But over the last few months, the evidence has mounted that those Gators were either one of the most delinquent teams in college football history, or the most cursed. Speed and strength, my friends; those 2008 Gator Boys had it in droves and abundance and certainly have set the bar high for the Gator Nation.

All those receivers play significant minutes on Sundays now. When Harvin wasnt catching bubble screens, taking direct handoffs or catching bombs from the left-handed Tebow, the Gators would shuffle in two mini-Harvins with Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey. There were folks in Gainesville, who thought prior to the season the 2008 Florida Gators could be something special. Despite the disappointing season, Quarterback Tim Tebow would become the first sophomore to win the Heisman trophy. When the enemy had enough of getting stuffed in the backfield on runs by Spikes, Carlos Dunlap, Jermaine Cunningham and others, they took to the air.

We really do.Maurkice PounceyThe Steelers first-round draft pick in 2010 and twin brother to fellow Gator, and fellow first rounder, Mike Pouncey has been an All-Pro in each of his first three seasons in the NFL.

A period thats already been really pretty shitty for the members of the University Florida 2008 National Champions got worse yesterday, with the torn ACL and MCL of Pittsburgh Steelers center MaurkicePouncey. They were led by fourth-year head coach Urban Meyer. Those Gators, as statistically ridiculous as any team prior, still lost a game, the heartbreaker to the Ole Miss Rebels 31-30.

All of their defensive stalwarts had another year in their belt. Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter *@ChaseGoodbread*. "I've been a part of a couple great teams, I think the best team to ever play the game in '08 (at Florida). Nevermind the run of Miami Hurricanes championship squads from the early 2000s that had NFL talent oozing through their pores. Think about what I just said.

Chances are though, if Urban Meyer says the 2008 Gators were the best to ever do it, he should know; hes coached a few 10-win programs and is a premier college X-and-O tactician. Lets take a look at some of the most glaring evidence:Tim TebowOh, Timmy, Timmy, Timmy. They put 51 on number four LSU; dropped 63 the week after on hapless Kentucky and then followed that up a week later with 49 on rival Georgia at the annual Outdoor Cocktail Party in Jacksonville. Thats 11 more on defense and special teams bringing the total to 24 active/retired NFL players from the 2008 Florida Gators one year. Or even the Alabama team that dismantled the 2009 Gators, who were supposed to be even better than the 2008 team with quarterback Tim Tebow as a returning senior, on its way to the national title. Ok, I kid. Former walk-on quarterback Stetson Bennett and an opportunistic Georgia defense led the Bulldogs to their first national championship since 1980 on Monday night, toppling defending champ Alabama, 33-18, in the College Football Playoff National Championship in Indianapolis. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. And in the air they failed miserably most of the time; Gator defenders intercepted 26 passes that year, as all-American Joe Haden would be assigned to opposing teams number one receiver. Practices for Saturday's NFLPA Collegiate Bowl are in full swing, giving prospects a chance to make an impression on NFL coaches and scouts ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft. University of Oregon pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux has had his priorities as they relate to football questioned mightily during the pre-draft process, but the Ducks standout tells NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe it's a lot of misinformation he's ready to prove wrong beginning once he hears his name called in Thursday's first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Lets not forget the quarterback, Tim Tebow, who was mentioned by name on television more than both presidential candidates combined in 2008, an election year. After a 2007 season that was prolific offensively, especially for Tebow who shattered plenty of NCAA records en route to a Heisman trophy. They averaged 43.6 points a game and dropped 50 on opponents five times. Have you ever tried to negotiate, evaluate, take a play off? Tennessee State quarterback Geremy Hickbottom was named Offensive Most Valuable Player as he helped Team Gaither to a resounding 22-6 win over Team Robinson at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans. Or either of the back-to-back Nebraska champions under Tom Osborne in the mid-1990s. Think about that. Deion Sanders' impact on Jackson State, and HBCU football at large, reached a new level on Wednesday as the nation's No. Not the whole pie. He was last seen applying for unemployment benefits and wearing a John 3:16 sandwich board in Times Square. Entering the 2007 season as defending national champions, the Gators would go on to a 94 record despite having a prolific offense.

3 seed Georgia Bulldogs (13-1) will play for the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday, Jan. 10, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Sources: 2012 Florida Gators Football Media Guide, GatorZone.com. Meyer's comments on the 2008 UF team come around the six-minute mark. The Gators had a smorgasbord of NFL talent on the 2008 roster, more so than any BCS-team I can recall. Freshman Janoris Jenkins would typically draw the number two receiver. He was a college sensation. Georgia just had five defensive players taken in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, but is the best NFL prospect of all still in Athens? In 2007 when they went a mere 9-4 sophomore quarterback Tim Tebow won the Heisman Trophy. Daniel Jeremiah provides his initial scouting report on Bulldogs DL Jalen Carter, with a pro comp to a former top-three pick. That pressure and the airtight coverage by the corners made opposing coaches prefer to attack the Florida safeties; Ahmad Black and Major Wright combined for 11 picks, 212 return yards and three pick-sixes that year. many defensive starters left the team due to graduation and departures to the NFL resulting in the worst defense for a Florida team since 1971. The 2008 Florida Gators, may simply be, as ex-coach Urban Meyer once announced on Twitter a couple years ago, the best team that ever played college football. But theres that defense holding one the most prolific offenses of all time that averaged 51.1 points and scored 57 or more seven times, to a paltry two touchdowns in a 24-14 title win for the Gators. What to do about Timmy? (Youve probably heard of him too.) Consider the offense; Tim Tebow (Broncos/Jets), Cam Newton (Panthers), Chris Rainey (Steelers), Jeff Demps (Patriots), Brandon James (Colts) Percy Harvin (Vikings), Louis Murphy (Panthers), David Nelson (Bills), Riley Cooper (Eagles), Deonte Thompson (Ravens), Aaron Hernandez (Patriots), Maurkice Pouncey (Steelers), Mike Pouncey (Dolphins) and Phil Trautwein (Browns) have all played in the NFL and all but Brandon James and Trautwein are currently active in the league. As many mismatches as that offense created, it was the defense that broke the will of many Gator opponents that year. The Gators competed in the Football Bowl Subdivision FBS of the National Collegiate Athletic Association NCAA and the Eastern Division of the Southeastern Conference SEC, in addition to played their home games in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on the university's Gainesville, Florida, campus. After clinching the SEC East, the Gators defeated then top-ranked Coaches' Poll.

No, as Meyer tells it, we were witnessing the greatest thing college football has ever seen from a team that lost to Ole Miss. If we let them duke it out in make-believe world, Alabamas 2009 offense would likely struggle to keep pace with the 2008 Florida Gator attack.

Well, other than that he may have murdered a dude. You won't want to miss a moment of the 2022 season! Since 1997 Gator Country's been the most trusted authority on all Florida Gators sports. Daniel Jeremiah provides his initial scouting report. There is big-time buzz about Ohio State's C.J.

That lone loss, means they couldnt possibly be better than 2009 Alabama (14-0) or the 2010 Auburn team (13-0) teams that went undefeated.

Both of these guys had Olympic type speed but could do dirty work inside before bouncing it out for chunks of yards. Im continually reminded of how awesome and deep that 2008 team was.

Add to that a full stable of big, fast wideouts including Louis Murphy, Riley Cooper, David Nelson and the mismatch-creating Aaron Hernandez. 2017 Gator Country Multimedia, Inc, All Rights Reserved. The excitement about Alabama's Will Anderson Jr. is sky-high coming off his sensational 2021 campaign. The rematch is on. Its not just that 41 of the 121 playerson the roster have been arrested, the most glaring example being erstwhile Patriots player Aaron Hernandez. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. And that was (because) animal instincts took over on the field.

Youve probably heard of Tim Tebow.Fast forward half a decade and the those Gators teams dont look too hot. They protected each other," Meyer said.

NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. Upon returning he promptly got into a training camp scuffle with teammate Cary Williams.Brandon SpikesAnd it isnt just members the Gators offense that stumbled following the championship title. The Gators made a spectacular run following that Ole Miss loss to claim a national title and the team carved out a piece of college football history for itself. Given the setting -- a motivational speech to youngsters -- a little overexuberance is to be expected of any coach. greatest thing college football has ever seen. But in 2008, with all the horses a year older, the whole gang got back together to make 2008 a season for the ages. Join the most active Gators forums and get the real inside scoop on Florida football, recruiting, basketball, baseball and all University of Florida athletics! "What he said is, 'Have you ever tried to reason with a wild animal?' If that didnt work they had mighty-mite Brandon James. The retirement didnt last, however, and the following year Meyer resigned again, only to take the head job at his alma mater, Ohio State. Photos by Getty Images | Licensed to Alpha Media Group 2013, Meyer may have helped cover up the tight ends bad behavior while at Florida. . With curled, shoulder-length locks, UCLA tight end Greg Dulcich's hairdo has drawn as much acclaim as his rise on draft boards since the conclusion of his 2021 season with the Bruins. In the end, thats all this piece may end up beinguntil I turn on the game on Sunday; or play fantasy football, or do anything else NFL. What's the book on the edge rusher heading into the '22 college football season? They protect each other. In the end, fans of college powerhouses are going to believe their version of the best team ever wouldve beaten so-and-so. Offensive coordinator Dan Mullen left to become the head coach of the Mississippi State Bulldogs at the end of the 2008 season. So, what's the book on the Kentucky quarterback? Ohio State coach Urban Meyer declared his 2008 Florida Gators the greatest college football team ever in front of a group of youth football campers over the weekend. The Dolphins Mike Pouncey, who roomed with Hernandez at Florida, remains healthy. Kidding! They closed out the season with a 4135 destruction to Michigan in the 2008 Capital One Bowl on January 1, 2008. These Gators were simply the fastest and strongest in a conference that was built on speed and strength. For what it is worth, Meyer has moved on and so have the Gators. Dont take our word for it. Ironically, their season low in points (24) came in the title game against Oklahoma.

According to Rolling Stones investigative report on the Hernandez case, Meyer may have helped cover up the tight ends bad behavior while at Florida.Aaron HernandezNot much to report here. As we head toward the 2022 college football season, the Will Levis hype train is picking up steam. In the offseason, Florida coach Urban Meyer suffered the loss of assistant coaches for the number one time in his tenure. Think about itTebow and Harvin; those guys alone had 42 ways to beat you. So, what's the book on the quarterback heading into the 2022 college football season? After routing their respective semifinal opponents, the No. He was subsequently fined by the Eagles and excused from team activities.

Daniel Jeremiah reveals his initial scouting report. In Alabamas defense, the 2009 Crimson Tide had/have a similar number of NFL talent, but the 2008 Gators were simply more dominant even with the one loss. 1 seed Alabama Crimson Tide (13-1) and No.

But it was just a piece. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience.

The 22nd pick in the 2009 NFL draft, Harvin is currently on the 60-day DL.Riley CooperThe Philadelphia Eagles receiver stirred up a shit storm of controversy in July when a video surfaced of an apparently inebriated Cooper challenging every n***er here to a fight while backstage at a Kenny Chesney concert. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. Co-recruiting coordinator and safeties coach Doc Holliday left to become an assistant at his alma mater, West Virginia, running backs coach Stan Drayton took the same job with the Tennessee Volunteers, and co-defensive coordinator and defensive breed coach Greg Mattison joined the new coaching staff of the Baltimore Ravens. The next year the teams defensive star, Brandon Spikes, received a half-game suspension for trying to gouge out an opposing players eye. From Aaron Hernandez to Tim Tebow to Maurkice Pounceys torn ACL, it makes you wonder. Gator opponents had to keep throwing that year because the Gators outscored opponents by an average of 31.8 points. Tebowmania has had mixed results in the pros, but he did win a playoff game. He was a pro sensation, at least for a season, when he improbably led the Denver Broncos into the 2011 postseason .

The 2008 Florida Gators football team represented the University of Florida in the sport of American football during the 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Still, the dude has an awesome sense of style.Urban MeyerDespite twoBCSchampionships in three years, the Gators coach announced he was taking a leave of absence after losing the 2009 SEC Championship Game to Alabama, citing chest pains, dehydration, and a desire to spend more time with his family.

Brandon Sikes was simply a beast in the middle. Jermaine Cunningham (Patriots), Jaye Howard (Seahawks), Carlos Dunlap (Bengals), Brandon Spikes (Patriots), Ahmad Black (Bucs), Joe Haden (Browns), Janoris Jenkins (Rams), Will Hill (Giants), Justin Trattou (Giants), Major Wright (Bears) and punter Chas Henry (Bucs). Nebraska team among college football's best of all time. Today, the NFL in partnership with the Senior Bowl, announced the names of players that will attend the 2022 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Combine presented by Microsoft Surface, which will be held Friday, Jan. 28 - Saturday, Jan. 29, at the University of South Alabama Jaguar Training Center in Mobile, Alabama. 2022 NFL Enterprises LLC.

Wrong. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. He rode the bench for the hapless Jets last year, was signed by the New England Patriots in the offseason, and was cut just a few weeks ago. Dunlap and Cunningham were relentless in the pass rush combining for 15.5 sacks. I know what youre thinking. Drafted by the New England Patriots in the 2010 draft, he first suffered a leaked sex tape and then a failed drug test, which saw him suspended for four games. Terms of Service - Subscriber Agreement -. 1-ranked recruit signed with the Tigers. The Gators allowed opponents 12.9 points a gamedown from the 25.5 per game they surrendered in 2007. Here are five takeaways from Wednesday's action at the Rose Bowl. For now.Percy HarvinTraded from the the Minnesota Vikings to the Seattle Seahawks in the offseason, the oft-injured former Pro Bowl-wideout tore the labrum near his hip during training camp. Either Haden or Jenkins couldve slowed down Julio Jones and made the Tide one-dimensional. If you're a wild animal, that doesn't happen. Hes out for the season. If the Gators blew you out early, you could see sophomore not-yet-ex-Gator Cam Newton taking snaps. Daniel Jeremiah provides his initial scouting report, supplying a striking NFL comparison in the process. They still found the time to put 56 on the Gamecocks in November and then put 31 on a Crimson Tide defense that featured plenty of NFL talent in the SEC Championship. The 2008 Gators defense would have their hands full with the Tides 2009 offense but a lot of those guys were still on the team in 2008 when Florida beat them. And its been downhill ever since. It was a one-point loss that spurred Timmy football to create the accord with Gator Nation called The Promise and to aid this argument; I am going to pull the NFL Card.. despite finishing the year with the leagues lowest passer rating.

", Meyer: OSU QB Miller's shoulder ahead of schedule in recovery. Consider this, 24 Gators from that 2008 team played in the National Football League, including some premier Pro Bowl talents (WR Percy Harvin, both Pouncey twins, CB Joe Haden, TE Aaron Hernandez, QB Cam Newton) and some guys that will likely make Pro Bowls in the future (DE Carlos Dunlap, CB Janoris Jenkins). Talk about a loaded squad. Stroud after his sensational first season as the Buckeyes' starter. You try to reason with a wild animal you can't reason with a wild animal. . In case youve forgotten (five years is a lifetime in football), for a while there the Urban Meyer-coached Gators dominated college football, winning titles in both 2006 and 2008, and lost the BCS championship game in 2009. He may not be able to throw a football, but we love Tim. But lets reminisce! Of course after yesterdays injury, that streak came screeching to a halt. That 2007 kind-of youngish defense gave Tebow, unfortunately, more of scoring opportunities than coach Meyer wouldve liked. Meanwhile, the Pouncey brothers got in some hot water in July for going out on the town wearing Free Hernandez caps. Thats thirteen on the offense; lets look at the defense.