SEC Showdown Saturday, Slipping Shotguns & a Steelers Sunday

I have three topics on the board this morning. They all involve football, of the college and professional prowess. First and foremost is the Florida-Alabama SEC title game taking place in Atlanta this afternoon. The game features the fierce fireball quarterback Tim Tebow of the Gators. Tebow can make a statement by annihilating the Tide today. An overpowering win would ensure him another Heisman Trophy and a chance at a repeat national championship. Urban Meyer is the mastermind behind a well-rounded, well-coached team. Meyer has shown nothing but brilliance as a college head coach. His resume includes remarkable revamped Bowling Green and Utah teams. The Gators were his biggest challenge and he hasn’t failed yet. Today he faces a stimulating test against Nick Saban. Saban is equal in success and ability as far as coaching goes. Under his instruction and leadership, the Tide have managed to remain the top team in the nation coming into the title game. Still, Alabama is a 10 point underdog. It says a lot about the Florida Gators that they are favored by more than a touchdown on a neutral field. I think many experts are overlooking Saban and underscoring the Alabama team.
The Tide boast a beefed up defense and are fully healthy. The same cannot be said for the Gators on defense. They are missing key players in the most important game of the year so far. Florida has been so consistent and terrifyingly tenacious defensively and Alabama may be the only other team that can match their talent. Blitzing Tebow is the way Saban needs to shape his defense today. In order to beat Florida, a successful pass rush is needed. The Gators do not turn the ball over very often so the secondary needs to concentrate on limited the run and forcing Tebow to hurry his passes. Tebow has the ability to rush on his own, but the Alabama defensive line is painstakingly persistent in pressuring the quarterback. Offensively, the Tide have to win the turnover ratio and be stronger on special teams. Last week, the Gators were weak against the Seminoles on special teams. Saban should take advantage of this but also be aware Florida is very good at forcing turnovers. Glen Coffee, the talented Alabama running back is a difference maker offensively. The Gators can’t afford to look past Coffee or the Tide offense. I think the Gators have the upper hand with their high octane offense and shutdown defense. They are not as healthy as they would like to be though and wideout Percy Harvin is questionable. But this game will be close in the fourth quarter and come down to what coach can manage the better game.

Topic two takes us to Sunday afternoon in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania’s Heinz Field. The Cowboys are the visiting team against the Steelers in what is considered a highlight of week 14. The Cowboys are on a roll now that Tony Romo is healthy but they really have not beaten any team with the Steelers’ caliber. Look for a bloodfest with the Pittsburgh defense tackling and chasing Romo all day. On the other side of the ball, Demarcus Ware leads Dallas defensively and is going to play Sunday. He horrified the Seahawks on Thanksgiving and will go for seconds against the Steelers tomorrow. The Cowboys are likely going to be without their star running back, Marion Barber. With Barber sidelined and Felix Jones already out for the year, Romo needs to locate his receivers and tight ends more often. Wade Phillips and Jason Garrett will find ways to create plays but it won’t be enough against this Steelers defense. I foresee Pittsburgh coming away with a two touchdown victory unfortunately.

Finally, I have had a week to ponder the Plaxico Burress situation. The Giants continue to shake off all Plax’s distractions and can probably win games without him. He is their best player because he scares defensive coordinators and can catch just about any ball thrown his way. We all witnessed how crucial the receiver was to the Superbowl champs last year. But enough is enough. Burress made a stupid mistake and should not be given the star treatment for his behavior. There is no excuse for carrying an unlicensed gun or going to a club on a week he was not scheduled to even play. He deserves his suspension and any criminal penalties coming his way. I really was a fan of his for a long time but have to admit he cannot keep this up and earn the respect of the fans.
The Giants got rid of Jeremy Shockey and Eli Manning turned the team around. Shockey was also a very talented player but his off and on field distractions were inhibiting the quarterback. I think the same can be said of Plax missing in action from here on out. Eli will be forced to use different receivers. Mario Manningham, Steve Smith, Amani Toomer and Kevin Boss can emerge as the stars now. Manning and the Giants will be better for it too. They might lose a game because of Plaxico’s absence but in the end, won’t lose the respect of the fans.

Parting points: Congratulations to Buffalo on winning the MAC last night. They surprised a very good Ball State team.