ESPN Sports Radio Host Brady Ackerman

The preseason is over and the gators now step into conference play. Florida did what it needed to in the first two games. offensively they moved the ball through the air and the ground while piling up a ton of yards and points. On the defensive side of the ball they played a bunch of players while keeping the opponents out of the end zone when the two games were in the first half

with all due respect to Troy who was a bowl team last year this was a two game dress rehearsal for the sec schedule. This was about rhythm, experimentation and about evaluation. Coaches have a better idea w hich guys can help the Gators versus Vols. Time for all hands on deck it’s Tennessee week.

Dan Mullen could not have handpicked two better defenses to get his new starting quarterback ready for the vols. week one man outside coverage allowed him the chance to go deep and he passed with flying colors. Game two provided cover two and tebow dissected the umbrella zone defense with shallow crosses and intermediate darts. the run game flourished with a new quicket looking kestahn moore and tebow reading the option very well. Finally the loss of phil trautwein seems to be tolerable with the rise of maurkice pouncey

The gator defense got it’s first two turnovers saturday and their first interception. Charlie strong and greg mattison rolled in ten different defensive lineman in the first half alone. Also lost in the mess of the third quarter was a good three and out after the sudden change.  A sudden change occurred  with the early  Bubba Caldwell fumble .Young secondary guys played a lot gaining valuable experience for Tennessee’s passing game. Florida also showed some linebacker blitzes and more coverages in week two. The fact that the defense held Troy to seven points in the first half was a strong accomplishment.

Inside the Numbers through two games.

-          UF is 13 for 14 in the redzone converting touchdowns. The have scored everytime they have entered the red zone through two games.

-          UF’s defense is holding it’s opponents to a 31% conversion rate on 3^rd downs

-          UF is 15-15 on Pat’s and 1-1 on field goals which is an improvement from early last season.

-          UF’s offense is averaging 8.1 per play which would be a school record

-          The Gator defense is only giving up 1.7 yds per rush

-          UF has forced 11 (3) and outs in two games out of 25 drives

-          The kickoff return team is averaging 37 yards per return=good field position

-          The punt return team is averaging 14.4 per return=one extra first down

Need to improve some areas in conference play

-          Only 3 pass breakups and 2 are by defensive lineman. The only interception is by a DL.

-          Offense has scored just 7 points in the third quarter through two games.

-     Too many penalties. Although UF led the SEC in them last year an won the title

Possible Adjustments for this week.

1. Percy Harvin will play some tailback and needs to get 10-15 touches in the football game.
2. UF will play some dime versus the spread and bring linebacker pressure on Ainge
3. Tebow will move around and throw some more on the run this week.

The Tennessee game always signals the real start of the season and stars sometime emerge from nowhere. Offensively I think we know who UF’s stars are with Harvin and Tebow. They are the leaders and as long as the UF offensive line does it’s job the Gators will move the football. I think the Gators will continue to play a lot of defensive  lineman, but if the Vols no huddle and have success it could be hard to get guys in and out. This game is all about Derrick Harvey. Will the Vols “scheme” him up? Or will he have an Alex Brown like performance? It’s Tennessee week where a win sets you up for a big year, and a loss put’s you behind the eight ball.

The preseason is over and the gators now step into conference play. Florida did what it needed to in the first two games. offensively they moved the ball through the air and the ground while piling up a ton of yards and points. On the defensive side of the ball they played a bunch of players while keeping the opponents out of the end zone when the two games were in the first half

with all due respect to Troy who was a bowl team last year this was a two game dress rehearsal for the sec schedule. This was about rhythm, experimentation and about evaluation. Coaches have a better idea w hich guys can help the Gators versus Vols. Time for all hands on deck it’s Tennessee week.

Dan Mullen could not have handpicked two better defenses to get his new starting quarterback ready for the vols. week one man outside coverage allowed him the chance to go deep and he passed with flying colors. Game two provided cover two and tebow dissected the umbrella zone defense with shallow crosses and intermediate darts. the run game flourished with a new quicket looking kestahn moore and tebow reading the option very well. Finally the loss of phil trautwein seems to be tolerable with the rise of maurkice pouncey

The gator defense got it’s first two turnovers saturday and their first interception. Charlie strong and greg mattison rolled in ten different defensive lineman in the first half alone. Also lost in the mess of the third quarter was a good three and out after the sudden change.  A sudden change occurred  with the early  Bubba Caldwell fumble .Young secondary guys played a lot gaining valuable experience for Tennessee’s passing game. Florida also showed some linebacker blitzes and more coverages in week two. The fact that the defense held Troy to seven points in the first half was a strong accomplishment.

Inside the Numbers through two games.

-          UF is 13 for 14 in the redzone converting touchdowns. The have scored everytime they have entered the red zone through two games.

-          UF’s defense is holding it’s opponents to a 31% conversion rate on 3^rd downs

-          UF is 15-15 on Pat’s and 1-1 on field goals which is an improvement from early last season.

-          UF’s offense is averaging 8.1 per play which would be a school record

-          The Gator defense is only giving up 1.7 yds per rush

-          UF has forced 11 (3) and outs in two games out of 25 drives

-          The kickoff return team is averaging 37 yards per return=good field position

-          The punt return team is averaging 14.4 per return=one extra first down

Need to improve some areas in conference play

-          Only 3 pass breakups and 2 are by defensive lineman. The only interception is by a DL.

-          Offense has scored just 7 points in the third quarter through two games.

-     Too many penalties. Although UF led the SEC in them last year an won the title

Possible Adjustments for this week.

1. Percy Harvin will play some tailback and needs to get 10-15 touches in the football game.
2. UF will play some dime versus the spread and bring linebacker pressure on Ainge
3. Tebow will move around and throw some more on the run this week.

The Tennessee game always signals the real start of the season and stars sometime emerge from nowhere. Offensively I think we know who UF’s stars are with Harvin and Tebow. They are the leaders and as long as the UF offensive line does it’s job the Gators will move the football. I think the Gators will continue to play a lot of defensive  lineman, but if the Vols no huddle and have success it could be hard to get guys in and out. This game is all about Derrick Harvey. Will the Vols “scheme” him up? Or will he have an Alex Brown like performance? It’s Tennessee week where a win sets you up for a big year, and a loss put’s you behind the eight ball.

The SEC has some of the best collection of coaches in the country. In the East Urban Meyer, Phil Fulmer and Steve Spurrier have all won National Titles. Mark Richt has been the most successful division coach since 2000. Throw in Rich Brooks  who is bringing Kentucky off its best season in five years and it is the best division in football. In the SEC West Nick Saban has a National Title, Tommy Tuberville has an undefeated season and Les Miles finished third in the Country in just his second season on the job at LSU. Great coaches, great programs and great success. However with the good comes the bad and four coaches enter 2007 with many questions to answer about their job security.

Let’s begin in Arkansas where Houston Nutt is coming off his first 10 win season as the Razorback head coach. Nutt had his team in the SEC title game last season and with a month to go they were a long shot for the BCS. But everything fell apart with losses down the stretch to LSU, Florida and Wisconsin. Nutt has a solid resume with nine seasons in Fayetteville that includes two outright SEC West titles and a shared West crown. He has been to seven bowl games including four on New Year’s Day. But the momentum is soured after a 10 win season because of many on and off field issues. Star Quarterback Mitch Mustain transferred after a promising freshman season, while his offensive coordinator Gus Malzhan departed for Tulsa in a conflict over offensive philosophy. Combine that with Nutt’s text messaging fiasco and you can see why he must not go backwards this season.

The final piece to the “hot seat” puzzle is one that is radiant throughout college football and that is a change in command. Whether it’s the President or Athletic Director that steps down, each one could affect a head coach’s status. Frank Broyles is leaving and the new sheriff in town may be looking for a reason to get his own “guy” in place if Nutt should falter. The saving grace for the head coach is he seems to thrive in controversy like Teri Hatcher on Desperate Housewives. He also returns Darren McFadden and Felix Jones which could be the best duo in the country.

Ack’s Hot Seat Rating: Bubbling to a Boil

Sylvester Croom has done a lot of honorable things off the field with the Mississippi State program. He is a no-nonsense guy who  inherited a difficult situation and on the surface has calmed the storm. But his on-field results have not shown up and the natives are getting restless. The center of Croom’s issues is the lack of improvement from year one to year three. His teams have won three games each season and have had some embarrassing losses to lesser programs like Tulane. Larry Templeton is stepping down as Athletic Director which also could impact Croom’s future. He has beaten Florida and Alabama but those wins don’t look as good now with both head coaches being fired after those seasons. The biggest issue I have with the Bulldogs is the offense. Croom came in as an NFL offensive guy from Green Bay and his system has lacked creativity and play makers. He thinks this could be his best unit yet this year but it will need to be because another three win season could doom Croom.

Ack’s Hot Seat Rating: Boiling Hot

Ed Orgeron has only been at Ole Miss for two seasons but Universities have shown little

Patience in recent years when it comes to winning. He has put together back to back solid recruiting classes and many folks think his job may hang on the right arm of Texas transfer Jevan Snead. The only problem with that is he has to sit out this season and cannot play until 2008.  Orgeron is a great recruiter and has many fans excited between December, January and February. But it is September through December that needs to change very soon. The head coach has had some strange off field instances which include the run in with former Tulane Coach Chris Scelfo after he contacted the Green Wave players about transferring after Hurricane Katrina. The number one issue at Ole Miss is the offense and the sub par quarterback play. Brent Schaeffer has not worked out and he is not even listed as the starter after spring ball. The offense was 111^th in the country last season and must improve prior to Jevan Snead taking over under center. I think Coach O’s personality, recruiting prowess and the fact Snead is on campus will get him to next season barring an implosion in 2007. He is just 7-16 in two years and a five or six win season is not asking too much in year three.

Ack’s Hot Seat Rating: Simmering Warm

Vanderbilt is a program that is in a no-win situation. The Commodores could improve every year and never finish higher than fifth because of the teams in their division. Bobby Johnson is good solid football coach who runs a clean program. After three straight 2-9 seasons there was promise early in Jay Cutler’s last season. But the Commodore’s still missed a bowl game finishing 5-6 and followed it up with a 4-8 last year. To put into perspective what the opinions of Bobby Johnson are look at Jay Cutler versus Eli Manning. Two similar programs but Manning won 10 games and got Ole Miss to a bowl game. Two year’s later with unrealistic expectations David Cutcliffe was fired by the Rebels. Many Commodore fans think he should have gotten more out of Cutler. But Vandy will always be the “lovable loser” in the SEC and Bobby Johnson carries himself with a lot of class. I have already heard the annual claim from at least one media member “keep an eye on Vandy, they might be pretty good this year”. That is like throwing the spaghetti against the wall and hoping it sticks so that you can be the one who finally predicted Vanderbilt to a bowl game. I am not sure Bobby Johnson can be on a hot seat without an Athletic Director to fire him.

Ack’ s Hot Seat Rating: Just warm enough to keep an eye on.

When you lose two All American defensive backs and a senior starter you know there is going to be a drop off. For secondary coaches Chuck Heater and Doc Holliday the spotlight on defense falls to them. These two experienced coaches have done a terrific job in developing upperclassmen into great players. This year they will be called upon to develop new talent that is very green but very athletic.

The Gators mix man and zone coverage schemes as well as anyone in the SEC. They have been able to roll out their guys with high football IQ’s and allow them to “cheat” and make plays. Ryan Smith and Reggie Nelson were not only terrific guys in coverage but played the run well.  UF lost 70% of it’s top tacklers from a year ago and these two guys were a big part of that mix.

Florida returns  Strong Safety Tony Joiner who before he got knicked up in the Alabama game was on his way to an All SEC season. He has 15 career starts and though he  is a quiet in nature but has become more vocal and will attend SEC Media Days with Coach Meyer. Joiner can hit and has improved his coverage skills in his career. He is rock solid and will take some young players under his wings.

The other safety position is up for grabs with senior Kyle Jackson who has started 11 games in his career returning for a chance at redemption. Jackson who was burned in Meyer’s first season lost his confidence and his swagger. He contributed as a back-up to the best safety in college football last season and may be a new man in 2007.  He should get the first nod based on experience. Dorian Munroe and Jamar Hornsby are talented you players who had good springs. Munroe is a member of the leadership committee and could supplant Jackson if he struggles. Bryan Thomas came in with strong credentials and the staff thinks he has a chance to be good. UF signed two potential safeties in Jerimy Finch and Major Wright.  It will be tough for a true freshman to crack the top four at safety barring injury, but Wright could be in the mix at linebacker and special team.

The spring was all about true freshman Joe Haden and converted running back Marcus Manson. These two guys showed they can help UF this season. When camp opens  in August, the two starting corners may be two guys who played some last year in Markihe Anderson and Wondy Pierre Louis. Anderson was pronounced a starter by Urban Meyer in the post spring press conference. He reminds me a lot of Bennie Alexander  the former Union County star. Wondy scored in the SEC title game and if he can stay healthy gives UF a taller corner for big receivers. Jacques Rickerson has great footwork , but needs to continue to get reps and improve his practice habits.  Ahmad Black is the sleeper of the group whose work ethic is indicative of the program he came from in high school. Moses Jenkins is likely a redshirt candidate but comes to campus with great athletcism.

There may not be an All American this season in the Florida secondary but in the future that honor should return to someone in Gainesville. The Gators have always had good athletes in the secondary but this year the depth of talent is as good as we have seen in awhile. These young players will rely on the coaches (Holliday and Heater) to give them the experience to mature quickly in the SEC.

I expect Florida to cut down on it’s man pressure scheme in the first two games to get the players acclimated for Tennessee. I think in the first quarter of the season the focus will  on the new front seven. You must be able to stop the run or you can forget about mixing up coverages. Look for some man coverage but not the typical 50-50 ratio that we have seen in the past two years under Urban Meyer.

My opening day guess at Secondary: Wondy, Markihe, Joiner and Jackson. Haden at Nickel with Munroe, Rickerson and Black playing plenty.

Games are won and lost in the trenches. You know it  and I know it, and heck you don’t have to be a genius to figure that out. The Gators won the National Title with defense and the best defensive line in the country. Last year the Gators did not have to blitz because their front four could create it’s own pressure from the inside and out. This group however holds the key to championship success in 2007 for the Gators.

Last year many wondered if the new Gator offensive line would be tough enough to win the SEC title. After getting whipped in the first half physically by Alabama, the unit responded and eventually became a strength for Urban Meyer. The defensive line will look to make the progression, holding the keys to another trip to Atlanta for the SEC Title game.

Derrick Harvey is the “known” commodity for UF and certainly will face double teams and chip blocks early in the season. If he wants to mature into a first round pick he must stay disciplined and not get frustrated if his numbers are not where he wants them. Jarvis Moss was often “schemed-upped” last year but was solid against the run and mad a whole bunch of money as a first rounder.

What about the defensive Ends?

The Gators may have to blitz more early in the season until they develop a rotation at defensive tackle. With Harvey commanding attention, Jermaine Cunningham will have the chance to shine. I think Cunningham can be as good as Harvey was two years ago, providing a speed rush against big slow footed tackles. He can expect some serious running plays at him when he is in early in the down sequence. I thought UF’s  defensive ends were real good against the run a season ago and often times people rarely pointed it out. The other end in the three man rotation should be Lawrence Marsh. He looks like he is going to be a stud at Florida. He reminds me of young healthy Ray McDonald. He has the ability to play inside or out and could be a starter at either position in the opener. Trent Pupello has a long way to go and may be just a special teams player.

How steps up at defensive tackle?

Many fans are awaiting the freshman to see what the Gators have at defensive tackle. My thoughts on them coming up, but for now let’s look at what should be the rotation for Western Kentucky. Now I said “should” because of health not because of freshman. Clint McMillan who played some defensive end in spring and Javier Estopinan have been around and can be very serviceable The only issue with either guy is their health. McMillan can be a solid SEC tackle and if nothing else will provide quality depth.  If Mattison decides to move Marsh inside as a starter that means the young defensive ends have developed. Brandon Antwine is close, but not quite there yet as a really good player. Camp will be important for him to keep progressing and develop into a good SEC tackle. Terron Sanders is another player that the coaches want to see have a great fall camp.  Lutrell Alford has been around and could be used situations.

Which freshman will help?

Time for the freshman, and heck they may all play. John Brown and Torrey Davis are close to getting it done in the classroom. Brown could be the next Marcus Thomas (on the field) and Davis could play inside or out on the front. Davis will get a look at bothe spots in fall camp Carlos Dunlap and Justin Trattou may have the best shots to play this fall. If either or both can develop as the top two back-ups at defensive end then Marsh could be the full time defensive tackle. Duke Lemmens and Jay Howard will also have  a shot to compete and don’t go to sleep on Howard, I here he is very underrated by recruiting experts.

How it could play out during the season  ?

Harvey and Cunningham at End with Marsh and Brown at tackle. Then Antwine and Davis back up the DT’s while Dunlap and Trattou back up the DE’s. McMillan and Estopinan’s career track record of health does not give me a lot of confidence that you will be able to count on them the entire season. All the freshman are fair game to play this season. You cannot have enough bodies and I think UF would like to have six “playmakers” between DT and DE  with 3 other guys providing solid depth.  Remember UF was one of the best 3 and out defenses in the country. The playmakers last year played less than 60 snaps a game because of that and the rule change to 3-2-5-E. There will be more plays in games this year and they may be on the field more so they are going to need bodies.

What do you think will happen?

I think UF will be safe early with the veterans like McMillan at tackle,  but the defense will get better as the young more talented defensive lineman get adjusted to college ball. The biggest concern among coaches about playing young defensive lineman is they can be lured into false reads. They have not played enough or watched enough film to understand schemes and teams will try to take advantage of that. UF will also blitz some early and try to get into some nickel looks with their best three defensive lineman on the field. Maybe more 3-3-5 with a safety blitz and things like that. I can assure you this, Strong and Mattison will not sit  there and let a team nickel and dime them for four quarters. This defensive staff has a lot of experience and while they may give up some big plays they will make adjustments. This will again be the best unit in the country in the future and maybe as soon as 2008.

Here is my official Mock, I do think there could be some moves prior to draft day.

1.Oakland-JaMarcus Russell

2.Detroit-Gaines Adams

3. Cleveland-Brady Quinn

4. Tampa Bay-Calvin Johnson

5. Arizona-Joe Thomas

6. Buffalo(trade with Wash)-Adrian Peterson

7. Minnesota-Amobi Okoye

8. Atlanta-Laron Landry

9. Miami-Levi Brown

10.Houston-Leon Hall

11.San Francisco-Alan Branch

12. Washington-Darrelle Revis

13. St.Louis-Patrick Willis

14. Carolina-Greg Olsen

15. Pittsburgh-Adam Carriker

16. Green Bay-Marshawn Lynch

17. Jacksonville-Jarvis Moss

18. Cinncinati-Lawrence Timmons

19. Tennesee-Jamaal Anderson

20. NY Giants-Joe Staley

21. Denver-Ted Ginn Jr.

22. Dallas-Dwayne Bowe

23. Kansas City-Justin Harrell

24. New England-Reggie Nelson

25. New York Jets-Aaron Ross

26. Philadelphia-Michael Griffin

27. New Orleans-Paul Posluszny

28. New England-Brandon Siler

29. Baltimore-Chris Houston

30. San Diego-Dwayne Jarrett

31. Chicago-Steve Smith

32. Indianapolis-John Beason

The Bucs get a WR, then look for a defensive back possibly Brandon Merriweather  and a corner like Damien Hughes to end up in Tampa. The Bucs will go defensive line in the third round.Quin Pitcock out of Ohio St. makes sense as does Marcus Thomas from Florida.

Miami will go quarterback with it’s second pick and it will be either Drew Stanton or Trent Edwards. Miami will use the next two first day picks on wide receiver and defensive line.

Jacksonville will go wide receiver in the second round maybe Jason Hill from Washington State and defensive back in the third round with eyes on Fred Bennett at corner or Aaron Rouse at safety.

Ack

Join me from the final four with shows thursday,friday,monday and tuesday. I will broadcast from 4-7 (The Bowden and Ackerman Show) on thursday from Atlanta and my final show with be 7-10( The Brady Ackerman Show) on tuesday. Here are some notes on UCLA, Florida’s Semi-Final Opponent.
#2 UCLA vs. #1 FLORIDA
This is just the second meeting between Florida and UCLA with the Gators winning the only previous meeting last year in the national championship game 73-57 on April 3, 2006. Florida held a 36-25 halftime lead at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis. Jordan Farmar scored a game-high 18 points to lead three Bruins in double figures. Arron Afflalo and Ryan Hollins each scored 10 points. Joakim Noah led a quartet of Gators in double figures with 16 points while Lee Humphrey added 15 points. The Bruins outrebounded Florida 40-35 but the Gators had 10 blocks to just one for UCLA.
#2 UCLA IN NCAA TOURNAMENT
This is the Bruins’ 41st NCAA Tournament appearance and the third-straight for UCLA under head coach Ben Howland. This is also UCLA’s first back-to-back Final Four appearances since 1975 (Coach: John Wooden) and 1976 (Coach: Gene Bartow). UCLA has an all-time winning percentage of .740 in the NCAA Tournament with a record of 94-33. UCLA’s 94 victories rank second only to Kentucky’s 100. The .740 winning percentage also ranks second behind Duke’s .752.
Arron Afflalo NAMED AP FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICAN
Junior guard Arron Afflalo was named consensus first team All-America today (Mar. 26) by the Associated Press, the first Bruin since Charles O’Bannon in 1997 to be named first team All-America and the first since Ed O’Bannon in 1995 to be a consensus selection.
 

Ack

If you want to maintain the favorite’s role in the NCAA tournament here is a newsflash. Defend the three point line. Florida,UCLA,Kansas and North Carolina can win games without hitting a bunch of longballs. But they can lose games to upstart competition if they don’t defend the three point line. Butler is a methodical defensive team who made 12 3 pointers against Maryland and won by just 3 points. Half of their shot attempts were behind the arc. You combine the amount of 3’s with good defense and ball control offense and Butler has taken down 3 top 25 teams this season. Here are the teams remaining who must hit double digit three’s to win games. Tennessee(made 11 vs Virginia), UNLV (made 10 3’s vs Wisconsin) while Vandy made 22 in two games, Southern Illinois made 12 in a win vs Va Tech and Oregon made 11 in their victory over Winthrop. Now I realize Oregon and UNLV will meet eachother but the fact remains these seven teams rely on the three to have a chance to win.

My schedule this week takes me to St. Louis for the Sweet 16 on Friday and to Viera on tuesday for Mets vs Nationals spring training game. I hope that you can check out my shows at www.floridasportalk.com or www.espnflorida.com.

Sweet 16 winners-Ohio St., Texas A@M, Ucla and Kansas.

Ack

Florida’s first trip to the final four under Billy Donovan went through Butler and Lon Kruger and UF’s third trip must clear that obstacle again for the Gators. UF did not have it’s “A” game this weekend but that’s the beauty of being a number 1 seed in the tournament. You are allowed a bad half or even two because you should be superior to the opposing team. That won’t be the case in the sweet 16 but for this weekend UF got it done once again with great defense. The setting on Sunday was eerily similar to Manhatten in Raleigh years ago. The gym was three quarters empty one team was making everything while UF look sloppy on offense. It had the feeling of a game that could end up in the 50’s with Purdue having a puncher’s chance to throw one in at the buzzer and steal a victory. But this Gator team was much different than the one that lost that season.

 With 8:58 to go in the first half Purdue had 25 points and a 7 point lead on the Gators. They would score 10 in the next 13 minutes as UF would tighten it’s defense and contest every shot. The Gators figured out how to beat Purdue playing the Boilermakers game. That is what makes this team so good it can beat you any way you want to play. They can run with the best and they can defend with the best. The defense resonated with Joakim’s block in the second half that gave UF a runout and eventually some breathing room with a 5 point lead.

 Florida did not have it’s “A” game this weekend offensively but it did bring it’s hard hats and tournament enthusiasm which allowed them to go to consecutive sweet 16’s for the first time under Billy Donovan since 1999 and 2000.On to St. Louis where we will broadcast from on Friday morning from the home of the World Series Champions. I had to work that in and see if UF can beat Butler and Lon Kruger again to go to the final four.

 Ack

First of day one was dragging on until Anthony Grant and VCU delivered the KO to Duke in the first round. Everyone is Gainesville was pulling for Grant who is going to be a star in the profession. Duke’s program has fallen behind Florida the last five  year which says a lot about the job Billy has done in Gainesville.

Here’s my day two picks:

Florida, Arizona, Winthrop,Oregon,Kansas,Kentucky,Va Tech,South Illinois,Arkansas,Texas,Tennessee,Virginia,Creighton,Memphis.

So far so good on my bracket although I lost a sweet 16 in old dominion i wont lose much to the field because most everyone has the Gators going on the the elite 8. Talked with Coach Meyer on my radio show today and he really sounds very confident and excited about the future with Tim Tebow.

ack