In preparation for Florida’s upcoming showdown in Tuscaloosa, Ala. against the Alabama Crimson Tide, SDS spoke with Aaron Suttles of The Tuscaloosa News to get his thoughts and analysis this weekend’s game at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Drew Laing: First, let’s talk about the QB situation. Based off of what I see on the field, it appears Blake Sims is the clear-cut choice for starting quarterback. However, Nick Saban has yet to officially say anything regarding his official decision. Should we expect that anytime soon and is it safe to say Sims has won the starting job for the rest of the season?

Aaron Suttles: There is going to be a sounding of horns followed by a proclamation from Nick Saban that Blake Sims is the starting quarterback. But make no mistake, Blake Sims is the starting quarterback. How do I know? Because there’s been three games and Sims started each. Come Saturday he’ll start his fourth. Jake Coker will continue to get reps when the game allows it, but unless there is an injury or Sims completely falls apart, Sims will remain the starter.

Laing: Why has OJ Howard yet to get a catch on the season? Has it been more Kiffin’s playcalling or does the responsibility fall more on Howard himself?

Suttles: That’s the $1 million question for Alabama fans. He’s been targeting twice that I’ve seen this season. One was an interception against West Virginia and the second came in mop-up-duty against Southern Miss when Coker took a sack. There is no question that Howard needs to improve his blocking and that’s holding him back from increased playing time. But I suspect Howard will see more targets now that conference play has begun.

Laing: Amari Cooper and Vernon Hargreaves will be the premier matchup on Saturday, but Cooper is currently on pace for some incredible numbers this season. Where has he improved the most from his sophomore season to this year?

Suttles: He’s gotten bigger and stronger. Simply put, he’s perhaps the most polished wide receiver in college football. There isn’t a weakness to his game. He’s strong, fast, quick and runs crisp routes. That’s a tough total package for any defense to defend.

Laing: Alabama has great talent across the board, but is there an area that you could see the Gators exploiting during the game?

Suttles: I haven’t been impressed with Alabama’s interior run blocking. That’s traditionally a strength, but I haven’t seen it as much this season. I’m still not sold on Alabama’s back seven on defense. They are very vulnerable against speedy backs out of the backfield in the passing game. Florida would be wise to test middle linebacker Trey DePriest. UA has also been susceptible to the big play, so I’d take a few deep shots too.

Laing: Gators wide receiver Demarcus Robinson really emerged as one of the more explosive receivers in the SEC this year. How do you see Alabama’s secondary attacking Robinson in coverage?

Suttles: Alabama’s secondary is a little banged up with Jarrick Williams out with a fractured foot and Eddie Jackson nursing a strained quad. Five-star freshman Tony Brown could be pressed into action, but I’d be surprised to see him matched up with Robinson. Likely, it’ll be Cyrus Jones on Robinson. In that case, Robinson will have a height advantage that can be exploited.

Laing: For the most part, Alabama and Florida have gone in two different directions since the 2009 SEC Championship. Do you think this is still a “rivalry” that has the same amount of meaning to the players as it did back in 2008-09?

Suttles: Florida is still Florida in terms of the excitement it generates when it’s on the schedule. Now it’s waned a little bit, but it’s still an exciting match up. There’s definitely been extra intensity at practice this week.

Laing: How do you see things playing out on Saturday?
Suttles: I haven’t made my mind up. I think Alabama has the advantage being at home. But this is the first real test this season for Alabama. If Florida can run the ball with consistency, I can see an upset special. If not, it’s going to be difficult.

 

A huge thank you to Aaron Suttles for participating! You can follow him on Twitter: @Aaron Suttles