Preview: #7 Florida @ #1 Alabama

2009 Heisman Winner Mark Ingram

Florida Quarterback John Brantley hasn't been tested by a top notch defense yet. That will all change this week. The #7 Florida Gators (4-0, 2-0) will travel to Tuscaloosa, Alabama to the defending national champions in a rematch of the last two SEC title games. The Alabama Crimson Tide (4-0, 1-0) have been tested this year, with wins over Penn St. and an impressive 24-20 win over instate rival #10 Arkansas last weekend. Mark Ingram was able to set the tone in the victory, carrying the ball 24 times for 157 yards while finding the end zone twice. Ingram and Trent Richardson combine for one of the best one two punches in college football. Richardson, who would be a featured back on any other team in America, gathered 85 yards of his own on 8 carries. If the Gators are going to pull the upset they will have to stop the run, but the Gators can't put all their focus on the ground. When not giving the ball to their halfbacks, the Tide will try to get the ball to standout wide receiver  Julio Jones. Jones will be a high draft pick in next year's NFL draft, and should be a handful for the Gators secondary. It may be a pick your poison kind of situation for Florida.

Florida comes into this SEC clash relatively untested. Tennessee has not returned to national prominence, and Kentucky, USF, and Miami (OH) are cupcakes for the Gators. John Brantley has looked solid in his first four starts as a Gator. He does not have the same type of running threat that former Florida quarterback Tim Tebow did, but he certainly has a better arm. The Gators have a pretty crowded backfield themselves. Jeffrey Demps is an absolute game breaker, and may be the fastest player in America. He has already racked up runs of 72 and 62 yards. Florida also have halfbacks Mike Gillislee and Emanuel Moody who add a different style of running in the backfield. Florida does not have any star wide receivers, which may be a plus for the Gators offense. Five Gators have 8 receptions or more this season, so the Alabama defense will have to be on their toes the entire time on defense.

Florida Quarterback John Brantley

Keys To The Game


Alabama: Quarterback Greg McElroy needs to be a game manager, not try to be a playmaker. The Crimson Tide have plenty of playmakers in the backfield and at wideout with Julio Jones.  A heavy dose of the halfbacks with McElroy playing it conservatively and allowing Julio Jones to do his thing running after the catch should present Alabama with the best chance to win.

Florida: Florida has to find a way to slow down the Alabama running game and force Greg McElroy to beat them through the air. They will have to blitz successfully and force Greg McElroy into some poor decisions. Florida has to get their ground game going in order to relieve some pressure off Brantley.

Predictions:  
Alabama 27 Florida 14


I don't think Florida is ready to compete with the big boys in the SEC. Their high rating is simply a result of last season's success and have not been tested. If you want to see some running backs that you might be drafting in your fantasy football draft in a couple years, be sure to check out this game.