I'm not a fan of Lane Kiffin.  I think he is a smug, self-serving jerk.  He's certainly a departure from his predecessor at Tennessee, the classy, grounded Phillip Fulmer.  And before you get your knives out, this isn't a moratorium on coaching ability as much as it is about how to handle yourself with a little grace.

Since he was hired by Tennessee to succeed Fulmer, Kiffin has been shooting his mouth off about Florida, the Vols biggest rival in the SEC East.  He's taken shots at their quarterback Tim Tebow and at their head coach Urban Meyer.  He's put reams of material on the Gators bulletin board, as if Florida wasn't motivated enough to beat Tennessee.

Some seem to like the brashness that Kiffin brings to his new gig.  Media members and fans seem to take to coaches who don't ramble in "coach speak"  However, many, including Kiffin's predecessor,  Fulmer, suggest that he should keep his piehole shut unless he can walk the walk. In other words, the best way to get stepped on is awake the giant. Even Darth Visor is smart enough to know when to fold 'em.

Florida has crushed their first two opponents, albeit cream puffs.  But make no mistake.  Florida is loaded again and has an excellent chance of winning the BCS championship this year.  Tennessee can't beat UCLA, a middle of the pack team in the Pac 10.  You think there might be a blood bath Saturday in Gainesville Saturday?

Kiffin made nonsensical comments about the Gators to fire up the Tennessee fan base in his inaugural comments, then got on Florida's radar  the day after national signing day in February. Then, he accused Meyer, falsely, of a recruiting violation. SEC commissioner Mike Slive told Kiffin to STFU, forcing Kiffin to offer an apology.

Meyer and Tebow are of course playing it all down right now, talking about how they want to remain focused on the task at hand and how this is just another stepping stone to Pasadena.  No one is buying it.  Most people believe that nothing short of Meyer's size 11 boot up Kiffin's backside will suffice Saturday.  And that means the dogs of war won't be stood down early.  Look for Tebow to play as much possible to run the score into the 40's, 50's or even 60's.  It won't be pretty.  And at the end of the day, the brash, trash talking Kiffin may actually be humbled, albeit for a minute.

A Gator never forgets.