The line seems to be dropping right now LSU lovers !
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Tebow is doubtfulComment -
I can't believe they are even considering playing him, he is just now able to read (insert U of F joke here) after being unable to focus for 2 full days. Playing him in this game would be criminal IMO.Comment -
Saturday, October 10th, 8:00 p.m. (et)
The Sports Network
By Scott Haynes, College Football Senior Editor
GAME NOTES: The premiere matchup on the college football docket takes place in Baton Rouge this weekend, as top-ranked Florida and fourth-ranked LSU square off in a SEC cross-divisional clash of top-five foes.
The defending national champions are a perfect 4-0 on the season and have had an extra week to prepare for the Tigers thanks to last week's bye. Being idle was also fortuitous because of All-American Tim Tebow's status. The former Heisman Trophy winner suffered a concussion in Florida's big win at Kentucky on September 26th and has yet to be cleared to return to the field.
No one is being hounded more about Tebow's status than head coach Urban Meyer.
"I hide when I go out so it's cool. I've been asked a lot, especially by the people who matter to me, my family and the team. But he's around now, so the people that need to know know that he's doing good. But you're right, that's a big question nationally."
With the possible absence of Tebow this weekend, LSU has even more of an opportunity. Les Miles' team will take any edge it can get, although the team has played as well as any in the country, including a thrilling 20-13 win at nationally-ranked Georgia last weekend to move to 5-0 on the season, including 3-0 in the SEC. It was LSU's first win in Athens since 1987. LSU has won 32 consecutive night games in Tiger Stadium.
These two teams are meeting for the 56th time, with the Gators holding a modest 29-23-3 all-time lead. These two teams have combined to win the last three national titles.
The Gators are getting it done with a devastating ground game and of course Tebow making decisions under center. Florida is averaging a robust 7.0 yards per carry thus far, while putting out 307.5 yards rushing per outing. Jeff Demps (76.0 ypg, four TDs), Tebow (67.8 ypg, five TDs) and Chris Rainey (65.2 ypg) have been quite the trio on the ground.
If Tebow can't go, the Gators will go into battle with redshirt sophomore John Brantley. In limited action this year, Brantley has looked impressive, completing 73.3 percent of his passes (22-of-30), for 232 yards and four TDs. Meyer doesn't seem overly concerned if Brantley gets the start.
"I have a lot of confidence from what you see him do in practice. We would like to have him have more game reps at this point, but it's not like he's going in there by himself. He's got 10 other guys on offense to take care of him. The Pounceys, Riley Cooper and three backs will be there. He had a great week in practice. He gets the ball out real fast. Things will change a bit; its obvious. That doesn't mean we are going to abandon the running game which has been so good for us. He has strengths and he's very mature."
Both Riley Cooper (15 receptions, for 242 yards, two TDs) and Aaron Hernandez (15 receptions, 189 yards, two TDs) will provide options in the vertical game.
Nothing should change on the defensive side of things for Florida. The Gators have been flat out dominant on defense, holding foes to a mere 7.2 ppg (second nationally), shutting down both the run (92.8 ypg) and the pass (120.0 ypg), ranking first in the country in total defense at 212.8 ypg.
This is a unit chock-full of All-Americans. Ahmad Black (team-high 22 tackles, one INT) and Joe Haden (21 tackles, one INT) lead the way in the secondary. Brandon Spikes (21 tackles) and Ryan Stamper (21 tackles, one sack) pace the linebacking corps, while Carlos Dunlap (three TFLs, two sacks) commands the most attention along the defensive front.
The Tigers lack the star power Florida has, but the offense has been balanced in the first half of the season, gaining 135.4 yards per game on the ground and another 186.2 through the air.
Sophomore Jordan Jefferson has been decent under center, completing just over 65 percent of his passes, for 920 yards, with seven TDs and just two interceptions. What Jefferson does have, is a pair of standout pass catchers in Terrance Toliver (23 receptions, for 342 yards, two TDs) and Brandon LaFell (23 receptions, for 282 yards, five TDs).
The ground game does enough to keep defenses honest, but lacks that home run hitter that can take it to the end zone at any moment. Charles Scott however, has been effective, averaging 4.4 yards per carry.
While not the feared defensive unit that is become accustomed by the LSU faithful each year, the 2009 Tigers have made plays when needed. The Tigers are holding foes just under 15 points per game (14.8) and have done a nice job forcing turnovers with 11 on the year.
Senior Harry Coleman currently leads the team in tackles with 34 total stops. Junior Kelvin Sheppard (31 tackles) and senior Perry Riley (30 tackles, one INT, one fumble recovery) complete an active LB corps. Junior safety Chad Jones (23 tackles, two INTs) gets the job done in the secondary. Senior Rahim Alem has been the top defensive lineman in terms of getting upfield and making plays (team-high 4.5 TFLs, two sacks).
The Tigers aren't flashy, but have gotten the job done. Miles is certainly aware of the type of opponent his team will be facing this week.
"They are a tremendous team. They have a very talented offense, defense and special teams - all three phases. Coach (Urban) Meyer has done a great job. He prepares his team week-in and week-out to do all the things that gives them a chance to win. Certainly, we're saddened that (QB) Tim Tebow was injured. It's the worst thing about college football; you don't want injury. You don't want it for your opponent. You don't want it for yourself. I'm certain that they'll do the right things for him, and they'll have a great quarterback playing for Florida anyway."
With Tebow in the lineup, Florida is better on both sides of the football and would roll to victory. Without him, the Gators will probably still get the win thanks to the defense, but it will be a brawl for the full 60 minutes. Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Florida 27, LSU 23Comment