Florida Gators Football: 5 Reasons Why the Gators Can Beat Alabama

This Saturday presents the Florida Gators with their toughest challenge so far this season. The Gators are preparing to take on the second-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide.

While the Gators are considered the underdog in this matchup, they still have a lot of talent and an energetic coaching staff. The Gators are easily one of the more surprising teams, as they have looked very impressive in their first four games.

It will take a mistake-free and a seemingly perfect game for the Gators to come away with a victory, but it is definitely possible with the players on the Gators' roster.

Here are five reasons why the Gators could win against Alabama on Saturday night.

1. Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey

If there is one thing the Crimson Tide will be unable to prepare for against the Gators, it will be the speed of Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps.

Arguably, two of the fastest players in college football, Demps and Rainey have been Florida's two biggest playmakers this season.

Together, they have totaled 1,015 yards of offense in just four games.

If these two running backs can get to the edge against the Alabama defense, they could do some real damage. 

A lot of the success of Florida's offense hinges on Demps and Rainey.

2. Charlie Weis

One of the biggest strengths of the Florida Gators lies in their coaching staff.

Charlie Weis is one of the best offensive minds in all of football. Already this season, the Gators' offense has taken a large leap ahead from last season's debacle. 

Weis has utilized both Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey to their full potential, along with some great game management from John Brantley.

On the other hand, Alabama's defense will be one of the best units the Gators face all season.

Thankfully, with Weis' experience and coaching ability, the Gators will have the opportunity to exploit some of the Crimson Tide's defensive weaknesses. 

If anyone can devise a plan to pick apart Alabama's defense, it would be Charlie Weis. 

3. Special Teams

The Florida Gators' special teams could potentially be the biggest game-changer on Saturday night. 

This unit has already impacted several of the Gators' first four games, providing a lot of pressure on punts and field goals.

Against UAB, the Gators were able to take a punt block back for a touchdown.

And with athletes like Andre Debose, Chris Rainey and Solomon Patton on kick and punt returns, the ability to have a big play on special teams is very prevalent.

A special teams touchdown would go a long way in helping the Gators secure a victory against Alabama on Saturday night.

4. Run Defense

According to cfbstats.com, the Florida Gators' defense has only allowed 226 rushing yards on 110 attempts in four games, which averages out to 2.05 yards per carry.

The Gators are ranked fifth nationally in run defense.

And the Gators will need every bit of their rush defense if they plan on defeating Alabama.

With a weapon like Trent Richardson in the backfield, Alabama is always a threat to have a field day running the ball.

Players like Jelani Jenkins, Ronald Powell and Jon Bostic will be the key for the Gators on defense against Alabama. Their explosiveness and outstanding tackling ability will have to be perfect in order to contain Richardson for four quarters.

Not to mention, if the defensive line can continue to get quick pressure in the backfield like they have been so far this season, that will make things much tougher for Alabama in both the running and passing attacks.

5. Home Field Advantage

Regarded as one of the most intimidating places to play in all of college football, "The Swamp" will play a huge factor in Saturday night's matchup.

If the Gators can build a lead or keep the game close, the crowd will be one of the loudest in all of the nation.

And that could potentially affect a first-year starting quarterback like A.J. McCarron. With a crowd as big and as loud as the one will be in Gainesville on Saturday, Alabama better be careful to keep McCarron calm and focused.

He already showed that he can play in a hostile environment against Penn State, but "The Swamp" will definitely present McCarron with some new challenges.

But on Saturday night, as long as the crowd is in it, it will be tough to keep the Florida Gators out of contention for a victory.