DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Tailgate Forum Going to AZ??

***SHaMeLeSS BuMP*** <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Actually, 20 days, 23 hours, 8 mins to go! Anyone new going??

No go for a ticket for me, grrr, my wifes bitch step-mother got pissed when he was going to buy a ticket for me,, *censored* *censored* damn *censored* <img src="/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />
Guess I am going to have to try my luck or resort to Plan B. Sneak in!

WOOOOO!!!!!!!!

Ahhhhhhh that sucks man. I was looking for a thread saying you got the ticket, but didn't see any. Then I saw this. Well you never know. See what you can get outside the stadium at the last minute. Someone will be willing to give up the tix at gametime at a decent price if they can't sell them.

I can't wait to go! <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I know, I was very disappointed but I should have known better than to get my hopes up <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Ohh well, my plan is to wait till halftime at least and go from there. My buddy told me there is usualy a big party outside the stadium so I know it will be fun regardless. Even if I can just go in when the game is over to take pictures I am happy!

Oh, no doubt. Just being there will be a blast I'm sure. Maybe you can repel the building and get in through the roof. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

hehe, thats Plan C, the sneak in plan <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Well im small enough! I plan on Lee sneaking me into some one's purse! Once inside grab someones ticket stub's come back and get Lee in ! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

As long as you ain't taking my ticket!

**BuMP to see if anyone else is going**

So I have been looking for tickets right, looks like the cheapest I found on E-Bay avg $700+ a seat <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> I even saw one auction some idiot is trying to get $12,000 for 4 seats <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> A lot of the same people selling multiple seats, I HATE that <img src="/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

I am hoping since I leave the day of I can get some last gasp tries with someone local to AZ, or I will wait till 2nd half and get in that way. By that time I should be able to find something a lot better,,hopefully <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

The manager of the Browns Backer's bar here is going and has tickets <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> I told him you and I might have to knock him over the head and take them <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> He just laugh'ed.

"Hey whats that?" :boom: frying pan to the head <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

ONE WEEK TO GO!!!!!!!! WOOOO! GO BUCKEYES!

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You are going out there without tickets?? <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Do you have a room boked, or are you planning to sleep 60 miles away?

i have had my room and flight since the Michigan game. No game ticket yet <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> i plan on getting one out there hopefully.

Good luck. For a game like this I wouldn't plan on finding people with tickets after the game starts. If you don't have one by kick-off, your chances are pretty slim.

Some tips

Start looking the night before. You might be best served to wear neutral colors as well. You might run into a Gator fan looking to unload a seat who might not want to sell to a Buck fan.

By the way....what is your top dollar? The first few people you approach, tell them what you are willing to pay since it prevents you wasting valuable time looking at tickets you don't stand a chance of getting.

If you have a top dollar, you might as well pay it to get a seat.
That way you can become a seller and make a little more, and work your way up that way.

The demand will be high, so sellers won't be looking to cut deals. If someone is holding 1 or two near kick-off, he will be swamped with buyers around him...almost an auction, which is never good.

If $500 is you limit, say so.

If less, be ready for people to give you funny looks as they turn and walk away.

Hey if you want we have one extra ticket to the BCS sponsored pregame party outside the stadium. Both teams bands will be there with cheerleaders, cash bars, foot, etc. Its all you if you are riding solo and want to join us.

Yeah that might be good, I was thinking on getting one off e-bay maybe. That could be good, thx.

Yeah Peen, I have a set limit, not sure how much yet but I will make it known. Since I am flying out gameday morning I was hoping I could maybe find someone local for a last minute sale of some kind. If not I was going to hope after kickoff but you might be right and a game like this it might be impossible <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> I was told I would have a ticket but they decided to make a profit vs selling to me <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

I bet you end up finding something. From what I have been seeing, prices are going down a bit <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I hope so. Last time I checked they were avg $500-$700 a pop I plan on really hitting e-bay the night before.
Some jerk was trying to sell 4 @ $20,000 <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Remind me to make sure I give everyone my cell so we all can hook up and get annihalated drunk hehe <img src="/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Mon
Jan 8 Sunny
70?/38? 10%
-3 Moderate Might want to bring somthing warm for the game <img src="/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

It's only going to be friken 38 at night? <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />
Man HORSE*****! hehe, and here I was expecting to be able to wear shorts to the game, damn desert!

I can't wait! I'm pumped up, but a little nervous leaving the baby home. She was just released from the hospital last night. Has RSV (a respiratory virus). She hasn't been eating hardly at all. I hope she's better before I go so I'm not worrying the whole time.

Speaking of the game, I gotta start packing tonight. We're leaving about 7am Saturday morning for Columbus.

[color:"red"] O-H! [/color]

No way I could leave my wife and a newborn at home.


But....that's just me.

The wife, yeah I can leave for a few days, but Kenleigh is gonna be tough for a few days. Sure I'll miss my wife, but my baby girl will be tough. My father-in-law is basically paying for a majority of the trip, and it's a once in a lifetime thing. I'll miss the heck out of Kenleigh. The timing just sucks because she's been sick. RSV is a 7-10 day virus and has to run its course. It's been 6 days now, and she is sounding less congested. Much better than the last few days, but still sounds a little stuffy and is coughing. The cough is more frequent, but the rattling in her chest is pretty much gone. I think by this weekend she'll be pretty much over it.

I don't want the trip ruined because I'm worrying about her, so I'm hoping she's feeling fine by then. Poor little Peanut! I feel so bad for her <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> She's been through so much in her 7 months since she was born and still has a lot more to go through between her poor feeding habits and weight gain and her surgery to fix her abdominal defect.

Yeah I know I started thinking about what I need to bring and looked at the baby and got sad, but I have busted my ass lately and I so need a few days away. Classes start up again and my work told me I am working 50 hour weeks in a few weeks, before that all begins again I need a few days to have fun. The wife encouraged me to go and my crazy mother-in-law is flying up from Florida to help out while I am gone. I will miss them too but like you said, this may never happen again.

017, you especially need a little break man,you have been thru a lot. I hope she feels better real soon! Sounds like she is so thats great! Mine kept me up all night but thank God I only have to go in for 4 hours which is going to be spent prob talking about Sophie hehe (I work with all women in the office) <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Yeah, my father-in-law told me today that I deserve this vacation after what we've been through since this summer, even though I'm gonna miss Kenleigh until Wednesday morning. Now the poor wife needs one. <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

T minus 9 1/2 hours until I leave for the trip!

Off to Arizona! Getting ready to leave now to drive to Columbus.

[color:"red"] Go Buckeyes!!!!!!![/color]

Have a safe trip.

GO GATORS!! <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Ha! Thanks.

Go Bucks! <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

WOOO! GO BUCKS!

Less than 48 hours for me, WooHoo! <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

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I'm off to Hopkins!!! GO BUCKEYES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Im off in an hour Go BUCKS!!!!!!!!! <img src="/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

I am here...we got in last night. It will be alot of fun tonight GO BUCKS!!!

By Franz Beard
GatorCountry.com Managing Editor
Posted Jan 7, 2007

SCOTTSDALE, AZ --- Fortunately, most of Gator Nation stopped listening to the incessant rantings of ESPN's male model, Herbie, about six weeks ago. He's ranted. He's raved. He's darn near certifiable. But, he has convinced the Buckeyes that they're invincible and most of the nation believes that Florida doesn't have a chance to win Monday night in the Tostitos National Championship Game.

Herbie's not the only one that thinks the Gators are in deepest and darkest linguine. If you ask the media folks that are gathered here in record numbers, it's either Ohio State winning a respectable, hard fought game or Ohio State destroying the Gators in a fashion similar to the last time Florida ventured into the Valley of the Sun. I could have gone all day without mentioning Nebraska but from a historical context, it had to be done. Anyway, outside of some of the Florida writers that feel an obligation to go with the Gators, you won't find too many that think Florida is going to win it.
The Buckeye believers will tell you that Ohio State has everything needed to win it big from best players to best coaching to a been there, done that attitude since they've basically lived in Arizona for the post season the last four years. They are 12-0 and other than close encounters with the Fighting Zookers and Michigan in the game that allowed the nation to crown Lloyd Carr as the biggest whiner since Floyd the Barber was retired along with most of The Andy Griffith Show cast, the Buckeyes have taken care of business with a certain amount of panache.

You take a walk in Old Town Scottsdale, where a majority of the emporiums that sell adult beverages are catering to scarlet and grey clad folks --- many of whom have mastered the art of puking their guts out on the sidewalk --- and the arrogance will astound you. Ask an Ohio State fan if Florida can win this game and they act as if it is the most ludicrous thought that has ever crossed their minds. This isn't isolated. This is 90 percent. Or more.

This is also where I'll differ with those fine folks from Columbus and the Ohio hinterlands. Not only do I think Florida CAN win the game, I think Florida WILL win the game.

Oh, I know. Some of you are already saying, no surprise there, it's my job to write that the Gators are going to win. Edgar Thompson of the Palm Beach Post said I would take the Gators against an entire Panzer Division.

Welll, here's a little surprise for you. I'm picking the Gators to win because I've actually watched Ohio State on video tape. I've got eight games on tape and I've studied them for more hours than I care to admit. I think the Buckeyes are good. I think they're very, very good, in fact. But, I think LSU is better and Florida beat LSU. I do not believe Ohio State could beat LSU. I think Auburn's defense would shut the Buckeyes down. Because Auburn's very pedestrian offense would have trouble moving on a front four made up of Hollywood Bob, Big Money, Major Gator and me, I would pick Ohio State to win that game but by a score of 14-10 or something of that nature. I think the defenses at Alabama and Georgia would give Ohio State fits.

Now, Florida lost to Auburn thanks to a second half meltdown on offense, but the Florida defense didn't give up an offensive touchdown in that game. Those same LSU Tigers that put up 41 points on Charlie Cheeseburger and the Domers --- and let's face it, if LSU hadn't jacked around for 30 minutes it would have been 42-7 at the HALF --- scored 10 points on the Gators.

For all the talk about Ted Ginn and Antonio Gonzalez --- and they're good … really, really good --- I can't say that they're better than Dwayne Bowe, Craig Davis and Early Doucet at LSU. Nor can I say they're better than Robert Meachem, Jayson Swain and Bret Smith at Tennessee or DJ Hall and Keith Brown at Alabama or Sidney Rice and Kenny McKinley at South Carolina or Earl Bennett and Marlon White at Vanderbilt.

For all the talk about Antonio Pittman and Chris Wells --- and they're good … really, really good --- they aren't even in the same league with Darren McFadden and Felix Jones at Arkansas.

For all the talk about the huge offensive line at Ohio State --- and they're big … they're really, really big --- the offensive lines at Arkansas and LSU were every bit as big and you could make an argument that they're every bit as talented.

For all the talk about the Ohio State defense --- and they're good … they're really, really good --- are they as good as the defenses at LSU, Auburn, Alabama, Georgia and Florida State? Maybe as good, but better? I don't think so.

So add all these factors together and what do you get? You get a team that the Florida Gators are certainly very capable of beating. The Buckeyes are not invincible. Good? Absolutely. Well coached? Definitely. But compare them to some of the teams that Florida has already played and beaten and there is not a significant difference.

Could Ohio State blow the Gators' doors off Monday night? It could happen although I don't think it will.

Could Florida blow Ohio State's doors off Monday night? It could happen although I don't think that will, either.

I do think Florida can win the game. I do believe Florida will win the game. I believe it will happen because I think Florida has several factors in its favor that can't be discounted.

1. THE LAST LINE OF DEFENSE: That's The Eraser. Reggie Nelson. I understand completely that Troy Smith won the Heisman Trophy. He had a great year for the team that Herbie anointed as the second coming of Nebraska '95 and he won the Heisman fair and square. If we were picking teams and I had first pick, I would pick Reggie Nelson. That's no offense to Troy Smith, who I think is the best quarterback the Gators will face this year, but I just think Reggie Nelson is a better football player and I think his impact on this game will be more significant. Reggie Nelson gives Florida's corners the confidence that they can make plays because they know The Eraser will do what he does if they make a mistake and that's erase. I think Reggie Nelson is going to have the game of his life in memory of his mama. I think Reggie Nelson is going to be the MVP of this football game.

2. THE DALLAS BAKER FACTOR: I believe that he is going to earn himself at least a million more dollars Monday night. I don't think Ohio State has anyone that can cover him one-on-one. Of course, nobody has covered him one-on-one this year. Those 56 catches for 897 yards and nine touchdowns were all against double teams. He'll get his catches and look for him to come up big in the red zone where he'll prove to be the tallest and most physical receiver the Buckeyes have faced this year, but his greatest value will be the fact he commands the double team. Single coverage is suicide. Double cover him and you have to single cover Jemalle Cornelius, Cornelius Ingram and Bubba Caldwell.

3. THE PERCY HARVIN FACTOR: Trust me, folks, now that he's healthy, you'll see the offense you were hoping to see the whole season. You saw it in the first half against FSU. You saw it against Arkansas. Now you'll get to see it on the big stage. Okay, you double up on Dallas. You've got to do that. You double up on Percy. You've got to do that, too. But what happens when Percy goes in motion? What happens when he moves to tailback? What happens when you line him up out wide on the same side with Dallas? Oops.

4. THE CI FACTOR: I think he has a HUGE game. I think he comes up big the way he came up against Arkansas. I know they don't have a linebacker that can cover him and if they bring in another corner or safety to try, then that's only going to open it up for the running game. Oh my. Isn't that why we run the spread in the first place?

5. SPECIAL SPECIAL TEAMS: They have come up big all year long and I believe they do it again. I do not believe Ohio State has faced a team that will bring the pressure on the punter that Florida does. If they max protect, then Brandon James will bust one. If they don't max protect, then Jarred Fayson or Reggie Nelson or Jemalle Cornelius will get a punt.

6. THE WILL TO WIN: Somehow, someway, these Gators keep finding ways to win. Some folks say Florida wins ugly. Well, I say ugly is a beautiful thing if you win. I'd rather win ugly than lose pretty. I believe if this settles in to an old-fashioned duke it out slugfest that the Florida Gators have the street toughness and the stay on your feet instincts to win the football game. I believe they can take a standing eight count and come back to deliver the knockout. Everything I've seen of them this year tells me they can do it. I believe they do it Monday night.

Now, don't get me wrong. Ohio State is a good team, a most worthy opponent and definitely deserving to be in this game. But, does that mean I think they win the game? No way. I think Florida can. I think Florida will.

I wonder what Herbie will say if that happens?

Corralling a championship: A look at the matchups
By Mike Huguenin

The Orlando Sentinel

(MCT)

WHEN THE GATORS HAVE THE BALL

FLORIDA QB CHRIS LEAK VS. OHIO STATE MLB JAMES LAURINAITIS Leak is graduating with a ton of school records, somewhat amazing considering he has had three offensive coordinators and currently is in an offense that he really doesn't fit. For the Gators to win Monday night, Leak must be at his best. He can't make bad decisions or float long balls out there.

He has to be quick and decisive in his reads as a runner and a passer and hit some big plays in the passing game. He also obviously needs to avoid throwing interceptions. The Gators can live with one pick; they don't want him throwing two or three.

Laurinaitis, a sophomore whose dad was a successful pro wrestler known as "Animal," is a first-year starter who has had a monster season (100 tackles, four sacks, five interceptions) and won the Nagurski Award as the nation's best defensive player. He has had four games with double-figure tackles and moves well laterally. He moved to the middle from outside in the preseason and still is learning the intricacies of playing the run from the middle. He has excellent coverage skills.

__

FLORIDA RUSH OFFENSE vs. OHIO STATE RUSH DEFENSE

Despite not having a dominant tailback, UF averages 160.3 rushing yards per game. It helps, of course, that backup QB Tim Tebow is like a fullback and that WRs Percy Harvin and Andre Caldwell are proficient at running reverses and the like. Starting TB DeShawn Wynn, an Ohio native, should be 100 percent for the first time since the opener and he's a tough between-the-tackles runner. A healthy Wynn gives UF an added running dimension. Still, don't expect a lot of big gainers against the Buckeyes, who allow just 93.5 yards per game and have given up only six rush TDs. The tough defense starts with Ts Quinn Pitcock and David Patterson, and SS Brandon Mitchell is an able run-support guy. Ohio State has allowed a team to rush for more than 100 yards just once in the past six games (Michigan, with 130, and three rushing TDs).

ADVANTAGE: Ohio State.

FLORIDA PASS OFFENSE vs. OHIO STATE PASS DEFENSE

If Florida is to win this game, this is where it must happen. The Gators had success in the air against everybody but Auburn. Five Gators have at least 25 receptions, and Ohio State hasn't faced a team with this many good receivers. Look for UF to try to pick on Buckeyes nickel back Donald Washington, who has just one pass breakup this season. TE Cornelius Ingram has become a more important part of the offense as the season has progressed. The biggest question: Will UF QB Chris Leak have enough time to get the ball to his playmakers? Ohio State has 37 sacks, and UF has allowed 22. The Buckeyes get a nice push up the middle from DT Quinn Pitcock (eight sacks). Foes have completed 57.1 percent of their throws against the Buckeyes, who have 21 picks and have done an excellent job of preventing big pass plays. UF will like its chances if it can consistently get the ball to its wideouts.

ADVANTAGE: Florida.

---

WHEN THE BUCKEYES HAVE THE BALL

OHIO STATE QB TROY SMITH VS. FLORIDA FS REGGIE NELSON

There's a reason Smith won the Heisman: He had a phenomenal season (2,507 passing yards, 30 TDs, five picks, 67.0 completion percentage). He'll be the best quarterback Florida has seen this season, and the Gators cannot allow him to take over the game with his arm. Smith, a fifth-year senior, has good mobility, understands the offense, has reined in some of his wilder tendencies and has a ton of talent around him. Most important, he knows how to utilize that talent.

Nelson, a junior from Palm Bay, Fla., may be the best defensive back in UF history despite becoming a full-time starter just this season. He has tremendous speed, understands pursuit angles, has a knack for the big play and packs a wallop. UF needs him to basically control half the field on each Ohio State play Monday night.

OHIO STATE RUSH OFFENSE VS. FLORIDA RUSH DEFENSE

Buckeyes TB Antonio Pittman gets overshadowed by some skill-position teammates, but he and backup Chris Wells form a solid duo. Pittman has the toughness to run between the tackles but also the speed to get quickly into the secondary. He had seven 100-yard games, including 110 against Penn State (ninth nationally in rush defense at 87.8 ypg) and 139 against Michigan (first in rush defense at 43.0 ypg). The Gators must play well in this area, or it could get ugly. UF led the SEC and was sixth nationally in rush defense (74.5 ypg) and allowed just seven rushing TDs. Only four teams broke the 100-yard barrier, and no opponent ran for more than 135. LBs Earl Everett (South Sumter) and Brandon Siler (Evans) have good speed and instincts, and are sure tacklers. SS Tony Joiner has been big in run support. UF needs DTs Joe Cohen and Steve Harris, who has come on of late, to play well.

ADVANTAGE: Florida.

OHIO STATE PASS OFFENSE vs. FLORIDA PASS DEFENSE

This is the area where Ohio State coaches have to be thinking they can dominate - and an area UF coaches are hoping doesn't suffer a meltdown. Ohio State has an excellent trio of receivers in Ted Ginn Jr., Anthony Gonzalez and Brian Robiskie (a combined 138 catches for 22 TDs). UF has seen speedier trios (LSU's) and more physical trios (Tennessee's). But what the Gators haven't seen is a quarterback this good. Troy Smith carved up secondaries all season, and other than Ryan Smith (eight picks), this UF secondary has a glaring hole at cornerback. Starter Reggie Lewis and nickel back Tremaine McCollum can expect a barrage of passes their way. Florida needs FS Reggie Nelson, as usual, to take away half the field. It also needs a consistent pass rush from Es Derrick Harvey (seven sacks) and Jarvis Moss (five). Expect some occasional blitzes. Ohio State has allowed just 14 sacks.

FLORIDA SPECIAL TEAMS VS. OHIO STATE SPECIAL TEAMS

K Chris Hetland has been awful (4-of-13) and you have to wonder if he'd even get a chance to attempt a kick longer than 40 yards. P Eric Wilbur is solid, one reason UF has allowed just 58 punt-return yards total this season. PR Brandon James (11.6 per return) can score at any time, but James and Kestahn Moore have done nothing as kick returners. UF's kick-coverage unit has been good.K Aaron Pettrey (8-of-11) has a strong leg (two field goals of 50-pus yards) and is a weapon on kickoffs. P A.J. Trapasso is solid, and the Buckeyes' coverage units have been stellar. Ted Ginn Jr. is an exciting return man, especially on punts (11.1 average). Still, his kick-return average is a nothing-special, 20.4 yards. Ohio State will have a huge advantage if this one comes down to a field goal.

ADVANTAGE: Ohio State.

A SHERIFF IN THE SECONDARY

This game has a lot of interesting subplots, but one overriding theme for Florida is that FS Reggie Nelson must play well. He was a first-team All-American for his play this season, but this will be his first game since his mom died of cancer late last month. Coaches and teammates say he will be ready to go Monday night.

While we've spotlighted some key players elsewhere here, let's take a look at three "lesser lights" whose contributions may be huge.

1. Florida C Steve Rissler: He's the only senior on UF's starting offensive line, and his line calls and ability to make crisp shotgun snaps are going to be important. He and Gs Drew Miller and Jim Tartt need to make sure Ohio State DTs Quinn Pitcock and David Patterson don't control the middle of the line.

2. Ohio State DE Vernon Gholston: Gholston, a sophomore, looks to be the next great Buckeyes defensive end. He has good quickness, not surprising considering he was recruited as a linebacker, and is one of the strongest players on the team. Given the strength of the Buckeyes' interior defensive line, he could find himself in a lot of one-on-one matchups with Florida's tackles.

3. Ohio State LT Alex Boone: Boone, a sophomore, was a mega-recruit as a high school senior in 2004, and he has started to live up to his billing. He started nine times this season before an injury sidelined him. If he can control UF DE Jarvis Moss without the help of a double-team, the Buckeyes will be mighty pleased.