Article:Gator Nation Sports Page Tuesday March 3

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= Men's Basketball =

The Florida Gators lost to UT on Sunday. Here's another recap.

The loss hurts the Gators' NCAA Tournament chances. The players are calling it 'panic time'. More on the urgency surrounding the team.

The March Madness hopes may be slim, but it's time to get tough. Nick Calathes predicted the Gators will make the NCAAs.

Ray Shipman talks about the transition from leading scorer in high school to defensive specialist in college. The alligator  also covers this subject.

A look at Billy D's recruiting, and how we got this roster, weaknesses and all.

Dan Werner has put in extra work shooting, and it shows.

Allan Chaney could be back soon.

Some quotes from Billy Donovan as the Gators head to Starkville for a showdown with Mississippi State. Come by on Wednesday for the Gatorsfirst.com Live Blog of this critical game.

Nick Calathes is building NBA prospect buzz. I think he sticks it out one more year, to lock up a spot in the first round.

Click here to submit ideas about Florida Basketball's all-time passing team.

= Baseball =

Miami swept the Gators over the weekend. After the sweep of Louisville last weekend, Florida had risen in the rankings, but this team is still finding its way.

The Gainesville Sun's Robbie Andreu reminds us the terrible game last Sunday was 'just one loss'.

= Football Recruiting =

The Gators got commits from their third and fourth defensive back of the 2010 class. In 2010, Joe Haden and Major Wright could be gone, while Janoris Jenkins and Will Hill will be juniors, and threats to leave for the NFL. Getting some DBs in to plug the holes, or some time learning from these guys, will be critical. Hopefully these early guys stick around for signing day.

Jonathan Dowling (a safety, the 4th DB commit referenced above) said after he commited, Urban Meyer 'got crunk'.

The Gator coaches are treated like rock stars by high school coaches at clinics. The future would seem bright- if this is the way the coaches act, it can only help the excitement of the most talented players.

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= Total Sports Domination =

Track and field won three individual SEC titles at the SEC Indoor Championships.

Softball went 6-0 and won the round robin Cox Invitational.

= Football =

Monte says Lane Kiffin 'felt bad'  about the baseless cheating accusations he levelled on Urban Meyer last month. That hasn't stopped the UT game from being a top coach in the SEC by Sports Illustrated. That's not really a surprise, but Lane Kiffin being ranked #11 (behind 5-19 Gene Chizik) was. Dan Mullen was 12th, but I think that's because he's the only first time head coach on the list. motivating factor  for UF's players this offseason.

Matt Patchan could be  moving to tight end. Starting TE Aaron Hernandez was named in this list of potential breakout players for 2009.

Some NFL players weigh in on Tim Tebow's pro prospects. Here is a blog on this column.

Urban Meyer was ranked the best coach in the SEC.

An interview with former Gator coach and UT Athletic Director  Doug Dickey.