SB Nation Tampa Bay: All Posts by Tim Blankhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49019/tb-fave.png2013-01-02T13:41:02-05:00https://tampabay.sbnation.com/authors/tim-blank/rss2013-01-02T13:41:02-05:002013-01-02T13:41:02-05:00Bulls get a second chance at Knights
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<p>The South Florida Bulls hope to avenge their season-opening loss to the Central Florida Knights on Wednesday night at UCF Arena. Can the Bulls overcome injuries to finish 9-3 in non-conference play?</p> <p>It's not often that teams get a second chance against a non-conference foe in the college basketball season, but the South Florida Bulls get that on Wednesday night. They travel from Tampa to Orlando to play the Central Florida Knights. This game is a rematch of the season-opener on Nov. 10 at the Sun Dome, won by the Knights, 74-56.</p>
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<th class="td-left"> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/events/105335">Final - 11.10.2012 </a> </th> <th>1</th> <th>2</th> <th>Total</th>
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<td class="td-name"><span class="win"> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/central-florida-knights">Central Florida Knights</a> </span></td>
<td>40</td>
<td>34</td>
<td class="highlight">74</td>
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<td class="td-name"><span class="loss"> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/south-florida-bulls">South Florida Bulls</a> </span></td>
<td>24</td>
<td>32</td>
<td class="highlight">56</td>
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<p class="foot clearfix"><span class="link-more"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/events/105335">Complete Coverage ></a></span></p>
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<p>In that game, Knights' guard <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124519/isaiah-sykes" class="sbn-auto-link">Isaiah Sykes</a> scored 26 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, finishing two assists shy of a triple-double. Forward <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/100265/keith-clanton" class="sbn-auto-link">Keith Clanton</a> added 16 points, forward <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99823/tristan-spurlock" class="sbn-auto-link">Tristan Spurlock</a> netted 14 points and forward <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/146326/kasey-wilson" class="sbn-auto-link">Kasey Wilson</a> scored 13 points.</p>
<p>No Bulls starter broke double figures in the game with guard <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/101294/martino-brock" class="sbn-auto-link">Martino Brock</a> scoring nine points. The Bulls were led in scoring by guard <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/124332/jawanza-poland" class="sbn-auto-link">Jawanza Poland</a> with 22 points, the only Bulls player to score in double figures. Since then, Poland is averaging 10.5 points per game with <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/101760/toarlyn-fitzpatrick" class="sbn-auto-link">Toarlyn Fitzpatrick</a> leading the team with 11.8 points per game.</p>
<p>The Bulls may be shorthanded Wednesday, with <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/100051/shaun-noriega" class="sbn-auto-link">Shaun Noriega</a> and JaVontae Hawkins out with foot and back injuries, respectively. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/146116/anthony-collins" class="sbn-auto-link">Anthony Collins</a> may also miss the game with a sprained neck suffered in Saturday's win against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/george-mason-patriots" class="sbn-auto-link">George Mason Patriots</a>. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/100854/victor-rudd" class="sbn-auto-link">Victor Rudd</a> also suffered a concussion during the game but should be ready to go Wednesday night.</p>
<p>The Knights on the other hand are led by Clanton, who averages 17 points per game with Sykes averaging 14.8 and Kasey Wilson with 11.2 points.</p>
<p>Wednesday's game will be broadcast on the CBS Sports Network. The game will be played at UCF Arena in Orlando with tip off scheduled for 8 p.m. </p>
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<h3>Next Game</h3>
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<p class="game-title"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/south-florida-bulls">South Florida Bulls</a> <br><span class="blog_link">@ <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/central-florida-knights">Central Florida Knights</a> </span></p>
<p class="game-info"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/events/105353">Wednesday, Jan 2, 2013, 8:00 PM EST</a><br> UCF Arena</p>
<p class="foot clearfix"><span class="link-more"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/events/105353">Complete Coverage ></a></span></p>
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https://tampabay.sbnation.com/usf-bulls-news/2013/1/2/3828134/south-florida-vs-ucf-preview-basketballTim Blank2013-01-02T13:06:00-05:002013-01-02T13:06:00-05:00Hurricanes return home against Explorers
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<p>The Miami Hurricanes play their first game at home in almost three weeks on Wednesday night as they host the La Salle Explorers. Where can fans watch or listen to the game?</p> <p>The Miami Hurricanes return home for their first game since Dec. 14 as they host the La Salle Explorers at the BankUnited Center on Wednesday night. The Hurricanes hope to snap a two-game losing streak after losing to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/arizona-wildcats">Arizona Wildcats</a> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/indiana-st-sycamores">Indiana St. Sycamores</a> at the Diamond Head Classic in Hawaii.</p>
<p>Wednesday's game will be the first time since Dec. 9, 1970 that the Hurricanes will play the Explorers. Coming into the game the Hurricanes are led in scoring by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99807/durand-scott">Durand Scott</a> at 15.6 points per game and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/144186/shane-larkin">Shane Larkin</a> at 13.1. Larkin also leads the team in assists with 3.7 per game. Leading the Hurricanes in rebounding is Reggie Johnson, with 10.1 boards per game.</p>
<p>Tip off for the game is scheduled for 9 p.m. The game will be broadcast on Fox Sports South with a streaming option on ESPN3.com. Radio coverage will be provided by 560 AM WQAM and 90.5 WVUM.</p>
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<p class="game-title"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/la-salle-explorers">La Salle Explorers</a> <br><span class="blog_link">@ <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/miami-hurricanes">Miami Hurricanes</a> </span></p>
<p class="game-info"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/events/113205">Wednesday, Jan 2, 2013, 9:00 PM EST</a><br> BankUnited Center</p>
<p class="foot clearfix"><span class="link-more"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/events/113205">Complete Coverage ></a></span></p>
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https://tampabay.sbnation.com/miami-hurricanes-news/2013/1/2/3828026/la-salle-vs-miami-basketball-previewTim Blank2013-01-02T12:40:20-05:002013-01-02T12:40:20-05:00Seminoles visit Auburn on Wednesday
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<figcaption>Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Florida State Seminoles play their final non-conference game of the season on Wednesday night when they visit the Auburn Tigers. When was the last time the Seminoles won in Auburn?</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/florida-state-seminoles-news/2013/1/2/3827994/florida-state-seminoles-auburn-tigers-college-basketball-score-final-updateTim Blank2013-01-02T12:34:46-05:002013-01-02T12:34:46-05:00Seminoles visit Auburn Wednesday night
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<p>The Florida State Seminoles play their final non-conference game of the season on Wednesday night when they visit the Auburn Tigers. When was the last time the Seminoles won in Auburn?</p> <p>The Florida St. Seminoles play their final game before ACC play begins on Wednesday night as they travel to Auburn Arena to play the Auburn Tigers. The Seminoles enter the game on a four-game winning streak, last winning against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/tulsa-golden-hurricane" class="sbn-auto-link">Tulsa Golden Hurricane</a> on Dec. 29, 83-63.</p>
<p>This will be the third-straight season that the Seminoles and Tigers have faced each other. Last season, the Seminoles hosted the Tigers on Jan. 4, 2012 and won, 85-56. This game will be the first true road game of the season for the Seminoles and they will play 10 of their last 19 games on the road this season.</p>
<p>The Seminoles will be relying on guard <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/99798/michael-snaer" class="sbn-auto-link">Michael Snaer</a>, who is averaging 16.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, as well as forward <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/123541/okaro-white" class="sbn-auto-link">Okaro White</a>, who is averaging 13.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, to help pace them ahead of the Tigers to earn their first win in Auburn since Dec. 4, 1978.</p>
<p>Tip off is scheduled for 8 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on Fox Sports South with streaming available on ESPN3.com. The game will have radio coverage on the Seminole IMG Sports Network.</p>
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<p class="game-title"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/florida-st-seminoles">Florida St. Seminoles</a> <br><span class="blog_link">@ <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/auburn-tigers">Auburn Tigers</a> </span></p>
<p class="game-info"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/events/110057">Wednesday, Jan 2, 2013, 8:00 PM EST</a><br> Auburn Arena</p>
<p class="foot clearfix"><span class="link-more"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/events/110057">Complete Coverage ></a></span></p>
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https://tampabay.sbnation.com/florida-state-seminoles-news/2013/1/2/3827866/florida-state-vs-auburn-basketball-preview-michael-snaer-okaro-whiteTim Blank2013-01-01T15:04:30-05:002013-01-01T15:04:30-05:00Heat among elite; Magic sliding without Big Baby
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<p>While the Miami Heat are still among the best teams in the NBA, the Orlando Magic find themselves sliding in the power rankings with the absence of Glen Davis.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.hothothoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Heat</a> and the <a href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Orlando Magic</a> find themselves going in opposite directions at this point in the season. While the Heat are in the top five in most power rankings, the Orlando Magic find themselves dropping towards the rear of the power rankings thanks to an injury to forward <span>Glen Davis</span>. On <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/powerrankings">ESPN.com, John Hollinger</a> has the Heat ranked at No. 6, down a spot from last week. The Magic, on the other hand, are ranked No. 27.</p>
<p>As for <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/powerrankings">Marc Stein</a>, he has the Heat ranked at No. 4, down a spot from the previous week. Stein wonders if the Heat are focusing on the wrong things to defend:</p>
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<p>The Heat uncorked a vociferous defense of <a href="#" class="sbn-auto-link">Dwyane Wade</a> after his one-game suspension for kicking out at <span>Ramon Sessions</span>, then played precious little D in dreadful weekend L's at Detroit and Milwaukee. So much for the notion that going on the road would get the champs properly plugged in.</p>
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<p>As for the Magic, Stein has them ranked at No. 25, disappointed at how 2012 ended for the upstart team from Orlando:</p>
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<p>Think we all knew losing Big Baby Davis and his nightly 16 and 8 would be bad news for the Orlando Cinderellas. Yet I can't say that I remember hearing anyone, entering the final weekend of 2012, suggesting it would be lose-in-Washington-and-then-get-humiliated-at-home-by-Toronto bad.</p>
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<p>On <a href="http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/12/31/nba-power-rankings-western-conference-dominates-top-spots/">Pro Basketball Talk, Kurt Helin</a> has the Heat ranked at No. 4, down one spot from last week. Despite the weekend when they lost to the <a href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Pistons</a> and the <a href="https://www.brewhoop.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Milwaukee Bucks</a>, Helin thinks that the big picture is still encouraging for the Heat:</p>
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<p>Sloppy lost weekend where they fell to Detroit (after leading by 17) and the Bucks. We're going to see that this year from the defending champions, stretches where they take a mental vacation. It doesn't mean much big picture.</p>
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<p>Helin ranked the Magic at No. 23, down two spots from the previous week, making special mention of the loss of Davis:</p>
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<p>They have lost five in a row since Glen Davis went down with a shoulder injury. That's no coincidence, they miss what Big Baby did on both ends, but particularly on the defensive side.</p>
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<p>On <a href="http://www.nba.com/2012/news/powerrankings/12/31/week9/index.html?ls=nbahpfull2">NBA.com, John Schuhmann</a> has the Heat ranked at No. 4, up one spot from last week. Schuhmann believes that the Heat can play good defense, but it is still rather inconsistent right now:</p>
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<p>We'll put any thoughts that the Heat are back to playing great defense on pause. They held down the <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Thunder's</a> No. 1 offense on Christmas, but got smoked in Detroit and Milwaukee over the weekend. After injuring his right shoulder against OKC and sitting against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/charlotte-bobcats" class="sbn-auto-link">Bobcats</a>, <span>Ray Allen</span> probably should have stayed home. He shot 4-for-19 against the Pistons and Bucks.</p>
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<p>As for the Magic, Schuhmann ranked them No. 24, also commenting on the loss of Davis:</p>
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<p>Time to start the Big-Baby-for-MVP campaign. The Magic have dropped five straight since losing Glen Davis to a sprained left shoulder, and the schedule has nothing to do with it. They've lost to the <a href="https://www.raptorshq.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Raptors</a> twice, the <a href="https://www.slcdunk.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Jazz</a> (who were previously 5-12 on the road), the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/new-orleans-hornets" class="sbn-auto-link">Hornets</a> and the <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Wizards</a>. Davis was holding together the defense, which has been terrible during the losing streak.</p>
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https://tampabay.sbnation.com/miami-heat-news/2013/1/1/3825082/nba-2013-power-rankings-miami-heat-orlando-magicTim Blank2013-01-01T14:07:16-05:002013-01-01T14:07:16-05:00Florida NFL teams end season in bottom half
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<figcaption>Scott Cunningham</figcaption>
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<p>All three teams from the Sunshine State finished in the bottom half of the SB Nation NFL power rankings. What does Joel Thorman have to say about how these teams finished?</p> <p>The 2012 NFL regular season has come to a close. None of the three NFL teams from Florida reached the playoffs this season. Their final rankings are set on <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2013/1/1/3824414/nfl-power-rankings-2013-broncos-seahawks">SB Nation by Joel Thorman</a>. All three teams finished in the bottom half of the power rankings list this season.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> are ranked the highest out of the three Florida teams at No. 19, up four spots from the previous week. Thorman says that the team should be concerned with how they finished up the season:</p>
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<p>If there is such thing as momentum from season-to-season, then losing five of their last six this season is going to be a problem.</p>
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> finished one spot behind the Buccaneers at No. 20, down one spot from the previous week. Thorman says that this team's future is very encouraging. According to Thorman, the only thing that the Dolphins could use next season is some consistency:</p>
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<p>The arrow is pointing up. Just need some consistency. You can't lose to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Titans</a> one week and then beat the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a> the next.</p>
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<p>Finally the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> narrowly avoided landing in the basement for the season, finishing at No. 31 ahead of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a>. Thorman believes that their search for a new general manager should begin in San Francisco:</p>
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<p>San Francisco is a good place to start looking for a new GM.</p>
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https://tampabay.sbnation.com/tampa-bay-buccaneers/2013/1/1/3824968/nfl-power-rankings-tampa-bay-buccaneers-miami-dolphins-jacksonville-jaguarsTim Blank2013-01-01T12:43:49-05:002013-01-01T12:43:49-05:00Outback Bowl 2013 overview, history and more
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<figcaption>Mike Ehrmann</figcaption>
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<p>The Outback Bowl is set between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Michigan Wolverines. What are the major keys to victory for each team and where can fans watch the game?</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/south-carolina-gamecocks">South Carolina Gamecocks</a> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/michigan-wolverines">Michigan Wolverines</a> meet for the first time in each program's history on Tuesday at the Outback Bowl. The Gamecocks enter this game having won four games in a row, including a win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/clemson-tigers">Clemson Tigers</a> on Nov. 24. </p>
<p>The Wolverines on the other hand are limping into this game having lost their final game of the season to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/ohio-st-buckeyes">Ohio St. Buckeyes</a>, 26-21 after winning three games in a row. The Wolverines know that in order to win this game, they have to limit the effectiveness of the South Carolina defensive line, in particular <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/138017/jadeveon-clowney">Jadeveon Clowney</a>, according to <a href="http://www.maizenbrew.com/2012/12/25/3802498/scouting-south-carolina-defense-michigan-football-outback-bowl-denard-robinson-jadeveon-clowney">Anthony Mammel of Maize n Brew</a>:</p>
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<p>Clowney shouldn't ever be the unblocked man on a play, whether it be on inverted veers or classic zone reads, and most quick passes need to go away from him as well. He's going to demolish cut blocks and swat down slants and screens.</p>
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<p>As for the Gamecocks, the writers on <a href="http://www.garnetandblackattack.com/2012/12/30/3819402/outback-bowl-preview-three-keys-and-prediction">Garnet and Black Attack</a> believe that containing Wolverines quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76856/denard-robinson">Denard Robinson</a> is the major key on the field that the Gamecocks need to accomplish to win, but they can also help themselves by not repeating their own history in bowl games:</p>
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<p>This year, Carolina is nearly a touchdown favorite for a reason, but will we play like it? The good news is that we can hope that last year's impressive performance against a solid Nebraska team is the start of a new bowl trend. Let's hope that trend continues against Michigan.</p>
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<h4>Game date and time</h4>
<p>January 1, 1 p.m. ET</p>
<h4>Location</h4>
<p>Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay, Fla.</p>
<h4><a href="http://www.oddsshark.com/ncaaf/michigan-south-carolina-odds-january-1-2013">Spread</a></h4>
<p>South Carolina favored by 4.5 points</p>
<h4>TV schedule</h4>
<p>ESPN</p>
<h4>Watch online</h4>
<p>ESPN3.com and Watch ESPN mobile App.</p>
<h4>Radio schedule</h4>
<p>XM Satellite Radio Channel 85</p>
<h4>Last year’s game</h4>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/michigan-st-spartans">Michigan St. Spartans</a> 33, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/georgia-bulldogs">Georgia Bulldogs</a> 30 (3OT)</p>
<p><em>Look through SB Nation's many excellent <a href="http://sbnation.com/blogs#college">college football blogs</a> to find your team's community.</em></p>
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https://tampabay.sbnation.com/2013/1/1/3824690/2013-outback-bowl-michigan-south-carolina-game-time-tv-scheduleTim Blank2012-12-31T15:56:00-05:002012-12-31T15:56:00-05:00Gators enter Sugar Bowl with lots of confidence
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<figcaption>Chris Trotman</figcaption>
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<p>After beating Florida State in the regular season finale, the Florida Gators' confidence is growing. How will that help them in Wednesday's Sugar Bowl.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/florida-gators">Florida Gators</a> entered their final game of the regular season not being well known for their offensive prowess. After defeating the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/florida-st-seminoles">Florida State Seminoles</a> 37-26 and earning a bid to the Sugar Bowl, the Gators offense <a href="http://www.gainesville.com/article/20121231/articles/121239986?p=1&tc=pg">has a lot of confidence</a> entering their game against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/louisville-cardinals">Louisville Cardinals</a>.</p>
<p>Gators head coach Will Muschamp thinks that because of the increase in confidence, Gator players are not overthinking on plays and are instead, acting on plays:</p>
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<p>"Confidence is a huge part in athletics, certainly on either side of the ball," UF coach Will Muschamp said. "We're seeing a little bit more of the reps starting to take place (on offense). You're seeing a lot of, instead of thinking, reacting in a lot of situations. That's the most important thing."</p>
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<p>This confidence is not lost on the Cardinals. Defensive coordinator Vance Bedford, formerly the defensive backs coach under former Florida coach Urban Meyer, knows that the combination of confidence as well as the Gators' athletic ability could be a bad combination to face:</p>
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<p>I think right now, the quarterback position, they're playing better. You could see the confidence building every game. The receivers are starting to step up. They're making plays and did an outstanding job against Florida State University. And <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78461/mike-gillislee">Mike Gillislee</a> is playing lights out. We're very concerned about that running game."</p>
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<p>The 2013 Sugar Bowl will be played at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans on Wednesday. Kickoff for the game is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. with television coverage on ESPN. Radio coverage of the game will be provided by 103.7 FM and 850 AM.</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/florida-gators-news/2012/12/31/3822616/sugar-bowl-2013-florida-gators-confidence-will-muschampTim Blank2012-12-31T14:47:54-05:002012-12-31T14:47:54-05:00Louisville enjoys exposure of big game
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<figcaption>Andy Lyons</figcaption>
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<p>The Louisville Cardinals are enjoying the exposure that this BCS game appearance is providing them. How does the University's president view this experience?</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/louisville-cardinals">Louisville Cardinals</a> will play in the second BCS game in the program's history on Wednesday in the Sugar Bowl against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/florida-gators">Florida Gators</a>. Louisville's president Dr. James Ramsey<a href="http://www.wdrb.com/story/20474399/ramsey-talks-about-upcoming-sugar-bowl"> talked with WDRB of Louisville </a>about how the exposure the school is receiving because of their appearance is benefiting the school:</p>
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<p>"It's huge internally in terms of morale and energy and enthusiasm on campus, but it really ignites our alumni, it helps our development efforts, and it helps our student recruiting efforts."</p>
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<p>Ramsey believes that the decision by head coach Charlie Strong to stay with the Cardinals does speak to the direction that the Cardinals are going competitively:</p>
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<p>Charlie had a lot of options, and of course the SEC is where everyone wants to go in football.</p>
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<p>The last time the Cardinals were in a BCS game was in January 2007, when the Cardinals reached the Orange Bowl and defeated the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/wake-forest-demon-deacons">Wake Forest Demon Deacons</a> of the ACC, 24-13. That game was the final one in the tenure of former head coach Bobby Petrino.</p>
<p>The Sugar Bowl will be played at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans on Wednesday. Kickoff for the game is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. EST and the game will be broadcast on ESPN.</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/2012/12/31/3822448/sugar-bowl-2013-louisville-cardinals-james-ramsey-charlie-strongTim Blank2012-12-28T08:49:48-05:002012-12-28T08:49:48-05:00FAU tops Troy, FIU loses to Western Kentucky
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<figcaption>Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Florida Atlantic Owls beat the Troy Trojans on Thursday night, while the Florida International Golden Panthers dropped their game to the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.</p> <p>In college basketball action on Thursday night, the Florida Atlantic Owls pushed their Sun Belt record to 2-1 with a 61-54 victory over the Troy Trojans, snapping a three-game losing streak. Senior guard <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/101207/greg-gantt" class="sbn-auto-link">Greg Gantt</a> became the school's all-time leading scorer with 26 points. He also grabbed eight rebounds. Fellow guard <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/125190/pablo-bertone" class="sbn-auto-link">Pablo Bertone</a> scored 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting.</p>
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<th class="td-left"> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/events/112665">Final - 12.27.2012 </a> </th> <th>1</th> <th>2</th> <th>Total</th>
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<td class="td-name"><span class="win"> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/florida-atlantic-owls">Florida Atlantic Owls</a> </span></td>
<td>32</td>
<td>29</td>
<td class="highlight">61</td>
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<td class="td-name"><span class="loss"> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/troy-trojans">Troy Trojans</a> </span></td>
<td>29</td>
<td>25</td>
<td class="highlight">54</td>
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<p class="foot clearfix"><span class="link-more"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/events/112665">Complete Coverage ></a></span></p>
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<p>The Owls next play on Saturday against the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks at Fant-Ewing Coliseum. Tip off for that game is scheduled for 5 p.m. and it is the last of a three-game road trip for the Owls.</p>
<p>The Fla. International Golden Panthers however, lost their conference game against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, 76-63. Guard <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/176087/malik-smith" class="sbn-auto-link">Malik Smith</a> led the Panthers with 20 points thanks to five three-pointers. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/176081/jerome-frink" class="sbn-auto-link">Jerome Frink</a> added 15 points and Tymell Smith scored 14 points as well.</p>
<p>However, the Panthers defense could not slow down <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/146487/george-fant" class="sbn-auto-link">George Fant</a>, who scored 24 points on 9-of-12 shooting. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/146481/kevin-kaspar">Kevin Kaspar</a> added 17 points off the bench while <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/146488/t-j-price" class="sbn-auto-link">T.J. Price</a> added 12 off the bench.</p>
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<th class="td-left"> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/events/112627">Final - 12.27.2012 </a> </th> <th>1</th> <th>2</th> <th>Total</th>
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<td class="td-name"><span class="loss"> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/fla-international-golden-panthers">Fla. International Golden Panthers</a> </span></td>
<td>33</td>
<td>30</td>
<td class="highlight">63</td>
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<td class="td-name"><span class="win"> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/western-kentucky-hilltoppers">Western Kentucky Hilltoppers</a> </span></td>
<td>33</td>
<td>43</td>
<td class="highlight">76</td>
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<p class="foot clearfix"><span class="link-more"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/events/112627">Complete Coverage ></a></span></p>
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<p>The Panthers' next game is on Saturday against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at the Murphy Athletic Center. The game is set for a 6 p.m. tip off.</p>
https://tampabay.sbnation.com/2012/12/28/3810946/college-basketball-scores-fau-troy-fiu-western-kentuckyTim Blank