Why Are Mississippi State and Auburn Helping Alabama Beat Florida?

Dan Mullen is helping Alabama beat his old boss and friend Urban Meyer. Gene Chizik and his new offensive coordinator are also helping Alabama to beat Florida in the upcoming SEC Championship Game.

No, they're not Gator haters and they're certainly no fans of Alabama or Nick Saban, so what are they doing to help Alabama beat Florida this year?

They are giving Alabama some really good practice against the spread offense and several defensive schemes that Florida runs as well.

Though Auburn's offense may vary a little, it is close enough to provide a lot practice in shutting it down. But Mississippi has the same Dan Mullen offense that Florida is still using today.

Alabama should thank both coaches for the extra weeks of practice against the spread. It will sure come in handy later.

Alabama didn't face the spread that much last year, and Florida's offense proved hard to stop when it mattered. They didn't go into that game playing two of thee three teams that also run the same offense.

Certainly this time last year, the only spread in Mississippi State was a bed spread and Auburn was running from the spread as fast as it could. What a difference a year makes.

By the time Alabama gets around to playing Florida, they may know the spread as well as Florida.

Yes there is a talent difference, but still the Tide will see the same formations, the same motion plays, and more. And don't forget, both have good defenses for Alabama to practice their own offensive problems against.

Florida won't have the luxury of playing an Alabama clone for two of their last three games. For that matter, who in the SEC is a Bama clone? There aren't many teams that have a Mark Ingram—Trent Richardson one two punch with a Julio Jones on one side and a Marquis Maze on the other.

With Alabama working on getting back a good balance, all three remaining games should do much to help them polish their skills without too much fear of a loss.

And if Alabama hoists the SEC Championship Trophy up in the air, they may have Mississippi State and Auburn to thank for it.