The vaunted alabama defense and the struggling Gator offense

[thedyc09]

I don't think Bama scores more than 10-13 against us. I think we win in a squeaker, something like 17-13, but without needing any last-second heroics.

[NWFLTider]

I just get the feeling that this game is NOT going to be a repeat of last year in the sense that it will not be a back and forth type thing...while both teams still have some football to play, and injuries (hopefully none) have yet to be sorted out, I see this game being a field position game.

My feeling may change as we get closer, but right now, the first team to 17 wins.

[NOTgaGATORanymore]

Right now I would call this game about as even as any game can be. The difference is going to be execution and limiting mistakes.

[gatorville]

That game is going to be a real barnburner. I think who ever kicks the most field goals will win, and we have a good kicker.

[Gators15]

Red Zones are the real woes for both Florida and Bama teams so kicks are indeed more important in the SECCG match. Yup, I agree that it takes less turnovers and better executions to win, too. What a game to watch!

[CSpantheGatorFan]

Originally Posted by BamaLurker

Much better? I'll give you the Gators have a very good defense. I'll even give you the Gators have a better defense than Bama (we will find out in Atlanta). But MUCH better? That's really a stretch. We two are the lone survivors in the SEC for a reason. Both teams are very good. If you are looking forward to either team blowing out the other, you may be waiting awhile. I know UF has a fantastic team, and so do we. I would feel very comfortable about the matchup if that QB of yours were hit by a train or something. I have nightmares about that guy. IMO the SEC is hands down the supreme conference in CF. Whoever wins in ATL will be the NC. I don't think Texas can handle either team. That is where the only blowout will be taking place. See ya in ATL. RTR

Finally, a well written post by a rival fan.

I respectfully disagree about texas even though I hope you are right. Muschamp's defenses always played UF and bama well while at auburn and he probably has more talent now. Stoping mccoy and the offense is no small task either. Even though, they don't always have the championships (National or Conference) to show for it, they are one of the nation's elite programs and currently have one of the most talented teams despite not playing like it at times this year.

[Lawdog88]

Hmmmm. Will Bama blitz or not? Hmmmm.

[RealGatorFan]

Originally Posted by BamaLurker

Much better? I'll give you the Gators have a very good defense. I'll even give you the Gators have a better defense than Bama (we will find out in Atlanta). But MUCH better? That's really a stretch. We two are the lone survivors in the SEC for a reason. Both teams are very good. If you are looking forward to either team blowing out the other, you may be waiting awhile. I know UF has a fantastic team, and so do we. I would feel very comfortable about the matchup if that QB of yours were hit by a train or something. I have nightmares about that guy. IMO the SEC is hands down the supreme conference in CF. Whoever wins in ATL will be the NC. I don't think Texas can handle either team. That is where the only blowout will be taking place. See ya in ATL. RTR

Not MUCH better. Here are a few stats:

Offense
--------
Rushing - Bama = 14th, Florida = 8th
Passing - Bama = 76th, Florida = 83rd
Total - Bama = 31st, Florida = 18th

Defense
--------
Rushing - Bama = 2nd, Florida = 13th
Passing - Bama = 17th, Florida = 2nd
Total - Bama = 4th, Florida = 2nd

Special Teams
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KO Returns - Bama = 33rd, Florida = 7th
Punt Returns - Bama = 16th, Florida = 98th

TO Margin
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Bama = 19th, Florida = 36th

Time of Possession
------------------
Bama = 11th, Florida = 24th

Looking at the stats, we are similar in many ways. Except for passing, Bama's stats are within a few points in every category. Very weird. I was amazed we are so awful in punt returns. In my brother's TSRS computer ranking, Florida has fallen to 5th. Keep in mind, this is against 100 different statistical categories and are balanced each week retroactively. Texas is ranked in the Top 5 in every major category except for total offense...a concern for both Bama and Florida maybe? Texas' defense looks pretty good as the best in the land in rushing and they own special teams.

[Bladerunner]

The Bama game will be very interesting. Both great teams, I hope we are a little more in sync offensively by then. Both defenses should keep it close the entire way. I think Bama is hungrier but that doesn't mean they win but it will be something burning in them. If we can contain the running game of Bama's I like our chances, it we can't it could be a long day trying to play catch up against them and the clock.

[HALLGATOR]

Originally Posted by mebegene

Whoa, PTC! I practically bleed orange/blue and I think we'll be in way over our heads if we don't come up with;

(1) vastly better pass protection
(2) making Tim's release faster
(3) finding better playmakers than they have in just a month
(4) having 0 turnovers - and HERE is were is game is won/lost. Our D can have a perfect game but if our O gives the 'Bama D a couple of gimme scores on fumble returns or intercepts for TDs - its game over.

Now on the POSITIVE side, I do think we can improve on pass protection and find some playmakers in the little less than the month we have before kickoff. Scoring first is absolutely critical. A couple of perfect 1st drives like we had against UGA will be just what the Dr. ordered.

Mebe

You may get some of #1 and #4 is attainable but what you see is what you are going to get with TT's release. It is not going to show any real change in the next few weeks and if they start messing with him now it could make things worse. As far as playmakers what we have is what we have and I doubt there is anyone going to just leap to the forefront at this stage of the game. The biggest thing is to utilize what we have the very best we can.