Does not Believing in Tim Tebow Make You an Atheist?

Last night featured the epic matchup of the accurate, Heisman trophy winning, epitome of consistency with quiet confidence and architectural-like precision versus the Superman, Heisman trophy winning, youngest of five children, home schooled, unquestioned greatest leader in college football, who exudes passion, fire, will, power, desire, was born in the Phillipines, lived in an orphanage and a leper colony, fed hungry children, traveled to Croatia and Thailand, has numerous children named after him, unflappable conviction in his faith and makes peoples lives better after meeting them after five minutes.

I was bashed by some friends of the blog when I stated that he'd "lived in a leper colony." They rambled on about Ben-Hur and Boy from Tarzan, but here's a clip of the video tape:

I'm not fond of young Timmy, but I do realize that much of the venom comes from a sever dislike of his coach (as a person). Urban Meyer's the Bill Belicheick of college football. Tremendous coach, but not a tremendous human being. In addition, the media adoration is too much. Only one other player's personal life was mentioned by the broadcast team during the game, and that was revolving around the unfortunate passing of that young man's mother. They had a month to prepare, but it seemed as though they only prepped the Tebow hyperbole instead of focusing on others as well. Other than covering the rehab of "the most electrifying player on the field," very little was said about Percy Harvin. Part of my issue with Tebow, is the long shadow he casts, that his teammates seem unable to emerge from, even when it's due. What Tebow does in the community is wonderful, but so is having the means to do it.

Is not spending time with less fortunate American children just as important as the work he's done? Should not Bob Stoops's team be recognized for participating in a bone marrow drive in Oklahoma with designs on helping a 10-year old girl? An effort that turned out "84 players, coaches, reporters, and athletic department staff members," (ESPN) including QB Sam Bradford. What a tremendous forum the National Championship game could have been to bring to light a serious issue in America, particularly if you're a minority like the young girl, Tallie Anderson. Minorities and individuals of mixed heritage have a very difficult time finding matches and only through increased awareness in these communities will the chances increase. As of a couple weeks ago the widespread campaign in Oklahoma proved fruitful and she was in line for a transplant.

Were it not for Coach Meyer and the media incessant affection for Mr. Tebow, it may be easier to appreciate the tremendous second half he played. He turned into Old (Heisman winner) Tebow for a drive in the third quarter and made some strong runs and completed some quality passes to lead the Gators to their go-ahead score in the 4th and to ice the game. The ever increasing question of whether or not his game translates to the pro level will haunt us all until his time in college is done. Many pundits and former coaches claim that he will be able to make the transition publicly, but I wonder if privately they'd be willing to hitch their wagon to the Tebow train. My gut tells me no. Playing well against a good marginal an Oklahoma defense, he finished with a respectable 231 yards passing. 44 yards came from screens (or RBs behind the line), 29 came from shovel passes, and 44 yards were downfield yards after catch. That leaves just 114 yards of actual downfield passes and had only one throw of longer than 20 yards. He ran their option to perfection, but having two pro players on either side of you against a college defense does make those choices a little easier. There's a place for him in the NFL, but it's not under center as a starting QB.

While Tebow, Harvin, Hernandez and everyone else on the offense not at left tackle played well, but one person that didn't: Cade Holliday. Cade's a 5'11" wide receiver who has totaled the same number of catches and yards for the Gators this season as Cleet, myself, my goldfish and my black lab. But that didn't stop Cade from embarrassing his family on national TV. Following Major Wright's bone crunching hit against Manny Johnson, Holliday's the one in the clean jersey that comes bounding in jumping over top of Johnson. Congrats Cade, you're a jackass. You may be a jackass with a ring, but you're still a jackass.

Congrats to the Gators, they're the Kings of an imperfect world, but even still they get to wear the crown, and the rest of us have to kiss the ring until next year.