SEC Championship Game: 5 most important players
By John Buhler
If Florida is going to stun Alabama, the Gators will need Tabor to play out of his mind in the defensive backfield, quarterback Austin Appleby to make a few plays with his arm, and most importantly, running back Jordan Scarlett to pound the rock religiously.
Scarlett has been the most reliable player in a weak Florida offense. Head coach Jim McElwain and offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier still haven’t found much of anything on offense in two years in Gainesville, but Scarlett is every bit the bell-cow back Florida will need to beat a top-tier team.
Using the run to open up the pass is the only way that the floundering Florida offense can hope to find rhythm against the Alabama defensive front. Pass to run won’t work with Appleby under center, unless he moves the chains with his legs.
Scarlett will need to have a 30+ carry day for over 150 rushing yards for Florida to have any shot at beating Alabama in a defensive struggle. Florida cannot make any mistakes and must dominate time of possession. With Scarlett in tote in the Florida backfield, there is a sliver of hope that Gator Nation can rally behind.