Is Florida’s Tebow cracking under pressure?
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP)—Tim Tebow’s pursuit of perfection might be causing him to play a little tight.
Florida coach Urban Meyer said Monday his star quarterback could be putting so much pressure on himself that it’s causing the top-ranked Gators to bog down on offense, especially inside the 20-yard line.
“I would say that there’s a chance that’s true,” Meyer said. “That’s a fault of Tim that he sometimes wants to. … I do believe that’s an issue. But is it that a great issue? Now you’ve got to be able to coach through that and work through that.”
Tebow already has more turnovers (eight) through seven games than he did in all of 2007 (six) or 2008 (six), and he’s been sacked 15 times. He was sacked just 13 times in 2007 and 15 times in 14 games last season. His most glaring struggles are in the red zone.
In Southeastern Conference play, Florida (7-0, 5-0 SEC) has just seven touchdowns in 25 trips inside the 20-yard line—a 28-percent rate that is alarming. The Gators scored TDs on 27 of 37 trips (73 percent) last year and 30 of 44 trips (68 percent) in 2007.
There have been fumbles, interceptions, missed field goals, penalties and sacks. Meyer even said Monday the team made a mistake by going off the play-calling sheet in Saturday’s 29-19 win at Mississippi State.
Tebow doesn’t have any answers. He is clearly getting disheartened with his team’s offensive woes. He blew off his postgame interview session for the first time in three years in Starkville, Miss.
“It’s kind of new and it is frustrating,” Tebow said Monday. “I’m not going to lie to you and say it’s not frustrating because obviously we want to score (touchdowns) every time we get in the red zone, and the turnovers are frustrating, just things that we’re not used to doing.
“It could possibly be a good thing because that could give us a little bit of edge of, ‘Hey, we haven’t arrived and we’ve still got a lot of work to do.’ That’s something to really motivate us because that’s not us, that’s not the way we’ve always played and it’s just frustrating.”
Tebow apologized for missing the interview session, saying he wanted to spend time with family members and his former position coach, Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen. Tebow said Mullen told him to, “Just go win another title. Everything’s in front of you.”
For the defending national champions to repeat, they probably need to get better production near the goal line.
In an effort to fix the problems, Meyer kept his assistant coaches late into Sunday night to break down every red-zone snap of the season. They drew up a few new plays—maybe Tebow under center more often—and started practicing red-zone offense much earlier than normal.
Florida has taken 76 snaps inside the 20-yard line in SEC play, and the numbers offer a clear indication that something is amiss.
Tebow has carried 42 times for 76 yards and three touchdowns. He has been sacked five times and has two fumbles near the goal line, against Tennessee and Arkansas. Jeff Demps (11 carries for 57 yards and a TD), Chris Rainey (three for 12, TD) and Brandon James (one for 2) have been used considerably less.
Meyer acknowledged that the offense has been too predictable near the goal line.
Tebow also has struggled to throw the ball in the red zone. He has completed just four of 16 passes for 27 yards, with no touchdowns and an interception. Mississippi State returned the pick 100 yards for a score.
His numbers are even worse when analyzing 29 snaps inside the 10. Tebow has carried 16 times for 19 yards, with three touchdowns and a fumble. He has completed just one pass for 5 yards, with an interception. The one completion? It was a short pass to Aaron Hernandez, who fumbled.
“Tim Tebow is not playing at his highest level,” Meyer said. “He’s playing as hard as he ever can. But it’s a multitude of stuff. We’ve got to do a better job of getting him in successful positions, and everybody else has to pick up their level of play.”
The Gators will try to do things better Saturday against rival Georgia in Jacksonville.
The Gators are still undefeated and lead the SEC in scoring offense, rushing offense and total offense. But those numbers include lopsided wins against Charleston Southern and Troy to start the season. Anyone who has watched Florida in against SEC foes Tennessee, LSU, Arkansas and Mississippi State would know something’s not right.
“I feel like every game we go into is going to be a championship-caliber game,” defensive lineman Terron Sanders said. “Everybody is going to bring their best and we’ve seen it. We don’t see it letting up any time soon.”
Is all that pressure getting to Tebow? He did open fall practice talking about wanting to lead Florida to its first perfect season.
“I don’t think it’s getting to me,” Tebow said. “Do I have a lot of pressure on me? Do I put pressure on me? Yeah. I put a lot more pressure than y’all could possibly put on me, so I don’t think that’s getting to me. I think just wanting to excel, wanting everything to be right. Yeah, that is frustrating not doing it, but I think that would have been every year, not just this year.”
3917 Comments
1 - 25 of 3917
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
With your argument all your games would be cupcakes and would not that be interesting.
Locking this place up and getting out of here -------------later
Been fun.
Roll Tide............................................just one at a time
Report Abuse
Roll Tide.......................................................just one at a time
Report Abuse
Get your facts straight. The NCAA has ZERO control of schedules. Athletic Directors enter into binding contracts years in advance.
You have really drank the kool-Aid. Florida is doing Louisiana-Monroe a favor in playing the game! Yes, smaller programs do need the money, but you honestly believe someone is making Florida play "sisters of the poor". Talk about blinders!
If Florida could be "made" to play anybody - it would TV network pressure to play REAL games. Nobody tells Urban Meyer who he will and who he won't play!
Report Abuse
You can't admit the obvious! Urban Meyer and Nick Saban would admit the Pac-10 teams schedule tougher non conference games! And yes, even with your logic, San Diego State, Idaho and San Jose State play Division 1 football. Charleston Southern, the Citadel and Florida A&M - you tell me!
I'm sorry that you can't get beyond your arguments and consider "facts". It's sad that Florida fans accept paying top dollar for scrimages! I honestly believed even the biggest gator apoligists would prefer Florida/USC or Florida/Texas ever decade or so!
The "tide" is turning(no pun intended). Slowly, voters are considering strength of schedule - your Ok this year because of the "gift" of pre-season perceptions! If you don't believe me, ask Auburn! I guess, the Citadel and every Louisiana school except LSU on your schedule can have its drawbacks!
Report Abuse
How is 7th grade history going for you. You were failing last time you checked in.
Listen little ricky z, just because Rick Sr. and Zelda his sister are your parents you don't have to keep calling people inbreds. You may feel better ,but it is quite insulting for the rest of the folks.
I know you wish Iowa was getting more love but it ain't gonna happen. You play too soft a schedule. Go back to class now and study hard because we don't want you to repeat the 7th grade again. Even in the corn fields up there ,it is frowned upon.
Roll Tide...............................................just one at a time
Report Abuse
Yeah, I get the fact that you are a "fan' and support your team. Congragulations!
Report Abuse
Get all the facts, retarded SEC inbreds!
Report Abuse
You also mentioned Masoli from Oregon... reasonable candidates but I still beg to differ. When you look at Tebow's body of work, I don't believe Locker or Masoli would have had the same success (2 NCs and possible a 3rd, 1 Heisman and lots of other awards as well) - that's just my opinion and I'm entitled to it! Ha!
Yes - I like Locker - he can throw and he's fast, but that doesn't mean he makes those short yardage first downs with near the efficiency that Tebow does. That has been a huge part of the Gator's success these past several years! Locker has a strong arm but his completion percentage is not really great either (~58%). He is a pass-first, run-second guy, which will probably translate better in the pros also. But I'm not talking about pro ball in this discussion.
You absolutely have to evaluate the stats but cannot disregard the intangibles - Tebow is a great leader and motivator - period! I have no doubt he raises the level of performance of his team mates. And if others disagree, hey - no problem... But please recognize that Tebow has a target on his back every single down - that's a fact. He is missing Harvin, Murphy and Mullen for sure and perhaps he is holding the ball too long as well. But the O-line is not as good this year either - pass blocking or run blocking... definitely not blowing defenses off the line the way they did last year. Fla has a great defense and I think that has absolutely changed the offensive game plan - much more conservative which also means much more predictable. Very unimpressive play calling in my estimation, most of which comes from the new OC - hard to blame Tebow for that (but I'm sure the haters will anyway ...)
I do thinkTebow is having a down season to date, certainly when compared to previous years. But they're still undefeated with a good chance to go all the way (and that 10 point win over Tenn looks a lot stronger now than it did a few weeks ago, doesn't it Tide fans?)... Let's see what happens when LSU play Bama next week - may shed more light on Fla's true "strength".
Not to make excuses, but I will also say I believe the concussion has had some negative effect in his performance in the past few games as well. Let's see how the season (and stats) play out before passing final judgement. I say they air it out this weekend and crush Ga, but in an intense rivalry game, anything can happen... and probably will! If the offense opens it up and stops playing "not to lose", then I think we will see a dramatic improvement of Tebow's stats by season's end.
Carrol P. - you ask why the Gators were ranked #1 preseason. Well they returned every defensive starter and also had most of their offense intact as well. You win the NC last year and return almost every starter, you get the nod at the beginning of the season.
Peace out
Report Abuse
When I look at other teams in Pac-10 the play Idaho St and San Diego State. Is that not padding the schedule?
I think people grade the SEC higher because of the coaches, many of them have conference and national championships to their name and the atheletes.
Report Abuse
Roll Tide...............................just one at a time
Report Abuse
To be overrated you have to be rated at something higher than your ability to accomplish it Florida is the current National Champion (SEC) and that is the highest you can be rated in the NCAA - you cannot go higher. Till someone comes along a beats an SEC team and wins the National Championship by definition alone the SEC in not and cannot be overrated. Get use to it or beat us, it is that simple.
God, I love America
Roll Tide.......................................just one at a time
Report Abuse
You sound open minded and intelligent but please - your "rationale' that SEC teams are helping the Louisiana-Monroes survive is silly! Why don't Ohio State, Oklahoma and USC have similar concerns? Do you honestly believe Urban Meyer gives a "rats ass" about Louisiana Monroe? Some programs desire competition and want to give their fan base "real" games. College football is better served by real, competitive non conference games. Tell it like it is, Florida will sellout, no matter who it plays. There roadmap to the National Championship game is weak pre-season games, and concentrate on 3 or 4 tough SEc games a year. Urban Meyer would probably admit as much.
You are correct, we will always disagree, but your main arguments are always based on opinions, I am trying to offer you "concrete' reasons why this years perceptions are based on MYTH! Nothing on the field has been very impressive in the SEC!
Report Abuse
You are "difficult" to argue with because you never consider "my perspective". Get off your "high horse!" Your assuming that the bottom 1/3 of the SEC is tougher than the bottom 1/3 of the Pac-10. Sorry, nothing backs up that assumption!
No one is saying the SEC doesn't have great coaches and certainly, I am not saying that any team in either conference is capable of upsetting superior opponents.
I have asked a few simple questions that you fail to respond to! Are you a politician or do you honestly believe Florida would go undefeated it it played USC's or Oklahoma's schedule?
Yeah, Vandy beat a "bad" Bama team - so what! Utah beat a good Bama team and although I enjoyed that win - I am not going to say Utah is better than Bama.
You make my points for me. Rather than argue some simple facts - you fall back into myth, created by the media that the SEC is superior EVERY year! Nothing that has happened THIS year would lead any sensible, opem minded person, into the possibility that the SEC is overrated.
Report Abuse
Number 1 - Rankings are an opinion based on talent, coaching, recuiting and last years schedule. Someone has to do it and it is always open to debate untill after mid-season. You then get a better idea base on strength of schedule and wins and loses.
Number 2 - College Football is a business and the "have not" schools need the powerhouse schools on their schedule to get much needed revenue or their programs could fold. ie the cupcakes you see here and there on everyones schedule are there for revenue. It is what it is.
Number 3 . You are right, we will never know. All you can do is play the schedule you are given and do the best you can. There is still no sure things. Example
Lousiana- Monroe beat my Tide team at our home in 07. Now that was embarrassing.
Number 4- Without a Playoff System it will always be an opinion and mine might be totally different than yours. The system is what it is and the Crimson Tide is #2 this week and we are quiet proud thankyou!
Roll Tide.......................................just one at a time
Report Abuse
Statistic - Washington won ONE National Championship as an undefeated that was SHARED. MANY SEC Teams have won numerous NCs that were not and in other words aren'y TAINTED like the ONE your constantly refer to... In other words, that one is relatively meaningless in conmparison.
Statistic - Washington has the highest recorded decible level at a game at 133. By who? How was it recoreded? And the fact is that many many many games in the SEC are never 'recorded' nor do they need be. SEC Stadiums on a whole are louder for cupcake games than Husky Stadium llikely has been for rivalry games for years! If you actually believe Husky Stadium is more intimadating than Death Valley at night, Sanford, The Swamp or Birmingham, then you're just plain clueless!
Statistic - Tebow's number blow just about any QBs out of the water, his leadership is unparalleled, but you seem to BELIEVE that some unknown named Lockler is BETTER! Only in your demented mind that is! Stafford is and will be a better QB than whatshimname will ever be. Why, because at this time it's all conjecture you twit! LOL!
Yeah, maybe Dawgmeat is a regular guy all in all. But, he makes more blathering noise than sense...
Report Abuse
So now tell me about USC is fearing Wash St, Washington (Univ of Washington, that is) and Stanford?
Report Abuse
Then again, ask Barry Switzer how he did in any bowl game when he faced an opponent that had the capability of making the Sooners pass the football!
Report Abuse
I'm arguing against the air!
Report Abuse
What are you talking about? Are you telling me Miss St, Vandy, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Ole Miss are great teams year in an out!
Great point Savageman, Pete Carroll looks at his Pac-10 schedule and sees one guaranteed win(the last 2 years) Washington St.. C'mon dude, even the biggest SEC zealot knows the Pac-10 conference is good - top to bottom!
Besides, these schedules are made years in advance. Pretty good chance Sc knows Ohio State, Arkansas, and Notre Dame are quality non-conference opponents. I guessing Urban Meyer isn't fearing Charleston Southern in 2009 or 2019!
You are so "fixed" in your mindset that you admit NOTHING!
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Washington has sucked for "more than a decade". this is 2009 .... a decade is 10 years ..... so more than a decade would mean that Washington has sucked since AT LEAST 1998. would you mind explaining then ...... how Washington was 11-1 and #3 in the country in 2000 ????? 2000 is after 1998, yes ? not only were they 11-1 and #3 in the country .... but they handed the #2 team in the country their only loss of the season. that team was Miami .... the same team that beat the sh*t out of Florida in the Sugar Bowl that season.
you post nothing but pure bullsh*t ...... im not wasting any more of my time schooling you. you have lost your right to communicate with me.
Report Abuse
Please tell me why Florida deserves to be ranked ahead of TCU, Cinncinnatti, VT, USC, Iowa or Oregon? Who did they beat? The games should matter. Florida started the year number one based purely on reputation! Why does anything that happened in 2008 matter in 2009?
Please answer my question!
Report Abuse
1 - 25 of 3917