In this game, expect Florida to rely a lot on the short passing game, which plays perfectly into what Alabama’s pass defense can do.
Alabama/Florida NFL Draft watch notes
The offense is designed to take advantage of quarterback John Brantley’s accuracy in the short passing game.
The Crimson Tide have an instinctual defense that gets after the ball. No one is better on their defense at that than free safety Robert Lester and middle linebacker Dont'a Hightower. Last week against Arkansas, Hightower showed with his physical play and tackling why he's considered a first-round prospect.
Cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick also put together a solid week. Although he allowed a few receptions, he also broke up three passes. Don't overlook fellow cornerback DeQuan Menzie, though. He's a Sunday player as well but isn't quite as physically skilled as Kirkpatrick.
Alabama may be without linebacker C.J. Mosely today, but it will give junior Nico Johnson a chance to finally show how good of a player he is. Once Johnson earns more playing time, he should quickly rise on draft boards.
Johnson will have to show off his athleticism quickly against Florida running back Jeff Demps. Maybe the faster college football player in the nation, Demps can break a big play at any time.
Two weeks ago I briefly discussed the Florida underclassmen on defense. They'll have to mature real quickly today to stop the vaunted Alabama running game. Underrated Gators defensive tackle Jaye Howard can't do everything, though he's shown otherwise at times this season.
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