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Florida Gators
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It won't be an easy weekend for BCS Cinderellas, even though they're all playing at home. Cincinnati faces No. 25 West Virginia, TCU gets the pressure of GameDay and No. 16 Utah, and Boise State deals with a surprising 7-3 Idaho (and a visiting AD who doesn't like to fly on planes with Broncos markings).
Is it an eye for an eye and toothless punishment for toothless punishment in Gainesville?
Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes' attempt to play ophthalmologist against Georgia hasn't gone unnoticed, but a lot of people seem to think it's going essentially unpunished by Gators coach Urban Meyer and the SEC. Spikes will have to sit out the first half of Florida's game against Vanderbilt this week. No offense to Vandy, but Spikes and a lot of Florida first-stringers probably would have ended up sitting out the second half anyway.
- 67 percent of SportsNation thinks Spikes' suspension was too lenient.
- 52 percent of SportsNation thinks at least a two-game suspension is warranted.
On the other side, SportsNation blogger RedskinJohnnie blames the media.
The media is looking for any reason to get a negative story on the Florida Gators. Yes Brandon Spikes tried to gouge a player on the opposing team. That has been well [publicized]. What hasn't is the fact that he had his helmet ripped off on the first play of the game from scrimmage. Then later to be poked in the eye himself before he retalliated. He got caught and probably deserved a full game suspension, but that doesn't ruin his image on or off the field. This is something that happens in every game." -- Read the full post.
- Vote: Still picking Florida over Vanderbilt? | Still ranking Florida No. 1?
- Your Rankings: Is Tim Tebow the Heisman favorite after beating Georgia?
- Chat: Pat Forde talks Gators and all things college football, 2 p.m. ET
Seth (Miami)
Hey Mark,Im happy Spikes got suspended for an entire first half against Vandy. If he actually did rip that kids eyes out, he might of got a WHOLE game! Is that RB gonna get a suspension for trying to damage Spikes fingers with his eyes? And lastly, which is the most pathetic? The gouging, the punnishment, or Tebow's justification. Here i was thinking Tebow was a good sport and not the "well, we werent doing anything they werent doing" type.
Mark Schlabach
It was a very chippy game. I was there. But there's no excuse for putting your hands inside another player's face mask. I'll go back and watch the tape and see what else I see. I know Spikes had his helmet ripped off early and it looked like he got hit in the eye. Retaliation isn't good, especially when it's caught on tape. Both sides had some questionable behavior on Saturday. Full transcript
Michelle Beadle and Colin Cowherd considered renaming "SportsNation" TV the "Fall Classic."
Argue the hot topics of the day and vote on the biggest stories from the world of sports. The show airs on ESPN2 at 4 p.m. and midnight ET.
Note: Broadcast voting results are as of this afternoon (ET).
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Who was more impressive Sunday?
Brett Favre threw for 244 yards and four touchdowns. Percy Harvin had five returns for 175 yards to go with 84 yards receiving.
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Is Kate Hudson partially responsible for Alex Rodriguez's postseason success?
After a slow start in the World Series, A-Rod has batted in three runs in the past two games and the Yankees lead the Series 3-1.
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What do you think of Florida suspending Brandon Spikes for one half?
Was his punishment for apparently attempting to eye-gouge a Georgia player too lenient, too harsh or fair?
What is "SportsNation" TV, and how do you make your voice heard? Read about the new ESPN show that features fan opinions with calls, tweets, polls, rankers and more.
Michelle Beadle and Colin Cowherd are deadly beyond the "SportsNation" TV 3-point line.
Argue the hot topics of the day and vote on the biggest stories from the world of sports. The show airs on ESPN2 at 4 p.m. and midnight ET.
Note: Broadcast voting results as of this afternoon (ET).
Should Florida still be motivated by Georgia's '07 end-zone celebration?
Coaches have long memories when it comes to motivation. Winning a title should have changed the subject, but you never know in the SEC.
Which team should Mets fans root for in the World Series?
It's the cross-town rivals versus the division rivals. Maybe baseball fans in Queens will just switch to the NBA for the next two weeks.
How should Packers fans welcome back Brett Favre?
There's no doubt fans in Green Bay have torn loyalties about the QB who led their team to its most recent Super Bowl. Should they applaud? Boo? Turn their backs?
What is "SportsNation" TV, and how do you make your voice heard? Read about the new ESPN show that features fan opinions with calls, tweets, polls, rankers and more.
USC fans still have BCS hope, but know their team can't lose again. Boise State, Cincinnati and Iowa fans wonder what more their teams can do, besides pray for a loss by one of the top 3.
Now that Ohio State has two losses SportsNation thinks Ohio State is using Terrelle Pryor incorrectly. Fans, however, still think Sam Bradford is a first-round pick.
Florida State kicked off Week 8 with a needed win, and Alabama, Florida and Texas face opponents they shouldn't overlook.
- Vote: "GameDay" Pick 'Em | Heisman Watch | SportsNation Top 25
- Vote on big games: Tennessee at Alabama | Texas at Missouri
- Blogger chat wraps: ACC | Big 12 | Big East | Big Ten | Pac-10 | SEC | Others
- Other wraps: Brad Edwards | Bruce Feldman | Ivan Maisel | Pat Forde | Mark Schlabach
“Mark Ingram is a good reason for [Alabama's] passing to be less of a factor. Wait until next year for any shot of a Vols upset.
” -- Beano Cook
“I pick Florida to win this game, but to be seen as legitimately No. 1, the Gators should win convincingly, even more so than against Arkansas.
” -- IdahoanTyke
“My ranking: 1. Iowa; 2. Florida; 3. Alabama; 4. Texas; 5. Virginia Tech; 6. TCU; 7. Boise State; 8. USC; 9. Oregon; 10. LSU.
” -- CheezusCrust
Fan blogger predictions for Week 8: nunyabiz81 | jodiemeeks23ppat54 | dfpsports | IdahoanTyke | codywin25 | gbirkem2 | utesfan2 | Sportsguru6
Never mind that games yet to be played will determine who is in the BCS bowl games. The release of the first standings unleashed a torrent of opinions among college football fans.
The biggest complaints came from Iowa fans and those who argue that Boise State, Cincinnati or both are overrated.
"How is Boise State ahead of Iowa with that cupcake schedule?" wrote droste23. "I thought strength of schedule counted. Guess not. Iowa with wins AT Penn State, AT Wisconsin, Michigan. Laughable. If Iowa was Ohio State or Texas, with the exact same schedule, they'd be ranked probably No. 2."
Here's a sampling of opinions from fans of the Top 5 teams.
“Bama and Florida have more games to play yet, so while we have dueling No. 1s the argument will rage on. I personally don't care for speculation. They'll settle it on the field if things work out.
” -- u_gator
“I'm just making my case for Bama here. To me, Florida is clearly No. 2 and I almost believe they should leave No. 3 blank. There is that much of a difference between the next best teams (Iowa and then Texas).
” -- theballguy
“Texas-Florida in BCS Championship Game. Colt McCoy doesn't deserve the Heisman. Tim Tebow can have that as an advance consolation prize for losing to Texas on Jan. 7 in Pasadena.
” -- johnznash
“Finally some respect. We are No. 4 because we are consistent winners. Look at the facts: Broncos' decade of dominance. ... We can beat any team any given Saturday. Don't hate us; hate the system.
” -- boisestate42
“Boise ranked over Cincinnati? You have to be kidding! I guess being in a BCS conference doesn't mean much. ... They limped this week against Tulsa, while Cincinnati dominated a 21st ranked South Florida team even after Tony Pike was injured. P.S. Who is this Brian Kelly guy anyway? Notre Dame doesn't deserve him.
” -- Bobnance13
To respond with your own blog, sign in or create a profile and start posting.
Iowa fans like shuman346 should beware. When your team reaches this point in the season undefeated, every blogger starts eyeing it as a potential upset victim.
In addition to Hawkeyes-Badgers, fans who blogged about football this week are looking forward to the Sooners-Longhorns and Trojans-Irish rivalry games this weekend.
On sideline topics, Florida State did nothing to quiet the debate between the camp that believes Bobby Bowden's record speaks for itself and those who ask what the Seminoles coach has done lately for the team's win-loss record.
These are the best college football fan blogs of the week. Click through to comment, disagree and discuss your favorite teams.
Week 7 predictions: RollFreakinTide37 | BrookBerringer18 | I am Ron Burgandy | gbirkem2 | TheSwingingFriar | Sportsguru6 | IdahoanTyke | TheVols2k7
Rankings (with No. 1 team): pnthrsfn1012 (Florida) | canesinla (Florida) | C.UngureitJr (Alabama) | TheVols2k7 (Alabama) | Yodaman0420
“Wisconsin over No. 11 Iowa. Let's face it, has Iowa really proved themselves this year? Wisconsin at home in my mind is an easy pick.
” -- gbirkem2
“Now, I'm gonna break down the men I think should lead Florida State University: 1. Jim Leavitt; 2. Tommy Tuberville; 3. Kevin Sumlin; 4. Jimbo Fisher.
” -- malcolmpar
“When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. When Jimmy Clausen gives you lemons, you thank him and walk away slowly.
” -- I am Ron Burgandy
Michigan State fans like detroittim8 are still jumping up and down after their win over in-state rival Michigan last week.
Meanwhile, Florida State fans are hopping for another reason: lack of success.
"I have a ton of respect for Bobby Bowden," writes ryanvcu. "He is one of the greatest coaches ever. However I do feel at the end of the year he should hang it up."
The discussion, spurred in part by rumblings among the university's leadership, includes plenty of people who believe Bowden's legacy speaks for itself.
"The only expert qualified to comment the worthiness of Bobby Bowden's future as coach also has two names that begin with 'B', and the last time I checked he traded his hound's tooth hat for a halo," writes joe.t.elkins.
The Seminoles could quiet critics for at least a week with a win against Georgia Tech.
These are the best college football fan blogs of the week. Click through to comment, disagree and discuss your favorite teams.
Week 6 predictions: JFLASHUBY | TheVols2k7 | cardon032 | bballfever101 | Sportsguru6 | JoeRevs300 | Joey DS | gbirkem2 | dfpsports | TheSwingingFriar | nunyabiz81 | bballfever101
Rankings (with No. 1 team): ADEVARTS (Florida) | pnthrsfn1012 | canesinla (Florida) | fusebox2010 | C.UngureitJr (Alabama) | volsandtitansfans101 (Texas) | CheezusCrust (Iowa)
“Jimmy Clausen has Heisman numbers so far, and he still has some winning to be done. He plays a pro-style offense.
” -- I am Ron Burgandy
“In the end LSU will not be able to keep up with the machine that is Florida. Tebow or no Tebow their running game isn't going anywhere and Brantley will make the throws necessary to win.
” -- fusebox2010
“This is the "The One Point Season" that needs to be the wake up call for this coaching staff. I am not optimistic but I hope Bob Stoops can acknowledge the situation and make the coaching style changes needed to fix this issue.
” -- espnb12s
“Wisconsin, Auburn: Great job going 5-0. You beat the teams you had to beat even though none of them were very good. The meat of the schedule is now upon you. Are you guys the prince or the ugly frog?
” -- cardon032
Michelle Beadle and Colin Cowherd plan to take "SportsNation" TV from a dome to an open-air stadium without public financing.
Argue the hot topics of the day and vote on the biggest stories from the world of sports. The show airs on ESPN2 at 4 p.m. and midnight ET.
Note: Broadcast voting results as of this afternoon (ET).
If you're an LSU fan, do you want to play Florida at full strength?
It's still not clear whether Tim Tebow will play Saturday. Would a Tigers win be worth less if the Florida star quarterback doesn't get on the field?
Do men listen to everything women say?
"When we act like we aren't listening, we really are," Tony Gonzalez told Cosmopolitan magazine. "We hear everything you have said."
Is Brett Favre still a great quarterback?
The Vikings QB threw for three touchdowns and 271 yards. Of course, eight sacks by the defense probably contributed to the Monday night win.
What do you think of Braylon Edwards allegedly hitting another guy?
The NFL is looking into the accusation that Edwards punched promoter Edward Givens, a friend of NBA superstar LeBron James, early Monday morning.
Would new Rams owners be good or bad for fans?
Rush Limbaugh said he is teaming up with St. Louis Blues owner Dave Checketts in a bid to buy the Rams, owners of the NFL's longest current losing streak.
What is "SportsNation" TV, and how do you make your voice heard? Read about the new ESPN show that features fan opinions with calls, tweets, polls, rankers and more.
- Your Heisman Watch: Which players will challenge Tim Tebow and Colt McCoy?
- Tuesday's Chats: Non-AQ blogger Graham Watson, 1 p.m. ET | Pat Forde, 2 p.m. ET
Stanford has produced more than its fair share of famous alumni, from heads of governments in Japan (Taro Aso), Israel (Ehud Barak), Honduras (Ricardo Maduro), Peru (Alejandro Toledo) and the United States (Herbert Hoover) to our personal favorite, the late wine guy Robert Mondavi. The list of athletic alumni is hardly less impressive, including Tiger Woods and John Elway.
Toby Gerhart? Let's just say he's not quite there yet.
Gerhart is not, in fact, a midfielder with the United States national soccer team. Nor is he a goaltender for the Maple Leafs, a right tackle for the Packers or a reliever for the Twins. But try telling that to the nearly 70 percent of SportsNation that picked one of those options.
With 650 rushing yards through four games, including 334 against Washington and UCLA the last two weeks, Gerhart earned his place on ESPN.com's Heisman Watch. Now all he needs to do is introduce himself to SportsNation.
“If it weren't for the fact that Toby Gerhart is only 14 miles away from the Pacific ocean, he'd be at the top of the Heisman list.
” -- orangemochafraps
“I would like to know why this list is mostly offense. I know its pretty and scoring points is cool but defense wins CHAMPIONSHIPS
” -- rolltide_54





