Why Alabama?

I can say that because it's true, and the same can be said for Florida's defense.  Just because Alabama or Florida's defense may give up a few big plays throughout the course of a season doesn't equal "undisciplined."  And statistically speaking, these two defenses are about as even in every catagory as two teams can be after 12 games.

I'd be surprised if the Gators hit Bama for a big play tomorow, but Florida is a damn good team so it is certainly within the relm of possibility.

Yes, McElroy is a much better QB than JPW.  JPW never had the ability to go through his progressions.  If his primary receiver wasn't open, the play was more times than not a bust.  That is why, for his first two years, DJ Hall was about the only receiver that ever caught a ball, and last year Julio Jones.  JPW simply couldn't get his other receivers involved in the game.  JPW also had zero ability to stretch the field because he was woefully inaccurate on passes beyond 15 yards.

Conversely does a great job in his progressions and therefore spreads the ball all over the field.  Again, this is born out in the statistics.  Moreover, McElroy is, for the most part, a deadly accurate downfield passer.  Accordingly, McElroy is a much more difficult QB to defend than JPW.

Florida wins this game without cover on the sole notion that the corrupted SEC officials will flag their pride and joy into the NC game.   Same reasoning that Tebow's stats are AT BEST in the top 20 in the country, and he is still Heisman-bound.

Its sad, I hate it, its plausible, I stand by it.

Jimmy Freak...  outstanding points.  well written.  clear thought process.   Its hard to find on this site, and even harder when looking at threads on this game.  Thank you

JIMMYDAFREAK     AND PHOBANBUD 

First of all I might be the worst bettor and handicapper here but  as the saying goes, rehab is for quitters and I still hold out hope of beating the book on a consistent basis. That's why I read a few of the threads  and slog through some of the childish trash talk that littter these forums. 

Which brings me to the game between Florida and Alabama. Before I read the post by Jimmy and Pho I was sold on the Gators and hadn't given much respect to the Crimson Tide. But those two cappers gave rational, logical reasons to make me think twice. I was ready to make a serious bet on Florida (serious for me, that is) but now I think this will be a good game to lay off and  just watch. There are better matchups to wager on than this one.

Anyway, it's good to read intelligent feedback here for a change. Thanks for your input, guys.

Hang on a second, I'm busy marking your words . . . ummm . . . ok I'm back.

With all due respect BW, how do the comments of others (because I've never said any of those things) equate to me wearing homer shades?  I'm not sure if I follow you there.  And just for argument's sake, what if I actually win my bet?  What am I then?  Am I still a homer?

And while I'm playing devil's advocate, what happens if Florida has to rely on Tebow's arm?  Wouldn't you agree that McElroy is the better passer with the better receivers?  I mean after all Tebow is the 86th ranked passer in the nation, and NFL scouts have all but eliminated him as a possible QB at the next level because he's such an ineffective passer.  Just sayin'.

I agree that this will be the best defense Bama will face all year, but keep in mind that Bama's offense does have to face Bama's defense in practice everyday, so I honestly don't think that'll be a significant factor.  Because of the complexity of Bama's defense, I actually think Florida will have a more difficult time replicating Bama's defense in practice.

To hear it from "The Circumsizer" himself, he said "They're a defense that checks a lot.  When people motion, they check.  They change their defenses.  They change their blitzes.  Not a of defenses do that.  Not a lot of defenses are that sophisticated.  You have to have smart people to run it."

As far as I know, fans throwing a player or players under the bus is not helpful in determining which team will cover the spread.  And with respect to Ingram not being the best running back on the team, I said that, and I said that because it's true.  Just because Ingram has had a great season changes nothing.

Trent Richardson was a much higher ranked RB coming out of high school than Mark Ingram, and when he gets the ball in his hands, it's not hard to see why.  So when I say Richardson is a better RB than Ingram, I'm not throwing Ingram under the bus, nor am I tarnishing what he has accomplished this year.  I am simply stating an opinion that is shared by many  I am also paying Richardson a very high compliment.

I was criticized last year  when I said Glenn Coffee wasn't the best RB on the team.  I was criticized again at the beginning of this season when I said Bama's running game would be better this year than last.  So I'm use to the criticism.  But if you look real closely, you might recognize a common theme . . . I'm usually right.

Ultimately, I think Bama will succeed in turning this game into a street fight in the trenches, and if that's the case, Bama will win the fight, and they'll win on the scoreboard.

Do yourself a favor BW, play Bama and the points.

Stats to consider for both sides... randomly finagle them into your teams arguement however you wish.  These stats are based solely on SEC opponents this year......

Defense - On average, Florida gave up 12ppg against opponenets with a record of 6.4 - 5.6..........Alabama gave up 10.6ppg against a record of 7.1 - 4.8.

ATS - Against those opponents FL went 3-5 ATS.  Favored by 21.9ppg......Against those opponents AL went 5-3.  Favored by 12.1ppg

Offense - FL scored an average of 27.6ppg and won by 15.6...........AL scored 26.0ppg by 15.4.

You're very welcome.

I can tell you that there are many Bama fans who share your concerns.  Clearly the media would love to see a Tim Tebow/Colt McCoy matchup in the national championship game.  I would like to think that won't translate into chicanery on the part of the officials, but I guess we shall see.

Thanks  and good luck!!!

respect you a shitload jimmy, but Florida will win this game "and in convincing fashion"