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Upset Alert: Could turnovers give Florida a chance against Alabama?
By John Brasier
Published:
There’s just one game today, so we don’t have any choice of games to highlight. Based on Florida’s anemic offense, it’s hard to imagine the Gators knocking off Alabama in the SEC Championship Game. But it’s possible. The Gators defense is good enough to protect a lead if the Crimson Tide falls behind.
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ALABAMA vs. FLORIDA, 4 p.m. ET, CBS — The way Florida’s offense has played since losing Will Grier, a victory over Alabama seems next to impossible, though ESPN gives the Crimson Tide only a 77.8-percent chance of victory. The Gators do have a chance. But they’ll need help from the Crimson Tide in the form of turnovers or special teams mistakes. As good as the Gators are on defense — they gave up only 31 points in the four games before last Saturday’s loss to Florida State — they can win if they can grab an early lead. The Gators have come up with 24 turnovers on the season while committing only 14. Plus, the Gators should fare better against Derrick Henry and the Alabama running game than most other teams. The Gators have allowed only 3.3 yards per carry this season, though Tennessee, LSU and Florida State were effective on the ground against them. The key for Alabama is avoiding mistakes. The Tide has committed 16 turnovers — 10 on interceptions. If QB Jacob Coker avoids costly interceptions, the Tide should have little trouble. The Tide has lost only six fumbles in 503 rushing attempts. Henry should have a busy day as offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin sticks to a conservative offensive attack.
