Tag Archives: Florida

Pregame action.

Take a look at the updated photo album from the trip to Gainesville while I take care of a few print responsibilities and travel.

Take a look at the album cover. It might touch a nerve, so check out the complete set.

Alabama at Florida 2011

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AJ McCarron celebrates (Associated Press photo)

Take a look at the game story that leaked from my fingertips during and a little bit after Alabama’s 38-10 win over Florida on Saturday night.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Slow Jeff Demps. Stop Chris Rainey.

Escaping the un-Swamp-like cool Saturday night was supposed to be as simple as that for Alabama.

It did, but it wasn’t that easy. Not at first.

Surviving an early passing onslaught instead of the speed running game, Alabama countered with its brand of power-running. That and the big-play defense propelled the Tide to a 38-10 pounding of Florida on a wild night in Gainesville.

The third-ranked Crimson Tide (5-0, 2-0 SEC) scored 35 straight points after falling behind early when Florida (4-1, 2-1 SEC) dusted off its aerial passing attack. But after Florida hit on a few big passing plays early, the Tide adjusted and the Gators lost quarterback John Brantley to a second-quarter leg injury.

By halftime, the 10th-best rushing offense in the nation had negative-three yards. Rainey and Demps were neutralized by the Alabama front line, while the running back in white had his way.

Trent Richardson rushed in triple figures for the fourth straight game with straight-ahead power running. His 181 yards came on 27 bruising carries was not just a career high, they shifted momentum back to Alabama’s favor after taking a few body blows.

Alabama coach Nick Saban, who smiled wide running through a gauntlet of Tide fans afterward, said the win “was as good as it gets.”

Click here to read the rest.

Then click here for all the extras on the schedule/results page. Much more to come later today.

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Alabama and Florida are about to kickoff in Gainesville and we’re here to provide all the insider knowledge of the big game.

Click here to follow the action on the Twitter home of The Daily Bama Blog. It’s a more efficient medium to convey quick thoughts during the game. It’s worth subscribing for the kind of nuggets you won’t get from the TV announcers.

Florida offensive coordinator Charlie Weis made headlines this week when saying Alabama’s defense can expect “the kitchen sink” from the Gator offense this evening. Crimson Tide wide receiver Darius Hanks wasn’t quite as descriptive, but hinted the Alabama offense hasn’t tipped its hand just yet. Here’s my GameDay section preview story:

TUSCALOOSA — About three or four times a game, Alabama takes a swing.

Typically using a play-action fake, the Crimson Tide looks to extend the opposing defense with a deep pass.

So far, it hasn’t yielded much. Only a few have been completed, and none for touchdowns aside from Michael Williams’ 37-yarder off a fake field goal against Arkansas.

So far with first-year starter AJ McCarron behind center, the passing game has been more about nibbling at the opposing defenses. Through four games, Alabama ranks 64th in the nation, averaging 225 passing yards a game with primarily safe throws.

But keep your eyes open, receiver Darius Hanks said.

“AJ has a very big arm out there,” said Hanks, a senior. “You guys haven’t seen anything yet, I feel.”

Click here to read the rest of the story. Then click here for some quick hitters.

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It’s another travel day for this sports writer, so this post was scheduled last night. I didn’t want you to go without today because of my trip to Gainesville. So here is video look-back at some of the great Alabama/Florida games of the past.

2010: Alabama 31, Florida 6

2009: Alabama 32, Florida 13 (SEC Championship Game)

2008: Florida 31, Alabama 20 (SEC Championship Game)

Continue reading →

First, I’m no expert in the world of the Las Vegas sports books. Judging by the money they pull in, these guys know a lot more about the world than me.

So it’s worth noting a few shifts in the betting lines for Alabama’s trip to Florida on Saturday.

The Crimson Tide opened the week as much as a 6-point favorite to beat the Gators by a few of the operations. During the week, the spread narrowed. Now, most say Alabama should win by four.  Take a look at the screen shot below tracking the movements of the line from the Wynn Casino.

Click to enlarge.

Then click here to see the movement of all the major point spreads on the Vegas Insider website.

The changes aren’t exactly monumental, but something to keep in mind watching the action Saturday evening. Keep an eye out for my expert score prediction on game day.

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Also see: River City Rumblings prep blog