Alabama Football: Why Adversity At Arkansas Is Bad News For Florida

Close game or not, Alabama's contest with Arkansas last week was an impressive performance. There was botched assignments, confusion, and unnecessary penalties, but the Tide bounced back from a 20-7 deficit to win the game.

This is bad news for the Florida Gators, Alabama's next opponent.

This Tide team proved it can come from behind for a victory, although it's not something 'Bama has had to do much of lately.

Besides, nothing wakes a team up like a scare. The Tide came to life when things looked bleak, and the young defense is bonding as a unit as the season progresses.

The Hogs' first touchdown came courtesy of a rookie mistake by freshman cornerback Demarcus Milliner, who covered his receiver man-to-man instead of playing zone like the rest of the defense.

After a few little friendly pointers from Coach Nick Saban, Milliner likely won't make the same mistake again.

The offense has been explosive, and the stable of Tide receivers, paired with the one-two punch of the best running back duo in the nation, Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson, is proving to be a combination that is more than any defense can handle.

Also, defensive end Marcel Dareus is beginning to pick up steam and will soon be wreaking havoc in the backfield like he did last year.

Linebacker Don'ta Hightower has almost fully recovered from a nasty knee injury and is a commanding presence as the quarterback of the Tide defense.

Alabama might not repeat as national champions, but this team can come from ahead or behind, a sign of a great team.

This Saturday, the Florida Gators come to Bryant-Denny Stadium. We'll be ready for them.