Spurrrier Gone, Who Cares?

We all thought Tennessee's rivalry with Florida wouldn't survive without Steve Spurrier. 

Grossman, Weurffel, Matthews, and others came and went. But Spurrier was the name, face and voice most connected with one of college football's classic matchups. For twelve seasons, Spurrier was the thorn in UT's side; the reason for Vol fans' angst. Tennessee was 4-8 against the Gators during Spurrier's reign as the SEC's resident smart aleck.

But Spurrier left after 2001, and no one thought the series would be the same.

Enter Superman (ok, not right away, but Superman arrives when he wants to- usually when things get desperate).

Tim Tebow doesn't throw verbal barbs as well as he throws passes.  He doesn't run his mouth as well as he runs for touchdowns.  He's more respected than hated, but he's become the new source of angst for Tennessee fans in this series with Florida.

He is the reason to be concerned about Saturday.  He was the reason Florida won by thirty-nine last season. He's not Spurrier, and he may not play another game in this series.  The Vols are hoping they can end Tebow's run against Tennessee the same way Spurrier's ended, with a loss. 

See, it's still a nice rivalry.