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.

RFW as THE Tebow Defender

Once again, I’d like to go on record as the “Tebow Defender.” Tim Tebow, who has been in the spotlight again recently as the NFL season gets underway, continues to show his class, patience and respect as noted in this recent GatorSports.com article.

Below is a link to a few videos I recently shot, taking my role seriously at the defender of all things Tebow.

On a related note, check out my new Facebook page. I’ll of course post more information about my passion for college sports, “old school” athletics and Tim Tebow. I may even throw in a giveaway every so often, so be sure to like my page so you’re in the know!

D-LINE, RAINEY SPARK SOLID GATOR WIN OVER VOLS

An outstanding, smothering defensive effort that brought back memories of the Great Gator defenses of the Charlie Pell/Galen Hall-era and explosive plays by Chris Rainey, both rushing and receiving sparked a solid 33-23 Gator victory over Tennessee in the Swamp Saturday.

The Gators got ahead in the first quarter and riding that outstanding defensive effort, another efficient, workmanlike day by QB John Brantley and outstanding field position throughout almost the entire first half, dominated the Vols for 3 quarters. In the fatal stanza a persistent Vol passing effort led by QB Tyler Bray and a faltering effort by Florida's young secondary helped Tennessee to close the gap and stay in the game until Matt Elam's INT sealed the win inside the last 3 minutes. 16 penalties, one shy of the school record, for 150 yards also kept Florida putting The Vols away after 3 quarters and partially marred the otherwise joyful 7th
consecutive win over Tennessee.

GEE THANKS, LOMAS

GATOR GRIDIRON
ROGER FRANKLIN WILLIAMS

Well, the ranks of the national sports media Tebow Detractors have a new member; this time from an unexpected precinct---Former Florida Gator and Detroit Lions OT Lomas Brown.

Today on ESPN Brown used his forum as an analyst to proclaim that journeyman Kyle Orton (he of the sterling 2-11 record as a starter since opening day 2010) "gave Denver the best chance to win".

Say what? Best chance to win? How? By standing back in the pocket like a statue and getting sacked every other play?

By routinely setting up the other team with turnovers (Oakland got 14 points directly from Orton turnovers in Monday's season opening WIN over Denver)?

By standing in the pocket with a wide open receiver in the end zone and dropping the ball, as Orton did on Monday?

C'mon Lo, are you even watching the games?

Ok, Mr Follow The Tebow Hating Media Horde,why do you think a an immobile journeyman with a sub-200 win percentage as a starter at Denver "gives Denver the best chance to win"?

Get this straight, Lomas Brown, Tim Tebow gives Denver the best chance to win! Mr. Disloyal Gator.

Some Photos of the Famed '69 Gators

In light of tonight's radio show, I thought I'd share some photos and descriptions from the famed 1969 Gator football team. Enjoy, and tune in tonight at 8:00 p.m. on 540 WFLA-AM.

The famed Super Sophs of the historic '69 Gators football team. From left, #7 QB John Reaves, #40 FB Mike Rich, #33 RB Tommy Durrance and #45 WR Carlos Alvarez.

1969 UF football captains, #62 Offensive Captain OT Mac Steen and #57 Defensive Captain Tom Abdelnour. The leadership of Steen and Abdelnour as well as a large group of outstanding, but unheralded upperclassmen was one of the keys to the magical '69 season.

Coach Ray Graves. The Ray Graves era brought Florida football its greatest successes to date, including the first New Year’s Bowl games and victory ('67 Orange Bowl over Georgia Tech), the first Heisman Trophy winner, Steve Spurrier, and 4 bowl victories. The dramatic, emotional 14-13 victory over Tennessee in the '69 Gator Bowl was the final game of the Graves era.

TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT! OLD SCHOOL GATOR SERIES 2011 DEBUT WITH HISTORICAL RETROSPECTIVE ON '69 GATORS

SPECIAL SEGMENT ON DRAMATIC GATOR BOWL WIN OVER TENNESSEE

GATOR GRIDIRON
ROGER FRANKLIN WILLIAMS


The 2011 Old School Gator Series debuts on 540 WFLA tonight at 8pm immediately following "Gator Hotline with Coach Will Muschamp". The program will feature one of the great teams in Gator history, the magical 1969 Gators, who posted the best record in Florida football history to that point despite entering the season picked in the National Bottom-20 and to be last in the SEC by at least one publication.

Fittingly, one of the achievements that defines that special season was the '69 Gators final game, a dramatic, emotional upset over heavily favored SEC Regular Season Champion Tennessee in the Gator Bowl, 14-13. Tonights' Old School Gator broadcast will include a first hand account of that incredible game by the men who were an integral part of it---Defensive Captain LB Tom Abdelnour, All-American DB Steve Tannen, QB John Reaves, All American WR Carlos Alvarez, Offensive Captain OT Mac Steen, Gator Bowl MVP LB Mike Kelley and DE Jack Youngblood.

In fact Saturday's game vs the Vols in the Swamp will have a direct connection to the '69 Gators; NFL Hall of Famer Youngblood will serve as Honory Captain for the Gators!

Tonight's Old School Gator broadcast can be heard on 540 WFLA, of course, and live on-line at http://www.540wfla.com/. Go Gators!

Tebow as an H-Back? I think not.

Upon reading Orlando Sentinel Sports' Columnist George Diaz's recent blog post about Tim Tebow, I felt compelled to respond.

George, I totally disagree; Tebow will emerge as not only a starting QB, but a Hall of Fame caliber QB; either in Denver or somewhere else.

I personally haven't given up on Denver; they just flat out are not going to win with Kyle Orton---it's a bad team--and sooner or later Denver is going to have to give Tebow a shot this year. Based on the way the fans are chanting for Tim, it could be sooner.

Plus, any talk of Tim Tebow as an H-back or TE is absurd. He has already proven he can play QB in the league with the 3 great games he played last year when given the opportunity to start; plus went 6-7 passing against the Cowboys in the pre-season this year.

THURSDAY'S OLD SCHOOL GATOR PROGRAM TO FEATURE REFLECTIONS ON HISTORIC '69 WIN OVER TENNESSEE

GATOR GRIDIRON
ROGER FRANKLIN WILLIAMS

Among numerous highlights of the magical '69 Gator season, this Thursday's "Old School Gator" program will feature first hand accounts of one of the biggest upsets in Florida Gator Football history, the stirring 14-13 1969 Gator Bowl win over SEC regular season Champion Tennessee.

(While more recent generations of Gators have come to take wins over Tennessee as part of their Gator Birthright, not to mention the Natural Order of the Universe, "Old School Gators" will recall that the '69 Gators not only entered that game as underdogs, but at that time Florida had an all-time 1-11 record against Tennessee.)

540 WFLA listeners will hear the first hand accounts of the historic, poignant victory from key players such as Super Soph QB John Reaves, who hit fellow Super Soph Carlos Alvarez with the winning td in the 3rd quarter, Offensive Captain Mac Steen, Defensive Captain LB Tom Abdelnour, the undersized former walk-on who led a stellar defensive performance by the entire defensive unit, DB Steve Tannen, whose first quarter blocked punt put the Gators up 7-0, DE Jack Youngblood whose efforts helped to thwart Tennessee's feared option attack and LB Mike Kelley, Gator Bowl MVP, who turned in one of the most outstanding big game efforts in Florida Football history (Kelley, out of Orlando Edgewater, scored on Tannen's blocked punt to put the Gators ahead early 7-0, intercepted a pass and stopped another Tennessee drive with an fumble recovery while accumulating at least 13 tackles and multiple QB sacks.)

Don't miss this rare first hand account of vintage Florida Gator Football history directly from the mouths of the great players who made it happen; this Thursday September 15 at 8pm on the "Old School Gator Series with Roger Franklin Williams" immediately following "Gator Hotline with Coach Will Muschamp"  on 540 WFLA and also right here at http://www.540wfla.com/

Old School Gator Kicks Off Thursday, 9/15 at 8 p.m.

Very excited to announce that the Old School Gator program will air on 540 WFLA, The Gator Nation Station, this Thursday, September 15 at 8:00 p.m., immediately following "Gator Hotline with Coach Will Muschamp."

Tune in for interviews with members of the famed Impossible Dream '69 Gators including College Hall of Fame WR Carlos Alvarez, Super Soph All-American QB John Reaves, Co-Captain Mac Steen.

If you're not in the listening area, listen live at www.540wfla.com.

Here's a recent video clip from an interview with the Alvarez, Reaves and Steen.

Never Forget

On the tenth anniversary of 9/11, I'd like to encourage everyone to tell your loved ones how much you appreciate them and give thanks for the brave men and women who have fought, continue to fight and will one day serve our great country. My deepest sympathies to anyone who lost someone they loved that day.

Please share your thoughts and comments in the comments section below.

RFW Confronts Mel Kiper About Tim Tebow

RFW confronts misinformation from Mel Kiper about Tim Tebow the day before the NFL draft. RFW predicted Tebow would be a first round draft choice while Kiper guessed he''d go in the third round.

REFLECTIONS ON COACH WILL'S DEBUT

GATOR GRIDIRON
ROGER FRANKLIN WILLIAMS

Some quick, off-the-top-of-the-head thoughts on Saturday's season debut of the 2011 Gators....

.......loved the Orange jerseys, would like to see those every now and then, once a year or so....it was very disapointing that the game wasn't an official sellout, breaking a string that went back to Vanderbilt in '89, the 4th longest string in the country.....C'mon Gators!!! Where were you for Coach Will's debut??!!!...actually, the game was virtually full, and the alumni section was jammed solid, as it always is....we have to suspect that many of the alumni section Gators have had those season tix for generations.....a very pleasant surprise was an early September game without our trademark, infamous stifling, oppressive September heat and humidity, in fact, Gator Gridiron can't recall a season opener that was ever this "comfortable"....that being said, this Gator would still prefer daytime games...the post-midnight trek back home is always tedious.....

Charlie Weis is the real deal....really liked the way Weis utilized both Demps and Rainey together in the backfield, they combined for 272 yards both rushing and receiving....it was great to see Rainey and Demps utilized as receivers out ot the backfield, in additon to rushing the ball.....Gator Gridiron is still not sold on JB as the answer at  QB for the long haul.......would  have liked to have seen at least a FEW shots down-the-field, but realize FAU was working hard to take that away, BUT....if FAU can take it away, what will Alabama, LSU, Tennessee do?.....BUT, we  realize Coach Weis didn't want to show any bells and whistles........

...would have like to have seen Jordan Reed featured more at TE.....missed seeing Trey Burton (Gator Gridiron predicts a big year from him), but apparently he was injured early......over 10 Gators caught passes, nice job of scheming by the coaches and distributing by Brantley....Deonte Thompson made some nice catches, including one where he took a vicious shot to the back of the head, Gator Gridiron is going to "get off of Deonte's back" going forward, he is a hard worker, is respected by the coaches,,,,,,O-line performed well, (they should against FAU, but as we know, that doesn't always happen during "exhibition season").......

Defense was great......Gator Gridiron continues to emphasize we expect a big year on D.....and when your defense plays well, you always have a chance for a good year.....D-line solid and, even more impressive looks to have depth, linebackers and young (started 2 freshmen at CB for the first time in the modern era) secondary had a good night.....special teams blocked a punt for a TD (Solomon Patton got the block and Rainey ran it in fot TD) and Caleb Sturgis' kick-offs went consistently to or into the end zone.

Rainey, who is also a team captain, had a big night.... scored 3 tds, 1 rushing, 1 receiving and 1 on special teams on a punt block.....you probably won't see this anywhere else, but Gator Gridiron detected that Frosh QB Jacoby Brissette looked awesome throwing the ball in warm-ups....just sayin'

One major criticism for Coach Muschamp and/or Weis.....when Jeff Driskel came in and threw an early interception they pulled him immediately, that was wrong...if they felt confident enough to put him in the game at that point (about 5 minutes before half, with a 24-0 lead) they should have stuck with him.....the message they sent was, "Hey Jeff, make a mistake and you're coming out".....that's not productive for his development...

....along those same lines, first  half was too soon to put in your 2nd string Freshman QB, anyway......there is a great rule of thumb in football and that is get all you can in the first half, don't start to coast or make major substitutions in the first half.....Gator Gridron is a believer in that axiom....Anyway, even though the Gators then lost the momentum for the rest of the first half, they recovered nicely in the second half ... Driskel even came in at the end and finished nicely leading an 11 play 4th quarter drive with 4-6 passing that garnered 3 points (on a 29 yard Sturgis field goal) ....

Overall a nice, tidy, efficient, respectful "exhibition season" 41-3 victory; a good night and nice debut for Coach Will and the 2011 Gators....

HALL OF FAMER CARLOS ALVAREZ REFLECTS ON HIS CAREER

GATOR GRIDIRON
ROGER FRANKLIN WILLIAMS

In the previously posted video clip, College Football Hall of Fame electee Carlos Alvarez reflects on his fabulous Gator career during the recent "Old School Gator with Roger Franklin Williams" broadcast from Del Frisco's Orlando. Alvarez, widely acknowledged as Florida's greatest all-time WR, was joined by teammates from the famed '69 Gators: fellow Super Soph QB John Reaves, Offensive Captain OT Mac Steen and DB Larry Williamson, as well as approximately 100 other Central Florida Gators.

GATOR GREAT, HALL OF FAMER CARLOS ALVAREZ AT THE "OLD SCHOOL LEGENDS SERIES" BROADCAST AT DEL FRISCO'S ORLANDO

"THE TEBOW DEFENDER" RESPONDS TO NATIONAL MEDIA ATTACKS ON TIM TEBOW

The Old School Gator, Roger Franklin Williams, responds to the recent flurry of over-the-top attacks on Tim Tebow by elements of the national sports media. "The Tebow Defender", RFW, also issued a direct challenge to former journeyman NFL QB Norman Julius "Boomer" Esiason. Esiason, who said that Tebow "can't throw" and suggested that Tim's style of play "doesn't translate to the NFL", has a career win percentage of under .500 as a starting QB in the NFL.

Roger Franklin Williams predicts that Tim Tebow will be the next GREAT QB in the NFL, when his opportunity arrives. (Unfortunately, it appears that that opportunity might not arrive in Denver. Oh well......that's too bad for Denver.......)

Wear Orange & Blue to Work Tomorrow!

Our friends at the Central Florida Gator Club remind everyone to wear orange and blue to work tomorrow (9/2/11).

A holiday developed by IMG College’s licensing division, College Colors Day is an annual celebration dedicated to promoting the traditions and spirit that make the college experience great by encouraging people to wear apparel of their favorite college or university throughout the day.

Send an e-mail with pictures in your orange and blue finest to info@cfgators.com.