Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel was the speaker at the Pinellas County
Gator Club kickoff get together yesterday. He's a pretty funny guy with lots
of self-deprecating jokes about his height ("People say I look taller in the
paper"), which he only disclosed as "taller than Terry Bowden." He told
about covering high school sports for the Gainesville Sun when Will Muschamp
played on the varsity as an 8th grader for Oak Hall. Bianchi said he picked
him as "player of the week," which was no doubt crucial to Muschamp's future
success. He described Muschamp as "a young Bob Stoops," said it will take
him a year or two to get the offense in place. Predicted Brantley will do
better and, assuming he does, that the Gators will win eight or nine games
this year. Offensive and defensive line depth obviously a concern. Said the
team chemistry will be better this year. On FSU-Said worst thing for Gator
plans was getting rid of Bobby Bowden. "Now you've got a guy whose head
set's actually hooked up." Said FSU should run roughshod through the ACC
this year and Miami will be a nonfactor. Said he hopes Miami doesn't get the
death penalty. Talked about Shapiro's bounty on Tim Tebow. "He's in prison
now, but you know he's going straight to hell for that." Said Tebow could be
president some day (of the United States.)We had a good time. The basic atmosphere--Fans are looking forward to the start of the season with more of a laid-back, have-a-good-time outlook--high hopes, but low expectations. -- Helen Huntley (727) 823-3801 www.helenhuntley.com -- GATORS: ONE VOICE ON SATURDAY - NO VOICE ON SUNDAY! 1996 National Football Champions | 2006 National Basketball Champions 2006 National Football Champions | 2007 National Basketball Champions 2008 National Football Champions | Three Heisman Trophy winners: Steve Spurrier (1966), Danny Wuerffel (1996), Tim Tebow (2007) - Visit our website at www.gatornet.us
