Alabama Beats the Odds, Florida Doesn't

Seems like the folks in Vegas are getting nervous.  Wasn't the first line something like 11.5 points against the Tide?  Now it's down to nine in some.  I suspect it may drop more prior to kickoff as rumor has it the big money is on Alabama.

Usually smart people have money, therefore it would stand to reason that the smart money should and is being cast down on the boys in crimson. 

Already this year the Tide was an underdog against Clemson.  We now all know how that turned out.  People say Clemson's not that good.  Well, it took them several weeks to shake off that woodshed thrashing and start believing in themselves again.  They've now won four out of their last five and made a bowl game.

They said Georgia would put the Tide's lights out in the now famous "Blackout" game.  It was 31-0 by half time and Georgia, just like Clemson, would have this game shake their confidence in "Big Games."  They lost to Florida, (badly) and to in-state rival Ga. Tech (sadly).

Now they say Florida will beat Alabama.  Yeah, yeah, yeah.  That tune's getting old for the players, coaches, and fans.  They've heard all this before and it didn't intimidate them then, either.

With Harvin hobbled, the defensive line cobbled, and their cockiness wobbled, the Gators are going to have a long and painful day ahead of them.  Alabama's plan is school-yard-bully simple.  Offense pounds it down your throat and the defense stops everything at the line of scrimmage.

Urban Meyer has already said it will take two linemen, (twin brothers, in fact) to take care of just one Alabama landmark, Mount Cody.  Florida's preoccupation with Cody will allow others to shoot the gaps.  Tebow will be wondering who's coming next and from where, more than who's open and where.

And that's only when Saban allows them to have the ball.  Look for Alabama to have a couple of eight-minute drives in this game.  The lack of healthy defensive linemen for the Gators is either going to make for a LOOOONG day for the starters, or a lot of embarrassment for the subs they may try and bring in.

The Ole Miss center said it best when he said, "We beat Florida on their field and the scoreboard.  Alabama beat us on the scoreboard and whipped us on the field."

So far this season, Alabama has fought the odds and come out ahead.  That statement includes using so many inexperienced players, beating the Vegas odds-makers, and simply beating the opponents that lined up against them.

Florida hasn't beat the odds this year in the same manner.  They're playing with experienced people at the height of their talent and still they've under-performed.  This Saturday won't be any different.