Gators vs. Tide: A look at media predictions
Friday, September 30, 2011 | Football, Scott Carter
The Gators host Alabama on Saturday night in a matchup of two 4-0 teams vying to remain perfect on the young season.
There is no shortage of opinions on the game, so here are some predictions from around the country:
--In his game preview, Jerry Hinnen of CBSSports.com picks Alabama to remain undefeated with a 27-16 victory over the Gators. He writes the Tide seizes control early in the second half.
--ESPN.com's Ed Aschoff doesn't pick the winner, but he has the Gators-Bama game on his SEC upset watch list.
--USA Today's Erick Smith picks Alabama to win, writing that it will be surprising if the Gators can find a way to solve the Tide defense.
--ESPN's Skip Bayless is picking the Gators to win according to this blog from Orlando Sentinel Gators beat writer Rachel George.
--Gainesville Sun UF beat writer Robbie Andreu has seen enough of the Gators that he picks them to upset the Crimson Tide on Saturday night.
--Bruce Feldman of CBSSports.com writes that the speedy Gators skill guys have been a nightmare for opponents, but that doesn't mean he is picking the Gators.
--The Sporting News writes that the Gators can keep it close early at home, but Alabama's defense will force turnovers and give Trent Richardson and the offense short fields to manage.
--FoxSports.com is going with the Gators, 20-17. Click here to read Fearless Predictions.
--Stewart Mandel of SI.com likes Florida's speedy backfield duo of Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey, but he is picking Alabama's defense in this one.
--Finally, Steve Lassan of Athlon Sports picks a close game, but he goes with Alabama in the end, 27-20, but writes don't be surprised if this is just the first of two meetings this season between these two teams.
