By Bud L. Ellis
It appears Urban Meyer will coach Florida after all when the Gators take on Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl. And the meeting at the Louisiana Superdome on New Year’s night won’t necessarily be Meyer’s finale as Gators’ coach.
One day after announcing he was stepping down due to health reasons, Meyer told media members Sunday in New Orleans that he’s instead taking an extended lead of absence after the Sugar Bowl. Offensive coordinator Steve Addazio will assume interim duties while the 45-year-old Meyer steps away to focus on his health.
Meyer was hospitalized for dehydration after the Gators’ 22-game winning streak ended with a 32-13 loss to Alabama at the SEC Championship Game Dec. 5 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. But published reports since have instead claimed Meyer suffered from chest pains after the loss to the Crimson Tide, and chest pains have been a common occurrence for the coach who in five years has led the Gators to two national championships and a sparkling 56-10 record.
As if the Gators weren’t motivated enough for their meeting with the Bearcats, after missing out on a shot at a third national title in four years by losing to Alabama, comes this: the realization that Meyer’s leave of absence is indefinite, and there is no guarantee he’ll be on the sidelines after Friday.
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Sunday, December 27, 2009 at 9:51 pm by bud
Tags: Alabama, Cincinnati, Florida, Georgia Dome, Louisiana Superdome, Steve Addazio, Sugar Bowl, Urban Meyer
By Bud L. Ellis
Carlos Dunlap made a big mistake the week of the SEC championship game. But the Florida defensive end’s behavior in his three years at the school has led school officials to clear him to play in the Sugar Bowl.
Dunlap, who was arrested and charged with driving under the influence four days before the Gators’ 32-13 loss to Alabama in the SEC title game at the Georgia Dome, will play for Florida in the Sugar Bowl, Jan. 1 against Cincinnati at the Louisiana Superdome.
Dunlap is regarded as a first-round draft pick, and the Sugar Bowl likely will be his final game in a Florida uniform. But on Friday, Florida coach Urban Meyer told reporters the fact Dunlap has never been in trouble before this transgression led school officials to believe it OK for Dunlap to return to active duty
The return of Dunlap bolsters a Florida defensive front that was ripped apart by the Crimson Tide in the SEC title contest. Dunlap, who won the defensive MVP honors in last year’s BCS championship game, has recorded seven sacks this season.
Florida, 12-1 on the season, can end Cincinnati’s dream of an undefeated season in the Sugar Bowl. It’s possible the winner of this game finishes the season ranked No. 2 in the nation.
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Friday, December 18, 2009 at 11:51 pm by bud
Tags: Alabama, Carlos Dunlap, Cincinnati, Florida, Georgia Dome, Louisiana Superdome, SEC, Urban Meyer
By Bud L. Ellis
No matter who ends up coming to the Sugar Bowl from the SEC, it will be one of the heavyweights of college football.
When Alabama and Florida square off in the Georgia Dome for the SEC championship on Saturday, both teams will hope they can win the conference title and the likely berth in the BCS title game.
The team that doesn’t win Saturday most likely will end up on Bourbon Street for the Sugar Bowl, which isn’t a bad way at all to end the season. But if it’s Alabama making the trip to the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, rest assured the Tide will be ready this time around.
After a narrow loss to Florida in last season’s SEC title contest, Alabama came to the Sugar Bowl smarting from coming so close to playing for the national title. It showed, as Utah blasted the Tide in a 31-17 victory that left the Utes as the nation’s only undefeated team.
No matter whether it’s Alabama or Florida, the SEC representative in the Sugar Bowl will be a team that spent all season at or near the top of the rankings. Both Florida and Alabama have been ranked No. 1 this season.
No matter whether it’s Alabama or Florida, the SEC representative will feature some of the top playmakers in the nation. Florida quarterback Tim Tebow already has won a Heisman Trophy. Alabama running back Mark Ingram is a darkhorse candidate to win the award.
And it’s likely whoever the SEC representative faces will bring plenty of intrigue. Cincinnati is the favorite to win the Big East and earn a BCS slot. TCU could end up in this game, particularly if Cincinnati loses.
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Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at 9:56 pm by bud
Tags: Alabama, Cincinnati, Florida, Georgia Dome, Louisiana Superdome, Sugar Bowl, TCU, Utah
