Power Ranking: Alabama’s Top Five 2014 SEC Opponents
By Chris Hale
Nov 9, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA;Florida Gators helmet against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
5. Florida Gators (4-8 Last Season)
I know, I know. Most are probably asking, “What are you thinking?”. The No. 5 slot is actually the one I debated in my mind more than others. Tennessee and Texas A&M were my other two choices for the slot. Tennessee will have revenge on their mind, especially with offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin returning to Knoxville. I still think they are a year away. The Aggies’ defense is once again questionable at best and then, you have to factor in the off the field problems as well as replacing a certain quarterback.
Coach Will Muschamp will be on the hot seat for this season and if he is not fully on it, he has at least one cheek firmly planted. The Gators’ defense should be good once again and a secondary featuring cornerback Vernon Hargreaves could pose a problem for the Tide’s chosen quarterback. Alabama won’t face a defense of the Gators’ caliber in the first few games, so the Tide’s offense could be caught a bit off guard when Florida arrives in Tuscaloosa.
The question mark will be on the offense. It was absolutely awful last season partly due to injuries. Coach Muschamp brought in new blood during the off-season, hiring former Duke offensive coordinator Kurt Roper. Returning quarterback Jeff Driskel will help as well. Will it be enough to knock off the Tide?