Alabama and Florida: A Contrast of Images

Alabama and Florida can now officially start preparing for one another and the SEC Championship game.  Both have just won "Feel Good" wins over bitter rivals and both did so with little effort being expended and both got to rest some starters and get some subs a little playing time.

The ease with which both won only emphasizes just how deserving both teams are to play in this championship.  The two have a few similarities, but the main impression many have of these teams are certainly different.

Florida is perceived as a speed team filled with offensive play makers and a Heisman winning QB running the show.  They are an offensive Juggernaut with a defense.  They are the Lamborghini everyone wants in their driveway.  Speed, glitz, and lots of curb appeal.

Alabama on the other hand, is perceived to be your old Chevy work truck.  It cranks on the coldest day, it's reliable and dependable.  It can go through the mud and it can pull the heaviest equipment around.  Alabama is a team full of Joe Lunchbuckets who simply do their job.  There's not a lot of ESPN highlights in a typical Bama win.

Alabama came through it's last game as it has for much of the season, with another win and no real injuries to worry about. 

Florida also came through with another win.  But the ankle injury to Harvin will surely be the topic of conversation this week as the teams prepare for battle.

The game will be played in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta where the Crimson Tide started its fairy tale season.  They will be entering this game the same way they started their first, as an underdog to a much more glamorous team with bigger named stars.

And that is what both worries Urban Meyer and tickles Nick Saban.  Both know Alabama plays its best game when it is discounted and written off.  So far almost every sports commentator and prognosticator has picked Florida.

Alabama players know better than to listen to the press.  Florida players know better also, but its harder to tune out when everyone is flattering you.

So the game is set.  Sexy and fast versus plain and reliable.  If Florida can maneuver their sports car around the Tide they will win.  If Alabama can keep forcing collisions the pick up truck may end up totaling the lightly clad sports car.

No matter the outcome, it will be an entertaining game with the winner headed to the National Championship game.  Some fans will cheer, some fans will cry, but both teams will have plenty to be proud of.