The 2008 SEC Championship Game is almost what we all expected. Before the season started, everyone picked the Florida Gators to be playing for the title.
The surprise, however, is the Alabama Crimson Tide. They were supposed to be a year or two away from being a contender. Nevertheless, the SEC title match-up is set. The Gators and Tide meet on Dec. 6 in what is turning into a battle of the Titans.
Florida got off to a somewhat slow start in the season. The offense did not look like that of a juggernaut team in any of the games leading up to their only loss to Ole Miss. In every game since that loss, however, the words of a teary-eyed Tim Tebow continue to ring in the heads of their opponents.
We would never see a team work harder than the Gators would for the rest of the season, and up to this point, he may not have been lying. Since the loss, they have won by enormous margins, averaging at around 37 points.
With three games to play before the title game, some are already placing Florida in the National Championship game in January.
But the Crimson Tide are not ready to anoint to the Gators just yet. Their improbable, yet impressive season continues. And while they do not blow teams out every week, they play hard-nosed, tough football. With arguably the best offensive line in the nation, and the three-headed-monster running back group in the backfield, even John Parker Wilson has managed to look good this year.
The offense of both teams have looked good this year, but I believe the X-factor of this game will be the defenses. The Gators’ have the top scoring defense in the SEC, and fourth-best in the country. This is aided by being fourth in the nation in turnover margin, as well as not giving up the “big play.”
Playmakers such as cornerback Joe Haden and linebacker Dustin Doe have emerged as leaders on the defense, behind middle linebacker stalwart Brandon Spikes. There is not a single senior starting on the defense, but they continue to over achieve and play fantastic football.
The Alabama defense has Nick Saban’s name all over it. Numerous blitz packages have been keeping offensive lines confused all season long. They are solid in the secondary and have exceptional linebackers and defensive linemen, and are fourth in the country in total defense. With the mammoth defensive tackle Terrence Cody in the middle of the defense, Florida’s offensive line should have their hands full for the entire game.
These defenses are both tops in the nation this year and this will truly be a great game. It is shaping up to be a national championship semi-final, and could be closer than the actual BCS Title game.
What does Florida have to do to win?
- Stop the run! Alabama’s entire offense is predicated on a successful running attack, and if they can stop it, they force a shaky John Parker Wilson to win the game with his arm.
- Get off to a fast start. Bama has destroyed opponents in the first quarter this season. We all saw what happened when LSU kept it close with them into the fourth quarter.
- Speed, speed, and more speed. Florida has much more speed on both sides of the ball. Make a gameplan that utilizes this. Get Harvin, Demps, and Rainey the football.
- Finally, turn Tebow loose. Let him do whatever is necessary to win that game.
What does Alabama have to do to win?
- The exact opposite. Run the football early and often.
- Win the turnover game. Florida gives it away less than any team in the country.
- Negate some of the Gators’ speed by not over pursuing on defense and running screens and draws on offense.
Prediction?
- I have to go with my Florida Gators in this game. They are playing better, more efficient football than any other team in the country. I look for them to use Percy Harvin in every way possible, and he and Tim Tebow take the game over. The defense will force John Parker Wilson into mistakes and force a couple of turnovers. I think Florida wins fairly comfortably. Something like 35-17.
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about 1 month ago
great article...not much to add here except for the special teams "X" factor. Urban Meyer sets up his offense with huge special teams plays - blocked punts, big returns and UF consistently wins the field position battle with one of the best punt coverage units in the country.
the only way I see Alabama having a chance is to play flawless football and completely dominate TOP. Tebow, Harvin, Demps, Rainey and the others are completely negated if they are sitting on the bench while the Tide offense controls the clock.
about 1 month ago
I think UA's only shot is long sustained drives - keeping the gator offense on the bench as GatorHerb stated. However, even that, unfortunately, will only keep it close. While UA's defense will be the best UF has faced, it won't slow them down that much.
about 1 month ago
Being a huge Bama fan it is killing me to agree with your article.. After the Olemiss loss it seems Tebow and his powers of superman turned the season around. Alot of things are going right for FLa. For 1 they lost early. Then demolished every upcoming opponent. Fla. IMO is the best well rounded team in the nation. When UofA and Fla. meet in Dec , you will find your NC for 2008..
For Bama to win this game they have to run first pass 2nd. Urban Meyer will have 2 guys and all defensive backs eyes on Jones, as Jones is Jp's main target. If Bama can control the left side of the o-line and make holes for coffee and ingram, the game will be slowed down and that is a positive, when playing a fast paced FLA. team who can score at any moment..
I see this game being alot closer than you think. More along the lines of 28-24 with Bama scoring late in the 4th after Tebow scored on the previous drive.
But again none of this means crap until Bama can beat the next 2 opponents which we hold an 0-8 record aginst in the last meetings.
from about 1 month ago
0-8 against Miss. State... What!? We have only last 2 years? Won in 2005. But yes we do have a 6 year losing streak against Auburn. We won in 2001. Are you just adding these up to 8 (2 loses in a row plus 6 loses in a row?). Interesting way to do it but as a BAMA girl, I just can't let you do it. We are NOT and never will be 0-8 and in an 8 game losing streak to Auburn and absolutely never to Miss. State. The longest Iron Bowl Streak goes to Alabama- won '73-'81! Shame on YOU- "huge Bama fan".
from about 1 month ago
Haha I think he meant combined 0-8. Being from Huntsville, Alabama, I can understand how a Bama fan would want that phrased differently. Football fans in AL are extremely passionate. You guys have had a great year so far, my entire family is pumped about the Tide again and I can't wait for the SEC title game
about 1 month ago
Good read, Jackson. I agree with your assessment. I think Bama will need to win the turnover battle and plus have more rushing yards and TOP to beat Florida.
about 1 month ago
What will be interesting to watch is the match up the Gators use against Julio Jones. Joe Haden is by far their best corner(arguably best athlete), but gives up a substantial amount of size to the freshman. If they can stop Coffee, Ingram, and Upchurch, then jam Jones off the line, I think that should throw off Wilson's timing enough. I think they have to force him into at least one turnover.
about 1 month ago
"If they can stop Coffee, Ingram, and Upchurch..."
IF, baby... IF. It's not been done yet. Should be a great football game. Roll Tide.
about 1 month ago
I like Sheila's spunk, you go girl and stick up for your team!
OK, liked the article... just not the score prediction! They will NOT hold Tebow & Co. to less than 50 - NO WAY! I see this as a good game, but I also see a blow out! I mean the same way this year they blew out Georgia! I'm talking about smash-mouth type blow out. I see them hanging a minimum of 50 on Bama. Bama better come to play... if they play the way they did last week, FORGET IT. Game over! You better bring your best and make sure they have something more than their best. It could be a good game on one hand, but it could also go as easy as KY, UGA, LSU, and Vandy. This Gator team is scary, just analyze all the stats from the last 5 games - on Offense and Defense!
from about 1 month ago
I do hope you're right. I just find that I have to reserve some of my confidence in the Gators, or I jinx them into losing. I'm way to superstitious lol. This team, however, is the most impressive one that Florida has put on the field in a long, long time. I said the same thing you did after the LSU game. Well actually during the LSU game, "if they play like this the rest of the year, they won't lose to anybody." We've got to beat South Carolina Saturday, so one game at a time. But go Gators!
about 1 month ago
Sheila sheila calm down... Obviously it was 0-8 combined against both teams .....
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