Spread Holiday Joy to the Philippines

Photo Credit: The Tim Tebow Foundation

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and it's the perfect time to show others you care.

As I reported on this blog a few weeks ago, Denver Broncos QB Tim Tebow is helping to raise money through his foundation, the Tim Tebow Foundation, to build a children's hospital in the Philippines. The foundation is just $500,000 away from reaching their $3.1 million goal, and every little bit helps.

If you have it in your heart to help build this 30-bed surgical facility in Davao City, please consider donating via this link.

Thank you and God Bless.

Today's Post-Game Interview

Tim Tebow leads the Denver Broncos to an amazing win over the Minnesota Vikings! Sorry 'bout your luck Percy Harvin!

The Tebow Song

In light of yet another Tim Tebow-led come-from-behind victory by the Denver Broncos, I thought I would share a song/YouTube video from one of the people I follow on Twitter (@Tyler_S_Howe).

Check it out!

Can Tebow Take Denver to the Super Bowl?

Why not? Stranger things have happened.

I really enjoyed reading this recent article by my friend and Orlando Sentinel columnist George Diaz.

Some particularly interesting excerpts...

"Let's hope that all those nerdy draftniks, know-it-all talking heads on ESPN, and NFL icons like John Elway squirm as their myopic view of the world gets Tebowed."

"It's funny how the polarizing discussion about Tebow has gone from 'he will never start'… to 'he will never win a game' … to 'he will never win a Super Bowl.' Tebow has crushed the odds on the first two assumptions, and I wouldn't want to bet against him as the Broncos seem bound and determined to ride the Tebow Train into the playoffs."

"Denver's offense will not spur the usual copy-cat playbooks because Tebow is unique. You can only run that offense with one guy."

"'What about he's not good enough, Skip?' — ESPN analyst Cris Carter debating with colleague Skip Bayless about Tebow's NFL potential. Silencio por favor. You've had your say. It's time to shut up and cut your losses."

Tebow fans can help fund the Tebow CURE Hospital one dollar at a time

Calling all Tim Tebow fans! The Tim Tebow Foundation is launching a fundraiser for the recently announced Tebow CURE Hospital in the Philippines.  The total expense of building the hospital is $3.1 million, and with only $700,000 left towards that goal, the foundation is asking Tim Tebow fans to consider joining them in this effort. 

The fundraiser, entitled “Dollar Day,” kicks off at 9 am EST Tuesday, November 29, 2011.  Every Tim Tebow fan is encouraged to donate $1 each to help the foundation realize this goal.  Donations can be made online at www.timtebowfoundation.org, and all donors will get receipts for their donations.  All proceeds will go directly toward the Tebow CURE Hospital, a combined effort between the Tim Tebow Foundation and CURE International. 

           

“I am so thankful for my fans and the support they’ve always shown me,” said Tebow.  “I am excited for this opportunity for my fans to join me in a project that is so close to my heart.”

Because Tebow has more than 1.2 million social media supporters alone, the Tim Tebow Foundation is confident in reaching the goal of $700,000 in just one day.
 

“Tim’s fans are always eager to get involved and to make a difference,” said Erik Dellenback, Executive Director of the Tim Tebow Foundation. “Dollar Day is a very real, very impactful way to help Tim reach this goal that is so important to him, and this is a great example of how a little can go a very long way.”

The Tebow CURE Hospital will be a 30-bed surgical facility focusing primarily on orthopedics with over half of the surgeries expected to be charitable. The groundbreaking will be held in January 2012, and the hospital is expected to open in mid-2013.  The hospital, which is CURE’s first in the Philippines and 12^th worldwide, will be on the island of Mindanao, a particularly poor area of the Philippines.  The hospital will also house a Timmy’s Playroom, which will provide faith, hope and love to children before and after their surgeries.  It will be the Tim Tebow Foundation’s first international playroom.

The Tim Tebow Foundation was created in January 2010. Its mission is to bring faith, hope and love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need. The foundation is accomplishing this mission through the construction of the Tebow CURE Hospital, the building of playrooms in children’s hospitals, supporting orphans worldwide and making “dreams come true” for children with life-threatening illnesses.  Please visit http://www.timtebowfoundation.org for more information.

CURE International heals the sick and proclaims the Kingdom of God. It is the largest provider of reconstructive surgery to disabled children in the emerging world. Since opening the doors of its first surgical teaching hospital in Kijabe, Kenya in 1998, CURE's focus on bringing healing to developing nations has resulted in more than 1.5 million patient visits and over 121,000 surgeries to correct physically disabling conditions. CURE has also trained more than 2400 medical professionals raising the standard of care in the countries where it operates.  Please visit http://cure.org/ for more information.

Old School Gator Series: Tuesday, Nov. 22nd at 8 p.m.

The next edition of the "Old School Gator Series with Roger Franklin Williams" will feature Silver Sixties-era Greats Richard Trapp (live) and Jack Youngblood (taped interview). The program will air Tuesday, November 22 at 8pm, immediately following Gator Hotline with Coach Will Muschamp, on 540 WFLA, Central Florida's Gator Nation Station. The program can also be heard live on-line at www.540wfla.com.

Some Recent Tebow Videos

I just had to share a few recent Tebow videos from YouTube. You've got to admit this kid is inspring!

Don't forget to follow me, the Tebow Defender, on Twitter and Facebook!

Tim Tebow Leads Denver to Win Over Jets

Once again, Tim Tebow proves his talents on the field. This time versus the Jets on November 17, 2011.

Honoring Gator War Heroes

This weekend, we pause to recognize those who have served our great country through various Veteran's Day remembrances and celebrations. Whether you plan to participate in a parade or quietly reflect on the service of the brave men and women who so valiantly have fought for our freedom, please take some time to privately or publicly thank a solder (or two, or three or 100)!

In honor of Veteran's Day, I have put together a special Tribute to Veterans program, which will air tonight on the Old School Gator Radio Series with Roger Franklin Williams from 8 - 9 p.m. EST on 540 WFLA-AM, the Gator Nation Station.

The program's featured guest will be esteemed Orlando attorney Tom Tart, a Gator football letterman from the Silver Sixties era and an expert on World War II era history. The program will also highlight the service and wartime stories of UF football players who served heroically during World War II, including E Fergie Ferguson, an outstanding two-way end from Stuart, who suffered fatal wounds in combat during the D-Day invasion. The program will also feature All-SEC RB Walter "Tiger" Mayberry of Daytona Beach, who served as a decorated combat aviator and was shot down and killed in a Japanese POW camp, as well as General James Van Fleet, a highly successfull coach of the 1920s era who was a highly decorated General during World War II and the Korean Conflict as well as other Gator War Heroes.

Old School Gator Program: A Tribute to Veteran's Day

The Old School Gator Series with Roger Franklin Williams will present a special Tribute to Veteran's Day program on Thursday, November 10 on 540 WFLA:The Gator Nation Station. The program will air from 8pm-9pm immediately following Gator Hotline with Coach Will Muschamp.  Featured guest will be Orlando attorney Tom Tart, Gator Football letterman from the Silver Sixties era and an expert on WW II era history. The program will highlight the service and wartime stories of Gator Football players who served  heroically in WW II, including E Fergie Ferguson, an outstanding 2-way End  from Stuart who suffered fatal wounds in combat during the D-Day invasion, All-SEC RB Walter "Tiger" Mayberry of Daytona Beach, who served as a decorated combat aviator and was shot down and killed in a Japanese POW camp, General James Van Fleet, highly successful coach of the 1920's era who was a highly decorated General during WW II and the Korean Conflict as well as other Gator War Heroes.

Tebow "Grounded by Faith and Family"

In the midst of a lot of noise surrounding his starting QB position, Tebow says during an interview with the Denver Post that he is "grounded by my faith and my family." Denver Broncos head coach John Fox indicates that Tebow will be starting again this weekend against the Oakland Raiders.

You can read the Denver Post article here.

And don't forget to follow me on Facebook and Twitter (@Tebow_Defender).

Photo Credit: ESPN Commentary

GEORGIA FAN ATTACKS TRAPP 10 YEARS LATER

Gator Great Richard Trapp, star of the '67 Florida-Georgia game, shares the little known story of his unfortunate encounter with a Georgia fan who carried the pain of Florida's last second 17-16 victory forward for the next 10 years. The interview was taped at Del Frisco's Orlando as part of the Old School Legends Series presented by Del Frisco's Orlando.

Trapp's story was also aired on the "Old School Gator Series with Roger Franklin Williams" retrospective on the Florida-Georgia Series on 540 WFLA on Thursday October 27th.

RICHARD TRAPP'S FIRSTHAND ACCOUNT OF THE HISTORIC CATCH/RUN VS GEORGIA IN 1967

Gator Great Richard Trapp WR #44 gives his first hand account of the legendary catch and run against Georgia in '67 which was the catalyst for the stunning come-from-behind 17-16 win on a last second Wayne Barfield  field goal.  The appearance was taped at Del Frisco's Orlando as part of the Old School Legend's Series presented by Del Frisco's Orlando.

Trapp's historical account was also featured on the "Old School Gator Series with Roger Franklin Williams" retrospective of the Florida-Georgia series which aired on Thursday November 27 on 540 WFLA.

Most disliked figure in sports right now? C'mon!!

OK now this is going too far.

I came across a recent USA Today article, which includes a poll, about the most disliked figure in sports right now. On the poll, figures such as Tiger Woods, Michael Vick, Kim Kardashian, Lebron James, David Stern/NBA Owners, and... TIM TEBOW?!

Thankfully, Tim isn't leading the poll in votes, but he's tied in percentage points with Michael Vick!! Michael Vick, an animal abuser! What has Tim done that even compares to Vick's actions? How can he even be placed in the same category as Tiger Woods?

Sure, he's polarizing, but MOST DISLIKED figure in sports? There's something very, very wrong with this.

Listen to Track from Tim Tebow Foundation Interview

Hear Roger's interview last week with Erik Dellenback, Executive Director of the Tim Tebow Foundation.

http://snd.sc/ta0POC

"OLD SCHOOL GATOR" FLORIDA-GEORGIA RETROSPECTIVE AIRS TONIGHT!

Outstanding Line-up of Gator Greats Headline 540 WFLA Exclusive!

The "Old School Gator" Florida-Georgia Retrospective will debut tonight on Central Florida's Gator Nation Station, 540 WFLA and 540wfla.com from 8pm-9pm, immediately following "Gator Hotline with Coach Will Muschamp". The program will feature:

Allen Trammell, DB/RB/PR from '63-'65, and his account of the '65 defensive struggle where JR QB Steve Spurrier led a stirring 82 yard 2-play drive in the waning minutes to give the Gators a 14-10 victory.

Chris Doering, WR from '92-'95, the all-time SEC career touchdown receptions leader, who will re-count the '94 and '95 games when the Gators scored 50+ points on the 'Dogs in Gainesville and Athens and also provide insight on how Coach Steve Spurrier reversed the tide of the Florida-Georgia Series.

Richard Trapp, WR/PR from '65-'67 and star of of the '67 game, on his legendary performance in the come from behind 17-16 last minute win over Georgia.

Jim Yarbrough, TE from '66-'68 and All-20th Century TE, on the dissapointment of the '66 game when Georgia knocked the then-undefeated Gators out of their first SEC Championship with a crushing 27-10 defeat AND the ironic future implications of that  loss.

Erik Dellenback, Executive Director of the Tim Tebow Foundation is also scheduled to join the broadcast to update Gators around Florida on great things taking place at the Tim Tebow Foundation.

ERIK DELLENBACK, TIM TEBOW FOUNDATION EXEC, WILL JOIN OLD SCHOOL GATOR BROADCAST

Erik Dellenback, Tim Tebow Foundation Executive Director, is scheduled to join tonight's "Old School Gator" broadcast to update Gators on the mission and progress of the Tim Tebow Foundation. Earlier this week the Tim Tebow Foundation announced a new partnership with CURE International.

Tonight's program will also include a retrospective on great games, great players and great moments in the Florida-Georgia Series.

The program will air live on 540 WFLA, Central Florida's Gator Nation Station, and on-line at http://www.540wfla.com/ from 8pm-9pm immediately following "Gator Hotline with Coach Will Muschamp".

OLD SCHOOL GATOR BROADCAST TO FEATURE FLORIDA-GEORGIA RETROSPECTIVE

Image courtesy of News4Jax.com

Long touted as one of THE most celebrated college football rivalries of all time, the annual Florida-Georgia game is much more than just the "world's largest outdoor cocktail party." Since the game began being played on neutral territory in Jacksonville in 1933, Gator and 'Dawg fans, players and coaches have descended upon the northern Florida city to participate in some of the season's most exciting college football year after year.

Tomorrow evening from 8 - 9 p.m. EST, immediately following "Gator Hotline with Coach Will Muschamp," on 540 WFLA-AM (The Gator Nation Station), The Old School Gator Series with Roger Franklin Williams will feature a retrospective on the Florida-Georgia series.

Topics and guests will include:

• Allen Trammell, RB/DB/KR from '63 - '65 and his recollections of the '65 game, a defensive struggle won 14-10 on a late 2-play 82-yard drive led by QB Steve Spurrier.
• Richard Trapp, WR/PR from '65 - '67, star of the '67 game
• All-20th Century TE Jim Yarbrough, '66 - '68 and Trapp discussing the disappointing 27-10 loss to Georgia in '66
• Chris Doering, WR from '92 - '95, discussing his recollections of the '94 and '95 games when Florida scored over 50 points on Georgia in both Gainesville and Athens and Coach Steve Spurrier's influence on turning the tide of the series and establishing a culture of dominance by the Florida Gators.
• Erik Dellenback, Executive Director of the Tim Tebow Foundation, is also scheduled to make a special appearance via phone from Jacksonville to update Gators on exciting recent developments at the Tim Tebow Foundation.

For those in the immediate listening area, tune your dials to 540 AM from 8 - 9 p.m. to tune into this exciting rivalry retrospective. For anyone who is not in the immediate listening area but would still like to tune into the program, listen live at http://www.540wfla.com/.

GO GATORS! BEAT GEORGIA!

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter for updates and news.

Tim Tebow Foundation Partners with CURE International

As many of you know, I am an enthusiastic supporter of Tim Tebow and his mission to use his influence to help others. I received the following press release from the Executive Director of the Tim Tebow Foundation and I wanted to share it with all of my readers. Stay tuned for more details.

Tim Tebow Foundation partners with CURE International
to bring physical and spiritual healing to the world’s poorest children 

Jacksonville, FL  (October 25, 2011) – The Tim Tebow Foundation today announced its partnership with CURE International.  The Tim Tebow Foundation’s mission is to bring faith, hope, and love to those needing a brighter day, and this partnership will directly benefit children throughout the developing world who suffer from treatable physical disabilities.  CURE, which exists to provide both physical and spiritual healing, operates programs and hospitals in 20 countries and has performed more than 121,000 surgeries in its 14-year history.   

“I am truly excited about this partnership with CURE International,” said Tebow.  “When I learned about what CURE does and how intentional the organization is about sharing the Gospel and healing children, I knew it would be a great partnership.”   

The on-going partnership between the Tim Tebow Foundation and CURE will focus on several projects, the first of which will be a children’s hospital construction project in the developing world.  Details on the location and specifics of the project will be announced in the coming weeks.  

“Tim’s passion for sharing his faith and making a difference in the lives of people around the world is a natural fit with CURE,” said Dr. Scott Harrison, President and Founder of CURE International.  “It is a blessing for us to partner with someone of Tim’s caliber and integrity.  Through this partnership, many children will receive the healing they so desperately need.” 

To learn more or get involved, visit www.timtebowfoundation.org or www.cure.org/timtebow. 

TIM TEBOW FOUNDATION

The Tim Tebow Foundation was created in January 2010 by NFL quarterback Tim Tebow. The mission of the Tim Tebow Foundation is to bring faith, hope, and love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need. The Foundation is accomplishing this mission through the building of playrooms in children’s hospitals, supporting orphans worldwide, and making “Dreams Come True” for children with life threatening illnesses.  

CURE INTERNATIONAL

Since opening the doors of its first surgical teaching hospital in Kijabe, Kenya, in 1998, CURE's focus on bringing healing to developing nations has resulted in more than 1.5 million patient visits and over 121,000 surgeries to correct physically disabling conditions.  

###

OLD SCHOOL GATOR WITNESSES MORE TEBOW MAGIC

Despite a slow start, Tim Tebow led the Denver Broncos to an amazing 18-15 overtime victory, and, of course, the Old School Gator, who was there to witness it in person, is the least surprised person on planet earth. In typical Tim Tebow fashion, the game was filled with unique drama, excitement and passion. That is why the Old School Gator AND TENS OF MILLIONS OF INSIGHTFUL FOOTBALL FANS AROUND AMERICA feel so strongly about Tim Tebow. Tebow plays with heart, passion and guts, truly has the heart of a champion, and that is why with Tim Tebow at QB no game is over until the last second  literally ticks off the clock.

Photo Credit: Los Angeles Times

According to Chris Berman of ESPN, yesterday's Denver comeback was the only comeback from as many as 15 points to win in the last five minutes since the merger of the NFL and AFL circa 1970.

As the Old School Gator has said many times, Tim Tebow is something special. Yesterday's game is not the last we'll see of Tim Tebow. The Old School Gator predicted he'd be a first round draft pick in April 2010 and the Old School Gator predicted he'd show the world his amazing talents in Sunday's game. One more tip  from the Old School Gator; as I've said many times before, "Tim Tebow is destined for greatness as an NFL starting QB, Tim Tebow will be the next great QB in the NFL and one day Tim Tebow will be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame." And, with God's Grace, the Old School Gator will be there in Canton to see it!

It's Tebow's Time to Shine

The Old School Gator is heading down to the Denver-Miami game on Sunday incredibly confident that Tim Tebow will show the rest of America what Gators, as well as legions of Denver fans, I might add, have known for a very long time: Tim Tebow, given the opportunity, will become one of the best QBs in the NFL.
Gator Gridiron/Old School Gator has been proclaiming to the world that Tim Tebow gives Denver a much better chance to win than Kyle Orton does. In recognition of Tim Tebow's first start in 2011, not to mention the Denver "brain trust" finally getting a clue, we are posting the video from April 21 of 2011, the day before the 2010 NFL draft, of The Old School Gator going against the "experts" ( Mel Viper, McShay, Colin Pencil-neck, etc. ) to proclaim that Tim Tebow WILL BE selected in the first round.
For more Truth about Tim Tebow, as opposed to the myths and lies promoted by the national sports media check out www.YouTube.com/tebowtruth and you'll see INFORMED, ACCURATE Tim Tebow takes from the Old School Gator, aka, The Tebow Defender.

Why? Because I know Tim Tebow is something special. I watched what he did at UF, I know what he can do in the NFL. Tim Tebow gives Denver "the best chance to win", or any other NFL team, for that matter.

DID GATOR GRIDIRON OVER-ESTIMATE IMPACT OF CHARLIE WEIS?

GATOR GRIDIRON
ROGER FRANKLIN WILLIAMS

During and prior to September, the Gator Gridiron blog as well as various Central Florida radio broadcasts, pod-casts and media outlets have witnessed the Old School Gator proclaiming to the world that Charlie Weis as offensive coordinator is one of the best things to ever happen to Gator Football, that Charlie Weis is perhaps the best offensive coordinator in the game of football, at any level,and various other accolades. It's disturbing what a couple of impressive "exhibition" victories and 400 yards rushing against Kentucky can do to your judgement.

Well, cut to Sunday October 16, aka, "the day after Auburn" and the realization that in the last three weeks the 2011 Gator offense is looking a whole lot like the 2010 Gator offense...right down to, horrifically, the return of the dreaded 3-headed QB monster.

In ugly offensive performances against upper-echelon SEC competition, the Gators just flat out have not been able to run the ball, period. Demps and Rainey 4 yards a piece vs. Alabama, no running game at all at LSU and now 60-something yards on 30-something carries, or more specifically, 2 yards a carry, against Auburn...in a winnable game.

Certainly, Gator Gridiron understands that the predicament of having to play 2 pure Freshman QBs, with one of them playing on a bum ankle, puts the Florida offensive braintrust in a true disadvantage---especially when you have to play the No 1 & No 3 teams on the nation back to back. But the thing that is most disconcerting is that talented players are not being utilized.

For example, tough, quick RB Mike Gillislee, who is averaging over 7 yards per carry and has averaged over 5 yards a carry for his entire Gator career, is being completely waisted. If utilized properly, ie,15-20 times a game, Gillislee could provide that inside running presence that Florida so desperately needs.

All the while, talented speedster Andre DeBose languishes as the 4th or 5th option in the offense, when all he ever does in the very few times he is called upon is make big plays and score TDs.

At least DeBose and Gillislee actually get the ball every now and then. Big, strong, tall, fast, sure-handed, versatile WR Omarious Hines has been completely ignored! Ala DeBose, in the very few times Hines was called upon last year, he produced in a big way. Hines also brings a unique combination of size and skills--he could be utilized as a WR, a TE or even as a RB/FB. Lord knows the Gator needs something...at least something more than Rainey/Demps left; Rainey/Demps right; Rainey/Demps up the middle; short dump pass to Rainey; punt.

Why not let Gillislee, DeBose and Omarious Hines play a little and see what happens.

I bet what will happen is, the Gators will begin to move the ball, score touchdowns and maybe...just maybe WIN A FREAKING GAME!

Gators Suffer Ugly Loss at Auburn

Defense Hangs Tough; Offense Pathetic

A tenacious Gator defense hung tough in a crucial SEC battle at Auburn, but another less than lackluster performance on offense doomed Florida in an ugly 17-6 loss at Jordan-Hare Stadium, the site massive Gator suffering over the past 80+ years.

Florida trailed 7-6 after a hard fought first half, where Auburn's TD came on a short field after a controversial fumbled punt by Chris Rainey. Rainey signaled for a fair catch and then appeared to be interfered with by an Auburn defender, causing Rainey to fumble, but no penalty was called and the ball was awarded to Auburn. Three Gator turnovers, including 2 fumbled punts doomed the Gators on a night when the offense was completely stymied.

Freshman QB Jacoby Brissett started and played the first half.The dreaded 3-headed QB monster reared it's ugly head in the second half, as O-Coordinator Charlie Weis inserted Freshman QB Jeff Driskel to start the second half and Trey Burton also took snaps at QB throughout the game. The Freshmen QBs stats were respectable considering the circumstances, but the complete lack of a running game made achieving any kind of consistent success, including scoring a touchdown, futile. The Gators coaches continued what has become a new tradition at Florida---keeping effective RB Mike Gillislee on the bench (3) carries. Gillislee and Soph WR Andre DeBose were among a large contingent of Gators, including excellent SR K, who spent time on the sideline due to injury.

The short take on this game is the D put up a valiant effort stopping Auburn on the ground and through the air, but special teams miscues coupled with a non-existent offense resulted in Florida's 3rd consecutive SEC loss.

USE GILLISLIEE AND DeBOSE TONIGHT!

As a crucial SEC road game at Auburn gets under way, Gator Gridiron urges Coach Muschamp to---USE GILLISLEE AND DeBOSE!

Florida's between-the-tackles running game has been non existent the last 2 weeks (except for Mike Gillislee's churning out yards late in the game at LSU). Time and time again during his Gator career the sturdy RB from DeLand has run the ball effectively when called upon. Let's give him the ball about 20 times tonight and see what he can do with a legitimate opportunity.

Andre DeBose has done nothing but make huge plays and generate excitement when he has been allowed on the field. Last year, two kick-off returns for touchdowns, a Gator season record, btw. This year, exciting 65 yard TD receptions in back to back games vs Alabama & LSU---the only real offense generated in those games, btw. Why not get him the ball more than once or twice a game? I mean like 10-12-15 times or more on passes and kick/punt returns?

And while you are getting Gillislee and DeBose involved don't forget about Omarious Hines.... He can make plays, too....if given the chance.

The count is on... how many fans will Tebow bring to Sun Life Stadium next weekend?

I found this Orlando Sentinel article incredibly interesting.

The article's author, Dave Hyde, predicts "Tebow will get cheered like no visiting opponent ever at a Dolphins game."

What do you think?

Photo Credit: Orlando Sentinel

GATORS ROLLED IN BATON ROUGE

Defensive Collapse Leads To Another Route

GATOR GRIDIRON
ROGER FRANKLIN WILLIAMS

For the second week in a row the Florida Gators were routed by an elite SEC team, this time suffering a thorough 30 point shellacking (41-11) at the hands of the LSU Tigers, the nations' number one ranked team. The lopsided loss to LSU follows a 28 point blow-out in the Swamp to second ranked Alabama.

While the Florida came into both contests as underdogs, the lopsided nature of the beatings came as a surprise to most observers, from Las Vegas to national media to SEC fans to Gator Gridiron and, of course, to die hard Gators.

So, what the heck is going on with the 2011 Gators?

2011 IS A REBUILDING YEAR

First, let's not forget, Gators, that this year is fundamentally a re-building year....new coaches, new schemes and philosophies, on both offense and defense, and a very, very young team. And, whereas most Gators, including Gator Gridiron,  expected the Alabama game in the Swamp to be close, going on the road, toTiger Statium against the Number 1 ranked team in the country no less, with a pure Freshman QB, is not exactly a situation for rosy optimism. Whereas Florida has many talented players, the Gators are also very thin in various key spots; especially the offensive line, linebacker and the secondary and approx 65% of the team are  Freshmen and Sophomores.

VARIOUS REFLECTIONS ON LSU

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE DEFENSE? ESPECIALLY THE DEFENSIVE LINE? A line that looked so talented, deep and aggressive in a big home win against Tennessee (and a road win over Kentucky...but let's face it, routing Kentucky obviously means nothing once you go up against the Big Boys of the SEC) has been absolutely punked by the elite teams of the SEC West. For those of us who were optimistic about the potential for this season, one of the key elements of that optimism were the prospects of a solid D. You are not going to have much success in the SEC if you can't stop the run. Well.... the last two weeks Florida's D-line has been OVER-RUN to the tune of 250+ plus yards rushing per game. Most disturbing is the fact that Alabama and LSU moved the chains at will by running between the tackles, especially in the crucial 4th quarter when most games in the SEC are either won or lost. Against Alabama and LSU the Gator D-Line looked tired and soft. You are never going to win anything of consequence in the SEC without a solid defense, especially D-Line.

COME ON, WE DIDN'T FALL FOR  ANOTHER LSU FAKE KICK, DID WE? Would someone please tell the Gator coaching staff that Les Miles likes to fake kicks and punts? Seemingly every game that LSU has played over at least the last 5 years or so has included a dramatic fake kick or punt. Yet, EVERY YEAR the Gators get caught off guard and hurt at a crucial moment by a fake LSU kick or punt. Maybe Jeremy needs to send a memo to every member of the coaching staff the week before the Gators play LSU to remind them to LOOK OUT FOR THE FAKE KICK!!!!

PUT GILLISLEE AT TAILBACK! Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps are outstanding weapons who give Florida an extra dimension in the running game. What they don't give you, however, is something that is vital to a successful offense---the ability to pound the ball between the tackles and move the chains consistently...to pick up that unspectacular, but crucial 3-4-5 yards between the tackles consistently. Against Alabama and LSU the Gators had no inside running game at all! There is a back on the Florida roster who gives you that ablitiy----Mike Gillislee. Gillislee is bigger and stronger than Demps and Rainey; more importantly, he HAS PROVEN he can play. Gillislee has performed well every chance he has had to get in the game, from the very first game of  his Freshman season to the 2010 Sugar Bowl where he gained almost 100 yards in back-up duty to the 2010 Alabama road loss to the limited duty he has had this season, in fact Mike Gillislee has an average of over 5 yards per carry for his career at Florida. PUT HIM IN THE LINEUP AND START MOVING THE CHAINS ON OFFENSE!!!

GET ANDRE DeBOSE THE BALL. While lack of depth and youth are legitimate concerns for Florida, Gator Gridiron really doesn't want to hear about lack of depth or lack of talent as long as a proven playmaker like Andre DeBose is languishing on the bench. In the very, very few times he got to play last year, the Sophomore speedster from Sanford Seminole made big plays and lit up the scoreboard. The only player to score 2 touchdowns on kick-off returns in the same season in Gator history? Andre DeBose in 2010. The only offensive bright spot against Alabama in the 2011 route? Andre DeBose 65 yard TD on the first play of the game. The only bright spot on offense in the road route against LSU? Andre DeBose 65 yard TD reception from Jacoby Brissett. Come on Coach Will and Coach Weis, you guys are being paid millions of dollars to coach football. Stop doing your Steve Addazio impersonation and GET THE RIGHT PLAYERS----INCLUDING MIKE GILLISLEE AND ANDRE DeBOSE----ON THE FIELD AND GET THEM THE BALL!!!

RFW Disagrees with Sentinel Columnist Mike Bianchi

Earlier today, the Orlando Sentinel published an article by Sports Columnist Mike Bianchi entitled "Why are Will Muschamp, Charlie Weis playing games with Gators quarterbacks?"  In the article, Bianchi argues that Coaches Muschamp and Weis are being paranoid about the negative repercussions of revealing who the selected QB will be for the LSU game this weekend.

I totally disagree with Bianchi. Coach Muschamp's job isn't to make Bianchi's job easier by revealing information; it is to win football games. If LSU doesn't know who the starter is; so much the better for UF... Jeff Driskel, Jacoby Brissett and Tyler Murphy all have different styles, making it harder to prepare if LSU doesn’t know who's playing. 

Also, Driskel hasn't played well at all in the 3 games in which he has seen action. IMHO, he doesn't look ready.  It is very possible the coaches don't know yet who they are going with.  Also, Charlie Weis was very instrumental in the recruiting of Jacoby and has been very positive towards his abilities and potential in public comments.  

Plus let's not forget that Tyler Murphy outperformed all the other QBs including Brantley, in the Orange and Blue game and has a Redshirt Freshman year of experience under his belt.

Photo: Zimbio.com

And all the so-called "analysts" continue to bottom-feed...

When Tim Tebow was training before the draft, everyone in the media said that he probably wouldn’t go until the fifth or sixth round of the NFL draft. On the latest segment of the Talkin’ Old School radio show, Roger Franklin Williams and Producer Brian Wininger argue that many sports analysts are still rooting for his failure after he stunned the world as a first round draft pick.  

How many sports “analysts” will have egg on their faces when Tebow proves them wrong as a successful NFL QB?

Tim Tebow gives Denver the Best Chance to Win

Just last night, Orlando Sentinel columnist George Diaz posted an article about how Denver needs to start Tim Tebow. I couldn’t agree more.

Check out a segment from a recent radio show where I argue that Kyle Orton should be removed as Denver’s starting QB and Tim Tebow should replace him. C’mon, under his “leadership,” Orton has a 2 – 13 record with Denver.

Tim Tebow brings energy and a different style of play; he can run and extend the pocket, and he can make plays with his feet. He has proven that he can move the chains, make big plays and score in the red zone. Tebow is Denver’s best shot for a different outcome this season.

TIDE ROLLS OVER GATORS IN THE SWAMP

Gators Not Ready For Prime Time On Saturday

Photo: Bleacher Report

The much anticipated prime time match-up between undefeated Florida and undefeated Alabama at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium turned out to be a textbook lesson in "Old School" SEC football administered by an experienced, workman-like, physical Alabama team to an overwhelmed class of young Gators. Sadly for the Gators, Saturday's contest against Alabama turned out to be agonizingly similar to the last two meetings  between the two schools---Saturday's 38-10 shellacking brought memories of last season’s 31-6 beat down by Alabama in Tuscaloosa, which was amazingly similar to the Tide's 32-13 win in the 2009 SEC Championship game in Atlanta.

The story of what happened is similar to Alabama's offense; simple, basic and brutally concise. Alabama controlled---no, not controlled, dominated---both lines of scrimmage, controlled the clock, controlled field position and ran the ball whenever they wanted to from start to finish. On defense, the Crimson Tide defense completely shut down Florida's running game, to the tune of a total of 15 yards rushing, or in other words, 400 less than last Saturday at Kentucky; smothered Demps and Rainey---the Gator dynamic duo had a total of 4 rushing yards a piece; wreaked havoc on Florida's passing game with a withering pass rush and eventually snuffed out any chance of Florida's making a game of it in the second half by knocking Sr QB John Brantley out of the game early in the third quarter.  On special teams, 'Bama's punter kept Florida pinned on their own side of the field for most of the night and the kick-off return unit set up an early touchdown with a 70 yard kick-off return. Overall, classic textbook SEC/Alabama football taught in their brutally unforgiving style.

Photo: Miami Herald

Ironically, Florida took an early 7-0 lead when on the Gators first play from scrimmage, John Brantley hit Soph WR Andre DeBose with a beautiful 65 yard bomb. Before being forced to leave the game with an ugly lower leg injury after one of the smothering Alabama defense frequent sacks, Brantley was having one of the best passing games of his Gator career, going 11-16 passing for 190 yards including the dramatic TD bomb to DeBose. Even that faint bright spot was dimmed by the aforementioned sacks, which included being sacked out of makeable field goal range at the end of the first half, and an ugly interception, which was returned for a touchdown and helped Alabama pull away from the Gators in the second quarter.

Basically, a total domination by Alabama in terms of completely controlling both lines of scrimmage, running game, stopping the run, stopping the pass, pass rush, field position and special teams. To the point where Florida's only bright spot, an emerging down-the-field passing game and a nice passing night by QB John Brantley, was snuffed out when Brantley was injured early in the second half.

The Gators now go from a crushing home prime time beat down by a more physical, experienced Alabama team ranked #3 in the country to a trip to one of the most hostile environments in college football to take on the #1 team in the country, LSU, without their starting QB. Unlike last night's 8pm Prime Time national television venue, the Baton Rouge kick-off is scheduled for 3:30 pm.

Hopefully a matinee billing will be more conducive to a solid performance to this fledgling troupe of Gators.

Just one more day till the UF-'Bama Game!

With only one day until the Gators take on the Crimson Tide in the Swamp, Gator and Tide fans are eagerly anticipating the renewal of one of the SEC's more "respectful" rivalries.

Lastly, don't forget to tune in tomorrow for a blockbuster retrospective on the Florida-Alabama series from 11 a.m. – 12 noon on Talkin' Old School with Roger Franklin Williams.

The program will feature prominent University of Florida and University of Alabama players, who will provide their firsthand accounts of some of the most famous UF-Bama games in SEC history. Expect to hear from former UF players RB/DB Allen Trammell and WR Chris Doering as well as former 'Bama players QB Steve Sloan, DE Robin Parkhouse and OG/OT Larry Ruffin. The program will also include a rare taped interview with Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant in which he shares his philosophy of what it takes to be a winner.

Steve Sloan

Chris Doering

Robin Parkhouse

Talkin' Old School: UF vs. 'Bama

In honor of this weekend's Talkin' Old School radio show, I'm including a link to a video below from a past program in which I interviewed Crimson Tide greats Steve Sloan and Robin Parkhouse.

http://youtu.be/cx21fDH7vjU

Don't forget to tune in to Talkin' Old School Saturday, October 1 from 11 a.m. - noon. We'll highlight some of the alltime great games the long-standing Florida - Alabama rivalry:

• QB Steve Sloan and the '66 Orange Bowl game, in which Alabama won the National Championship
• DE Robin Parkhouse and the '71 SEC Champion Crimson Tide team
• RB/DB Allen Trammell, Florida; '63 Gator upset of Alabama in Tuscaloosa
• WR Chris Doering, Florida; '94 SEC Championship game, Gators' dramatic last minute 24-23 win over Alabama. Doering scored the winning TD at the end of the game.
• Actual audio of Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant talking about his philosophy

I'm looking forward to spending a small part of your gameday Saturday with you, reminiscing about this intense rivalry before the UF-Bama game at 8 p.m.

As always, I welcome your feedback and comments.

Tebow Gives Denver The Best Chance To Win!

Talkin' Old School: UF vs Bama

Talkin' Old School with Roger Franklin Williams will present a blockbuster retrospective on the Florida-Alabama series Saturday October 1st from 11 a.m. – 12 noon.

The program will feature prominent University of Florida and University of Alabama players, who will provide their firsthand accounts of some of the most famous UF-Bama games in Southeastern Conference History.

Here’s just a sneak peak at what you’ll hear about and from some Old School Gators:

RB/DB Allen Trammell, '63-'65 will give his account of the historic Florida upset of Alabama in Tuscaloosa in 1963, one of only two defeats ever suffered by Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant in Tuscaloosa. He’ll also recount the dramatic 1964 17-14 Tide victory where Soph QB Steve Spurrier dueled Tide QBs Joe Namath and Steve Sloan, and in which Florida was inside the Alabama 10 yard line when the Gators were held on downs as time expired.

WR Chris Doering, '92-'95, will give his firsthand account of the dramatic come-from-behind 24-23 Gator win in the 1994 SEC Championship Game. Doering's efforts were instrumental in the late 4th quarter winning drive as he completed a long pass off a double pass on a crucial 3rd and long situation to set up the winning TD, which he scored on a pass from Danny Wuerffel.

And here’s a little taste for what you’ll hear about and from a few Old School Alabama Players and Coaches:

Steve Sloan, QB '63-'65, SEC Player of the Year 1965, MVP of the 1966 Orange Bowl. Sloan will discuss his MVP performance in the 1966 Orange Bowl, a shocking 39-28 Tide win over heavily favored Nebraska, which gave Alabama the 1965 National Championship. Sloan will also discuss his career at Alabama and provide insights about coaching legend Paul "Bear" Bryant.

Robin Parkhouse, DE, Defensive Captain of the 1971 SEC Champions and former Boone Brave. Parkhouse will share insights into the 1971 Tide, the team which turned around a 2-year 12-10-1 slide and ushered in a decade of dominance unparalleled in college football history to that point. He will share insights into the bold move to the Wishbone offense by Coach Bryant prior to the '71 season.

OG/OT Larry Ruffin '73-'75; Ruffin will share insights into the '73 National Champions and Coach Bryant.

The program will also include a rare taped interview with Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant in which he shares his philosophy of what it takes to be a winner.

In related news, CBS announced this past Saturday that the station will air the UF-Alabama game at 8 p.m. EST. #12 Florida versus #2 Alabama in the Swamp… promises to be a great game.

All We are Saying… is Give Tebow a Chance

RFW contends that Tim Tebow is less of a risk than any other player for the following three reasons.

1)      While RFW doesn’t advocate for it, IF things weren’t to work out for Tim Tebow as an NFL QB, he can play another position.

2)      He’ll generate enthusiasm for a franchise.

3)      And he’ll generate revenue for a franchise.

So many NFL players are given the benefit of the doubt… even being given one, two, three, six… “second chances” (ahem… Michael Vick anyone?). RFW asks, why not give Tebow the benefit of the doubt and take a chance on him?  

A Double Standard? RFW Continues to Defend Tebow.

Continuing from yesterday's blog post, I continue to advocate for Tim Tebow.

Why is Tebow not getting a chance? Why is there a double standard when it comes to Tebow versus every other NFL player?

Check out the second video in a three video series from my Tebow Truth YouTube channel.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topic. Leave a comment below.

RFW to the Jax Jags: Why Not Draft Tebow?

During a recent show taping, I put together a few segments directed to the Jacksonville Jaguars management. "Why didn't you want to draft Tim Tebow?" You say it's because he was too much of a risk, but when you're honest about it, who isn't a risk when it comes to professional athletes? Over the next few days, I'll be posting videos from my Tebow Truth channel on YouTube. I welcome your comments.

Also, don't forget to check out my Facebook page and "Like" me there. As I mentioned in a previous post, I update that social media platform regularly with news, commentary and on occasion, special giveaways!

BEATING TENNESSEE NOW LIKE BEATING KENTUCKY OR VANDY TO YOUNGER GATORS

GATOR GRIDIRON
ROGER FRANKLIN WILLIAMS

As Gator Gridiron continues to bask in the afterglow of the Florida's 7th consecutive win over Tennessee, we have noticed a perceptable air of nonchalance on the part of a few too many Gators.

The Old School Gators' first observation is that many younger generation Gators are much too blase about this monumental development. Any win over Tennessee is huge and a record 7th in a row qualifies as absolutely historic! For proper perspective, when the famed '69 Gators upset SEC Regular Season Champion Tennessee in the '69 Gator Bowl, an event that was highlighted on last Thursday's Old School Gator program on 540 WFLA, that monumental victory made the all-time series Gators 2--- Tennessee 11. Now Florida not only holds the edge, but dominates the series.

As with scores of Florida Football achievements associated with the rise of Gator Football as an elite Top Ten program, Steve Spurrier should get the lions share of credit for turning the tables on Tennessee. When Spurrier took over the Florida program  in 1990 Tennessee held a substantial all-time edge over the Gators. Now thanks to Spurrier, and, of course, also, to Urban Meyers' perfect 6-0 mark against the Vols, we are in an era where legions of Gator fans look at a victory over Tennessee something more akin to a win over Kentucky or Vandy than the highly significant cause for celebration that it should be.