Put all the debates about playoffs, polls, Utah, USC and Texas aside tonight. Love it or hate it, Florida will battle Oklahoma for the National Title tonight.
These two teams both come from powerhouse conferences with two superstars Heisman winning QBs looking to make their mark in college football history. Oklahoma goes in as a 7.5 point underdog… for good reason. Florida will win this title game and here is why.
1. The trenches. Every great football team has to win on the lines and Florida has the clear advantage "This is the best offensive line I've been around," Meyer said. "And I've been around some really good ones." This Florida Gator offensive line is better than the championship team’s two years ago. This team is going to score points and Oklahoma won’t be able to do much about it.
2. Defense wins championships. The Big 12 did not play good defense this year. It is that plain and simple. The constant show of points and great offensive plays were exciting and fun to watch. In the end, however, you need to muscle up and play good D. Oklahoma has weapons but has not faced a D with the speed or toughness of a Florida all season. This won’t be the track meet they hope for.
3. SEC Speed. I for one do not like to buy into the cliché of the fast natured conference. At the same time I have been proven wrong time and again. It isn’t the just speed of the receivers or other skill players that set this Florida team apart. Don’t get me wrong, they are ready to break a 50+ yard play at any moment’s notice. It’s the speed of the D-line, linebackers that will bury you.
4. Special Teams. Frank Beamer has made a legendary career out of this third forgotten phase of the game and it is no accident. Special Teams is important. Florida may not be as good as “Beamer ball” but they are far superior to the downright poor play of Oklahoma. Oklahoma has been 4 of 12 on field goals and has missed 5 extra points. In a game at this level, that just isn’t even close to good enough.
Florida has cruised their last 9 games and has looked every bit the number 1 ranked team the AP poll has them at. Tonight will be tough but I believe Meyer and Tebow get the job done.
Florida 31- Oklahoma 21
