Florida-Alabama: Five Ways Gators Can Beat Crimson Tide in Game of the Week
Florida isn't the only team in Saturday night's showdown with its hands full. Judging from their performance against Arkansas last weekend, Alabama clearly does too.
A pedestrian performance from the Crimson Tide, albeit in victory, may not bode well when the lights come on in Tuscaloosa Saturday evening.
Mark Ingram erupted and tore through the Razorback defense, but will he be able to do the same to the Gators?
Ingram, coupled with sensational sophomore Trent Richardson, provides a running foundation for the ages in Alabama. Nick Saban recognizes this and hence utilizes both of his backs.
Saturday night's SEC battle will be mainly about how Florida's young defense responds to 'Bama's offensive firepower. Another main storyline will be new quarterback John Brantley in Tuscaloosa and how he will perform under immense pressure.
5. Be Unpredictable—Keep the Tide Guessing
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Florida is at its very best when the offense is clicking on all cylinders and a running game is at the forefront. This will be imperative for them if they wish to defeat Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
While they must continue to carry out their game plan, they also need to become more unpredictable.
Tim Tebow's successor would never have had it easy, but young John Brantley certainly has even more pressure on him. He's part of a Florida legacy, as his father was a Gator too, so expectations are increased to a certain level.
The ability to catch Alabama off guard using their unique offensive system could be the difference for Florida. If they're able to line their skill players up all around the field, Alabama will get frustrated easily and will need to regroup.
This would test Nick Saban as well to make in-game adjustments to keep his team's 18-game winning streak alive.
4. Unleash Trey Burton!
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As the world saw last weekend, Trey Burton is the "real deal." His six TDs against Kentucky set an SEC freshman record.
Remember that last sentence too: Burton is only a FRESHMAN!
Burton, Florida's top slasher, still has plenty of time to grow into the next Percy Harvin. His first "true" game in the national spotlight, though, comes this weekend.
However, his biggest test may be in the hands of coach Urban Meyer—the test being how many times he will touch the football on Saturday.
Meyer needs to include Burton in the offense as often as possible. This may even mean letting the dual-threat youngster run wild.
3. Better Tackling
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The Gators' defense has struggled mightily with this so far, and the task gets even harder with Alabama backs Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson. These two bruising backs are swift as well and may be a nightmare for Florida.
This is a situation where they miss past run-stuffers like Brandon Spikes and Brandon Siler. Ingram and Richardson will put up yardage, but how many will come down to containment for Florida?
If Florida contains 'Bama's running game, they will be forced to keep the ball in Greg McElroy's hands. Easier said than done though.
Don't forget about sensational playmaker Julio Jones, who McElroy often gets the ball to.
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2. Establish a Running Attack Early
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Urban Meyer's offense starts and ends with the running game. The more players labeled "athletes" in the system, the better for Meyer.
To succeed offensively, though, Meyer needs more players like Burton: slashers.
Their ability to use their multitude of running backs often keeps any defense guessing and challenges them. This will be no different against Alabama, if utilized to fruition, of course.
If Florida is able to create a sense of balance offensively, the rest will work itself out, and they may be able to win this game. To this point, 'Bama's play has been suspect; Florida just may be able to exploit the land's No. 1 team in their own home.
1. Handle Snaps / Time Management
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Under Urban Meyer, Ron Zook, Steve Spurrier, and so on, one common theme has remained: The inability to manage the clock has been a constant throughout.
Is it because of complex offenses? Crowd noise? What is it exactly? Wasteful timeouts are absolutely forbidden on Saturday.
Also, John Brantley and Mike Pouncey have yet to establish a rhythm on snaps. Though it has been much better as of late, there is still a bit of uneasiness when Pouncey centers Brantley the football. Again, it's something that oftentimes is taken for granted that some teams struggle with.
Centering the football must be clean and consistent. No excuses. This needs to be perfect against Alabama, a team that will capitalize on every miscue.
Predictions? Redemption?!
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That being said, please all, leave your predictions!
As for me, I say 24-23, Gators roll Tide by the skin of their teeth. Redemption will be served in Tuscaloosa on Saturday evening.
HUGE game with national title implications.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
