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Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Florida Gators Preview + Free Predictions

The Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Florida Gators will both be trying to pick up a win in Week 5 on Saturday…

#3 Alabama Crimson Tide (4-0, 1-0 SEC) vs #12 Florida Gators (4-0, 2-0 SEC)

Along with perhaps Nebraska versus Wisconsin, this is the marquee game of the week in the college football world. Forgetting about LSU momentarily, these have been the two best teams in the conference; both have been winning in highly convincing fashion.

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville FL
Saturday, Oct. 1, 8:00 pm EST
NCAA Odds from Sportsbook.com:
MoneyLine: Alabama -189, Florida +154
Spread: Alabama -4, Florida +4
Over/Under: 44.5

For its part, Florida got a tangible scare last week while dismantling the Kentucky Wildcats, 48-10. In that game, starting QB John Brantley got knocked out of the contest with a rib injury. Freshman backup Jeff Driskel came in and did not play well, forcing an interception and fumbling. Brantley claims that he just got to wind knocked out of him and Florida head coach Will Muschamp says that Brantley will be ready to go this Saturday. But rib injuries can be nagging for a pivot and when playing against a defense as ferocious as Alabama’s, Gators fans have to be worried about Brantley taking further shots.

It’s hard to look at one statistical realm with these two teams. Florida’s defense has speed; the Tide’s has speed, size and NFL-ready players everywhere. Alabama RB Trent Richardson has an elite skill-set for an NFL tailback; Florida’s track-star, flashy duo of Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps can score quicker than you can say “Jack Robinson.” Florida QB Brantley has exceeded expectations, new starting Tide pivot A.J. McCarron has also been a pleasant surprise. Everywhere you look, these two top dogs have been getting it done decisively.

As so often the case with a match-up between two elite programs, this game will probably come down to turnovers and defense. Both defensive units are capable of terrorizing an opponents’ offense, but Alabama’s “D” perhaps looks a little better and has been doing it against slightly tougher competition. Last week, the Tide beat a very good Arkansas team – with a very dangerous offense – without troubles, 38-14. That, along with a beating they handed the Big Ten’s Penn State, makes ’Bama look like a daunting opponent for the Gators this week in The Swamp. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

What must be accounted for, as far as Alabama is concerned, is Florida’s quick-strike capability. The Gators have perhaps the fastest team in the country and breakaway speed along with Brantley’s big arm means that the Tide defense must be prepared to be tested deep. A big play in a game like this can swing the momentum in a nanosecond; late in the game that is the difference between a win and a loss. Going from empirical evidence thus far, the Tide defense can defend the run, defend the pass and harass an opponent into mistakes – but they haven’t played a group as fast and quick as the Gators yet.

Florida also has the advantage of playing in The Swamp, a most intimidating place to come play football. This may affect ’Bama less than other schools as it is used to playing in SEC palaces and has also travelled to Happy Valley to deal with the rabid Penn State fans. If things start going south for Alabama, however, the still fairly inexperienced McCarron could get rattled with all the ear-splitting noise in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

At the end of the day, McCarron throws the ball just enough to keep defenses from keying in on Richardson and talented back-up RB Eddie Lacy. Richardson can do whatever is asked of him behind a monster offensive line and the Crimson Tide defense often leaves opponents’ trainers dealing with a rainbow of bruises. No one can deny that Florida has looked great, but it hasn’t accomplished anything against truly tough opponents (Tennessee, whom the Gators beat in Week 3, is on its way back, but still isn’t on par with an Arkansas or a Penn State).

Considering the atmosphere in The Swamp, you might have to wear earplugs within a 100-mile radius in northwestern Florida when Alabama comes to Gainesville this Saturday, yet I have a feeling that the fans will get sent home disappointed, while Alabama furthers its case that it is the best team in the conference – and the country.

Score Prediction: Alabama 21, Florida 17
Over/Under Prediction: 38

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By James Hayes

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