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Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Tide Tidbits - December 3, 2008

Florida Today: Alabama's offense well-rounded
Even the most optimistic Alabama fan had to express concern at the start of the 2008 season. That concern quickly dissipated, however, as a punishing Alabama offense rolled up 419 yards and pummeled then-No. 9 Clemson 34-10 in the season opener. Clemson's ranking, as it turned out, was overrated, but the Tide's physical demeanor was not. "I think the execution's better," said Alabama coach Nick Saban, "We have less negative plays, we can execute consistently game in and game out. We have an identity as a team."

Tide will try to slow Gator offense
The numbers are dizzying — and distracting. Florida leads the Southeastern Conference in scoring (46.3 points per game), total offense (449.4 yards per game) and rushing offense (237.1 ypg). Their Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback leads the league with 25 touchdown passes and a passing efficiency rating of 173.08, which is more than 20 points higher than runner-up Matthew Stafford of Georgia. In short, Alabama’s league-leading defense will be tested fully in Saturday’s SEC Championship Game.

CBS' Gary Danielson on Percy Harvin: "He'll play"
CBS color analyst Gary Danielson isn't buying the belief that a sprained ankle with keep Florida playmaker Percy Harvin off the field during Saturday's SEC championship game. "Yeah, he'll play," Danielson said. "He's played so many times wieht a bad ankle, I'm sure he will play. ... I would be shocked if he doesn't - in some capacity - play."

THE RING'S THE THING
Florida receiver David Nelson pulled out his 2006 Southeastern Conference championship ring the other night, slipped it on his finger and wore it for hours - a tangible reminder of what the Gators are playing for now. Nelson kept his national title one stashed away, at least for a week. Believe it or not, there has been little talk among players and coaches about the Bowl Championship Series implications that come with Saturday's SEC title game.

Florida Today: Alabama takes its game indoors
Alabama practiced indoors for approximately two hours in preparation for Saturday's game against second-ranked Florida. The Crimson Tide worked out in the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility to simulate the playing surface of the Georgia Dome. "It went good," right guard Drew Davis said. "We went inside because we're going to be in the Dome, but it was just a normal Tuesday practice. It's the same practice, just moved inside."

Tide, Gators capitalize on other teams' mistakes
While the University of Alabama football team may vary greatly from Saturday's opponent in the SEC Championship Game, Florida, in terms of style, the two are very similar in one key way, turnovers. Florida's plus-21 turnover margin leads both the conference and the nation, and is two ahead of the school record set in 2002. The Gators' three interceptions are tied for fewest in the nation, while the defense has created 32 turnovers. Alabama is second in the SEC, and 21st in the nation at plus-9.

Roll Tide!

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