SEC Championship Preview: Florida vs. Alabama

So far, the critics and pundits have sold the upcoming SEC Championship game in Atlanta as a battle between top-notch teams that feature contrasting styles of play.

But taking a closer look at the offenses of Alabama and Florida reveals as many similarities as differences. 

Forget the fact that Florida runs the Spread, or whatever the tag du jour is at the time for lining up in the shotgun with multiple wide receivers. What Florida does is very similar to Alabama.  It’s just done from the shotgun formation. 

Perhaps the bread-and-butter play for each team is a trap counter run. For Florida, the guard and tackle pull on the play, while Alabama runs a simplified version, with just the one guard pulling, usually Marlon Davis. 

The offensive philosophies are to run first and create opportunities in the passing game.  

With Tebow, Florida has the unique advantage of having two capable runners in the backfield at the snap of the football.  Paradoxically, however, Tebow is the inside power runner, a role usually reserved for the half back in spread offenses. Florida’s speed is just uncanny. 

When a freshman running back arrives on campus, coaches devote many hours to breaking his high school habit of running for the sideline.  Florida is the exception rather than the rule.  The Gators have the speed to run for the perimeter at the college level. 

Alabama’s offensive game-planning is similar in some aspects.  It relies on power running behind a veteran offensive line led by third-year starters Andre Smith and Antoine Caldwell.  When Alabama runs the ball successfully it opens up the playaction passing game, making it easier on their quarterback.   

Alabama running back Glen Coffee has been labeled as a more physical runner, but keep in mind that he has multiple touchdown runs over of 80 yards or more against SEC competition. 

Quarterback John Parker Wilson is a reliable game manager for the Tide.  In years past the lack of a sound running game forced Alabama to ask Wilson to do things outside of his skill set.  Still, Wilson is a tough, wily veteran who has never missed time or been hampered by injury during his career. 

Give the offensive edge to Florida with its speed and returning Heisman winner at quarterback.  Given this, defense is where the Tide has the potential to make up ground. 

Defensively, Florida is led by Brandon Spikes at the middle linebacker position.  An aggressive run stopper who plays just as well in pass coverage (4 Int’s, 2 returned for TDs),  Spikes is the complete package. He is an excellent blitzer as well.

Likewise, Alabama is led by middle linebacker Rolando McClain, a sophomore that pro scouts are raving about. 

If there is one position Alabama seems to have a clear advantage it would be the interior of the defensive line. Reports out of Gainesville indicate the Gators are a little banged-up at this position. 

Noseguard Terrance Cody has been a difference-maker in every sense of the word for Alabama this year.  A powerful player at this position can potentially be disruptive to teams who run the counter. 

Alabama All-SEC safety Rashad Johnson turned in a legendary performance during the LSU game, collecting three interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. He is the vocal leader and quarterback of the UA defense. 

Give the advantage to Florida on special teams and credit head coach Urban Meyer for putting emphasis on this facet of the game. 

Both teams field two exciting return men (Florida's Brandon James and Alabama's Javier Arenas) who have the ability to break the game open at any moment, but Florida does a great job of blocking kicks and punts by placing its fastest and most talented athletes on special teams. 

So, if you're without a ticket and wish to witness a potential game for the ages, skip Christmas, take out a loan, and make your destination Atlanta this weekend.