To Play or Not to Play...

All of Gator nation held their breath as quarterback, Tim Tebow, lay motionless on the field after knocking into his own man's knee. As teammates tried to pull on his jersey, Tebow didn't flinch- prompting medical staff, and sending Urban Meyer, other coaches, players, and fans into an absolute panic. After presumably waking, Tim looked like a character straight out of Looney Tunes with the dust and question marks swirling around his head. Then... came the violent vomiting and disturbing exit in an ambulance.

The media has been sent into an absolute frenzy over this topic- conjuring controversy regarding the danger of the game, and the mental health risks it creates for the future. Lately, the main source of angst for the Gators has been the volatile "will he or won't he" regarding his play for Saturday's match-up with #4 SEC rival, LSU.

I believe I speak for most sane individuals by saying I believe there is absolute no need or reason for Tebow to risk his current or future mental capability or potential for one Saturday in college. In fact-- (Yes, I am an avid LSU Tiger, buuuuuut.....)-- I truly think the Gators should have the confidence that they could win this ESPN Game Day match-up without their starting quarterback.

Sure, they call him Superman, but we all know he's not invincible. Tebow has unmatched ability, strength, faith, leadership, and confidence, but there's no need to put his entire future in jeopardy for one W.

Hiring & Firing

The world wide of sports... it's exciting, passionate, diverse, dynamic, competitive, cutthroat, pressure packed, and much more. This goes for the fans, players, general managers, owners, athletic administration, and especially the coaches.

It seems that the legendary coaches and players are untouchable and can continue in their respective sport forever, but for some, the spotlight is short lived. One slip up, and there are question marks around your name. A few lost games, and your job is clearly in jeopardy. A losing season...you're gone! This may sound a little exaggerated and harsh, but I'm afraid it truly is the way things go.

In fact, teams are even releasing coaches after preseason games and in the middle of the season, not wasting any time allowing an unacceptable leader's position to linger deeper into despair. This year in the NFL three offensive coordinators (Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Buffalo Bills) were fired following a less than impressive preseason. Preseason? Aren't those games used for the purpose of tuning up, practicing, and perfecting before the real deal commences? Now they are more like an audition previewing the successes or failures of the coaches- YIKES!

Then there is the scenario of firing coaches mid season- the Phoenix Suns fired coach, Terry Porter, after four months at the head post. My hometown Houston Astros fired manager, Cecil Cooper, after a dismal few seasons- with another month or so left in the season. In my opinion, if there are individuals familiar with the personnel and the program, maybe holding lower positions, that can step right in without a hiccup- these releases are acceptable. If a coach is going to create more dissention and tension within a program than he or she is going to inspire and cultivate success- it's time for them to go...

The world of sports is a cruel one... judgements are passed quickly, and only the strong survive. It's a very simple, tough truth and thought that coaches with high profiles must live by- sink or swim.

Upset City… What does it mean?

Week 1- First week out of the gate, BYU upends #3 Oklahoma in Dallas

Week 2- Houston upsets #5 Oklahoma State on their own turf in Stillwater

Week 3- Sarkisian continues to work his magic as the Washington Huskies trump the #3 powerhouse USC Trojans

Week 4- #4 Ole Miss is upset by football legend, Steve Spurrier, and the Gamecocks, #5 Penn State loses for a second straight year to the Iowa Hawkeyes, #6 California is pummeled by the rebounding Oregon Ducks, #9 Miami is tripped up by ACC rival Virginia Tech

So… why in the world does it seem that the 2009 football season has produced so many notable upsets, and it’s only been four weeks? There must be something wacky going on! In fact… I believe there is… If you’ve been examining the top AP ranked teams in their games against legitimate opponents, their wins haven’t been huge landslides. Their have been monumental upsets, close games between teams you wouldn’t expect, and last minute miracle plays that have saved the necks and records of many.

What I think this means is that NCAA football this year is on more of a level playing field than maybe any other time in history. Of course, there are the top tier teams who will continue to recruit and build successful teams, but are they now light-years ahead of the pack as in previous years… now that’s up for debate. All around the country talented football players and coaches are developing and building successful, winning teams—despite the size, publicity, or history of their football program or conference. It seems that on any given weekend, almost any team can beat another, no questions asked.

Is a team ranked in the AP top ten a better or more worthy opponent than an unranked team? If you asked the Trojans, Cowboys, or Rebels- I’m sure they would warn others to never take an opponent for granted, regardless of past record, rank, or reputation.