Go for the 2
Florida (10-2) vs. Alabama (11-1) 4:00 pm (Georgia Dome-Atlanta)
Florida:
Offense:
The Gators are averaging 25.2 points per game and have struggled running the football consistently in the second half of the season averaging 138 yards per game this year. Florida’s offensive line has had injuries throughout the season and has allowed 37 total sacks to their opponents which has put pressure on quarterback Treon Harris in the vertical passing game. On the year, the team is averaging 214 passing yards per game and will need to challenge the Crimson Tide deep to loosen up the front seven of Alabama. Harris has completed 53.7% for 1,365 yards with 8 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. Running back Kelvin Taylor will be the key to the offense and leads the team with 977 rushing yards averaging 4.0 yards per carry with 13 touchdowns. Wide receiver Antonio Calloway leads the team with 557 receiving yards with 4 touchdowns.
Key offensive stats entering this game:
Over the last five games, Florida is averaging 166 passing yards per game with four passing touchdowns and four interceptions. The Gators are converting on 37% of their third down opportunities this season, however, on the road the team is converting on 41% of their third down situations. Over the last four games, the offense is averaging 124 rushing yards per game (Vanderbilt, South Carolina, FAU and FSU).
Defense:
This is the strength of the team with the Gators giving up 15.5 points per game. Florida is solid in run support and is allowing 111 rushing yards per game while surrendering 171 passing yards to their opponents. The Gators have a very physical interior line that can create pressure up the middle and has recorded 38 sacks on the year. The defense will need to create turnovers on Saturday and is +10 in turnover margin entering this game with a +8 margin on the road.
Key defensive stats entering this game:
Over the last five games, the defense is allowing 103 rushing yards per game. Over the last four games, the unit has recorded 16 sacks (4 per game). More importantly, has been the ability to force three and outs this season. Entering this game, Florida is allowing 30% on third down situations and on the road the unit is allowing opponents to convert on only 27% on third down opportunities. Over the last five games, the Gators have allowed 3 rushing touchdowns to their opponents (two last week against FSU).
Alabama:
Offense:
The Crimson Tide methodically wore down arch rival Auburn winning on the road 29-13. On the season, Alabama is averaging 34.5 points per game and has a very balanced offense that is rushing for 206 yards per game along with passing for 215 yards per game. Quarterback Jake Coker has big game experience and has completed 65.4% of his passes for 2,285 yards with 15 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. Running back Derrick Henry is the heart and soul of the offense and has been carrying the Crimson Tide down the stretch run to a possible playoff appearance. On the year, Henry leads the team with 1,797 yards averaging 6.0 yards per carry with 22 touchdowns. Last week, Henry ripped the Tigers for 271 yards with one touchdown in the road win. Wide receiver Calvin Ridley leads the team with 67 receptions for 797 yards with 5 touchdowns and gives the Tide a legitimate deep threat to stretch opposing defenses.
Key offensive stats entering this game:
Over the last 6 games, the Crimson Tide is averaging 223 rushing yards per game. However, on the road this year, the team is averaging 183 passing yards per game which is 32 yards less than their season average. Over the last four games, Alabama is averaging 178 passing yards per game and has thrown for 4 touchdowns with one interception.
Defense:
Alabama has the 2nd overall statistical defense in FBS allowing 264 total yards per game. The team is allowing 14.3 points per game and is #1 ranked rushing defense in FBS allowing 78 rushing yards per game. Alabama is giving up 185 passing yards per game and is has been very opportunistic with a +7 in turnover margin (+8 on the road). The team has recorded 41 total sacks which ranks 3rd in FBS.
Key defensive stats entering this game:
On the road, Alabama is allowing 89 rushing yards per game (11 yards more than their season average) and is giving up 218 passing yards per game on the road this year (33 yards more than their season average). The team has recorded 14 sacks through the last four games including 9 against Mississippi State. Over the last four games, the defense is allowing opponents to convert on only 23% of their third down opportunities.
Listen to Joe’s show on Yahoo Sports Radio every Saturday morning from 10-11am EST at www.streamysr.com. Joseph Lisi a former ABC Sports college football researcher, is the owner of www.GOFORTHE2.COM. He is a member if the FWAA (Football Writers Association Of America),Maxwell Football Club and is currently the content editor at www.2FiveSports.com.He contributes regularly to www.Sid-Rosenberg.com and has been a featured guest every Tuesday night from 10:30-11:30pm EST on Yahoo Sports Radio With Ken Thomson(www.sportsxradio.com). Joe has been featured on the FNTSY Sports Network and The Sid Rosenberg Sports Radio Show 640AM Sports (South Florida). You can follow him on Twitter: @Goforthe2. Joe has a weekly radio show on www.blogtalkradio.com with former Georgia Bulldogs WR Corey Allen called: THE NCAA WEEKLY BLITZ.
