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SEC Championship Game: 5 reasons Florida has no chance vs Alabama

By John Buhler

Dec 4, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban and Florida Gators head coach Jim McElwain pose with the SEC trophy between the SEC coaches press conference at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban and Florida Gators head coach Jim McElwain pose with the SEC trophy between the SEC coaches press conference at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 24, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Austin Appleby (12) passes the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Austin Appleby (12) passes the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Austin Appleby can’t move the chains against Alabama

We were all thinking this: How on Earth will Florida quarterback Austin Appleby move the chains against this ferocious Alabama front-seven? Like his former teammate at Purdue in LSU Tigers starting quarterback Danny Etling, he won’t.

There will come a few crucial third and mediums where Appleby will have to make a play against Alabama. Etling never could at home in LSU’s rivalry game with Alabama. He and Appleby are comparable players. Could this be Purdue quarterback déjà vu for Alabama?

Sure, Appleby can run for a few first downs on third and mediums, but that’s just not sustainable against this Alabama front-seven. He will have to convert a few third downs through the air for Florida to have any shot in this game.

Unfortunately for Florida, Alabama is about as well-coached in the secondary as any position group in the country. Saban and defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt are former defensive backs themselves. They are outstanding in positioning their secondary players and won’t be beaten through the air by Appleby.

Next: Ranking The 25 Best Rivalries In College Football

Florida could cover the 24-point spread, but it would be a most shocking upset if the Gators somehow stop the Crimson Tide on Saturday.

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