SEC Championship Preview: Alabama vs Florida

For the fourth time in the past eight years Alabama will be taking on Florida in the SEC Championship.

Alabama rolls in undefeated, and a virtual lock to make the playoffs. Florida stumbles in following a disappointing 31-13 loss at Florida State which sent them to 8-3 on the season.

Alabama’s 29-15 victory over Florida last season was the highest ranked college football game of the year, but this year’s game might be a different story. A hobbled Florida team stands little chance against the thriving Tide, especially with their star-studded defense missing Marcus Maye and Alex Anzalone, and quarterback Luke Del Rio sidelined.

This game will also have significance as it is Verne Lundquist’s last game as an SEC commentator. An era of commentating will end following the 25th showing of the SEC title game, a rematch of the first ever SEC title game. Nick Saban is 9-0 against his former assistants, and for the second straight year teacher vs. prodigy will be throwing down in championship week.

Nov 5, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Bo Scarbrough (9) scrambles up the field against the LSU Tigers during the third quarter at Tiger Stadium. Alabama defeated LSU 10-0. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Bo Scarbrough, RB: Bo Scarbrough has been banged up towards the end of the season, but has emerged as a spark plug for Alabama’s offense during the LSU game. His bruising style, and ability to get to the next level has helped Alabama get going offensively. Scarbrough’s workload should be increased this week going against a more physical defense, and with time to heal.

Jalen Hurts, QB: The true freshman quarterback is on pace to set all kinds of records at the school, and has added a new, scary, dimension to the Tide offense. In what could be the last few games we see Hurts and Kiffin together, expect Alabama to unleash his abilities a little bit more. We haven’t seen the true abilities of him throwing downfield.

Ryan Anderson, OLB: The most underrated player in college football is Ryan Anderson. He’s a top-tier edge rusher who is overshadowed by All-Americans to be, and has posted 7.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss this year. Anderson’s an aggressive edge rusher who will make his presence felt against a beat up Florida offense.

Nov 19, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Teez Tabor (31) celebrates the win over the LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium. The Gators defeat the Tigers 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Teez Tabor/Quincy Wilson, CB: Florida’s corners are both top-tier NFL prospects, and will play a crucial role Saturday, shutting down Calvin Ridley and ArDarius Stewart. They will need to make their presences on the field felt in order to slow down Alabama’s offense which is one of the best in America.

Austin Appleby, QB: Appleby took over the quarterback job after Luke Del Rio suffered an injury, and has thrown for 964 yards and six touchdowns and two picks. Florida hasn’t scored a touchdown in 10 quarters, and Alabama hasn’t allowed one in 17 quarters. Appleby needs to be on his a-game to avoid getting blanked by Alabama’s stout defense.

Antonio Callaway, WR: Calloway burned Alabama on a punt return last season and caught one ball for 46 yards. He needs to make some explosive plays this game to loosen up Alabama’s defense. Callaway has 603 yards and two scores in 10 games this year, expect Appleby to target him a lot.

Nov 26, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver ArDarius Stewart (13) gets away from Auburn Tigers defensive back Carlton Davis (6) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Tide defeats the Tigers 30-12. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Pressure Appleby: Florida’s offense has been horrible down the stretch run, and Austin Appleby hasn’t been great either. Alabama’s front seven will be putting heavy pressure on the back up, expect to see them rack up a lot of sacks on them. Appleby is in for a long day against the best pass rush in college.

Let Hurts Run: Alabama’s offense is at it’s best when Jalen Hurts is running around like his shoes are on fire. His ability to scramble adds another great dimension to Alabama’s offense, and if he can get going it could be a long day for Florida, and a short outing for the Tide’s first stringers against a banged up defense.

Get The Ball To The Playmakers: ArDarius Stewart has emerged as a top playmaker for an Alabama offense loaded with them. Alabama’s yet to really get the ball to Calvin Ridley down the field, and O.J. Howard up the seam, expect to see them take some shots to them.

Nov 19, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Austin Appleby (12) hands off to running back Jordan Scarlett (25) during the game against the LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium. The Gators defeat the Tigers 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Don’t Let Jalen Hurts Run: This is a tall order, but Florida needs Hurts to stay in the pocket and throw. He isn’t the best passer in the country, and their best chance is to make him sit in the pocket and throw downfield to their star cornerbacks.

Stuff The Running Backs: Alabama’s backs are all very talented, and when they get going it’s very hard to stop that offense. It’s crucial that Florida limits them and makes Hurts throw the ball all over the yard. Florida will be getting Jarrad Davis back from injury so that will help their chances.

Avoid Turnovers: Florida can’t find the end zone, and Alabama’s defense is one of the best at taking the ball away from its opponents. Austin Appleby and company need to hold on to the ball because everyone knows Alabama’s defense is capable of scoring off turnovers. They can’t avoid to turn the ball over on Saturday.

Dec 5, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban celebrates with his team after winning the 2015 SEC Championship Game against the Florida Gators at the Georgia Dome. Alabama won 29-15. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Like previously mentioned, Alabama hasn’t given up a touchdown in over a month, and Florida’s gone two and a half games without scoring a touchdown. This is a matchup nightmare for the Gators. Alabama’s incredible scoring defense will rise to the occasion Saturday.

Jalen Hurts will be keyed on all game by Florida’s defense. The problem for them is their offense doesn’t run through him. Alabama’s got too many playmakers to focus on just one player for inevitably giving up scores. The team’s too good and has too much talent to focus on just one player.

Florida’s injuries have dismantled a promising season, and they still found a way to Atlanta. They’ve still got a good defense, but their offense isn’t good. The one proven way to beat Alabama is with a high-octane, spread offense. The Gators touchdown drought will continue on Saturday against the best defense in the land.

Final: Alabama 34 Florida 9