By: Mr. Sensible
Will this be an old school defensive battle? The author thinks so.
Florida 24, Alabama 20
Three Keys for Florida Victory
1) Florida’s Defense
It is safe to say, Alabama hasn’t faced a tougher test than the one waiting this Saturday. Florida’s league leading defense is built in pressure, aggressiveness, and taking the ball away from the opponent. It is as hard to move the ball consistently against Florida as it is to score points – only nine times this season has the other team crossed the goalline against the Gators. Moreover, Florida is good as stuffing the run – only giving up 2.6 yards per attempt – which puts the onus on Alabama’s passing game even more. The Gators defensive backfield has produced 20 INTs this year and in a game against big, physical wide receivers of LSU (comparable to Alabama’s squad), Florida held them to 11 catches for 96 yards. That’s darn impressive. The loss of Carlos Dunlap on the defensive line due to suspension is noteworthy and he will be sorely missed. However, Florida possesses strength in scheme and quality depth which helps to cover for that loss and gives them a distinct advantage in this game.
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By: Kevin Strickland
Saturday’s showdown between first-year coaches Lane Kiffin of Tennessee and Gene Chizik of Auburn offers a variety of interesting subplots. As both replaced coaching legends whose stars had dimmed, and as each are tasked with re-establishing the proud traditions of their respective programs, this head-to-head matchup is inevitably a major benchmark in measuring the progress of each.
Come Sunday morning, Tiger fans will have more reason to boast while Volunteer supporters will be left scratching their heads and wondering when they’ll be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
The meeting between the Tigers and Volunteers is a study in contrasts. In everything from the demeanor of their head coaches to their respective strengths and weaknesses, the two teams are polar opposites.
Chizik is low key. He gives little to the media beyond standard coaching cliches and pat phrases. His press conferences are virtually interchangeable. He’s cautious, reserved and evokes a business only aura.
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By: Kevin Strickland
It seems like its been a long, long time since Auburn football was fun.
New offensive coordinator Gus Malzhan is well on the road to changing that dynamic. In his first two games with the Tigers, Malzhan has helped shred the team’s offensive record books, sent the scoreboard pinwheeling and put the Tigers at as solid a 2-0 as could have possibly been hoped for.
To say that Malzhan’s offense has so far exceeded expectations is like saying Kate Beckinsale is sort of pretty.
The evolution of that offense and the potential it brings to a Tiger team that has watched numerous seasons bog down with offensive ineffiency, adds a whole new dimension to fun at Jordan Hare Stadium.
How fun was Saturday night’s 49-24 demolition of Mississippi State?
It was mascot Aubie dancing with the band fun.
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I always thought I should be treated like a star.
By: Tiger Wench
The buzz of the audience quieted and then was silenced as he took a seat at the table. The only sounds were the clicking of cameras and the rustle of cameramen jockeying for a better angle. As he adjusted the microphone, and cleared his throat, grown men shifted nervously in their chairs, fingers poised over their laptop keyboards. As he began to speak, the tension in the room was palpable. Had a decision finally been reached? What would it be? Lives, careers, fates hung in the balance. Stomachs clenched, foreheads beaded with sweat, nerves taut, the audience strained to hear the words they came for. Just say it already, dammit…!!!
A Presidential press conference? A statement on the economy by the Chairman of the Federal reserve? A briefing on troop movements in Iraq?
Nope.
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