This postseason, B/R college football writers are teaming up to preview every bowl game, and we're opening the series with a look at the BCS conference championship games.

Click here for our ACC and Big 12 championship guides.

 

Alabama (12-0) vs. Florida (11-1)

Dec. 6, 2008

4 p.m. EST

Georgia Dome, Atlanta

Spread: FLA -9.5

 

How they got here

Alabama finished the year as the only BCS conference unbeaten, running the table in the SEC West. 

Florida's only loss came to Ole Miss. The Gators were perfect against fellow SEC East competitors, including a 49-10 stomping of rival Georgia.

 

Statistically speaking

Ole Miss was the only opponent to beat Florida this season. How did the Rebels do it? By limiting the Gators to 124 yards rushing and just one third-down conversion.

Alabama rates as the second-best rushing defense in the country and led the nation in third-down conversion defense.

 

Alabama wins if...

It resents being a 9.5-point underdog.  Nick Saban has used the disrespect of others to focus his young roster all year. 

Wins against Clemson, Georgia, and LSU weren't supposed to happen. Yet here's the Tide, undefeated after 12 games.

If 'Bama plays with a chip on its shoulder against Florida, they might get the opportunity to be underdogs in the BCS title game, too.

For the Crimson Tide to come out on top in the "Dome" and go on to play in Miami the offensive line will be a huge factor. All season long Andre Smith and company have paved the way for the Crimson Tide running backs to rack up yardage and eat up clock. Alabama needs to keep Tebow and the high octane Gator offense off the field. Controlling the clock with the running game will be the key factor to Alabama's 13th victory this season.  -Michael Hicks, Alabama CL

 

Florida wins if...


The Gators take care of the ball. Florida leads the country in turnover margin, but in the sole loss of the year UF was -2 in turnover margin. Two giveaways in deep in their own territory were the biggest factors among the several that led to the loss.

The offense has changed since then, and the defense has had a lot fewer lapses, but they do occasionally put the ball on the ground.

The Gators must avoid doing that because Alabama is definitely the most capable of anyone they've faced at making them pay for generosity.  - David Wunderlich, Florida Gators CL

 

B/R Expert Picks

Ben Weixlmann (Florida)

I was quick to hop off the bandwagon, but with Tim Tebow under center, this team has soared to new heights since the devastating Ole Miss loss.



Lisa Horne (Florida)

Transitive theory holds true here: Tim Tebow > John Parker Wilson, and Florida walloped LSU, while Bama had to beat them in OT.



miamimitchdotcom (Alabama)

Tide controls the pace.

 

David Wunderlich (Florida)

The Gators can be just as physical as the Tide is, but Alabama doesn't have as many playmakers as Florida.



GeorgiaDawg (Florida)

Gators' speed gets to the corners and Tebow puts his name at the top of the Heisman list.



Michael Cline (Florida)

Both teams have been very impressive all year long, Florida's only blemish is a one- point loss to a much improved Ole Miss team. Florida's speed and offensive scheme will overpower the Tide's established defense.



Trey Bradley (Florida)

Alabama has the emotional edge because Florida has been the talk of the SEC for weeks now. However, better quarterbacking wins in college football. And I'll take Tebow over JP Wilson.

 

Brian Scott (Florida)

Tim Tebow is on a mission from God, and since losing to Ole Miss he has turned all of his opponents into Soddom and Gomorrah - While Alabama has won while looking inconsistent, Florida has raped and pillage like madmen - Saturday Tim Tebow and the Gators part the Crimson Sea.