Gator Gameday

GAME 13: No. 2 Florida vs. No. 1 Alabama

TIME: 4 p.m.

TV: CBS

RADIO: 103.7 FM; AM-850

FAVORITE: UF by 10

SATURDAY'S STORYLINES

Winning up front

During the Gators' eight-game winning streak, the offensive line has become what everyone thought it would be heading into the season — a team strength, and maybe one of the best lines in school history. The line is getting a lot of props after UF rushed for 317 yards against Florida State a week ago. Today, the big guys are facing an even bigger test — an Alabama defense that ranks second in the nation against the run. To have any success on the ground center Maurkice Pouncey and guards Carl Johnson and Michael Pouncey will have to handle 375-pound Terrence Cody, perhaps the nation's most dominant nose tackle.

Lots of talented freshmen

The Gators and Tide had great success in recruiting last year, and that will be evident on the field today. UF has two impact true freshmen who start — cornerback Janoris Jenkins and tailback Jeff Demps — and several others who contribute. Alabama has perhaps the true freshman of the year in wide receiver Julio Jones, who leads the Tide in receptions and is emerging as a big-time playmaker. Alabama has 10 true freshmen on their two-deep depth chart.

Slowing down the run

Florida's run defense has come up big all season, with the Gators stifling some the league's marquee tailbacks. Perhaps the most impressive performance was turned in against Georgia's Knowshon Moreno, who was stuffed for most of the day in Jacksonville and was held to less than 70 yards. Today, Alabama will send a wave of talented tailbacks at the Gators, led by Glen Coffee and true freshman standout Mark Ingram. If Roy Upchurch is healthy, the Tide is a legitimate four-deep at the position. It's going to be a big test for a UF defense that has injury issues at tackle.

Controlling the clock

For those who have been watching Florida's big-play offense all season, seeing Alabama's more methodical approach might seem a little dull. But the Tide offense has been effective. Senior quarterback John Parker Wilson has done an excellent job managing the offense (a lot like Chris Leak did for Florida in 2006) and with a strong running game, the Tide has the capability of playing keep-away from the Florida offense with ball control. Time of possession could be a key stat in the outcome of this one.

ROBBIE ANDREU'S PICK: Alabama 28, Florida 24

(Season record: 11-1)

SATURDAY'S GAME QUESTIONS

1. Will the Gators, who lead the SEC in rushing, have success running against the nation's No. 2 run defense?

2. Can the UF defense slow down the Tide run and force John Parker Wilson into obvious passing situations?

3. Will Percy Harvin play or be a factor? If not, who steps up for the Gators?

4. Can the Gators cover freshman wide receiver Julio Jones?

5. Which quarterback gets better protection, Wilson or Tim Tebow?