Alabama Football: Will 2017 Tide dominate more top opposing players?

ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 17: Denard Robinson
ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 17: Denard Robinson
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Alabama football player, Amari Cooper
TUSCALOOSA, AL – SEPTEMBER 20: Amari Cooper

September 20, 2014; Tuscaloosa, AL; Alabama 42 – Florida 21

In 2014, the Florida Gator defense was led by Dante Fowler and Vernon Hargreaves III. Fowler was First Team, All-SEC and Second team, Walter Camp All-American. In his three seasons at Florida, Hargreaves was All-SEC every season and a 2015 All-American.

Despite four Alabama football turnovers, the Tide offense ran up 672 yards against the Gators. Amari Cooper had 10 pass receptions for 201 yards and three touchdowns. Hargreaves was lined up against Cooper for most of the game, though one Cooper touchdown was not against Hargreaves’ coverage.

Cooper had a fourth touchdown nullified by a motion penalty and it was defended by Hargreaves.

The Gators needed Fowler to regularly pressure Blake Sims but he failed to so. Fowler finished the game with one solo tackle, three assisted tackles and a fumble recovery. Hargreaves was banged up twice in the game and battled throughout. He finished with three solo and three assisted tackles. Hargreaves also recovered a fumble.

Hargreaves was a great defensive back but he was no match for Amari Cooper.

Fowler was the No. 3 pick in the First Round of the 2015 NFL Draft, chosen by the Jacksonville Jaquars. Hargreaves was selected by Tampa Bay with the 11th pick in the First Round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

Hargreaves and Fowler were great college football players, but not against Alabama football.