No. 1 Florida vs. No. 2 Alabama
in SEC title game at Atlanta
4 p.m. ET, CBS
</R>
As good as the <NOBR style="COLOR: darkgreen; FONT-SIZE: 100%; FONT-WEIGHT: normal" id=itxt_nobr_2_0>Gators
</NOBR> are and as big as this game is, isnāt it amazing that this is only Floridaās second game against a ranked opponent this season? The previous one was the 13-3 victory over then-No. 4 LSU on Oct. 10, in Tim Tebowās first game back after suffering a concussion two weeks prior.
</R>
This SEC title game and virtual semifinal for the mythical national championship is Alabamaās fifth game versus a ranked foe. So, if youāve been more impressed with top-ranked Florida this season, maybe thatās why.
</R>
Although they would have preferred to handle Auburn in routine fashion, the game winning drive directed by QB Greg McElroy in the final minutes of last weekās 26-21 nail-biter provides the entire Crimson Tide team with the confidence that theyāve got what it takes to rise to the occasion when the game is on the line.
</R>
Florida always feels that it can rely on Tebow when sticky situations arise, and rightfully so. Heās certainly who youād want on your side in a tight spot late in a game. However, when youāre dealing with the rugged Alabama defense and itās able to focus its attention in one area on a key down, youāre chances of success go way down.
</R>
This will be a classic confrontation decided in the final minutes. With that being said, we feel that the Crimson Tide will prevail because theyāre more able to run the football effectively when they have to ... whether it be to pick up a key third-and-two or to bleed precious time off the clock.
</R>
Opening point spread: Florida by 4
</R>
Pick: Alabama 23-20:hyper:
in SEC title game at Atlanta
4 p.m. ET, CBS
</R>
As good as the <NOBR style="COLOR: darkgreen; FONT-SIZE: 100%; FONT-WEIGHT: normal" id=itxt_nobr_2_0>Gators
</NOBR> are and as big as this game is, isnāt it amazing that this is only Floridaās second game against a ranked opponent this season? The previous one was the 13-3 victory over then-No. 4 LSU on Oct. 10, in Tim Tebowās first game back after suffering a concussion two weeks prior.</R>
This SEC title game and virtual semifinal for the mythical national championship is Alabamaās fifth game versus a ranked foe. So, if youāve been more impressed with top-ranked Florida this season, maybe thatās why.
</R>
Although they would have preferred to handle Auburn in routine fashion, the game winning drive directed by QB Greg McElroy in the final minutes of last weekās 26-21 nail-biter provides the entire Crimson Tide team with the confidence that theyāve got what it takes to rise to the occasion when the game is on the line.
</R>
Florida always feels that it can rely on Tebow when sticky situations arise, and rightfully so. Heās certainly who youād want on your side in a tight spot late in a game. However, when youāre dealing with the rugged Alabama defense and itās able to focus its attention in one area on a key down, youāre chances of success go way down.
</R>
This will be a classic confrontation decided in the final minutes. With that being said, we feel that the Crimson Tide will prevail because theyāre more able to run the football effectively when they have to ... whether it be to pick up a key third-and-two or to bleed precious time off the clock.
</R>
Opening point spread: Florida by 4
</R>
Pick: Alabama 23-20:hyper:
