle-El's throw in the Super Bowl. An artistic moment in the middle of an ugly game.

posted by beaverboard at 11:00 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

Plus, who is going to spend a high draft choice on a player that will have to change positions.

There's always some teams that can't resist. The Jaguars did it a couple years ago with Matt Jones, picking the Arkansas QB and turning him into a wide receiver.

posted by rcade at 02:41 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 am not a Tebow hater. I believe he is loosing some talented receivers to the draft / senior.... but I might be mistaken. I heard something to that affect on the game the other day.

I realize he was instrumental in helping FL to win their first BCS game, but he wasn't the starting QB. Kornholieo (Tony Kornheiser-sp) claims he is already one of the 5 best of all time.... phooey.

I don't dismiss Alabama, Georgia, and even Tenessee (maybe Ol Miss again). They will have Monty Kiffen running their defense and like all "new" wrinkles that come around, defensive coaches will eventually figure a way to stop them. OU did decent for three quarters except for Percy and his two long runs.

Now for Colt, he is going to probably win the Heisman if not for anything else, the sympathy vote for getting jobbed this year. He finished 2nd and I really thought he would win it. I don't even know if Tebow is coming back, but would assume he does.

posted by Mickster at 03:24 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

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