Crimson Coronation: 'Bama 32 Florida 13

Scoring Summary

AL Leigh Tiffin 48 yd FG
AL Mark Ingram 7 yd run (missed kick)
FL Caleb Sturgis 48 yd FG
AL Leigh Tiffin 34 yd FG
FL David Nelson 23 yd pass from Tim Tebow (Caleb Sturgis kick)
AL Mark Ingram 3 yd run (Leigh Tiffin kick)
FL Caleb Sturgis 32 yd FG
AL Colin Peek 17 yd pass from Greg McElroy (Leigh Tiffin kick)
AL Mark Ingram 1 yd run (failed 2pt pass)

Team Stats

                                       FL             AL
First Downs:                      13              26
Third Down Efficiency         4-11          11-15
Fourth Down Efficiency       0-1            0-0
Plays-Net Yards                49-335      71-490
Rushes-Yds                      14-88        53-251
Passing Yds                      247           239
Kick Return Yds                 161            79
Punt Return Yds                12              8
Passes                            20-35-1     12-18-0
Punts                              4-195         2-83
Fumbles-Lost                    0-0            1-0
Penalties-Yds                   5-51           1-5
Time of Poss.                   20:23          39:37

Individual Stats

RUSHING
FL: Tim Tebow 10-63, Brandon James 1-9, Jeffery Demps 1-9, Chris Rainey 2-7
AL: Mark Ingram 28-113, Trent Richardson 11-80, Roy Upchurch 7-57, Greg McElroy 4-10, Team 3--9


PASSING
FL: Tim Tebow 20-35-247-1
AL: Greg McElroy 12-18-239-0


RECEIVING
FL: Aaron Hernandez 8-85, David Nelson 4-53, Riley Cooper 3-77, Deonte Thompson 2-22, Brandon James 1-9, Omarius Hines 1-4, Emmanuel Moody 1--3
AL: Marquis Maze 5-96, Colin Peek 3-39, Mark Ingram 2-76, Julio Jones 2-28

Florida/Alabama: The Great Second Chance

You don’t get many second chances in life, in football, or anything else for that matter. Second chances are rare…and second chances are not promised. However, if you’re a player, coach, or fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide…your second chance is only hours away.

In 2008, Alabama led the Florida Gators, 20-17, as the game headed into the final period of play. Tide fans were on edge hoping the team could survive the game's final chapter. However, in storybook fashion, Florida quarterback Tim Tebow was about to write his own final chapter. Almost singled-handedly, Tebow led the Gators back from the brink, and helped Florida to capture the SEC title…and ultimately the national title.

The hopes and dreams of Alabama came crashing down. ‘Bama not only lost any SEC or national title hopes, they would go on to be embarrassed by the Utah Utes in the Sugar Bowl.

It has taken 52 weeks, but thanks to hard work and perseverance, ‘Bama has returned to Atlanta…for the ultimate second chance. Alabama has the opportunity for revenge, but also the opportunity for redemption, against the Florida Gators.

I could discuss the “player aspect” and how Florida hasn’t been as sharp on offense since the departure of Percy Harvin and Louis Murphy, from the 2008 team. I could also go into great detail about the absence of Carlos Dunlap, and how his watching from the sidelines will greatly impact the Florida pass rush and run defense on the field. However, to me this is not a game about players…at least not this time around. Florida/Alabama 2009 will be about passion and desire, not statistics and Heisman Trophy candidates.



The illusive second chance has been captured by the Alabama football team, do they lose the opportunity like sand between your fingers…or do they seize the
day…and make history?

I have a strong feeling this contest will almost mirror the LSU/Alabama game. I see an emotional rollercoaster filled with big plays and critical moments.

I predicted the LSU contest to be 24-19 in favor of Alabama. The actual score was 24-15…in favor of Alabama. Florida is certainly a great team, but in my honest opinion, the wrong team is favored in this contest.

The 52 week torture is over, and in less than 24 hours Alabama has a chance to assume the “hero responsibility,” and capture the SEC title for the 22nd time in school history.

Heroes are never born…heroes are made. So, how long does it take to become a hero? Come Saturday night in the Georgia Dome everyone will know the answer is simply…52 weeks.

The great second chance...is now.

Alabama 24 Florida 19

The SEC championship game will be televised on CBS. Coverage begins at 3:00 p.m. central time.

Tide Talk: Roy Upchurch & Julio Jones

Video Courtesy of TideSports.com

Irresponsible Gator: Florida's Dunlap Suspended

If fans of the Alabama Crimson Tide needed more reason to prove the “haters” wrong and send Tim Tebow to the Sugar Bowl, Florida defensive end Carlos Dunlap has added fuel to the bonfire. Arguably the leader of the Gator defense, Dunlap (#8 pictured above), will not play against Alabama in the SEC championship game.

Dunlap was arrested in Gainesville on Tuesday and charged with DUI. According to reports, police spotted a red Chrysler at an intersection not moving...even though several green lights had come and gone. The officer at the scene found Dunlap asleep at the wheel of his automobile.

According to Gainesville Police spokesman Keith Kameg, police woke up Dunlap at the scene, but he would only open his eyes for a short period of time, before once again...falling asleep.

The Florida defensive end reportedly rejected a breath test and was subsequently booked and charged with DUI.

Simply regarded as one of the best players in college football, Dunlap was named the defensive MVP of last year’s national title game, and is currently tied for the team lead with seven sacks this season. To go along with his sack productivity, Dunlap leads the Florida defense in quarterback hurries with a total of six to his credit.

With the absence of Dunlap, the entire structure of the game will change in many respects. On the Alabama side of the ball, Dunlap was certainly a player who would need to be located and identified on every single offensive snap.

From the vantage point of the Tide coaches and players, nothing has changed…and nothing will change. However, if you’re a fan of the Crimson Tide looking for another crack in the Florida armor…today has been your lucky Tuesday.