KIDDERS

Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel notices the 800-pound gorilla in the room this week:

He must be eradicated.

It is the only way.

Urban Meyer must search out and destroy the Spurrier monster immediately before it continues its rampage through the hearts and minds of Gator Nation. This mythical monster still preys on the emotions of Florida fans everywhere, still consumes their souls, devours their dreams.

If Meyer is finally to escape the Steve Spurrier shadow that still envelops UF’s program like a total eclipse of the (favorite) son, he must not let Spurrier come into his old Swamping grounds Saturday and win. He must not let Stevie Spoiler bring his South Carolina Gamecocks into Florida Field and ruin the Gators’ chances of potentially winning the national title.

“Is there a shadow?” Meyer asks rhetorically before answering his own question. “It’s a big one, and it should be that way. Does it change the way that we coach or develop our team? Not in the least. We’ve got a very big obligation, and that’s to play our best football this week and make it real clear: This is about beating South Carolina. Beat South Carolina. That’s what it’s all about.”

Adds UF Athletic Director Jeremy Foley: “This isn’t about beating Steve. It’s about beating South Carolina.”

Oh, you silly, silly boys.

Who are you trying to kid?

This has nothing to do with South Carolina.

And everything to do with Steve Spurrier.