No one is giving Alabama a chance at beating Florida in the SEC Championship on Saturday.  Vegas has an unprecedented spread with the Gators as the 9 1/2 point favorite over the top ranked Tide.  All the monikers have began popping up in the media: speed vs. power, offense vs. defense, Frazier vs. Ali.  In what could turn out to be the most significant SEC Championship in history, The number 1 Crimson Tide come in ranked 3rd in the nation in defense with 11.5 points per game given up.  Florida is right behind them at 12.3.  The fact is, while Bama's defense is one of the best in the nation, so is the Gators'.  Florida also has the better passing defense having intercepted 23 passes to Bama's 15.  Bama's a bit better against the run and that's really where their edge on defense ends.  In contrast, Florida's offense is one of the best in the nation.  They rank 3rd in the country in points per game scored with 46.3.  Bama can score as well, however, as they're averaging 32 points per game. 

So, while Bama fans can complain that the Tide isn't getting the respect it deserves as being the underdog as the top ranked team in the country, numbers don't lie.  All indications point to one logical outcome setting aside all bias: Florida should win this game...handily.  But with all the numbers, there's one thing you can't measure that gives Bama the edge in this game.  Those little intangibles that can make a big difference in a college football game of this magnitude.

For instance, Florida has dominated their opponents all season.  Their closest game came against Ole Miss, a game which they lost 31-30 in The Swamp.  Bama, on the other hand, has played at least 3 close games.  Sure, those probably shouldn't have been close games, but they were and they won nonetheless.  Kentucky gave the Tide a run but ended up losing a close one 17-14.  Ole Miss, the only team to beat Florida, came back from a huge deficit against the Tide and almost won.  The Tide held them off 24-20.  Then the battle in Death Valley in which John Parker Wilson came of age and won the game for them in OT (thanks to an interception).  The point is, Bama has played in close games and won.  Florida has rarely been in that situation.  If the game stays close until the end, the obvious edge goes to Bama because they've been in the situation before. 

Next, is the fact that Bama has played a game in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.  Their first game was against an overrated Clemson team there which they completely demolished.  The players are familiar with the turf and the field.  Florida has not had the luxury of playing there this year. 

Another intangible is not recorded in the stat sheet. The "big plays" have carried Florida most of the season.  Be it big plays on defense or offense, the Gators are capable of going out there and making that one huge play to get them in the end zone quickly.  With respect to some of Florida's opponents, they have yet to play against a defense as solid as Bama's this year.  Bama does not give up the big play.  Which leads to another intangible.

Bama has the ability to control the tempo of a game.  They play old school SEC football.  They beat you on defense forcing 3 and outs and then they pound the ball with run plays on long sustained drives leading to points.  It's not flashy, but with their style, they don't need flash.  In order for Florida to win, they have to keep Tebow on the field.  Bama knows this and won't let them control the clock. 

I've been watching both of these teams play all season.  I know what each are capable of on both sides of the ball and I can say with full confidence that this game will not be a blow out.  In my opinion, it could go either way, but don't write off the Tide just yet.  They're 12-0 for a reason.

There's a lot on the line for both teams.  Not only their conference championship but a shot at the BCS title game.  Not since Ohio State vs. Michigan a few years back have we seen a game of such importance.  Already being dubbed "the game of the century" it's easy to understand why.  

Prediction: Bama 23
                     Florida 20