Sports Today

The grandeur of Super Bowl Sunday has finally arrived with the Steelers and Cardinals doing battle in Super Bowl XLIII.
The betting line is 7 points for the Steelers and most would not argue with that because they have the #1 ranked defense and a quality offense with 'Big Ben' leading the charge.
Personally, I like the matchup, what intrigues me, is that the Cardinals are a pass first team and as we all know, most NFL teams like to stop the run first and the Steelers are just that.
Not many teams have run with success against them this year but that will not pose a problem to the pass happy Cardinals with wily veteran Kurt Warner at QB.
I expect Warner to attack the Steelers pass defense with Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin and the rest of the bunch, but we know the offensive line must protect Warner, and they have over the last three playoff games relatively well, I expect them to again (actually I'm praying they do).
Who are you cheering for?
My pick is the Cardinals, I may have given some points but the real reason is, I'm a Cowboy fan who still hasn't gotten over the 2 Super Bowl losses to Steelers in the 70's even though we beat them in 1995.
Those losses in the 70's hurt so bad during my teen years.
GO CARDINALS 31-23!
Who you got?

So Superman is returning to the Florida Gators and I don't mean Christopher Reeves.
Fresh off a second National Title, Tim Tebow has decided to return to the Gators for one more fling to try to make it three in four years.
Was it loyalty or information received from the NFL Draft Committee?
Personally, I believe it was the information recieved that he would not be drafted in the 1st round and possibly not higher than the 3rd round, additionally, NFL sources have questioned his ability to make the transition to the professional level at quarterback.
Some scouts have said he would play an h-back, tight end or some other position - but not quarterback.
This brings me to the question - has head coach Urban Meyer done a disservice to Tebow's chances at succeeding at the next level with the type of offense he runs? And what is his responsiblity in preparing players for the jump?
Sure, Meyer has had great success with the spread offense, but with that, Tebow has not taken snaps under center (which will be required in the NFL), and his throwing mechanics have come into question as well.
I have seen Tebow play on several occassions starting in his sophomore year at Nease, including a memorabale 56-54 loss to Mike Chapman and Orange Park in 2003.
Just as many college football fans feel, I know the kid can play and with the right tutelage will have success at the next level because of his perserverance and will to succeed.
However, the question remains, why hasn't Meyer worked on his footwork, throwing mechanics and other nuances to prepare him for the next level?
Remember his former QB at Utah Alex Smith who was drafted 1st several years ago by the 49ers, thus far he has been a bust.
Is it a requirement for a college coach to prepare the kid for the jump?
We know it's every college football players ultmiate dream to play in the NFL.
Another sidebar to Meyer, when Brandon Spikes decided to return, while Percy Harvin decided to make the jump, he stated "Spikes made an educated decision," while not referencing that Harvin did the same.
Personally, I believe both made educated decisions based on what's best for them, Harvin showed he was one of the best players this season and his stock is pretty hot with NFL sources.

Does anyone really care about all the bowl games - 34 to be exact?
The real game in my opinion is the Jan 8 matchup with the Gators and Sooners, hopefully it will be a well played game with an exciting finish.
However, I don't believe that will happen, my thought is the Gators are the best team in that game and the better matchup would have been with the Trojans of USC.
But without a playoff system we may never find out and this is the prime reason at least in my thoughts that the race to #1 is flawed in college football.
Additionally of the 34 bowl games to be played thus far 9 of the winners have a .500 record.
Flawed or what?

From a playoff win last season to a five-win possibly six this season, who is to blame for the distrastous season for the Jaguars?
Well, today James "Shack" Harris resigned becoming the first head to roll stating,"I want to thank Mr. Weaver for the opportunity he gave me and for the support he always showed, I also want to thank the personnel staff. They are one of the best staffs in the league and have done a good job. Thank you also to the players and coaches, football operations and the entire organization for everything they’ve done. I wish the team well and I wish them success.”
Is Shack the only one to blame?
I understand that defensive guru Greg Williams will be gone too!
The defense under performed, recent draft picks and plenty of free agent signings never panned out under Shacks regime, and David Garrard stunk it up after getting 60 million, so in that sense he is culpable.
But how much of that responsiblity falls on Jack Del Rio, a paltry offense that he said would not be 3-yards and a cloud of dust, but actually turned into 1-and-a-cloud, a blow-up with linebacker Mike Peterson appears to be when he lost the team.
Offensive minded Dirk Koetter was brought in to energize the play-calling but did Del Rio allow hin to do that until maybe last week?
Is it time for Jack to go as well?

Anyone see the great finish of the FIHS girls basketball game against Lee on Tuesday or how about the roll the St. Johns girls soccer team is on and their pending battle with Bolles on Thursday night?
A lot is happening on the soccer field and the hardwood so let us know what you see or your thoughts!