Gator chomped

Defense wins championships.

It’s a phrase often written and spoken, but rarely is the truth behind it put on display so forcefully. The Florida Gators won the 2009 BCS Title 24-14 not because they had superior coaching and excessive speed, which were both true, but because they played much better D. Florida’s defense had a big fourth down stop of OU on the goal line, had a pick another time the Sooners were approaching the end zone, blocked a field goal, had a more consistent pass rush on Sam Bradford than anybody else Oklahoma played this year and a made a HUGE interception with 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter to protect the win. Tim Tebow and Percy Harvin will get much of the credit for the win, and they deserve it, because they played great. But there is no doubt it’s the defense that’s the reason UF is champs for the second time in three years.

Don’t believe me? Through their 13-game regular season, the Sooners averaged 562 total yards, 357 passing yards and 54 points a game; On Thursday night, those numbers were 363, 257 and 14. The guys in all white made life a living hell for OU receivers, punishing them when they went out for passes and not giving them any of the open routes they’d had all year long. Instead of sitting back in the pocket and choosing which man to throw to, Bradford had to rush his passes, leading to shorter Sooners possessions.

Now all season long, I said that the 2006-07 team- that also won the National Title- played better defense than this years Gator squad. But on Thursday night, there was no difference. Major Wright set the tone early, doing his best Reggie ‘The Eraser’ Nelson impression by blowing up a nice Bradford throw on the sideline. Defensive end Carlos Dunlap imitated Jarvis Moss and Derrick Harvey, using speed and power to burst through the Sooners O-Line and hassle the reigning Heisman winner. Ahmad Black was a dead ringer for Ryan Smith, using his athleticism to make that game-changing INT. And coordinator Charlie Strong played the role of, well, Charlie Strong, dialing up blitzes when needed and not allowing his opponent to get in the offensive rhythm they had all season long.

Tebow and Harivn deserve mention as well, because without the QB’s toughness and the WR/RB’s big-play capabilities, the Gators aren’t holding the crystal trophy right now. Coach Urban Meyer deserves big props as well, for not only having the team ready to play with a smart gameplan, but also for recruiting all the guys on the field Thursday night wearing Orange helmets. But it was the defense- when Tebow was throwing interceptions, when Harvin was bothered by his ankle injury, when the Sooners seemed to have the momentum- that saved the day for UF. It may be a cliché to say it, but on Thursday night in Miami, defense really won the championship for the Gators.



One other random thought, as well as my Divisional Round NFL picks:

- My off-season grade thus far for the Cubs: C-. I don’t understand the Mark DeRosa deal, I’m not too sure about Milton Bradley and am confused on why they continue to discuss with San Diego on acquiring Jake Peavy. DeRosa, who finished fourth on my list of most valuable Cubs in 2008 and first in ’07, is obviously the big loss. A player of his versatility- he played 20 or more games at four different positions last year and has seen time at six spots on the field during his Cub career- shouldn’t be given away for three minor leaguers. There is no doubt in my mind that at some point in 2009, probably when Aramis Ramirez or Alfonso Soriano inevitably get hurt, that Lou Piniella will openly question Jim Hendry as to why they traded away the team’s version of a Swiss Army pocket-knife. As for Bradley, he is great under two conditions: he’s healthy and sane. History has shown when Bradley has to play the outfield and not DH, he has a history of injuries. And history has also shown that when he gets frustrated, he is likely to do something stupid. Avoid those two problems, and the Bradley signing has a chance to be what Kouske Fukudome wasn’t, a good lefty hitter. Finally, the best move of the off-season has been trading away Jason Marquis. While many have stated that #21 wasn’t actually that bad of a number five starter, I’m glad to see him go, mainly for the fact that his excessive salary never matched his inconsistency on the mound. Are the Cubs still the favorites in the NL? That’s for others to decide. I just am saying they haven’t made the moves that I would’ve liked this winter.

Baltimore at Tennessee Had a tough time making up my mind on this game, but I think the fact that the Ravens are on a roll from winning on the road last week and the Titans are banged up means a slight edge for Ed Reed’s crew. Baltimore 13, Tennessee 10

Arizona at Carolina One of the un-written rules in sports prognostications is this: if a team gives its coach a Gatorade shower after a Wild Card game, they don’t expect to advance any further. Advantage, Panthers. Carolina 27, Arizona 17

Philadelphia at New York Giants Another game that could go either way, especially because these teams have already met twice. I’m interested to see who on the Giants can step up and make the big plays Plaxico used to, but last year convinced me to not bet against Eli Manning in a big game. New York 23, Philadelphia 17

San Diego at Pittsburgh The Chargers played well last week in their overtime win versus the Colts, but I don’t see that happening 3,000 miles from home in the toe-cracking cold. Key will be Ben Rothlessberger’s health after taking that week 17 concussion. Pittsburgh 24, San Diego 16

Last week: 2-2