The countdown has begun for Friday night's NCAA David-and-Goliath matchup between Florida Gulf Coast University and the University of Florida. And probably few people are as psyched for the game as the Florida Capitol's honorary Eagles cheerleader, Rep. Matt Hudson, R-Naples.
Hudson's daughter graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University and Hudson himself admits he's a huge fan who loves watching the Eagles' aerial feats live.
I like to say that Im kind of the self-appointed chair of the 'Dunk City' regional delegation for the five counties that the university serves, Hudson says proudly.
Gator fans mainly are lying low, playing it cool, as alum Sandy Freeman said, "supremely confident."
Despite the game's late-scheduled start in Arlington, Texas, Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) execs are expecting a ratings buster -- not just in Florida, but across the country, even around the world. Approximate broadcast start is 10 p.m. ET.
"The Eagles are on fire," said network spokesman Ryan Sanderhill. "They've captured the nation's heart. Everybody's going to be looking to see if they can pull off a third upset here in March Madness."
Reach Nancy Smith at nsmith@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
