This weekend marks arguably the most anticipated SEC championship game since it's beginning in 1992. The game was played in Birmingham, at Legion Field the first two years, and since then has been moved to the Georgia Dome, in Atlanta. Alabama won the very first meeting in 1992 against Florida (28-21). It's quite the coincidence that this weekend's game with so much anticipation, features the same two teams who started it all to begin with. In fact this will mark the sixth time they have battled for SEC supremacy. Florida holds the edge 3-2, however last meeting in Atlanta (1999) Alabama won 34-7.
Top ranked Alabama enters this game undefeated for the 3rd time. The Tide are (1-1) when undefeated, and both of those games were against Florida. Second ranked Florida enters the game at 11-1, and has scored 42 or more points in seven consecutive games. It's very evident that something will have to give this weekend as Florida's high powered offense, stacks up against the stout defensive line of Alabama.
By far the most overlooked aspect of this game is the Florida defense. Alabama's defense has gained a lot of hype thus far, but Charlie Strong's defense has held 11 of 12 opponents to 21 points or less. The 1 exception being the Ole Miss game where Florida had a streak of turnovers, all on their side of the field. Of those 11 games, they held 7 of those teams to 10 points or less. The consistency of the defense has helped get Tim Tebow and the offense on the field more, and in return Florida has been on a scoring rampage. There's no doubt Florida will put up points in this contest, but if Percy Harvin does not play with his ankle injury, it could slow them up slightly.
Alabama enters the game undefeated, and fresh off a home win versus rival Auburn. This year marks the best since Gene Stallings 1992 championship team. The defense statistically matches up evenly with Florida's. Alabama has held 11 of 12 teams to 21 points or less also, including 2 shutouts. The Tide's offense is also potentially handicapped as well this weekend, after Roy Upchurch suffered a neck injury. It will be up to Glen Coffee, and Mark Ingram to carry the load and keep Florida's offense off the field.
Both Florida and Alabama have a couple of keys to victory. For Florida, it will be to distribute the ball around, not commit turnovers, and stop the run. I feel that Brandon James and his kick returning will be an X-Factor in this game, don't be surprised for him to gash the Tide for a long punt return. For Alabama, the key is to establish the run, and keep John Parker Wilson out of tough situations, like third and longs. They will also need to put pressure on Tim Tebow and try to take him out of his current groove.
I personally am picking Florida to win, despite Alabama being undefeated, Florida pulls away late in the third quarter and ends up winning 41-20. This game should prove similar to the 1996 game, where Florida's offense was too much.
Russ Stafford is a contributor to the Bleacher Report. Visit http://bleacherreport.com/articles/88010-southeastern-showdown to read the original article.
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