The SEC Championship Games: What Each Must Do and Not Do to Win

For Florida:

The Must Do's

They must make the passing game work because the running game won't. Everybody thinks they have the team that can run against Alabama and yet nobody has, so the passing game must work.

They must let Tim Tebow be Tim Tebow. Don't force him into a game plan that he's not comfortable with, let him run the offense. After all, hasn't he proven he IS the offense?

They must cover Julio Jones with two men or lose. Julio Jones can turn an eight yard out into a 45-yard touchdown because he's hard to bring down one on one.

They must pressure Greg McElroy. He is virtually unsung outside of Alabama fandom, but, if given time, Greg McElroy can be one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in all of college football.

Teams that sell out to stop the run have found this out for themselves.

The Must Not's

They must not let Javier Arenas beat them, and he's perfectly capable of doing so in a close game. Kick away from him and kick out of bounds or risk catastrophe.

They must not forget about Alabama's deep ball. Alabama's percentage of completing long balls of 40 yards or more is among the highest in the nation. Marquis Maze has world class speed and can get a step on any back Florida puts against him. Julio Jones makes doubling this threat a real nightmare.

They must not allow Alabama to get the running game going. This only sets up a passing game that is even deadlier when the play calling is balanced.

Lastly, they must not allow Alabama touchdowns in the red zone. This has been a struggle for Alabama all season and Florida should not allow them to find the cure this weekend.

For Alabama:

The Do's

They must be patient with the run. Florida wears down on defense and with Alabama's ability to keep pounding with fresh backs they must keep the defense honest and keep running.

Greg McElroy must bring his A game. He has already seen some of the best defenses in the country this year, now he sees the best not in Crimson uniforms. It helps he can practice against one just as good, but he needs to relax and look for second and third option receivers as Florida is sure to blanket Julio.

Alabama must designate on defensive player to Tim Tebow on every play that will follow him everywhere but the Florida sideline and bathroom. They must stop Tim Tebow from being a running back.

Alabama must score touchdowns in the red zone as this will be a close game and every point scored could be the difference.

The Must Not's

They must not give too many cracks to Jeffrey Demps, that's all he needs to bust one to the endzone. Doing this for four quarters will be as tough a task as Alabama has faced all year.

Alabama must not give up punt and kick returns to give Florida good starting field position. This team is dangerous enough when starting from the 20 and Alabama has shown a tendency to let the coverage teams dig them a hole.

They must not sell out in wholesale blitzes without leaving one man to contain Tim Tebow should he avoid the initial rush. Tebow kills teams more with his feet and third down conversions running than his passing.

Alabama must not let Florida jump out to an early lead while they start in their usual lethargic manner. Alabama can not count on wearing Florida down as they have other teams.

And as football fans there is one thing we must not do, we must not miss a minute of this game. It has all the makings of a great game.