Alabama Football: 3 Keys for Tide to beat Florida Gators

3 keys for Alabama football to beat Florida

2. Don’t let Anthony Richardson beat you

Florida knew that they would have to replace Kyle Trask this offseason. Since Trask won the job, Emory Jones was expected to be his successor. However, Jones has struggled so far this season. He has more turnovers than touchdowns despite playing inferior defenses. He’s known as a dual-threat, but his athleticism hasn’t set him apart so far this year.

His backup is Anthony Richardson, and he has been electric. His reps have been limited, but he seems to be the future of the Florida Gators. He is simply a gifted athlete. He can move better than almost any football player, and he’s proven that by gaining 275 rushing yards on 11 runs. He has more touchdowns than Jones on the year, and he’s yet to fully utilize the playbook.

Emory Jones may start this game. If he does, Alabama will have an advantage. Jones isn’t gifted enough to beat athletes in space, and he hasn’t shown the ability to throw the ball accurately enough to win the game with his arm. Meanwhile, Richardson is enough of a wildcard to maybe get it done.

You can’t guarantee that Richardson is a better option, but he will give you more to work with. He’s a low-floor, high-ceiling quarterback, and that’s what you need against Alabama football.

If he plays, the Tide will have to be ready for him to run the ball. Zone defenses will be used more often, and Alabama will have to defend from sideline to sideline.