Florida vs. Alabama: Crimson Tide Will Render Gators Rushing Attack Useless

Just like last year, the Florida Gators are off to a hot 4-0 start, and they find themselves in good standing at No. 12 in the AP poll.

Also, just like last year, this could be when the Gators start to unravel.

I say this because Florida is tasked with playing back-to-back games against the SEC's two best teams in No. 3 Alabama and No. 1 LSU. Florida is either going to come out the other end a national title contender or a total dud left to play catchup in the SEC East.

It's a tough draw, no doubt about that, and the Crimson Tide certainly are not going to make it easy for the Gators when they visit the Swamp on Saturday.

Primarily, the Tide should be able to easily neutralize Florida's biggest strength on offense, and that's running the football. Only six teams have rushed for more yards than the Gators have this season, and they have a pair of very productive running backs in Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps. Against anyone else, those two represent a formidable threat.

But not so much against Alabama. All around, the Tide's defense is superb, but they are particularly deadly against the rush. They're allowing an average of 45.8 rushing yards per game this point, a figure that ranks third in the country.

Because Florida has racked up its gaudy rushing totals against inferior competition, you clearly have to give the edge to Alabama here. Their rush defense is for real, and they will stuff the Gators rushing attack.

If Florida is to have a chance to win this game, the Gators are going to need their own defense to step up.

That's a far more reasonable proposition. For all we talk about Alabama's and LSU's defenses, the Gators play some pretty good D as well. They're holding opponents to 9.0 points and 231.8 total yards per game, figures that rank second in the SEC behind Alabama.

Furthermore, we all know that Alabama is far from being an elite offensive team. The Tide can definitely run the football and beat you to death in the trenches, but they're not Oregon. If the Gators can keep them in check, this game could go their way.

But, once again, I worry about how legit Florida's numbers are. They may have good stats on defense, but they were compiled against those same inferior teams. Worth noting is that three of those games were at home, no less.

You're probably picking up on the fact that I just don't know if Florida is for real at this point. Truth be told, I think that's something we should all be suspicious of. Alabama has proven its quality by pocketing wins over a pair of ranked teams in Penn State and Arkansas. The Gators have gotten to where they are by stomping on doormats.

Because of that, I just don't see any reason to pick Florida to win this game.

Prediction: Alabama 28, Florida 14