SEC Football - Florida Gators (11-1, 7-1) Vs Alabama Crimson Tide(12-0, 8-0)Preview and Predictions

On Saturday 6 December 2008, the #4 ranked Florida Gators (11-1, 7-1) take on Ap and BCS #1 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide (12-0, 8-0) for the SEC Championship and essentially a play-in to the BCS National Title game. Since both teams clinched their respective divisions several weeks ago, this game has been hyped and looked forward to by college football fans nationwide. Whereas the Big 12 has been in the news the last week on the debate on which one-loss team should play in their title game this weekend, the SEC races in the East and the West were settled with Florida and undefeated Alabama as the clear victors. Each team had a tough time against the Ole Miss Rebels (with the Tide prevailing by 4 points where Florida couldn't quite get it done against the Rebels), but has been blowing out the competition over the remainder of their contests. Tim Tebow's Gators are known for their speed and hybrid option attack leveraging their speed advantages across all positions, where John Parker Wilson leads the Tide in a more traditional 'smash mouth' style of football.

Florida Gator Trends

The Gators are coming off of a very impressive 45-15 thumping of the Florida State Seminoles last weekend! I lost track how many firsts against Florida State since the 90's in yards gained, points, and so forth when reading up on the game online and watching it last weekend. Tim Tebow continues to lead the Gators to huge victories over ranked opponents. Coming off of eight straight games where they have beaten the opposition by 28 or more points, the biggest concern for the Gators entering the SEC Championship game is if RB/WR Percy Harvin's right ankle will be healed to the point where he will be effective against Alabama. Coach Myer is not giving away any early information on Harvin's injury, but even without Harvin the Gators bring a number of other rushing and receiving weapons into the game against the Tide.

Alabama Crimson Tide Trends

Alabama enters the SEC Football Championship undefeated and the BCS #1 ranked team. The Tide is coming off of a 36-0 victory over the Auburn Tigers in the annual Iron bowl that was the biggest victory in the annual match-up in 46 years! Led by John Parker Wilson at quarterback, the Tide will look to play a possession-based game against the Gators and build on the relatively turnover-free season that they have had to date. Wilson has only been hit for five picks this season and Baba has averaged less than one fumble a game for the season (10 through 12 games). If they can tie or win the turnover battle against the Gators, then the Tide may stand a shot at maintaining their unblemished record!

Prediction

The SEC Title game looks to be a 'play-in' game for the BCS National Title game. Things become more complex if Oklahoma loses to Missouri this Saturday, but odds are great enough that based off of the BCS computer formula the victor of the SEC title game will be heading to the title game.

Odds for the game have the Gators as 10 point favorites. Our prediction is that if Percy Harvin plays the Gators will cover the spread and win. If he does not play, then the Gators will still win but will not cover the spread.