Gators aim to keep playoff hopes alive
Keys for Alabama
Slow down passing attack: Led by Heisman Trophy candidate Kyle Trask and tight end Kyle Pitts, Florida has dominated defenses through the air all year. The Gators have the No. 1 air attack in the SEC with 3,864 passing yards and 42 passing touchdowns. Florida ranks 10th in the SEC in total rushing yards and averages the thirdlowest ground yards per game. While the thickening fog at BenHill Griffin Stadium certainly played a role in Florida’s offensive struggles against LSU, the Tigers defense forced Trask to throw contested passes, which resulted in three interceptions in the first half. Alabama won’t have any fog to help this weekend, but slowing down the Gators' passing attack will be the key to victory.
Do what got you here: Alabama’s record-breaking offense averages 48.5 points per game. Mac Jones, Najee Harris and Devonta Harris have terrorized defenses all season with equally dominant passing and rushing attacks, outscoring opponents by 32.7 points per game. The key for Alabama’s offense is to continue to rely on these three stars. Harris also could become Alabama’s alltime leading rusher on Saturday, as he is 130 yards from surpassing Derrick Henry’s school-record 3,591 yards set in 2015.
Keys for Florida
Feed Kyle Pitts: Pitts was on the sidelines for Florida in sweats, shoes, and a mask as he watched his team’s playoff hopes all but vanish against LSU. The star tight end has been one of the best players in the country and Florida’s engine on offense. At 6-foot-6, 240 pounds, Pitts is a mismatch for any defender. The Philadelphia native has 36 receptions for 641 yards and 11 touchdowns in only seven games. Keep your eyes on Pitts, as he is the key to a Florida win and should be eager to get back on the field.
Don’t make mistakes: There is no blueprint for beating Alabama, but one thing you can’t have is mistakes or the game will get ugly fast. Just ask any of Alabama's other opponents this season. Florida had an uncharacteristically mistakegame last week in its loss to LSU. It's easier said than done, but Florida will need to play mistake-free football to have a shot at being crowned SEC champion.
Score prediction
Alabama 42, Florida 28: There should be no fog at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, and couple that with Kyle Pitts back on the field, Kyle Trask likely won’t have three turnovers as he did against LSU. Despite that, Alabama will ultimately be too much for the Gators. The Crimson Tide will head into the College Football Playoff as the No. 1 seed for the third time in school history.