Gators try to right the ship as postseason approaches

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02/27/2007 - Knoxville, TN (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The fifth-ranked Florida Gators have lost two of their last three games, and they will attempt to get back to their winning ways as they battle the Tennessee Volunteers tonight in Knoxville.

On Saturday, the Gators dropped a 66-56 decision to LSU on the road, and while they do own a perfect record at home, their play outside of Gainesville hasn't been as consistent. Still, Florida has already clinched the outright SEC regular season title as it prepares to contend for a second straight national championship. With all five starters back in place, the Gators have won 25 games this season and are considered a favorite by many fans and analysts to repeat.

Tennessee is playing outstanding ball right now, as it has won its last two games and five of the last six to improve to 20-9 overall and 8-6 in conference. On Saturday, the Vols recorded an 83-72 decision over Arkansas on the road, and they carry a 15-0 home record into tonight's tilt.

Florida beat Tennessee in a 94-78 final on February 3rd, but the Vols own a 63-48 advantage in the all-time series.

Florida point guard Taurean Green does not receive a great deal of national praise, but he has been outstanding all season. Green is scoring 13.0 ppg on 40.9 percent shooting from three-point range, and he is an 86.5 percent free throw shooter. Add 99 assists to the mix and his value can not be overestimated. Al Horford checks in with 12.9 ppg on 59.7 percent shooting from the field, and he is pulling down 8.8 rpg to go along with 49 blocks. Corey Brewer is contributing 12.7 ppg, and Joakim Noah posts 12.2 ppg, 8.0 rpg and 51 blocks. Lee Humphrey, the fifth starter, is a 45.7 percent shooter from behind the arc who is scoring 9.9 ppg. Florida is averaging 79.5 ppg on 52.7 percent shooting from the field this season, and it is holding foes to just 60.8 ppg on 40.5 percent efficiency. In the loss to LSU, Florida suffered a 35-22 rebounding deficit and missed 10 of its 22 free throws. Horford had 13 points and nine rebounds in defeat.

Tennessee guard Chris Lofton is arguably the best backcourt performer in the SEC, and he poured in 31 points in the victory over Arkansas last time out. JaJuan Smith added 16 points for the Vols, and Wayne Chism posted 14 points. The Vols were outscored 21-13 from the foul line and surrendered 51 percent shooting to Arkansas. Fortunately, Tennessee forced 24 turnovers and committed a mere 11 giveaways. Lofton is averaging 20.8 ppg this season and is a strong candidate for SEC Player of the Year. The star guard is shooting 41.9 percent from three-point range and 83.6 percent from behind the arc. JaJuan Smith is scoring 15.1 ppg, and Ramar Smith adds 10.3 ppg. Tennessee is racking up 80.2 ppg while allowing 74.7 ppg to the opposition.

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Problem with Bears?

Chicago, IL - New Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and star linebacker Brian Urlacher shot down reports of a rift, saying they're simply not true.

"There's nothing between us," Cutler said Thursday, when he reported to training camp. "I just want to put that to rest. There never has been anything between us."

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Urlacher added: "I never said what I was quoted as saying and that's it. I have a lot of respect for Jay. I think Jay knows that."
Former Bears receiver Bobby Wade caused a stir when he told Minneapolis radio station KFAN-AM that Urlacher used a profanity while questioning Cutler's manhood during a conversation in Las Vegas last weekend. Wade, who now plays for the Vikings, said Urlacher used a profane version of the word "wimp" during the interview that had to be edited out.
go radio station WSCR-AM also reported that Urlacher had to be restrained from confronting Cutler during organized team activities.
"I wouldn't go face-to-face with Brian, anyway," Cutler said. "No, that's never happened. I've hung out with Brian away from the facility numerous times and we've always gotten along."
Urlacher, noting he was limited by a groin injury, denied the reports in an interview with the Chicago Tribune and did it again when he reported to camp.
"I didn't practice this summer, so I don't know how I would fight the guy if I didn't practice," Urlacher said. "We have no problems. I'm excited about football starting. I'm excited to have him as our quarterback."
Why would Wade say that?
"I don't know," Urlacher said. "Maybe he's jealous because we have a good quarterback now."
Cutler said the first he heard of any friction was when he got a call from Urlacher to clear the air. Urlacher, however, said he had already taken several calls from teammates wondering if the reports were true when Cutler phoned.
"He called me and I said, What's up (expletive), what are you doing?'" a grinning Urlacher said, uttering the same word he allegedly used with Wade. "It's so dumb to me that this even got to this point, but it did and then here we are."
better place after going 9-7 and missing the playoffs for the second straight year. They have a franchise quarterback for the first time in decades after acquiring Cutler in an offseason trade with Denver. But there are questions about his attitude following a fallout with Broncos management and new coach Josh McDaniels.
His critics include former Bears coach Mike Ditka and former Indianapolis and Tampa Bay coach Tony Dungy, one of Smith's mentors. Smith, however, said Cutler has been a model teammate so far while denying any animosity with Urlacher.
"There's no issue with Jay and Brian, except Brian and Jay are both excited about being teammates for our club this year," coach Lovie Smith said. "No more than that. We can't spend a whole lot of time on something that isn't true. I have talked to the players. Whenever something comes out, you have to address it, but it's a non-issue."
In some ways, Cutler is getting a second chance in Chicago, an opportunity to repair his reputation.
Smith said another quarterback - Michael Vick - deserves one, although he doesn't see it happening with the Bears, who lack an experienced backup. The former Atlanta Falcons star, who served a 23-month sentence for running a dogfighting ring, said Thursday he is getting close to signing with a pro football team.
"A second chance, like everyone in society who has paid their debt to society," Smith said. "He deserves a second chance. As far as we're concerned, we like this team that we have right now."
Particularly the new quarterback.
"Me and Brian have been on a good relationship since I've been here, and I expect it to continue that way," Cutler said.

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