by Michael Greenway
Alabama, No. 3, will travel to Gainesville, Florida to take on the No. 12 Florida Gators. Florida comes into the game under new head coach Will Muschamp and new offensive coordinator Charlie Weis. A win against Alabama, would regain national supremacy for the Gators and likely earn them a spot in the top 10. Meanwhile, Alabama is looking to keep its national title hopes alive and keep pace with LSU for the top spot in the SEC .
The Florida Gators looked flawless in their first four games, averaging 40 points per game, while only giving up nine. Offensively, Florida is led by two seniors, quarterback John Brantley and running back Chris Rainey. Rainey has rushed for more than 100 yards in each of his last three games, the Gators will need his contribution again Saturday night. Brantley has thrown for more than 750 yards and four touchdowns this season.
Defensively, Florida must control the line of scrimmage and get pressure on young Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron. If the Gator defense can force turnovers, Florida will be in good position to win the game.
The Alabama Crimson Tide is coming off a 38-14 victory at home against Arkansas. The Alabama defense is No. 2 in scoring, giving up only eight points per game. If Alabama is going to win this game the defense must shut down Charlie Weis’ offense, and that isn’t going to be easy.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Tide must be as efficient as it was last week against Arkansas. The key for Alabama on offense is keeping sophomore quarterback A.J. McCarron comfortable in the pocket.
If the Gators get a lot of pressure on McCarron it’s lights out for Alabama. If Alabama running back Trent Richardson can pull off a 100-yard rushing game, Alabama will be in good shape. If the Florida defense can keep Richardson in check, this game will get interesting.
My call: Florida 20, Alabama 17. Florida’s defense will be the difference in this one. Playing for a home crowd, Florida’s defense will rise to the challenge and create a couple turnovers. McCarron will struggle all day and Florida’s offense will take advantage of McCarron’s mistakes and take it home with a game-winning field goal.