2009 SEC Championship Game Prediction

First off, I'd like to thank every single senior on their team for their contribution these past four to five years (two to three for JuCo transfers). They've transformed Florida from a good program to an elite program. Hopefully the trend will continue on Saturday.

With that being said, let's get to the prediction. Both team's have strong running games. The Tide has Ingram and Richardson. Florida has Demps, Rainey, and Tebow. I feel Florida could win by three touchdowns if they keep Mark Ingram under wraps. However, Glen Coffee had a big day last year in Florida's 31-20 win. Facing big time backs is nothing new to this team. They've faced Darren McFadden, Felix Jones, and Glen Coffee in the previous SEC Championships. I feel they'll do fine in terms of stopping him. However, I feel Ingram will be the best back (with all do respect to Anthony Dixon of Mississippi State).

Florida has a big edge over Greg McElroy in the quarterback department. McElroy has done a good job of taking care of the football. Tebow's numbers may not be as high as usual, but he's still the best player in college football. I feel Tebow's numbers are so low due to the conservative play calling. Most people rip Tebow for his arm strength and accuracy, but fail to realize he's completed just over 64 percent of his passes in his career.

The receiving corps is a toss-up. Florida has dependable targets in Aaron Hernandez and Riley Cooper, but have relative unknowns behind them. Alabama's Julio Jones hasn't played on the same level as he did as a freshman, but is still a threat nonetheless. Bama also has guys like Colin Peek and Marquis Maze. I think Florida's receivers will need to step up like last year when David Nelson, Carl Moore, and Riley Cooper stepped up last year.

Defensively, I think both teams are nearly dead even. I do think Florida's experience in playing in their third SEC championship in four years will be of an advantage. Losing Dunlap hurts Florida, but I have confidence in Justin Trattou to get the job done. If the defensive line stops Ingram, they will force Alabama to pass. This could work to Florida's advantage. However, if Alabama controls the game with the run the way they did in last year's meeting. We'll have another tough game on our hands.

I would love for Florida to come out and throw the ball their first six or seven plays. This will wear Mount Cody out, and make him less effective in stopping the run. The game plan against Georgia should be used in this game. Florida came out throwing often early and jumped out to a 14-0 lead. Jumping out on Bama will be important, but they will not abandon the run so easily.

As for special teams, Leigh Tiffin has the advantage over Caleb Sturgis. Chas Henry of the Gators has the edge over P.J. Fitzgerald. Javier Arenas has been more effective returning kicks this year than Brandon James. Florida is more dangerous blocking kicks and keeping tabs on big returns. I think special teams is dead even.

So, my final score will be a Florida 24-13 win. It'll be hard fought, but I like the Gators in this one. Anyone who knows me knows I stink at making predictions. Maybe I'm wrong, but maybe, just maybe I'll be right on this one. Go Gators. Beat Bama.