ATLANTA — Only the rankings are released from last season as the Florida Gators and Alabama Crimson Tide meet to decide the SEC Championship Game winner for the seventh time. Last year, No. 2 Florida ralllied for two fourth-quarter touchdowns and a 31-20 victory over then No. 1 Alabama to gain a berth in the BCS National Championship against Oklahoma. This season, it is Florida, winner of 22 straight games over two seasons, who carry the burden of being No. 1 and Alabama comes in No. 2. For one of the two teams, who finished 12-0 and 8-0 in their respective divisions (Florida in the East, Alabama in the West), there will be a likely berth in the Citi National Championship Game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 7, 2010. The loser is likely headed to New Orleans to play in the Allstate Sugar Bowl.
GAME 13: SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME, No. 1 FLORIDA vs. No. 2 ALABAMA
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009 at 4 p.m. ET.
WHERE: Georgia Dome (71,500), Atlanta, Ga.
WEATHER FORECAST: Morning showers giving way to sunshine, high of 40 degrees. The chance of precipitation is 40 percent with winds from the Northwest at 14 miles per hour. There’s a possibility of snow later in the day as temperatures plummet toward freezing.
BUT WHO CARES? We’re playing this puppy indoors at the Georgia Dome, where the temperature will be around 70 degrees and there will be no wind and the only chance you have of getting wet is if the guy next to you spills his beer. Is this a great country or what!!!
OVER THE AIRWAVES: CBS Sports (Verne Lundquist, play-by-play; Gary Danielson, color analyst; Tracy Wolfson, sidelines) has the telecast; Gator Radio Network has broadcast (see below for more information and stations) with Mick Hubert, Lee McGriff and Steve Babik.
RECORDS/RANKINGS: Florida is 12-0 overall and 8-0 in the Southeastern Conference as the East Division champion. The defending BCS national champion Gators are ranked No. 1 in the current Bowl Championship Series rankings, No. 1 in the Associated Press (media) poll, No. 1 in the USA Today/ESPN (American Football Coaches Association) poll, No. 1 in the Harris Interactive Poll (which is one-third of the BCS rankings) and No. 1 in the Legends Coaches poll (retired college football coaching legends). Alabama is 12-0 overall and 8-0 in the Southeastern Conference as the West Division champion. The Crimson Tide is ranked No. 2 in the current Bowl Championship Series rankings, No. 2 in the Associated Press (media) poll, No. 3 in the USA Today (American Football Coaches Association) poll, No. 3 in the Harris Interactive Poll (which is one-third of the BCS rankings) and No. 2 in the Legends Coaches poll (retired college football coaching legends).
COACHES: Florida, Urban Meyer (Cincinnati, 1988) is 48-9 in his fifth season at Florida and 87-17 in his ninth season as a head coach (with previous stops at Bowling Green and Utah). At Florida, Meyer is 2-0 in SEC Championship Games (beating Arkansas in 2006 and Alabama in 2008) on the way to winning national championships both seasons. Alabama, Nick Saban (Kent State, 1973) is 31-8 in his third season at Alabama and 137-67-1 in his 14th season as a head football coach in college (with previous stops at Toledo, Michigan State and Louisiana State before he coached the NFL’s Miami Dolphins for two seasons). Saban is 2-2 in SEC Championship Games, winning games in 2001 and 2003 (when LSU won the national championship) and losing in 2002 and 2008.
SCHEDULES: Florida – Sept. 5 CHARLESTON SOUTHERN (W, 62-3); Sept. 12 TROY (W, 56-6); Sept. 19 TENNESSEE (SEC) (W, 23-13); Sept. 26 at Kentucky (SEC) (W, 41-7); Oct. 3 Idle; Oct. 10 at Louisiana State (SEC) (W, 13-3); Oct. 17 ARKANSAS (SEC) (W, 23-20); Oct. 24 at Mississippi State (SEC) (W, 29-19); Oct. 31 Georgia (SEC) at Jacksonville (W, 41-17); Nov. 7 VANDERBILT (SEC) (W, 27-3); Nov. 14 at South Carolina (SEC) (W, 24-14); Nov. 21 FIU (W, 62-3); Nov. 28 FLORIDA STATE (W, 37-10). Dec. 5 Alabama in SEC Championship at Atlanta, 4 p.m. (CBS).
Alabama – Sept. 5 Virginia Tech at Atlanta (W, 34-24); Sept. 12 FIU (W, 40-14); Sept. 19 NORTH TEXAS (W, 53-7); Sept. 26 ARKANSAS (SEC) (W, 35-7); Oct. 3 at Kentucky (SEC) (W, 38-20); Oct. 10 at Mississippi (SEC) (W, 22-3); Oct. 17 SOUTH CAROLINA (SEC) (W, 20-6); Oct. 24 TENNESSEE (SEC) (W, 12-10); Nov. 7 LOUISIANA STATE (SEC) (W, 24-15); Nov. 14 at Mississippi State (SEC) (W, 31-3); Nov. 21 TENNESSEE-CHATTANOOGA (W, 45-0); Nov. 27 at Auburn (SEC) (W, 26-21); Dec. 5 Florida in SEC Championship at Atlanta, 4 p.m. (CBS).
LAST TIME OUT: How Florida and Alabama fared last week:
No. 1 Florida 37, Florida State 10: On Saturday, Nov. 28 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field, the Gators got a five-touchdown performance from quarterback Tim Tebow (two running, three passing) and sophomore Jeff Demps ran for 106 yards as the Gators ran their winning streak (the nation’s longest) to 22 by beating retiring Bobby Bowden’s Seminoles for the sixth straight year. Aaron Hernandez turned a pair of shovel passes from Tebow into touchdowns and Tebow connected with his off-campus roommate Riley Cooper for the third TD pass on Senior Day as coach Urban Meyer and his staff plus more than 90,000 fans saluted 24 players who were playing their final games in The Swamp. The Gators’ top-ranked defense held Florida State under 100 yards rushing.
No. 2 Alabama 26, Auburn 21: On Friday, Nov. 27 at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, No. 2 Alabama rallied from a 14-0 deficit thanks to a long touchdown drive that ended with Roy Upchurch catching a 4-yard pass from Greg McElroy with 1:24 remaining. It was the first touchdown reception in his career for Upchurch. McElroy and the Tide consumed more than seven minutes with its 15-play, 79-yard scoring drive. The Tide quarterback completed his final seven passes for 62 yards, with wide receiver catching four passes on the winning drive. Auburn outgained Alabama 332-291 and outrushed the Crimson Tide 151-73 as Mark Ingram, Alabama’s leading rusher, was held to 30 yards on 16 carries after suffering a hip-pointer.
SERIES: This will be the 36th meeting (if you are an Alabama fan) between the Crimson Tide and Gators, with Alabama holding a 21-14 edge (or 20-14 if you are a fan of Florida, which doesn’t recognize the 1904 game as official because football at that time was a club sport in Gainesville). But we know this: Florida and Alabama are meeting for the seventh time in the SEC Championship Game – more than any other two SEC rivals – with the Gators holding a 4-2 edge in the previous six games.
SEC Championship Games
Florida leads, 4-2. Results of the six previous Florida vs. Alabama matchups, the game site and the ranking (in parentheses) of the teams coming into the game:
1992: (2) Alabama 28, (12) Florida 21 at Birmingham. Ala.
1993: (9) Florida 28, (16) Alabama 13 at Birmingham, Ala.
1994: (6) Florida 24, (3) Alabama 23 at Atlanta, Ga.
1996: (4) Florida 45, (15) Alabama 30 at Atlanta, Ga.
1999: (7) Alabama 34, (5) Florida 7 at Atlanta, Ga.
2008: (2) Florida 31, (1) Alabama 20 at Atlanta, Ga.
Regular season
Alabama leads 19-10 if you count the 1904 game; 18-10 if you don’t (Florida dates its varsity football program’s start as the 1906 season). Results of the regular-season matchups, the game site and the ranking (in parentheses) of the teams coming into the game:
1904: Alabama 29, Florida 0 at Tuscaloosa, Ala. 1916: Alabama 16, Florida 0 at Jacksonville, Fla. 1921: Florida 9, Alabama 2 at Tuscaloosa, Ala. 1923: Florida 16, Alabama 6 at Birmingham, Ala. 1925: Alabama 34, Florida 0 at Montgomery, Ala. 1926: Alabama 49, Florida 0 at Montgomery, Ala. 1927: Florida 13, Alabama 6 at Montgomery, Ala. 1930: Alabama 20, Florida 0 at Gainesville, Fla. 1931: Alabama 41, Florida 0 at Birmingham, Ala. 1948: Alabama 34, Florida 28 at Tuscaloosa, Ala.
1949: Alabama 35, Florida 13 at Gainesville, Fla. 1950: (17) Alabama 41, (NR) Florida 13 at Jacksonville, Fla. 1951: Florida 30, Alabama 21 at Tuscaloosa, Ala. 1963: (NR) Florida 10, (3) Alabama 6 at Tuscaloosa, Ala. 1964: (3) Alabama 17, (9) Florida 14 at Tuscaloosa, Ala. 1970: Alabama 46, Florida 15 at Tuscaloosa, Ala. 1971: (8) Alabama 38, (NR) Florida 0 at Gainesville, Fla. 1972: Alabama 24, Florida 7 at Tuscaloosa, Ala. 1973: (3) Alabama 35, (NR) Florida 14 at Gainesville, Fla. 1978: (7) Alabama 23, (NR) Florida 12 at Tuscaloosa, Ala. 1979: (2) Alabama 40, (NR) Florida 0 at Gainesville, Fla.
1986: (4) Alabama 21, (13) Florida 7 at Gainesville, Fla. 1987: (NR) Florida 23, (110 Alabama 14 at Birmingham, Ala. 1990: Florida 17, Alabama 13 at Tuscaloosa, Ala. 1991: (6) Florida 35, (16) Alabama 0 at Gainesville, Fla. 1998: (8) Florida 16, (NR) Alabama 10 at Tuscaloosa, Fla. 1999: (21) Alabama 40, (3) Florida 39 at Gainesville, Fla. 2005: (15) Alabama 31, (5) Florida 3 at Tuscaloosa, Ala. 2006: (5) Florida 28, (NR) Alabama 13 at Gainesville, Fla.
All games
Games at Gainesville, Fla.: Alabama 7-2. Games at Tuscaloosa, Ala.: Alabama 7-5. Games at Jacksonville, Fla.: Alabama 2-0. Games at Birmingham, Ala.: Florida 3-2. Games at Montgomery, Ala.: Alabama 2-1. Games at Atlanta: Florida 3-1. Last 10 meetings: Florida 6-4. Current streak: Florida 2. Longest Florida winning streak: 4 (1993-1998). Longest Alabama winning streak: 8 (1964-1986).
LAST YEAR IN ATLANTA: Heading into the fourth quarter trailing 20-17, the Gators engineered two dominating drives in the final 15 minutes to eat precious clock and win, 31-20. It was Florida’s eighth SEC title. Quarterback Tim Tebow completed 14 of 22 passes for 216 yards and three touchdowns and Florida rushed for 136 yards against a Crimson Tide defense that had held the opposition to an average of 73.6 yards a game. Tebow’s 5-yard touchdown strike to Riley Cooper and an interception by Joe Haden wrapped up the game for Florida, which won its ninth straight and took a 12-1 record into the BCS National Championship Game after handing No. 1 Alabama its first loss of the season after 12 victories.
STARTLING LINEUPS: This is how the teams are expected to match up offense vs. defense and on special teams:
Florida offense: WR 6 Deonte Thompson; WR 11 Riley Cooper; LT 73 Xavier Nixon; LG 57 Carl Johnson; C 56 Maurkice Pouncey; RG 55 Mike Pouncey; RT 76 Marcus Gilbert; TE 81 Aaron Hernandez; QB 15 Tim Tebow; RB 2 Jeff Demps; WR 25 Brandon James; WR 83 David Nelson.
Alabama defense: DE 97 Lorenzo Washington; NG 62 Terrence Cody; DE 95 Brandon Deaderick; SAM 13 Cory Reamer; MIKE 25 Rolando McClain; WILL 35 Nico Johnson; JACK 32 Eryk Anders; LC 28 Javier Arenas; RC 3 Kareem Jackson; SS 4 Mark Barron; FS 27 Justin Woodall.
Florida defense: DE 94 Justin Trattou, 96 William Green or 6 Jaye Howard; DT 99 Omar Hunter or 90 Lawrence Marsh; DT 92 Terron Sanders or 47 Brandon Antwine; DE 49 Jermaine Cunningham; SLB 40 Brandon Hicks; MLB 51 Brandon Spikes; WLB 41 Ryan Stamper; CB 1 Janoris Jenkins; CB 5 Joe Haden; SS 35 Ahmad Black or 10 Will Hill; FS 21 Major Wright or 10 Will Hill.
Alabama offense: LT 77 James Carpenter; LG 78 Mike Johnson; C 73 William Vlachos; RG 75 Barrett Jones; RT 79 Drew Davis; TE 84 Colin Peek; QB 12 Greg McElroy; HB 85 Preston Dial or 17 Brad Smelley; RB 22 Mark Ingram; WR 8 Julio Jones; WR 4 Marquis Maze.
Florida specialists: PK 19 Caleb Sturgis; KO 19 Caleb Sturgis; PR 25 Brandon James; KR 25 Brandon James; P 17 Chas Henry; S 53 Mike Williamson (P) and 59 John Fairbanks (PK); H 17 Chas Henry.
Alabama specialists: PK 99 Leigh Tiffin; KO 99 Leigh Tiffin; PR 28 Javier Arenas; KR 28 Javier Arenas and 8 Julio Jones; P 7 P.J. Fitzgerald; S 50 Brian Selman; H 7 P.J. Fitzgerald.
TEAM STATISTICS: How Florida and Alabama compare in the last NCAA team ratings (NCAA/SEC):
Scoring offense: Florida, 36.50 points per game (10/2). Alabama, 31.67 points per game (25/4). National leader: Houston 44.92 ppg. SEC leader: Arkansas 37.33 ppg.
Total offense: Florida, 451.33 yards per game (12/1). Alabama, 407.42 yards per game (40/4). National leader: Houston 583.25 yards per game,
Rushing offense: Florida, 236.67 yards per game (6/1). Alabama, 212.92 yards per game (13/4). National leader: Nevada 362.25 yards per game.
Passing offense: Florida, 214.67 yards per game (64/6). Alabama, 194.50 yards per game (89/8). National leader: Houston 443.58 yards per game. SEC leader: Arkansas 303.33 yards per game.
Passing efficiency: Florida, 165.75 rating (3/1). Alabama, 137.62 rating (36/4). National leader: Cincinnati 171.91 rating.
Scoring defense: Florida, 9.83 points per game (1/1). Alabama, 10.83 points per game (2/2).
Total defense: Florida, 233.08 yards per game (1/1). Alabama, 233.92 yards per game (3/2).
Rushing defense: Florida, 89.92 yards per game (8/2). Alabama, 77.08 yards per game (2/1). National leader: Texas 61.75 yards per game.
Passing defense: Florida, 143.17 yards per game (1/1). Alabama, 156.83 yards per game (5/2).
Pass efficiency defense: Florida, 88.07 rating (2/2). Alabama, 85.88 rating (1/1).
Turnovers lost: Florida, 15 (T20/4). Alabama, 10 (T3/1). National leader: Cincinnati 7.
Turnovers gained: Florida, 23 (T39/T4). Alabama, 25 (T26/2). National leader: Ohio 35. SEC leader:
Turnover margin: Florida, 0.67 per game (17/3). Alabama, 1.25 per game (5/1). National leader: Rutgers 1.82 per game.
Tackles for loss allowed: Florida, 5.42 per game (T48/6). Alabama, 4.58 per game (T20/1). National leader: Houston 3.25 per game.
Tackles for loss: Florida, 5.33 per game (76/10). Alabama, 7.17 per game (16/2). National leader: Middle Tennessee State 8.83 per game. SEC leader: Mississippi 7.67 per game.
Sacks allowed: Florida, 2.33 per game (81/10). Alabama, 1.17 per game (T20/3). National leader: Boise State 0.42 per game. SEC leader: Tennessee 1.00 per game.
Sacks: Florida, 2.75 per game (18/2). Alabama, 2.58 per game (T20/3). National leader: Pittsburgh 3.91 per game. SEC leader: Mississippi 2.83 per game.
First downs offense: Florida, 22.75 per game (T13/1). Alabama, 20.50 per game (T47/T4). National leader: Houston 31.08 per game.
First downs defense: Florida, 13.58 per game (3/2). Alabama, 13.33 per game (2/1). National leader: Texas Christian 12.08 per game.
Third-down percentage: Florida, 77 of 154 for 50.00 percent (T5/1). Alabama, 63 of 167 for 37.72 percent (78/9). National leader: 86 for 155 for 55.48 percent.
Third-down percentage defense: Florida, 43 of 164 for 26.22 percent (2/1). Alabama, 48 of 166 for 28.92 percent (5/2). National leader: Texas Christian 46 of 176 for 26.14 percent.
Fourth-down percentage: Florida, 9 of 14 for 64.29 percent (22/2). Alabama, 10 of 16 for 62.50 percent (T26/3). National leader: Toledo 16 of 20 for 80.00 percent. SEC leader: Kentucky 15 of 20 for 75 percent.
Fourth-down percentage defense: Florida, 8 of 19 for 42.11 percent (T35/5). Alabama, 9 of 23 for 39.13 percent (29/4). National leader: Wyoming 4 of 18 for 22.22 percent. SEC leader: Arkansas 4 of 16 for 25 percent.
Red zone offense: Florida, 44 (28 TD/16 FG) of 56 for 79 percent (T81/9). Alabama, 42 (21 TD/21 FG) of 49 for 86 percent (T35/7). National leader: Oregon State 48 (37 TD/11 FG) of 50 for 96 percent. SEC leader: Arkansas 45 (35 TD/10 FG) of 47 for 96 percent.
Red zone defense: Florida, 17 (7 TD/10 FG) of 23 for 74 percent (T12/T3). Alabama, 14 (8 TD/6 FG) of 20 for 70 percent (T4/1). National leader: Penn State 17 (10 TD/7 FG) of 26 for 65 percent.
Time of possession: Florida, 31.29 (23/3). Alabama, 33:00 (5/1). National leader: Georgia Tech 34:03.
Net punting: Florida, 40.14 average (5/2). Alabama, 34.67 (81/8). National leader/SEC leader: Georgia 42.84 average.
Punt returns: Florida, 7.51 yards per return (78/10). Alabama, 16.00 yards per return (6/2). National leader/SEC leader: Louisiana State 18.64 yards per return.
Punt returns defense: Florida, 3.25 yards per return (8/1). Alabama, 9.00 yards per return (T61/5). National leader: Hawaii 1.17 yards per return.
Kickoff returns: Florida, 25.93 yards per return (10/1). Alabama, 24.82 yards per return (T14/2). National leader: Texas Christian 30.62 yards per return.
Kickoff returns defense: Florida, 20.25 yards per return (34/3). Alabama, 25.56 yards per return (116/11). National leader: Kent State 15.33 yards per return. SEC leader: Louisiana State 17.38 yards per return.
Fewest yards penalized: Florida, 49.50 yards per game (T72/9). Alabama, 46.25 yards per game (T24/4). National leader: Navy 30.00 yards per game. SEC leader: Kentucky 40.58 yards per game.
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS: The statistical leaders for Florida and Alabama:
Rushing: Florida, Tim Tebow 193-796, 4.1 average, 13 TD; Jeff Demps 95-729, 7.7 average, 7 TD; Chris Rainey 83-541, 6.5 average, 4 TD; Emmanuel Moody 50-364, 7.3 average, 1 TD; Mike Gillislee 26-189, 7.3 average, 1 TD; Brandon James 19-100, 5.3 average, 0 TD. Alabama, Mark Ingram 221-1429, 6.5 average, 12 TD; Trent Richardson 115-562, 4.9 average, 6 TD; Roy Upchurch 39-233, 6.0 average, 2 TD; Terry Grant 40-166, 4.2 average, 3 TD; Demetrius Goode 16-108, 6.8 average, 0 TD; Greg McElroy 43-100, 2.3 average, 1 TD.
Passing: Florida, 152-244-4, 66.4 percent, 2166 yards, 17 TD, 160.67 pass efficiency rating; John Brantley 36-48-0, 75.0 percent, 410 yards, 7 TD, 194.88 pass efficiency rating. Alabama, Greg McElroy 180-296-4, 60.8 percent, 2211 yards, 16 TD, 138.69 pass efficiency rating; Star Jackson 13-18-0, 72.2 percent, 116 yards, 0 TD, 126.36 pass efficiency rating.
Receiving: Florida, Aaron Hernandez 51-654, 12.8 average, 4 TD; Riley Cooper 41-703, 17.1 average, 8 TD; Brandon James 23-206, 9.0 average, 1 TD; David Nelson 19-201, 10.6 average, 1 TD; Deonte Thompson 17-258, 15.2 average, 3 TD; Omarius Hines 13-168, 12.9 average, 1 TD. Alabama, Julio Jones 40-545, 13.6 average, 4 TD; Mark Ingram 28-246, 8.8 average, 3 TD; Marquis Maze 25-423, 16.9 average, 2 TD; Colin Peek 23-274, 11.9 average, 2 TD; Darius Hanks 17-272, 16.0 average, 3 TD.
Scoring: Florida, Caleb Sturgis 19-26 FG, 37-39 PAT, 94 points; Tim Tebow 13 TD, 78 points; Riley Cooper 8 TD, 48 points; Jeff Demps 7 TD, 42 points; Chris Rainey 6 TD, 36 points. Alabama, Leigh Tiffin 27-31 FG, 36-38 PAT, 117 points; Mark Ingram 15 TD, 90 points; Trent Richardson 6 TD, 1-1 Rush PAT, 32 points; Julio Jones 4 TD, 24 points.
Punts: Florida, Chas Henry 29-1237 yards, 42.7 average, long 61, 3 touchbacks, 10 fair catches, 13 inside the 20; 6 50-plus punts. Alabama, P.J. Fitzgerald 49-2063 yards, 42.1 average, long 55, 11 touchbacks, 10 fair catches, 16 inside the 20, 8 50-plus punts.
Punt returns: Florida, Brandon James 32-232, 7.2 average, 0 TD. Alabama, Javier Arenas 28-466, 16.6 average, 1 TD; Julio Jones 5-75, 15.0 average, 0 TD.
Kickoff returns: Florida, Brandon James 26-678, 26.1 average, 1 TD. Alabama, Javier Arenas 16-472, 29.5 average, 0 TD; Terry Grant 8-176, 22.0 average, 0 TD.
Interceptions: Florida, Joe Haden 4-20, 5.0 average, 0 TD; Major Wright 3-34, 11.3 average, 0 TD; A.J. Jones 3-1, 0.3 average, 0 TD; Brandon Spikes 2-46, 23.0 average, 2 TD; Ryan Stamper 2-18, 9.0 average, 0 TD; Janoris Jenkins 2-4, 2.0 average, 0 TD. Alabama, Mark Barron 7-125, 17.9 average, 1 TD; Justin Woodall 3-33, 11.0 average, 0 TD; Rolando McClain 2-21, 10.5 average, 0 TD; Javier Arenas 2-22, 11.0 average, 0 TD.
Fumble returns: Florida, None. Alabama, Courtney Upshaw 1-45, 45.0 average, 1 TD.
Tackles (UT-AT): Florida, Ryan Stamper 39-32; Joe Haden 46-13; Ahmad Black 25-32; Brandon Spikes 26-27; Dustin Doe 27-16; Will Hill 27-11; A.J. Jones 16-21; Carlos Dunlap 26-9. Alabama, Rolando McClain 48-48; Javier Arenas 42-22; Mark Barron 34-29; Eryk Anders 25-31; Cory Reamer 23-20; Justin Woodall 27-15; Kareem Jackson 25-15.
Tackles for loss: Florida, Jermaine Cunningham 11.5-47 yards; Carlos Dunlap 8.5-51 yards; Ryan Stamper 5.5-15 yards; Joe Haden 5.0-28 yards; Brandon Spikes 4.5-18 yards; A.J. Jones 4.5-25 yards. Alabama, Javier Arenas 12.0-85 yards; Eryk Anders 12.0-72 yards; Rolando McClain 12.0-57 yards; Marcell Dareus 9.0-49 yards; Cory Reamer 7.0-30 yards.
Quarterback sacks: Florida, Carlos Dunlap 7.0-45 yards; Jermaine Cunningham 7.0-42 points; Joe Haden 3.0-19 yards; Brandon Spikes 3.0-16 yards; A.J. Jones 3.0-20 yards; Brandon Hicks 3.0-17 yards. Alabama, Marcell Dareus 6.5-44 yards; Javier Arenas 5.0-53 yards; Eryk Anders 5.0-47 yards; Rolando McClain 4.0-36 yards.
Blocked kicks: Florida, Chris Rainey 2. Alabama, Terrence Cody 2.
GATORCOUNTRY.COM: As usual, we will have game coverage starting after the final gun – stories, photos, interviews and statistics downloaded as they are produced. In addition, Gator Country is your source for news about the Gators on television, radio and in print. The Gator Country Television Show (GCTV) airs Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 4 and 6:30 p.m. and 11 a.m. Saturdays on Cox Cable Channel 15 in Gainesville and Ocala. GCTV can be seen on Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. on ESPN2 in the Gainesville and Ocala. Buddy Martin, Franz Beard, Brady Ackerman, Justin Wells and Laura McKeeman participate on the GCTV show. Franz Beard is the host for the Internet TV show “Franz and Friends” on Mondays at 8 p.m., while Wells and McKeeman are the hosts for Insider Recruiting Thursdays at 8 p.m. Martin and Co. also take part on “The Morning Drive with Brady Ackerman and Mark McLeod” from 7-9 a.m. Mondays through Fridays on ESPN Radio in Ocala (900 AM, 100.1 FM) and Gainesville (1230 AM). Finally, you will be able to purchase the newly designed and improved Gator Country Magazine on newsstands throughout the state (Publix, Books-A-Million, Barnes and Noble) beginning with our October issue with Urban Meyer on the cover. For more information how you can join GatorCountry.com and get your daily Orange and Blue fix, check out our website at https://www.gatorcountry.com.
TV: CBS is televising the game at 4 p.m. Calling the game is Verne Lundquist (play-by-play), Gary Danielson (color analyst) and Tracy Wolfson (sidelines).
TV REPLAYS: Sun Sports replays the game at 8:30 Sunday morning with its “Breakfast with the Gators” show and also replays the game Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 11 p.m. Calling the game are Larry Vettel (play-by-play), Nat Moore (color analyst) and Brady Ackerman (sidelines).
RADIO: Gator Radio Network: Mick Hubert (play-by-play), Lee McGriff (color analyst) and Brady Ackerman (sidelines), Scot Brantley and Travis McGriff (pre-game). Pre-game show starts at 2 p.m.; post-game show concludes 60 minutes after game. WFXJ-AM 930 (Jacksonville) is flagship station. Affiliates include WCNN-AM 680 (Atlanta, Ga.), WALR-AM 1340 (Atlanta, Ga.), WFOM-AM 1230 (Atlanta, Ga.), WWBF-AM 1130 (Bartow), WPHK-FM 102.7 (Blountstown), WWJB-AM 1450 (Brooksville), WMEL-AM 1300 (Cocoa), WXCV-FM 95.3 (Crystal River), WDCF-AM 1350 (Dade City), WWCN-AM 770 (Fort Myers), WRUF-FM 103.7 (Gainesville), WRUF-AM 850 (Gainesville), WKWF-AM 1600 (Key West), WUCR-FM 107.9 (Lake Butler), WNFB-FM 94.3 (Lake City), WDSR-AM 1340 (Lake City), WONN-AM 1230 (Lakeland), WINZ-AM 940 (Miami), WSBB-AM 1230 (New Smyrna Beach), WMOP-AM 900 (Ocala), WMOP-FM 100.1 (Ocala), WOKC-AM 1570 (Okeechobee), WOKC-FM 100.9 (Okeechobee), WFLF-AM 540 (Orlando), WIYD-AM 1260 (Palatka), WYYX-FM 97.7 (Panama City), WTKE-FM 98.1 (Pensacola), WPSL-AM 1590 (Port St. Lucie), WLSS-AM 930 (Sarasota), WSJZ-FM 99.5 (Sebastian), WWTK-AM 730 (Sebring), WAOC-AM 1420 (St. Augustine), WSTU-AM 1450 (Stuart), WQTL-FM 106.1 (Tallahassee), WDAE-AM 620 (Tampa-St. Petersburg), WJNO-AM 1290 (West Palm Beach). Satellite radio: Florida, XM 144/Sirius 123. Alabama, XM 199/Sirius 214. Crimson Tide Sports Network: Eli Gold (play-by-play), Phil Savage (color analyst), Barry Krauss (sidelines). Flagship station: WFFN-FM (95.3). SEC Radio Network: Dave Neal (play-by-play), Dave Archer (color analyst) and Dave Baker (sidelines). Westwood One: John Tautges (play-by-play) and Terry Donahue (color analyst).
STATISTICS: Game play-by-play and statistics are delayed but refreshed continually during the game on GameTracker, http://www.gatorzone.com and http://www.espn.go.com.
STANDINGS/SCHEDULES
GAMES INVOLVING BCS TOP 25 TEAMS
The latest Bowl Championship Series rankings and the games those teams play the week of Nov. 30-Dec. 5:
1. Florida (12-0) vs. No. 2 Alabama (12-0) in SEC Championship Game Saturday at Atlanta, 4 p.m. (CBS)
2. Alabama (12-0) vs. No. 1 Florida (12-0) in SEC Championship Game Saturday at Atlanta, 4 p.m. (CBS)
3. Texas (12-0) vs. No. 22 Nebraska (9-3) in Big 12 Championship Game Saturday at Arlington, Texas, 8 p.m. (ABC)
4. Texas Christian (12-0) is idle. Next: Bowl game TBD.
5. Cincinnati (11-0) at No. 15 Pittsburgh (9-2) Saturday, 12 p.m. (ABC)
6. Boise State (12-0) vs. New Mexico State (3-9) Saturday, 3 p.m. (KTVB, AggieVision, ESPN GamePlan)
7. Oregon (10-2) beat No. 16 Oregon State (8-4) Thursday, 37-3. Next: No. 8 Ohio State in Rose Bowl, Jan. 1, 2010. (ABC)
8. Ohio State (10-2) is idle. Next: No. 7 Oregon in Rose Bowl, Jan. 1, 2010. (ABC)
9. Iowa (10-2) is idle. Next: Bowl game TBD.
10. Georgia Tech (10-2) vs. Clemson (8-4) in ACC Championship Game Saturday at Tampa, Fla., 8 p.m. (ESPN)
11. Penn State (10-2) is idle. Next: Bowl game TBD.
12. Virginia Tech (9-3) is idle. Next: Bowl game TBD.
13. Louisiana State (9-3) is idle. Next: Bowl game TBD.
14. Brigham Young (10-2) is idle. Next: Bowl game TBD.
15. Pittsburgh (9-2) vs. No. 5 Cincinnati (11-0) Saturday, 12 p.m. (ABC)
16. Oregon State (8-4) lost to No. 7 Oregon (10-2) Thursday, 37-33. Next: Bowl game TBD. Vs.
17. Miami, Fla. (9-3) is idle. Next: Bowl game TBD.
18. Southern California (8-3) vs. Arizona Saturday, 3:30 p.m. (ABC)
19. California (8-3) at Washington Saturday, 6:30 p.m. (FSN Northwest)
20. Oklahoma State (9-3) is idle. Next: Bowl game TBD.
21. Houston (10-2) at East Carolina (8-4) in Conference USA Championship Game Saturday, 12 p.m. (ESPN2)
22. Nebraska (9-3) vs. No. 3 Texas (12-0) in Big 12 Championship Game Saturday at Arlington, Texas, 8 p.m. (ABC)
23. West Virginia (8-3) at Rutgers (8-3) Saturday, 12 p.m. (ESPN)
24. Stanford (8-4) is idle. Next: Bowl game TBD.
25. Utah (9-3) is idle. Next: Bowl game TBD.
SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE
For the latest standings, CLICK BELOW:
http://espn.go.com/ncf/conferences/standings?confId=8
SCHEDULE
Saturday, Dec. 5
SEC Championship at Georgia Dome, Atlanta
No. 2 Alabama vs. No. 1 Florida, 4 p.m. (CBS)
ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE
For the latest standings, click below:
http://espn.go.com/ncf/conferences/standings?confId=1&year=2009
SCHEDULE
Saturday, Dec. 5
Dr. Pepper ACC Championship Game at Tampa, Fla.
No. 10 Georgia Tech vs. Clemson, 8 p.m. (ESPN)
BIG EAST CONFERENCE
For the latest standings, CLICK BELOW:
http://espn.go.com/ncf/conferences/standings?confId=10&year=2009
SCHEDULE
Saturday, Dec. 5
No. 5 Cincinnati at No. 15 Pittsburgh, 12 p.m. (ABC)
No. 23 West Virginia at Rutgers, 12 p.m. (ESPN)
South Florida at Connecticut, 8 p.m. (ESPN2)
BIG TEN CONFERENCE
For the latest standings, CLICK BELOW:
http://espn.go.com/ncf/conferences/standings?confId=5
SCHEDULE
Regular season complete
BIG 12 CONFERENCE
For the latest standings, CLICK BELOW:
http://espn.go.com/ncf/conferences/standings?confId=4
SCHEDULE
Saturday, Dec. 5
Dr. Pepper Big 12 Championship Game
At Arlington, Texas
No. 3 Texas vs. No. 22 Nebraska, 8 p.m. (ABC)
CONFERENCE USA
For the latest standings, CLICK BELOW:
http://espn.go.com/ncf/conferences/standings?confId=12
SCHEDULE
Saturday, Dec. 5
Conference USA Championship Game
No. 21 Houston at East Carolina, 12 p.m.
INDEPENDENTS
For the latest records, CLICK BELOW:
http://espn.go.com/ncf/conferences/standings?confId=18
SCHEDULE
Saturday, Dec. 12
Army vs. Navy at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pa., 2:30 p.m. (CBS)
MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE
For the latest standings, CLICK BELOW:
http://espn.go.com/ncf/conferences/standings?confId=15
SCHEDULE
Friday,Dec. 4
Marathon MAC Championship Game at Ford Field, Detroit
Central Michigan 20, Ohio 10
MOUNTAIN WEST CONFERENCE
For the latest standings, CLICK BELOW:
http://espn.go.com/ncf/conferences/standings?confId=17
SCHEDULE
Regular season complete
PACIFIC-10 CONFERENCE
For the latest standings, CLICK BELOW:
http://espn.go.com/ncf/conferences/standings?confId=9
SCHEDULE
Thursday, Dec. 3
No. 8 Oregon 37, No. 16 Oregon State 33
Saturday, Dec. 5
Arizona at No. 18 Southern California, 3:30 p.m. (ABC)
No. 19 California at Washington, 6:30 p.m. (FSN Northwest)
SUN BELT CONFERENCE
For the latest standings, CLICK BELOW:
http://espn.go.com/ncf/conferences/standings?confId=37
SCHEDULE
Thursday, Dec. 3
Arkansas State 24, Western Kentucky 20
Saturday, Dec. 5
Florida Atlantic at Florida International, 7 p.m. (Sun Belt Network)
WESTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
For the latest standings, CLICK BELOW:
http://espn.go.com/ncf/conferences/standings?confId=16
SCHEDULE
Saturday, Dec. 5
Fresno State at Illinois, 12:30 p.m. (Big Ten Network)
San Jose State at Louisiana Tech, 2 p.m. (ERT)
New Mexico State at No. 6 Boise State, 3 p.m. (KTVB, AggieVision, ESPN GamePlan)
Wisconsin at Hawaii, 11:30 p.m. (ESPN2)
OTHER FCS GAMES
Saturday, Dec. 5
Southern (6-5) vs. Texas Southern (5-5) at Houston, Texas, 2 p.m. (ESPNU)
Tuskegee (9-2) vs. Elizabeth City State (7-3) at Columbia, S.C., 2 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 12
SWAC Championship at Birmingham, Ala.
Prairie View A&M (8-1) vs. Alabama A&M (7-4), 2 p.m.
COLLEGE PLAYOFFS
NCAA DIVISION I-AA
Saturday, Dec. 5 quarterfinals
William & Mary (10-2) at Southern Illinois (11-1), 12 p.m.
Stephen F. Austin (10-2) at Montana (12-0), 2 p.m.
New Hampshire (10-2) at Villanova (11-1), 3:30 p.m.
Appalachian State (10-2) at Richmond (11-1), 7 p.m.
Friday-Saturday, Dec. 11-12 semifinals
Friday semifinal kicks off at 8 p.m.; Saturday semifinal kicks off at 4 p.m.
Stephen F. Austin-Montana winner vs. Appalachian State-Richmond winner, TBD (ESPN2)
New Hampshire-Villanova winner vs. William & Mary-Southern Illinois winner, TBD (ESPN2)
Friday, Dec. 18 championship
At Chattanooga, Tenn.
Semifinal winners, 8 p.m. (ESPN2)
NCAA DIVISION II
Saturday, Dec. 5 semifinals
Carson Newman (11-2) at Grand Valley State (12-1), 3:30 p.m. (ESPN)
California (Pa.) (11-3) at Northwest Missouri State (12-1), 8:30 p.m. (CBS College Sports Network)
Saturday, Dec. 12 championship
At Florence, Ala.
Semifinal winners, 1 p.m. (ESPN2)
NCAA DIVISION III
Saturday, Dec. 5 quarterfinals
Albright (11-1) at Mount Union (12-0), 12 p.m.
Johns Hopkins (10-2) at Wesley College (12-0), 12 p.m.
Wittenberg (12-0) at Wisconsin Whitewater (12-0), 1 p.m.
St. Thomas (Minn.) (11-1) at Linfield (11-0), 3 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 12 semifinals
Albright-Mount Union winner vs. Johns Hopkins-Wesley winner, TBD
Wittenberg-Wisconsin Whitewater winner vs. St. Thomas-Linfield winner, TBD
Saturday, Dec. 19 championship
At Salem, Va.
Semifinal winners, 11 a.m. (ESPN2)
NAIA FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
Saturday, Dec. 5 semifinals
St. Xavier (Ill.) (13-0) at University of Sioux Falls (S.D.) (13-0), 2 p.m.
Lindenwood (Mo.) (12-0) at Carroll (Mont.) (13-0), 2 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 19 championship
Semifinal winners, 12 p.m. (CBS College Sports Network)
COLLEGE POLLS
BOWL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES RANKINGS
For the latest rankings, CLICK BELOW:
http://espn.go.com/college-football/bcs
ASSOCIATED PRESS (Media)
For the latest poll, CLICK BELOW:
http://espn.go.com/college-football/rankings/_/poll/1
USA TODAY (American Football Coaches Association)
For the latest poll, CLICK BELOW:
http://espn.go.com/college-football/rankings/_/poll/2
HARRIS INTERACTIVE (BCS)
For the latest poll, CLICK BELOW:
http://espn.go.com/college-football/rankings/_/poll/5
LEGENDS POLL (Retired football coaches)
For the latest poll, CLICK BELOW:
http://espn.go.com/college-football/rankings/_/poll/6