No. 1 Alabama at No. 11 UF
GAINESVILLE — Florida pushed Alabama harder than any team during the Crimson Tide’s unbeaten run to the 2020 national title.
But the Gators could not complete a furious comeback during a thrilling 52-46 loss in the SEC championship, Alabama’s only win last season by fewer than 15 points. When Nick Saban’s squad visits the Swamp, Dan Mullen’s program aims to prove the performance was its first challenge of many to the Crimson Tide’s conference superiority.
The 2021 teams are two very different versions, particularly at the skill positions on offense. Yet high-level talent and speed, along with high-quality coaching, are a given when these coaches and programs meet.
Where: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
When: 3:30 p.m.
TV: CBS
Radio: ESPN FM 98.1/AM 850 WRUF, Sirius/XM Ch. 81
Weather: 83 degrees, 53% percent rain chance
Favorite: Crimson Tide by 14.5
Coaches: Nick Saban, 15th season, 167-23 (258-65-1 overall); Dan Mullen, 4th season, 31-9 (100-55).
About Alabama (2-0, 0-0 SEC): Having made short work of Miami and Mercer, the Crimson Tide are riding a 16-game winning streak featuring an average victory margin of 30.1 points. Redshirt freshman quarterback Bryce Young has led the way, completing 71% of his throws for 571 yards, seven touchdowns and no interceptions. Ohio State transfer Jameson Williams has been Young’s top target and averages 22.4 yards on seven catches, two for scores. The Crimson Tide’s defense stifled Miami in the opener, limiting the ’Canes to just 266 yards. But top linebacker Christopher Allen (foot) is out while explosive pass rusher Will Anderson nurses an injured knee. Questions in the secondary loom. Saban’s squad has been uncharacteristically sloppy, recording 17 penalties for 179 yards. About UF (2-0, 0-0 SEC): The Gators averaged 582 yards against FAU and USF. All eyes will be on the quarterback rotation as UF makes a quantum leap in competition. Starter Emory Jones’ unforced errors, including four interceptions, have been surprising. Backup Anthony Richardson’s big-play ability has been revelatory. Mullen’s QB plan hinges on Richardson’s tight right hamstring. The 6-foot-4, 236-pound redshirt freshman has scoring runs of 80 and 73 yards and TD passes of 75 and 41 yards in just eight series. The scoring tosses ignited a breakout game by redshirt junior Jacob Copeland. Defensively, end Zach Carter (four sacks) and linebackers Jeremiah Moon and Mohamoud Diabate (22 combined tackles) need others to pitch in. Freshmen cornerbacks Avery Helm and Jason Marshall Jr. must mature quickly to supplement All-SEC performer Kaiir Elam. Three things to watch:
1. Young vs. the Swamp. A full-throated Florida Field can rattle even a top quarterback. Future Heisman winner Joe Burrow, for one, threw two of his five interceptions in 2018 for LSU during a 27-19 loss. Young has been on point but will face an inspired Gators defense backed by 90,000 screaming fans.
2. Run games. The Gators average a nation-leading 381.5 rushing yards, including 430 by the QBs. Saban is sure to emphasize gap discipline up front to force Jones and Richardson to throw. Alabama’s rushing attack averages a pedestrian 152.5 yards by comparison. A 17-play field-goal drive by USF capitalized on tempo and UF’s inefficiency substituting.
3. UF tight ends. All-America Kyle Pitts’ ability to work the middle of the field is a distant memory. Kemore Gamble and Keon Zipperer have not caught a pass and were not even targeted against USF.
Email Edgar Thompson at egthompson@ orlandosentinel.com or follow him on Twitter at @ osgators.