Let's just call today's game a tremendous opportunity 

Does Coach Johnson have something up his sleeve?

        Alabama's quest for a post-season continues today at Florida. The Gators are a ten-point favorite today. That surprising to me given the way the Tide has played in its last three games. When I look at the match-ups in today's game, you see the reason for the spread.  I'm not sure that either of Alabama's inside big men can slow down Florida center John Egbunu. The big Nigerian has dominated the inside with a wrathful vengeance. The other problem is Dorian Finney-Smith, who is averaging right at 16 ppg. DFS is so versatile we don't have a single player, in my opinion, who is the defensive match the Gator's offensive firepower. We have one player who can slow him down, but will Avery Johnson risk playing wearing down Retin Obasahan on DFS when he needs him on offense. The other man to man option is Riley Norris or  Shanon Hale. Hale may not be physically well enough. Norris, who isn't afraid of a corned Cobra, may not have the quickness or the length. 


     Given the match-up problems look for Bama to play a lot of man and do their best to deny easy entry passes into Egnubu. DeVaugn Allen has been knocking down a lot of big baskets as well. The Tide has its hands full today. So how can Alabama beat Florida?

1. We need for Florida to have a bad game.

2. Let's hope we can get the ball inside and then cross our fingers that the home cooking SEC refs call a few fouls on Egnubu. That is not likely.

3. The Tide needs to make the few free throws they are going to shoot.

4. Retin Obasahan must play another great game. He needs to drive to the basket and score. When Florida tries to cut him off the Tide outside shooters, need to have career type games. 

5. The Tide cannot have any scoring droughts. Keep the score in the 60's and play their best defense. 

6. Then the turnover word comes into play. The Tide can't have 15 or more turnovers and expect to win. 

     I'm an optimist, but this is one game they Tide can't let the Gators get off to a quick start. Bama simply doesn't have the firepower to overcome a significant Florida lead. I'm not joking, in some ways, this is the hardest road game the time will play up to this point in the season. A lot of our players will have never played in the O'Dome. It is a shooting nightmare. I would love to pick the Tide to win and have learned to take Avery Johnson very seriously, but Florida is going to be tough to beat. Florida by 9.