The fifth-ranked Florida Gators look to open the season 5-0 for the first time since 2001 but to achieve this goal must defeat an angry Crimson Tide football team, double overtime losers to Arkansas last week (Sept. 23), in a nationally televised game (CBS) on Saturday. If Florida defeats Alabama, it will mark the first time the Gators have achieved 5-0 since 2001 and the 12th time in school history. The Gators have only defeated Alabama once in Gainesville since 1991.
This will be the 33rd meeting between Florida and Alabama and the first in Gainesville since 1999. Florida enters the game with a 4-0 record and a 2-0 SEC mark after defeating Kentucky last Saturday in Gainesville, 26-7. Alabama is 3-1 overall and 1-1 in the league after being edged by Arkansas in double overtime last week 24-23.
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As part of “100 Years of Florida Football” celebration, the Gators will wear throwback uniforms for the game against Alabama. Florida’s jersey and helmet represent those worn by the gators in the mid-1960’s.
Florida has opened the 2006 season with 30 plays of 20-or-more yards during the first four games eight of which have gone for touchdowns. Last season the Gators had four runs and 16 receptions of 20-or-more yards through the first four games. Senior quarterback Chris Leak is tied for the national lead in touchdown passes thrown (12) with Houston’s Kevin Kolb.
The Crimson Tide come in to the game with the fifth-ranked defense in the conference and has held each of their last two opponents to under 100 yards passing. The Gators will be a tough test, averaging 465.5 yards per game, which ranks ninth in the country. The passing attack, led by Chris Leak, is also ninth in the nation and leads the SEC at 289.8 yards per contest. Leak has a pass efficiency of 173.77, fourth in the country and has a consistent target in Dallas Baker, who is averaging 101.5 receiving yards per game.
“This is one of the hottest offenses in the country right now,” said Alabama Defensive Coordinator Joe Kines. “If there is a better system out there, I would be hard-pressed to find it. I have never seen a system that has all the parts of football; the power, the zone, the option, play action, the empty, five wideouts, short yardage, two tight ends, I don’t think there is a part of football they don’t cover. They cover the whole gamut.”
Alabama is coming off its first loss of the season, a 24-23 setback in double overtime at Arkansas. The Crimson Tide secondary has been impressive so far, leading the defense to eight interceptions, second only to Western Michigan with nine. Simeon Castille leads the group with three interceptions while Lionel Mitchell and Jeffery Dukes each have two picks. The defense has forced a total of 12 turnovers this season, which is third in the country behind East Carolina and Rutgers. On the other hand, sophomore quarterback John Parker Wilson and the Alabama offense has only turned the ball over five times with just one interception.
Saturday will be the first time Alabama has played at Florida since 1999 when the Crimson Tide emerged victorious in overtime 40-39. This weekend’s game in Gainesville is slated to begin at 3:30 p.m. (EDT) and will be televised by CBS.
Odd makers have installed Florida as a –13 ½ point favorite.
