Alabama and Florida renew their modern rivalry when the Crimson Tide host the Gators at Bryant-Denny Stadium Saturday afternoon.
For Alabama, the contest is the first step toward getting back to Atlanta and making its first foray into the College Football Playoff. The Tide are unbeaten -- surprise, surprise -- and are coming off back-to-back bludgeonings of Florida Atlantic and Southern Miss. But the opener, the closer-than-anticipated 10-point win over West Virginia, still has some fans antsy. The natives in Tuscaloosa surely expect to cruise past a Florida team that needed three overtimes to topple Kentucky.
Speaking of the Gators, it's hard to figure them out right now. They looked explosive on offense at times against the Wildcats, but don't forget, it was 3-3 at halftime. And while Florida had an easier time scoring in the second half, so did Kentucky. It'll take a better all-around performance to hang with 'Bama.
How to watch, listen, and stream
Game time: 3:30 p.m. ET
TV: CBS (Verne Lundquist, Gary Danielson, Allie LaForce)
Online streaming: SEC Live
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The numbers
Rankings and records: Alabama is 3-0, ranked second in the USA Today Coaches' Poll and third in the AP Top 25. Florida is 2-0 and sits in the "others receiving votes" category in both sets of rankings.
Vegas: Alabama opened as a 16-point favorite, and that line has dropped slightly to 14 points at most sportsbooks. The over/under is at 50.5.
Weather forecast: 86 degrees and clear.
Two things at stake
It's early, but a surprising Alabama loss would strike a blow to the Crimson Tide's conference and national title hopes.
There's no shame in Florida losing on the road at the Crimson Tide, but if it's an ugly blowout, the grumbling behind head coach Will Muschamp will grow a little louder.
One big matchup
Florida WR Demarcus Robinson vs. the Alabama secondary
It's still difficult to run on Alabama, but as was the case last season, the Crimson Tide's pass defense is a bit suspect at times. If Florida has a chance to pull off the upset, it's because Robinson is having a big game.
He's averaging 10.5 catches and 169.5 yards through two games, and has given the Gators a legit playmaker on the outside, something that's been lacking in recent years. If Florida's defense can put up a fight against the Tide attack and Robinson is getting open, the game could go either way.
Further reading
For more Crimson Tide coverage, visit Roll 'Bama Roll. For all things Florida, check out Alligator Army. Get your SEC fix at Team Speed Kills.