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Florida Gator fans coined the phrase "Urban Renewal" as a fitting description for the work that first-year football coach Urban Meyer undertook in accepting the post atop Gator nation. Meyer came to Florida from Utah, where he guided the Utes to an undefeated season and a victory against Pittsburgh in the Fiesta Bowl last year.
Meyer came to prominence on the national scene by crafting his spread-option offense to perfection. At Utah, and Bowling Green before that, the spread-option offense rolled over opposing defenses in impressive fashion. The biggest question mark on Meyer heading into his first year at the helm of Florida was whether his offense would work in the SEC.
After a crushing 31-3 defeat to Alabama, Gator fans might be wondering whether this "Urban Renewal" project is wrought with fraud and corruption. Chris Leak, entering his third straight year as the Gator quarterback, failed to throw a touchdown pass against Tennessee or Alabama. The offensive line has given up a league-worst 18 sacks. The 28-point defeat against Alabama was worse than the four losses last year combined, which only totaled 18 points.
Meyer cannot say the Gators don't have talent. Former coach Ron Zook signed top-tiered recruiting classes in each of his three seasons at Florida. Zook was fired for not being able to use that talent.
Meyer was handed a program, gift wrapped, with national championship aspirations. If the Gator offense does not begin to click, one can only wonder how long it takes before somebody comes up with www.fireurbanmeyer.com.
Florida should get back to form this week as they play host to Mississippi State, an ominous game, as it was the one that cost Ron Zook his job after the Gators lost to the Bulldogs last year.
Prediction:
Florida 36 MSU 12
The No. 1 Southern Cal Trojans found themselves in a familiar situation against Arizona State on Saturday. Just as they had done against Oregon the week before, USC laid an offensive egg in the first half against the Sun Devils, trailing 21-3 at the break. Quarterback Matt Leinart has not looked his Heisman Trophy-winning self to date, but luckily Trojan running backs LenDale White and Reggie Bush have. White rushed for 197 yards and two scores on 19 carries. Bush ran for 157 yards and two scores on 17 carries. That is an unbelievable running game juggernaut. The Trojans have outscored their opponents by 132 points in the second half this year. Still, the game was close, and the Trojans actually trailed in the fourth quarter at one point. The looming matchup with Notre Dame next week is looking more interesting.
The Trojans no doubt correct their first-half misfortunes this week as they take on a hapless Arizona Wildcats.
Prediction:
USC 57 Arizona 10
The game of the week once again features the Tennessee Volunteers. The Vols play host to the undefeated Georgia Bulldogs in what will be the toughest test Georgia has faced so far as they head to Neyland Stadium. Tennessee is battle weary, having split a pair of grueling road games against Florida and LSU.
D.J. Shockley has the shadow of David Greene, former Georgia quarterback, looking over him. For Shockley to truly establish himself as the man, he must win a game like this one. The Tennessee defense has proven to be elite among all of college football. A defense itching for the chance to make plays and 107,000 screaming fans may prove too much for Shockley to overcome.
Tennessee running back Gerald Riggs Jr. has proven that he can take over a game.
Prediction: Tennessee 24 Georgia 14
One of the stories of 2005 thus far, having gone somewhat under the radar, is the re-emergence of Penn State, which stands at 5-0. It's great to see Joe Pa winning again, but more importantly, it makes Saturday's PSU-Ohio State matchup a big-time game. In beating No. 18 Minnesota last weak, the Nittany Lions snapped an 11-game losing streak against ranked opponents. Penn State is ranked No. 16.
The atmosphere in Happy Valley will be harsh for the visiting Buckeyes. Ohio State has rebounded well after losing to Texas, and now they have a permanent starting quarterback in Troy Smith. Smith has looked impressive, completing 32 of 56 passes with four touchdowns, since taking over the starter's role. Penn State's return to national prominence continues.
Prediction:
Penn State 28 Ohio State 24
Other notable games:
California vs. UCLA: Believe it or not, there are important games on the West Coast involving teams other than USC. For football fanatics out there, like myself, this game can be found on TBS Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Prediction: Cal 31 UCLA 28
Texas vs. Oklahoma: The "Red River Shoot-out" is prime for the Longhorns taking. The Sooners are struggling this year, having lost two games.
Prediction: Texas 38 Oklahoma 21
Weather update for Nashville, Tenn.:
Hell has finally returned to its normal blazing self after a surprisingly undefeated Vanderbilt team finally lost to Middle Tennessee State on Saturday. The forecast for the region of eternally damned souls looks to remain super hot this week as the LSU Tigers go to Nashville to take on the Commodores.
Last week: 4-1 Season: 18-7 overall
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