Superior Talent Versus Statistics: ‘Bama/UF Verdict

When it comes to predicting a nationally “hyped” college football game, you can either rely on stats…or rely on superior talent.

Statistics are a display of how good a team is relative to the competition they’ve played. Superior talent is viewed as having the ability to do something better than anyone else regardless of the competition.

Statistically, the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Florida Gators are virtual mirror images, which lends itself to the “promise” of a slugfest come Saturday night.

However, if you’re betting that Florida has the superior talent to compete with anyone and everyone in the country, you would be incorrect…for now.

The Florida Gators have the “promise” to BECOME a great team, while the Alabama Crimson Tide ARE a great team.

Statistics and hype bring in the ratings and fuel the chatter, but talent wins the game.

Place your bet on superior talent come Saturday night.

Alabama 23
Florida 13

The Unsung Hero: ‘Bama/Florida QB Comparison

The similarities between Alabama and Florida in respect to rushing and overall defense have been well established. However, with all the chatter concerning “steel versus steel,” quarterback play could be the “quiet” deciding factor that has been lost in the shuffle.

In the same fashion that Alabama and Florida share virtually identical numbers when it comes to running the football and defense, both teams share similar statistics when it comes to quarterback performance.

**Click on the chart if resolution is not adequate.**

If four games worth of statistics (offensive/defensive stronghold) live up to the hype, expect unforced errors, special teams play, and quarterback efficiency to become critical factors in the game.

John Brantley and A.J. McCarron find themselves “flying under the radar” entering the contest in Gainesville, but when the smoke clears, expect one quarterback to be called an “unsung hero” in the Sunday paper.

Irresistible Force Paradox: Alabama/Florida

What happens when an irresistible force meets an immovable object? Come Saturday night in Gainesville…that question will have to be answered.

The Alabama Crimson Tide and the Florida Gators have two of the best rushing offenses, rushing defenses, and total defenses in all of college football.

Under the bright lights of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, a “clash of the titans” will commence.

Florida Ground Attack

The Florida Gators have the 10th best rushing offense in the nation led by Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey. The UF ground attack averages 259 yards per contest.

The duo of Demps and Rainey combined for 262 yards rushing Saturday night at Kentucky. Florida as a team rushed for 405 yards against the overmatched Wildcats.

Gator rushing threats…

*Rushing Stats Only*

**Click on the chart if resolution is not adequate.**

Alabama Ground Attack

Led by Heisman hopeful Trent Richardson and his capable sidekick Eddie Lacy, the Alabama Crimson Tide currently average 230 yards rushing per game. ‘Bama currently ranks 19th as a team in total rushing offense.

Crimson Tide rushing threats…

*Rushing Stats Only*

**Click on the chart if resolution is not adequate.**

Florida Rush Defense/Total Defense

Florida currently ranks fifth in the nation in rush defense, only allowing a total of 56 yards per game.

In respect to the team aspect, the Gators only allow 231 yards per contest which also puts them fifth in the nation.

Alabama Rush Defense/Total Defense

The Alabama defense is ranked third in the nation against the run, only giving up an average of 45 yards per game.

The Nick Saban and Kirby Smart led effort currently rank second in the nation in respect to team defense, only allowing the opposition 184 yards per contest.

Fortitude Wins

When “iron will” meets “iron will” something has to give.

The “art” and importance of running the football coupled with solid defense has not been lost on Alabama or Florida.

However, when it comes to art, a good frame can’t hide a bad painting.

The true “artist” will be revealed on Saturday…

Richardson and Jones Receive SEC Honors

Alabama running back Trent Richardson has been named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week, while Barrett Jones has received SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors.

Richardson, who rushed for 126 yards, and garnered 235 in total against Arkansas, currently ranks second in the SEC in rushing averaging 110 yards per contest.

The junior running back now has a total of nine touchdowns this season and currently ranks fifth in the nation in scoring.

Richardson has now rushed for 100 yards plus in three consecutive games.

Offensive lineman Barrett Jones, arguably the heart and soul of the ‘Bama line, played left and right tackle against Arkansas.

Jones helped the Tide earn 397 yards of total offense with 197 coming via the run and 200 through the air.