Sooner Holley: Here we are. As I am beginning this first blog of what will be many this evening, I am filled with an anticipation that is both exhilarating and terrifying. I have been watching the ESPN Game Day boys, and while I'm appalled at the way they seem to have written Oklahoma off already, I'm also encouraged. Oklahoma was the favorite against Boise St. Oklahoma was the favorite against West Virginia. Oklahoma knows what it means to be upset, and they know the power of a motivation that comes from having no one believe in you. Florida is a tough and scary opponent – that is true without question. But, I think this game may look a little different than many expect.
At least I hope so. Gator fans, I fully respect the power of your defense and the sheer mass of your quarterback, but you may not want to turn your nose up at the Oklahoma defense, nor should you believe that you will easily stop the Sooner offense.
At last announcement, Vegas likes the Gators by 5. That news is like putting on warm fuzzy slippers like I just did a few minutes ago. (did I mention I have a mini-plague which I believe to be the flu?) That lack of faith is actually comforting.
Both Lou Holtz and Mark Mays just picked Florida because of Tim Tebow, and Mark Mays just spouted some ridiculous garbage about Bob Stoops being an inadequate coach in bowl situations.
Keep talking boys….
8:04 pm Sooner Holley: We're now minutes from kick-off, and so far, I've seen one media member pick Oklahoma, and it was Barry Switzer. I suppose we'll just see what happens. This game is going to be decided on the gridiron, not in the press box, and that's the way it should be.
I'm looking for score predictions. Gimme whatever you got, even if you're predicting a Gator blow-out. I'm curious.
8:27 Sooner Holley: Okay, one drive down, and the blitz backed the Sooners up and out of scoring range. It should be noted, however, that the two plays previous, the blitz was blocked effectively, and I'm pretty sure there was a pass interference call that was missed. Blatantly.
However, the Sooners will persevere. Let's see now what happens with the Gators offense. Is Tim Tebow all he's been made out to be?
8:48 Sooner Holley: Well, it's as I predicted. Oklahoma is keeping it in the air, and doing well with it. Too bad they are making petty mistakes, and also being jobbed by ACC refs. Even Florida fans can relate to the misery of ACC refs. I can remember a UF/FSU game just a few years back when the game's outcome came down to some pretty terrible calls. Throwing a flag for nothing with no explanation is nothing if not a maneuver to break the momentum of a driving team.
Roughly 4:40 left in the 1st quarter, and we're still scoreless. Both teams.
9:07 Sooner Holley: 7-0 Gators, and the commentary color guy would give the trophy to the Gators right now if he could. Second quarter. 13:34 to the half. Drive, OU, drive!
9:12 Sooner Holley: Sorry color commentary guy…can't give that trophy away just yet. This is the speed of football that Oklahoma plays well. Quick to the line, quick execution. The Gators executed their scoring drive in true Gator style as well – do what it takes to make it happen. Pound the rock. Both teams are now playing their own styles of football. This game starts now.
9:47 Sooner Holley: It's half time, and I don't think ANYONE could have predicted this game. Oklahoma's total offense as compared to the score is going to look ridiculous at the end of this game. We've had an interception leading to a 4th and goal gamble and a good old fashioned drive foiled by a receiver who clearly doesn't know that if you can't catch it KNOCK IT DOWN! The Gators have played strange defense, but clearly it's been effective. Oklahoma's offense looks stellar. Florida did what they needed to in order to put points on the board. It was messy, but a touchdown is a touchdown.
I'm not sure what either locker room conversation will be like. I have no idea what either coach will say to his players. Personally, I'm a little dumbfounded, but I will say this. I don't want to hear anyone say anything again about Oklahoma having an inferior defense. I think their defense has actually looked better than Florida's so far, except as it pertains to the goal line, I guess.
All that said, I'm now going to go and have a spot of tea to soothe my throat whose terrible pain has been exacerbated by the frequency of my verbal outbursts. I'm not sure what Gator Matty is up to right now, but I bet he is as baffled as I am.
10:20 Sooner Holley: These are the two best teams in the country. It's pretty clear now, isn't it? There are so many penalties in this game, and so many of them seem unjustified. I could yell, but my throat says, "please don't!" A drive a piece down and nothing really happening.
You know, now that I'm on the other side of the stadium, those "Gator Bait" signs are pretty darn annoying. I'll admit, I've chanted that on behalf of my husband's team plenty of times, but now I'm kind of sorry. Plus, it's just two nouns strung together with no verb. It's not "You are Gator Bait" or "We want to eat some Gator Bait" or "Run you stupid Gator Bait". It's just "Gator Bait"…period. Plus, if you don't know what's being said, and you hear it you could totally mistake that chant for any number of similar sounding words. "Gator Wait"…"Gator Hate"…"Wait, my mate!" Granted, those are pretty ridiculous too, but…well…you get the idea.
Gators are driving. Ugh.
10:59 Sooner Holley: 4th quarter, Sooners driving, 14-7 Gators. It occurred to me that if it weren't for certain bad calls (or lack there of) and some dumb mistakes, the Sooners would be leading by 14 by now, even with the most recent Gator touchdown.
11:15 Sooner Holley: Gators up now 17-14 in the 4th. Percy Harvin appeared to have been injured but was back in the game a play later, so it looks like he's okay. Sooners will get the ball now.
This article appears in Jan 7-13, 2009.