Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Belief is back - with its new pitchman

By JOHN ROMANO
Published September 18, 2005

GAINESVILLE - He is not yet a legend.

The IQ still is a few brain waves shy of genius. He doesn't annoy with enough consistency, and has trouble gloating with a proper smirk.

On the other hand, that Urban Meyer can carry a tune.

That was the Gators coach in the far corner of Florida Field Saturday night, promoting his own tradition and singing what may become his ballad.

It was minutes after a 16-7 victory against Tennessee, and Meyer joined his team in front of the Florida band where the players belted out the alma mater. Under Meyer, this is to be customary after every victory.

And, at this rate, lip synching may no longer be necessary.

As traditions go, this one still is a few hundred kickoffs shy of entrenched. Does it seem corny? Perhaps. Is it an obvious indulgence? Surely. But there is a larger issue that should not be easily dismissed.

Along with his shotgun formation and multiple-receiver sets, Meyer has brought something else with him to Gainesville. Something just as strategic.

Meyer has set about convincing this Florida team it is part of an elite program with elite traditions and expectations. The obvious implication is elite results are expected to follow.

For the first time in years, the Gators obliged.

They won a game that mattered. A game that wasn't just for bragging rights. A game that didn't come after the league title already was decided.

For the first time since 2001, the Gators have passed a major test in September. And for the first time since the Spurrier era, they have claimed the favorite's role in the race to the Southeastern Conference title game.

"We have been waiting for such a long time," safety Jarvis Herring said. "We've been through ... many ups and downs."

If nothing else changes, if the record is not spotless and the bowl game is not a big upgrade in January, at least know this:

Meyer already has changed the standards at UF.

You heard it after the opener when he passed on the chance to praise quarterback Chris Leak. You heard it this week when he refused to act as if the Tennessee game was just another step in a long road.

Basically, what you have heard is the sound of conceit returning to Florida after a three-year hiatus.

The Gators have been searching for a way to regain their swagger. Their intimidation. The aura that disappeared sometime after the loss to Ole Miss in 2002, and hasn't been seen since.

Understand, Florida didn't beat Tennessee with sleight of hand. Neither razzle nor dazzle was involved. By the time the fourth quarter began, you would have thought Tennessee was the team with the wide-open offense.

The Gators kept the ball on the ground, and the lead gripped in both hands. It is tempting to suggest this was a three-yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust offense, except they had trouble picking up the three yards.

"We are not a great football team," Meyer said. "But that was a great win."

Florida, essentially, reversed roles Saturday night. Instead of being the more talented team that gives games away, as UF did so often the previous three years, the Gators showed just enough heart and discipline to win.

Tennessee fumbled a punt return near its own red zone. It failed on a fake punt on its 31. It had a field goal blocked.

Had the game been graded by offense and defense alone, Tennessee would have been the team at the top of the curve.

So don't get completely carried away. Florida may be on top of the division, but the Vols still may be the better team.

But, for one night, it didn't matter. It didn't matter that Meyer coached as if he had little faith in Chris Leak. It didn't matter that he called plays as if he were worried about mistakes instead of anticipating successes.

Until they find a happy medium between Leak's style and Meyer's offense, the Gators are going to have problems.

Fourth-and-inches? Couldn't pull it off.

Two possessions on turnovers inside the UT 35? Two measly field goals.

Even the simplest tasks seemed a burden. Seven times, the Gators couldn't get a snap off without a false start, motion or substitution penalty.

And yet, they avoided the big mistakes. They made plays when necessary. Leak, in particular, was at his best on third down.

When it was over, the Gators did Tennessee one better. Instead of Casey Clausen leading the UT band in Rocky Top, the entire Gator bench gathered for the alma mater chorus.

Arrogance does not have to be the way you talk. It works better in the manner in which you walk. Steve Spurrier may have made fun of opponents, but it was his lack of fear that came across to his players.

And so it is with Meyer.

He isn't just creating traditions out of thin air.

He is filling it with expectations.

[Last modified September 18, 2005, 02:15:36]