Florida vs. Alabama
SEC Championship Game
December 6, 2008 4:00 P.M.
Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
Alabama, # 1 AP & BCS, takes on Florida, # 2 AP & # 4 BCS… it doesn’t get much better than that! With the SEC title on the line this game is most likely a play-in for the national title game. Alabama (12-0) comes into the game with a series edge over Florida (11-1) of 21-13. The squads have met in five previous SEC championship games, with the Gators holding a 3-2 edge. Florida Coach Urban Meyer seeks his second SEC title while Alabama Coach Nick Saban goes after #3. Although Bama is undefeated, the line is Florida -10.
Alabama UP: Coming off an exhilarating 36-0 blowout of perennial rival Auburn after six years of disappointment, Bama is pumped up. Their run defense in road games has allowed only 76 yards average. The Tide’s ground attack is impressive with 200+ yards average in all games. DOWN: Defense has allowed 200+ yards passing per game. QB John Parker Wilson has 9 TD passes vs. 5 INT. Possible letdown after an emotional win against Auburn.
Florida UP: A balanced attack of 237 yards rushing and 212 passing per game. UF is 5th nationally in red zone defense. Their turnover margin of +21 is 1st. Jeff Demps, Percy Harvin and Chris Rainey rank in the top five nationally in yards per carry. The Gators have the fewest interceptions in the nation (3). They have won each of their last 8 games by 28 or more points. DOWN: Speedster Harvin sprained his ankle and is questionable for the game. Their defense has given up 344+ yards per game in lopsided victories, allowing 135 yards rushing on average. Bama’s hefty offensive line and backs will be challenging for UF defense.
Keys to the Game: CRIMSON TIDE: The defense will need to play its best game against UF. Special teams’ coverage must be ready as the Gators have blocked 5 punts, 1 extra point, and 7 kicks this year while returning punts at nearly a 15 yard average. Passing defense has to fill the gaps. Repeat Heisman candidate QB Tim Tebow must be neutralized. Defense must hold on 3rd down as UF has only punted 39 times all year. GATORS: Continue to play awesome defense. Take away Bama’s noted run attack and create turnovers. Offensive line must defend QB Tebow against fierce pressure. Passing game should attack the Tide’s defensive backfield, which has yielded nearly 200 yards per game.
By the Numbers: Alabama is 9-3 ATS (4-8 O/U) while Florida is 9-2 (8-3 O/U). Against SEC opponents AL is 6-2 ATS & FL is 7-1. In combined away and neutral field games the teams have identical ATS records of 5-0 and O/U records of 3-2. On paper these teams have very similar statistics in almost every phase of the game. As 10 point underdogs the Crimson Tide should have its dander up while the Gators seek redemption from an early season 1 point upset by Ole Miss. With a win for Florida the teams would have identical 12-1 records, catapulting the Gators to the national championship game. This one is for all the marbles… and both teams are chomping at the bit.