Bama-UF position-by-position breakdown

<p><b>Quarterback</b></p><p>Tim Tebow and John Parker Wilson both do an excellent job managing their offense and distributing the ball to the playmakers. Parker has some mobility, but is basically a drop-back passer with a strong, accurate arm. Tebow is a true dual-threat quarterback who is highly productive as a runner and a passer. He’s coming off one of the best performances of his career in the 45-15 victory over Florida State in rainy, muddy conditions. Tebow has thrown for 2,299 yards and 25 touchdowns and leads the SEC in pass efficiency (175.5). Wilson is fourth in the league in pass efficiency and has thrown for 1,909 yards and only nine touchdowns. Tebow’s touchdown production gives him a pretty considerable advantage over Wilson.</p><p>EDGE: Florida</p><p><b>Running back</b></p><p>Despite still not having a dominant, every-down tailback, the Gators lead the SEC in rushing. True freshman Jeff Demps and redshirt freshman Chris Rainey have brought great speed and breakaway ability to Urban Meyer’s spread offense. Southern Cal transfer Emmanuel Moody has come on strong lately and also is contributing. Alabama has one of the league’s marquee backs in Glen Coffee, who has rushed for 1,235 yards and nine touchdowns. The Tide running game also has received a considerable boost from true freshman Mark Ingram, who has rushed for 681 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Tide has a strong blocking fullback in Baron Huber. The Gators, of course, do not have a fullback in the spread.</p><p>EDGE: Alabama</p><p><b>Receivers</b></p><p>Alabama’s Julio Jones has been one of the nation’s best true freshman offensive players. He’s a big, fast target who has caught 46 passes for 723 yards and four touchdowns. He is especially good after the catch with his ability to break tackles and run away from defenders. The Tide offense seems to feed off of his playmaking abilities. Alabama’s second-leading receiver is tight end Nick Walker (26 receptions). Even if Percy Harvin (ankle) can’t play, the Gators have more speed and numbers at the wide receiver positions, led by senior Louis Murphy (32 receptions). Sophomore Aaron Hernandez has brought a play-making presence to the tight end position.</p><p>EDGE: Florida </p><p><b>Offensive line</b></p><p>Alabama’s front is considered one of the strongest and most dominant in the nation. It is anchored by junior left tackle Andre Smith and junior center Evan Cardwell, who are considered excellent NFL prospects. The line is very physical in the running game and consistently opens holes for Coffee and the Tide backs. The Tide front also has given Wilson excellent pass protection. Alabama’s line has gotten most of the hype in the SEC this season, but the UF line also is very good and has been dominant in recent games. In the win over FSU last week, star Seminole defensive end Everette Brown had no sacks and was limited to one tackle.</p><p>EDGE: Alabama </p><p><b>Defensive line</b></p><p>Alabama has the most dominant defensive lineman in the SEC in 365-pound nose tackle Terrence Cody, whose size and strength make him close to unblockable at times, and a tough defender to run against. With Cody getting double-teamed most of the time, it’s created opportunities for UA’s other linemen to make plays. The Tide lead the SEC in rushing defense (73.6 yards a game), and it all starts with Cody in the middle. UF’s relatively young line has been a surprise strength this season, led by nose tackle Lawrence Marsh and end Jermaine Cunningham. The Gators, however, have injury issues at tackle, with Brandon Antwine expected to miss Saturday’s game and Matt Patchan out for the season.</p><p>EDGE: Alabama</p><p><b>Linebackers</b></p><p>This has been the strength of the UF defense, led by All-SEC middle linebacker Brandon Spikes, who has had a huge junior season and is the leader on the defense. Ryan Stamper has quietly made a considerable contribution in the middle and on the outside. Dustin Doe, Brandon Hicks and A.J. Jones are fast and athletic. Like UF, Alabama is led by its middle linebacker, sophomore Rolando McClain, who has been a major factor in the Tide’s strong run defense. The ‘Bama backers are relatively young, but very productive.</p><p>EDGE: Florida </p><p><b>Secondary</b></p><p>Alabama free safety Rashad Johnson is one of the top defensive backs in the nation. UF coach Urban Meyer compares him to former Gator star Reggie Nelson. Johnson erases a lot of mistakes with his ability to cover the field from sideline to sideline. The young Florida secondary (three true sophomores and a true freshman) has emerged as a team strength. True freshman Janoris Jenkins has been a lockdown corner and sophomore Joe Haden has been just as good. The Gators have intercepted a league-high 23 passes.</p><p>EDGE: Florida</p><p><b>Special teams</b></p><p>Both teams have game-breakers in the return game — Brandon James for Florida and Javier Arenas for Alabama. Both have been most effective returning punts, with the two each returning two for touchdowns this season. The Tide and Gators are both sound in the kicking game, although UF’s kick return team has really struggled in the second half of the season, especially in the FSU game a week ago. </p><p>EDGE: Even </p><p><b>Coaching</b></p><p>This should be a real heavyweight coaching matchup between Urban Meyer and Nick Saban. Both believe in strong fundamental football and both have won national championships. Both are great motivators who seem to get the most out of their players. Saban is having the same kind of second-year bounce at Alabama that Meyer had at Florida.</p><p>EDGE: Florida</p>