G
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For S's and G's
http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2008/12/03/3831821.htm1. Urban Meyer is aiming for his first national title
It was Chris Leak's team, yes, but if Tebow in his backup role doesn't run for that famous first down on fourth-and-1 against Tennessee in 2006, the Gators would have finished without a national championship.
2. The SEC's reputation wouldn't be as strong
Either Ohio State or Michigan would have been a national champion in 2006 because of the Gator-less BCS title picture. The Big Ten wouldn't be the same perceived cupcake because OSU would have one embarrassing loss to an SEC team in a national title game instead of two.
3. Mike Shula would still be Alabama's coach
Tebow would have been the Tide's starting quarterback as a freshman. With the Tide coach coming off a Cotton Bowl win, he would have avoided that 6-7 season in 2006 that got him fired.
4. Nick Saban never goes to Alabama
Saban sticks it out with the NFL's Miami Dolphins and avoids what became a 1-15 season in 2007, or he jumps back into the college game at . . . Michigan to replace Lloyd Carr, who retires gracefully.
5. Lane Kiffin isn't coach at Tennessee
The ex-Oakland Raiders coach becomes Washington's coach instead of being introduced by Tennessee to replace Phil Fulmer. And instead of going to Michigan in 2007, West Virginia's Rich Rodriguez gets the Volunteers job and avoids the messy divorce with the Mountaineers.
6. Tebow doesn't have a Heisman . . . yet
Alabama builds its offense around his talents, but he doesn't put up the numbers he did in Meyer's spread offense to become the first sophomore in history to win the award. But after leading the 2008 Tide to a 12-0 record and an SEC West crown, he's a serious Heisman contender as a junior.
7. Jevon Snead is a Gators star
Snead would flourish as the second-year starter in Meyer's offense instead of going to Texas and transferring to Ole Miss. Snead was Plan B if Tebow had gone to 'Bama. Instead of playing for the Rebels, Snead would be preparing for Alabama's defense this week with a chance to solidify Heisman hopes.
8. The Gators would be undefeated
With the savvy Snead not a Rebel, Ole Miss wouldn't have left The Swamp as a one-point winner in September. Though like Alabama, the Gators would squeak through the rest of the SEC schedule, barely unscathed. Without Tebow, there was no impassioned postgame speech and less motivation for blowouts.
9. Alabama isn't a 10-point underdog
Vegas odds opened this week with the Gators as double-digit favorites, but 'Bama might dominate the spreads with Tebow under center.
10. Saturday's game isn't as good
Reality is so much better. Saban vs. Meyer is more intriguing. And, 'Bama might not have had the same tough identity and swagger on defense they carry into every stadium these days.