No. 1 Alabama Not the Favorite Against Florida in SEC Championship

I really think that this match up can go either way. Florida is listed as a 10-point favorite, but can Alabama tell a different story?

With Percy Harvin being injured and seeing limited playing time in this game, I believe the advantage goes to Alabama. Junior quarterback Tim Tebow will continue to do what he does, but just a little more today.

Alabama has the nation's best coach—well, that's my opinion because Nick Saban always has his team prepared, possibly better than anyone in the country.

My X-Factors

Alabama Wide Receivers

I'm really not worried about the run game simply because that O-Line could block for Peyton Manning. The receiving corps needs to catch the ball today; you can pretty much say Julio Jones can do that, but if Florida doubles him and it should, whom does that leave to make plays? Nick Walker and Mike McCoy? Exactly. Bama doesn't ask much from John Parker-Wilson, but today they might just have to, and those receivers better catch the ball.

Florida D-Line

This will be a huge test for Florida and this defense. Florida's D-Line is well undersized for the size of this Bama O-Line, so the Gators need to play smart and play patient football.

They Can Win If...

Alabama

...Can win if it continues to do what it does best, and that's run the ball with Glen Coffee and Mark Ingram. Alabama has to control the clock. This is a perfect matchup for Alabama football, a huge O-Line going against a questionable D-Line.

Florida

...Can win if it jumps out and scores right away; Bama can't play catchup, so Florida needs a fast start. Florida needs a 10-point lead early so Alabama is forced to pass. If this happens, it might get ugly.

My Prediction

Alabama 27, Florida 20

I don't think Florida will start off fast, which is why I have Alabama being able to hold on and melt the clock.