Gator Chomp.....and other random tidbits....

Well that was unexpected wasnt it? For all the people that insist otherwise, tonight's BCS Championship was once again proof that when it comes to football, there is the SEC and then there is everybody else.. Florida absolutely manhandled Ohio State in every facet of the game, showcasing the superior speed, athleticism, power and even coaching that is found down South. Chris Leak put together a great first half, but the story of the game was the Florida defense, which completely stymied any attempt by the Buckeyes to generate offense. Over the past few weeks many, including me, believed that this would be a relatively uneven game.....and we were right.....but just on the wrong team. Urban Meyer wins his national championship and Florida is back atop the football world. Two things stand out for me going forward. First, with the Gators now holding both the football and basketball titles, Florida stands where virtually no other program could ever claim to stand.....a legitimate POWER in both sports.....that is simply a rarity, but is now a reality in Gainesville. And UK's loss in Gainesville, where they played the Gators close, doesnt look too bad. Congrats to the Gators.....and God help us as we prepare for three years of watching Tim Tebow run around.... Ten thoughts, recruiting and otherwise.... (1) Dont believe a lot of the hype you are hearing about Darius Miller not being interested in UK. Miller is interested in the Cats....but he likes other schools as well, including, maybe most of all, the aforementioned Florida Gators. UK really wanted to get Miller locked up this year.....that may not happen as Darius becomes a national recruit.....but reports that Darius has no interest in UK are simply incorrect. (2) Two months ago, I wouldnt have believed this were possible. But with Brian Brohm, Michael Bush likely headed for the draft, Bobby P in Catlanta, Phil Simms' kid talking about heading elsewhere and the coach coming from Tulsa.....is it possible that things could be brighter on the UK football future than UL? I still dont think so....but now it is at least a discussion.... (3) For all the greatness that is SEC football coaching, I am unsure that there may be any worse group of coaches than basketball in the SEC West. Combine John Brady, Mark Gottfried, Rick Stansbury and Stan Heath.....and well, I am not sure what you have, but it aint much. All can recruit very well (although I think shady is a word that can at least describe the first three), but as far as sheer coaching goes, they make me cringe.... (4) If and when Tubby Smith leaves, there will be a lot of coaches whose names are bandied about. I hope that if Billy Donovan is not hired (who would have to be the logical first call), that Villanova's Jay Wright is on the list. I love the way his team's play, the type of player he attracts and his overall persona. He would be in my final three (you can guess the others....and none have UK connections). (5) Nascar driver Bobby Hamilton died this week in an underreported story. I always liked Hamilton growing up, especially when he drove the Kodak #4 car. He also won the first restrictor place race after Earnhardt's death and had a very emotional celebration. Hamilton was an old-school Nascar guy, that pre-dated the new "polished" Young Guns. There arent a lot like him any more, and that is unfortunate. RIP (6) Sometimes people just get what the internet is about. This blog on the wives of sports' athletes confirms that. (7) Didnt Louisville used to have a basketball team? (8) Jacob Jenkins, the sophomore wonderkid from Manual is being brought in for yet another visit, this time for the Florida game at home. Jenkins is as close to a sure thing for UK as one can be.....wonder if Tubby will take an early commitment this soon from a sophomore? (9) You know its college basketball season when you look on the television schedule, see that Pepperdine is playing Gonzaga at midnight and you seriously consider staying up and watching it. (10) Auburn is coming into Rupp on Wednesday. Auburn of course is second only to Ole Miss in irrelevance in the SEC in recent years. Jeff Lebo, besides losing his hair, has not made a huge impact on the Tigers' program, although they did look respectable in beating Vandy at home this weekend at a game that was attended by approximately 30 people. The Cats should win, although it wont be a blowout because it is never a blowout. I am not sure who made the Cats' SEC schedule this year, but it could be argued that the three easiest games of the season are the three initial ones.....not bad for a team trying to gain confidence and re-establish a national ranking. Tuesday will see an interview with Jai Lucas.....Wednesday we catch up with Marshall Moses.....Thursday we bring you some Patrick Patterson funk......big week....get on board.....