Alabama vs Florida: Can the Gators Swamp the Tide?

This game is going to be decided on whether Florida's offensive attack can work against Alabama's defense. John Brantley has looked much improved this season, but he has not faced a defense anywhere close to as good as Alabama's. He will need to get the ball in his play-makers hands, primarily Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps. Rainey is averaging 170 all purpose yards and five touchdowns. Demps, on the other hand, is averaging over four yards per carry and has scored four touchdowns. These two will need to get in rhythm and make some big plays for the Gators to get the upset.

Alabama's offense will also have to score against Florida's, which has been equally stingy. The Tide will need their Heisman Hopeful running back, Trent Richardson, to have a big game, and that won't be easy. The Gators rush defense ranks fifth in the nation and has been stingy, giving up less than 57 yards per game, however, they haven't played against a running back of Richardson's caliber. In order for him to have a good game, he will need quarterback AJ McCarron to manage the game and play smart. The Tide can rely on the running game, but need to get the ball in Marquis Maze's hands. Maze is a big play waiting to happen and very reliable. If Bama is able to get the passing game going, then they have a chance of opening up the run game.

Bama is favored by 3.5 points in the Swamp, and I think this game could go either way. I think the Tide are the better overall team, but we haven't seen Florida really play anybody and they've put the teams they've played away. Bama has the more impressive win versus Arkansas last weekend and I think their defense will be too much for Demps and Rainey.