Thoughts about Football: Florida 26, Miami 3

I spent the weekend in Gainesville at the University of Florida - my former home and of course my alma mater. I had a terrific weekend for a variety of reasons, including getting a chance to see Eloy Vargas and of course the Gator football team. I was able watch the individual workouts with the Gators, and I was really encouraged with where Coach Donovan has his team going. I was impressed with the freshmen, and it was really good to spend some time with Eloy. I always enjoy laughing with him, and the time we spent reminded me of the great sense of humor that Eloy has. Eloy is in good spirits following his ankle surgery, and he is showing once again just how tough a person he is by rehabbing hard and getting ready to be cleared for full contact work soon. I continue to believe in Eloy, and I know the UF coaching staff will bring the best out of him.
Following the basketball workouts we went over to the swamp and prepared for the football game of the day, as the Gators were playing rival Miami. The Hurricanes came in and played very conservatively - almost playing not to lose and keep it close until the end. The strategy kept the game tight - it was 9-3 UF heading into the 4th quarter, until the Gators opened up the lead a little bit. At the end of the game with UF leading 23-3, UF faced a fourth down deep in Miami territory. Coach Urban Meyer had a tough choice: Kick a field goal, go for the first down, or take a knee and give possession back to the opponent. Coach Meyer elected to kick the field goal, and that made the final score 26-3. At this point, UM got the ball back. And get this: The Miami coach told his team to TAKE A KNEE - down 23 points. He told them to quit.
Almost immediately Coach Shannon of UM was talking to the media and saying how his recruits were happy with the performance, and it shows how close they are to becoming the Miami of old. COACH SHANNON: Miami of old would not whine about a field goal, and Miami of old WOULD NOT TAKE A KNEE AND QUIT.
I went to high school in South Florida in the early 1990's. I watched the University of Miami dominate their opponents. I rooted for them. So while I am a Gator, and at the game I rooted for UF, I still like Miami. But come on - how can UM whine and complain about a field goal - and then take a knee?