Florida vs. Oklahoma

[HB Pony Dad]

No. 2 Florida vs. No. 1 Oklahoma

When: Jan. 8, 8 p.m. ET
Where: Miami
Preview: Superstar QBs collide

Florida offense vs. Oklahoma defense

It took the first month of the season for coach Urban Meyer and coordinator Dan Mullen to start dialing up game plans that maximized all of the talent on their roster, including freshman running backs Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey. There were some frustrating moments during that time, none more so than the 31-30 home loss to Ole Miss in late September, but the juice has been worth the squeeze. The Gators have been virtually unstoppable on offense since a 21-point, fourth-quarter explosion at Arkansas the week after the loss to the Rebels.

Florida's offensive agenda is unchanged in this game. The Gators want to isolate their faster offensive skill players and the opponents' slower defenders as frequently and in as much space as possible. The only difference between this season and years past is that Meyer and Mullen have found the running game to be a more effective means to that end than the passing game. Florida is running the ball more than ever and has added new wrinkles to its shotgun-option attack to help keep the defense honest.

Of course QB Tim Tebow and WR/RB Percy Harvin remain the featured attractions in this offense. Tebow isn't all that elusive and he won't run away from many defensive backs, but the 6-foot-3, 245-pound junior is an excellent triggerman in this option-heavy attack because he makes the proper reads, shows great instincts as a pitch man and wears the opponent down with his powerful, relentless style. Florida's 31-20 win over Alabama in the SEC championship game was further proof that Tebow is capable of willing his team to victory, but when you break down the film it doesn't take long to realize how much Harvin was missed.

Harvin is the most electrifying player in college football when healthy and he is expected to be close to 100 percent for the national title game, which is bad news for the Sooners. Meyer and Mullen wisely use Harvin as their Mr. Everything when they feel he's physically up to the task. Harvin will split out wide and catch a pass on the perimeter on one play and then line up in the backfield on the next. It's not uncommon for him to take a few direct snaps from center and run his own version of the Wildcat offense, either. In addition, Florida often motions him from one spot to another and the reaction of the defense frequently makes it easier for Tebow to decipher the coverage.

Bottling up the opponent's top two playmakers will lead to victory against most teams, but slowing Tebow and Harvin is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to defending Florida. Even if Oklahoma finds a way to keep Tebow and Harvin in check, it still must contend with Rainey and Demps, WRs Louis Murphy and Riley Cooper on the perimeter, and chameleon-like H-back Aaron Hernandez, who can line up anywhere on the field.

Rainey and Demps are world-class speedsters who have combined to rush for 1,237 yards and 11 scores on 152 carries. Demps also has 15 receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown. Murphy is a vertical threat with 4.3 speed in the 40-yard dash, and Cooper is a 6-foot-3, 215-pound target with deceptive athleticism and reliable hands. And then there's Hernandez, whose role as a blocker and pass-catcher -- most recently as an underneath shovel-pass target in the option game -- is vastly underrated.

So, can OU coach Bob Stoops and coordinator Brent Venables find ways to limit Harvin and Tebow without completely exposing the Sooners' defense in other areas? That's the question that ultimately could decide this year's national title game. Stoops and Venables make gap discipline a priority for Oklahoma, especially when it comes to defending the option. And while most teams defend the option with a one-on-one approach that gives each defender a specific responsibility, the Sooners like to throw a twist at option teams with an extra defender on the front side.

For instance, if the Gators are running a two-man option with Tebow and Harvin, most opponents typically give the keeper responsibility (Tebow) to the defensive end and the pitch-man responsibility (Harvin) to the outside linebacker. Oklahoma takes a more aggressive approach and adds another defender -- typically a safety -- to the equation to give the Sooners a three-on-two numbers advantage. In the two-man example, the safety and end would bracket Tebow while the safety and outside linebacker would bracket Tebow. The safety would have outside responsibility when Tebow keeps the ball and inside responsibility when he pitches to Harvin.

As with any other aggressive defensive scheme there are positives and negatives to this approach. In this case, the Sooners should suffer far fewer front-side breakdowns than a defense taking a more traditional approach. The problem is it also makes them vulnerable to cutback runs and misdirection if they lose back-side contain, and there's no question Florida will look to exploit this potential vulnerability. That means DEs Auston English and Jeremy Beal must stay home for this approach to work.

During its current nine-game winning streak, Florida is averaging 49.1 points, 21.5 passing plays and 40.2 running plays per game. The Sooners want to take the Gators out of their comfort zone by forcing them to increase their percentage of pass attempts. Oklahoma does not match up particularly well in the secondary but knows Florida's offense is less effective the more Tebow is forced to throw. In addition, the Sooners' pass rush is capable of keeping the heat on Tebow, particularly on obvious passing downs. Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy, who has 6.5 sacks this season, is the most disruptive interior defensive lineman in the nation. His initial quickness and power moves from the 3-technique position should consistently give Gators Gs Jim Tartt and Mike Pouncey problems.

Beal and English are quick off the edge, and English, who is close to 100 percent after dealing with a knee injury earlier in the season, will provide important depth and scheme versatility. He and Beal combined for 13 sacks this season despite English missing nearly four full games, and in addition to their pass-rushing skills they provide an unusually high level of athleticism. Venables takes full advantage by incorporating the zone blitz into his defensive repertoire and at any point English and/or Beal can drop into the flat and play zone coverage underneath, a move that is often accompanied by a blitzing outside linebacker from the same side of the field. Not only does this create assignment confusion for the offensive line, which has been a problem for the Gators at times this season, it can also bait Tebow into making a poor decision.

Look for the Sooners to play a lot of Cover 2 and Cover 3 zone in this game while taking a more physical approach in coverage than usual. Oklahoma CBs Brian Jackson (6-1, 200) and Dominique Franks (6-0, 195) will try to use their size to bully some of the smaller Gators receivers. Instead of giving guys like Harvin and Murphy a clean release, the mindset for the Sooners will be to limit quick-hitting routes that create run-after-catch opportunities and force Tebow to beat them with throws down the field. Safeties Nic Harris and Lendy Holmes lack elite athleticism, which is why they frequently need to be protected in zone coverage or cheated up into the box, but they are a big-hitting tandem that will step up in run support and frequently makes receivers pay for catching the ball over the middle. Playing more zone than man coverage, particularly underneath, also means the Oklahoma defenders will be facing the line of scrimmage as they drop back and will be able to react more quickly when Tebow tucks the ball and scrambles.


Oklahoma Offense vs. Florida Defense

The Sooners set the bar high for scoring this season, averaging 54 points per game behind Heisman Trophy-winning QB Sam Bradford and a balanced, precise offense that is fast-paced and prides itself on dictating tempo. Oklahoma rarely huddles and on average runs a play approximately every 23 seconds. In addition to testing the stamina of the opposing defense, this fast-break approach allows the Sooners to dictate personnel groupings because there's no time between plays for a defense to substitute players. Once Bradford and offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson see what they are working against on the first play of a given drive it gives them an idea of what matchups they can exploit moving forward.

With that in mind, one key to Florida's success will be communication on defense. Coordinator Charlie Strong has had extra time to prepare his players for this track-meet style of football, so at the very least the Gators shouldn't get caught in many vulnerable personnel packages. Still, getting the right people on the field is easy compared to devising and dialing up plays to throw Bradford out of rhythm with those personnel groupings.

Bradford is one of the most cerebral and poised quarterbacks in the nation. He has a tremendous understanding of the system and its objectives, which is a big reason the no-huddle approach is so effective for Oklahoma. His ability to scan the field, make quick decisions without telegraphing his throws and deliver the ball accurately is just as remarkable, and by going through proper progression reads instead of locking on to his primary target Bradford keeps his many capable weapons well-fed and happy.

The Sooners frequently work out of a shotgun set with three receivers, one back and one tight end. WR Juaquin Iglesias is Bradford's most consistent pass-catcher but Ryan Broyles, Manuel Johnson and Quentin Chaney all play significant roles as well. Iglesias is the most consistent route runner of the group and he's not afraid to go over the middle. He primarily works on the perimeter opposite Johnson or Chaney while Broyles spends the most time in the slot. The savvy of Iglesias could give Florida's young cornerback tandem of sophomore Joe Haden and freshman Janoris Jenkins some problems, and with Haden having a bit more experience look for the Sooners to dictate an Iglesias-Jenkins matchup as often as possible.

Wilson will also look to maximize Chaney's size (6-5, 203) against the starting corners and Broyles' speed advantage over nickelback Wondy Pierre-Louis. Chaney has at least 6 inches and 20 pounds on Haden and Jenkins, so expect him to run some fade routes and get some jump balls thrown his way. As for Broyles, he is significantly faster than Pierre-Louis so look for Bradford to target Broyles vertically when he recognizes Pierre-Louis trying to match up in the slot in man-to-man coverage.

TE Jermaine Gresham is Oklahoma's most underrated offensive playmaker and another matchup nightmare for defenses. Gresham can play in-line, in the slot or split wide, giving the Sooners the flexibility to line up in a number of different formations without having to substitute, which is another important element of their no-huddle offense. In addition, at 6-6 and 261 pounds, Gresham possesses good speed and rare athleticism. Linebackers typically lack the speed and athleticism to keep up with Gresham while safeties typically get boxed out by his size. He is averaging a remarkable 15.8 yards per catch and 12 of his 58 receptions have ended in touchdowns.

Expect Gresham to play a big role versus a Florida defense that does not appear to have an answer for him from a personnel standpoint. The Gators typically use LB Dustin Doe to cover opposing tight ends, but Gresham will eat the 6-foot, 230-pounder. Making matters worse for the Gators, starting safeties Ahmad Black (5-9, 190) and Major Wright (6-0, 200) are not big or strong enough to contend with Gresham physically.

While Florida's secondary obviously does not match up well in this game, it could be bailed out by the Gators' relentless pass rush. Although Oklahoma's offensive line is one of the best in the nation -- a big, strong, cohesive unit that gave up an average of less than one sack per game -- faster pass-rushers have shined light on some of the Sooners' vulnerabilities up front. First, RG Brandon Walker (6-3, 284) and C Jon Cooper (6-3, 290) have trouble anchoring at times. That could become an issue considering Gators DT Terron Sanders and NT Lawrence Marsh are powerful bull-rushers who can collapse the pocket up the middle on occasion.

Secondly, Texas DE Brian Orakpo exposed Sooners LT Phil Loadholt's problems matching up with elite speed rushers. Florida does not have an Orakpo-like speedster at right defensive end, but does rotate a capable pair in Justin Trattou and Carlos Dunlap, who have combined for 10.5 sacks on the season. Trattou is stronger versus the run and Dunlap is a more successful pass-rusher with a team-high nine sacks, but the rotation keeps them fresh and both players are quick enough to cause Loadholt some problems.

In the end, there are two key areas for the Sooners if they want to win on this side of the ball. The first is turnovers. Oklahoma leads the nation in turnover margin (plus-23 on the season) but it has not faced a defense this season with the type of speed and playmaking ability the Gators will bring to the table. Florida feeds on mistakes, especially when opposing quarterbacks put the ball up for grabs over the middle. MLB Brandon Spikes reads the quarterback's eyes well and displays excellent ball skills when jumping underneath routes. Black and Wright also cover a lot of ground in the deep middle. Spikes, Black and Wright have combined for 13 of the team's 24 interceptions this season, and while it is not in Bradford's nature to be careless with the football (only six interceptions on the season), he should get pressured more than usual and the timing between him and his receivers could be affected by the long layoff leading up to this game.

The second key is maintaining balance with the run game despite the absence of standout RB DeMarco Murray. It's no coincidence that Oklahoma's offense revved up to a record-setting level during the second half of the season just as Murray's surgically repaired knee was finally rounding into shape. A healthy Murray provided a big-play element on the ground that opposing defenses had to respect. His initial burst and ability to make crisp cuts allowed him to cash in on the creases generated by the Sooners' spread formation attack. Furthermore, Murray became a weapon as a receiver out of the backfield with 31 receptions for 395 yards and four scores.

Backup Chris Brown is a capable runner but he's not the same versatile game-breaker Murray is. In fact, sophomore RB Mossis Madu shares more traits with Murray than Brown, which is why it wouldn't surprise us to see Madu play more in this game. Madu is more explosive and he has proved capable of making plays as a receiver out of the backfield. If Madu can handle that role it would keep Brown in his comfort zone as a between-the-tackles situational runner, but there's no guarantee that will happen and the Sooners will be far less explosive on the ground in this game than during their late-season scoring streak (five straight games with 60-plus points) if Madu stumbles.

Special Teams

Gators PK Jonathan Phillips has been reliable, connecting on 11 of his 12 field goal attempts this season. However, he has a long of just 40 yards and his lone miss came on a 42-yard field goal attempt in the SEC title game. Oklahoma PK Jimmy Stevens hasn't been as consistent on field goal attempts inside 40 yards and he hasn't shown ideal range, either. Considering neither kicker has shown the ability to regularly connect on field goal attempts beyond 40 yards, one or both coaches may opt to go for it on fourth down or even punt instead of attempting a field goal from long distance.

Florida's Brandon James is an electric return man capable of going the distance every time he touches the ball. He's done most of his damage returning punts but that likely won't be the case in this game. Though he is averaging an outstanding 14.1 yards per punt return and he's returned two punts for touchdowns this season, James faces an Oklahoma punt cover unit that has been one of the stingiest in the FBS (17th nationally, 5.44 ypr). In addition, P Mike Knall generally gets good hang time on his punts and he is accurate enough to kick away from James if the Sooners decide to take that approach. On the other hand, Oklahoma has surrendered four kickoff returns for touchdowns this year and James has the speed to exploit any creases in the coverage in that area.

Broyles handles the punt returns for Oklahoma and took one back 68 yards for a touchdown earlier this season against Kansas State. He is averaging a solid 9.7 yards per return but will have a difficult time breaking free against a Florida punt cover unit (ninth nationally, 4.85 ypr) that's even more effective than Oklahoma's. That's due in part to P Chas Henry, who is averaging an impressive 42.8 yards per punt and has placed 20 of his 41 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line.

Statistically Florida ranks 88th in the FBS in terms of yards allowed per kickoff return (22.4), but the Gators have not surrendered a kickoff return for a touchdown this season. In addition, kickoff specialist Caleb Sturgis generally gets excellent distance on his kickoffs. On the flip side, Murray has been Oklahoma's most productive kickoff return man and will be missed on special teams as well. Don't expect many long kickoff returns from the Sooners.

Prospects to watch

• WR Percy Harvin -- A dynamic player capable of lining up at receiver, running back and quarterback in Florida's offense, he can make defenders miss and then reach his formidable top-end speed in a flash. While his size (5-11, 195) and injury history are both reasons for concern, he still projects as a first-round pick.

• MLB Brandon Spikes -- Spikes can take too long to shed blocks but he is a rangy run defender who locates the ball quickly and flashes the ability to deliver the big hit when he gets to the ball carrier. He also shows above-average awareness in coverage and closing speed when asked to rush the passer. Projects as a first-round pick.

• DE Jermaine Cunningham -- At 250 pounds, Cunningham can have problems holding his ground when offensive tackles get their hands on him. However, he has the explosive first step to disrupt running plays in the backfield and turn the corner as a pass-rusher. Projects as a first-day pick.

• TE Cornelius Ingram -- Ingram sustained a season-ending knee injury during fall camp and must prove to scouts that he is back to 100 percent and at the same talent level as before the injury.

• QB Tim Tebow -- A proven winner who possesses prototypical size, mobility and intangibles. However, he is a developmental quarterback who will need time to learn a pro-style offense and may even be a better fit at another position such as H-back. A fringe first-day pick.

• WR Louis Murphy -- The 6-3 Murphy has above-average top-end speed and does a nice job of tracking the ball downfield. He also runs hard after the catch but he lacks elite elusiveness and he isn't much of a threat to turn a catch underneath into a long gain. Projects as a first-day pick.

• ROT Jason Watkins -- A converted tight end who weighs 310 pounds, Watkins shuffles his feet well in pass protection and can reach linebackers at the second level. However, he isn't as strong a drive blocker as his size would suggest and he needs to learn how to play with a wider base. Projects as a mid- to late-round pick.

• LOT Phil Trautwein -- He's a technician who rarely takes false steps and fights to sustain his blocks once locked on, but he lacks ideal initial quickness and he'll have to move to the right side to succeed at the next level. He's also had some problems staying healthy so he projects as a late-round pick.

• QB Sam Bradford -- Bradford's stats are inflated by an excellent supporting cast but he's still the top draft-eligible quarterback in our opinion. He has the arm strength to make all of the NFL throws and is generally accurate when throwing underneath. Even more impressive is his ability to read defenses and the way he takes what the coverage gives him rather than trying to force the big play. He projects as an early first-round pick.

• DT Gerald McCoy -- Extremely disruptive and uses quickness to bring backs down in the backfield and get to the passer. The biggest knock is that he is undersized at 295 pounds, but at 6-4 he has plenty of room on his frame to bulk up. Projects as a first-round pick.

• TE Jermaine Gresham -- Versatile and athletic enough to line up wide, in the slot and at the traditional in-line tight end spot. He's a marginal drive blocker at this point but his long arms, soft hands and above-average top-end speed make him a dangerous receiver. Projects as a first-round pick.

• ROT Trent Williams -- A tough run-blocker who gets into position quickly and drives his legs once locked on. He can also cover up linebackers at the second level but isn't as quick getting set in pass protection as he is firing off the ball as a run-blocker. Explosive edge rushers can give him some problems but Williams still projects as a first-day pick.

• LG Duke Robinson -- The 335-pound Robinson is a massive run-blocker who can engulf defenders and then drive them off the ball. While he doesn't have great initial quickness he stuns defenders with a violent initial punch, and he anchors well so he can hold his own in pass protection. A fringe first-day pick.

• LOT Phil Loadholt -- Possesses elite size (6-8, 337) but is dominant only occasionally. There are concerns about his initial quickness and balance so he may be a better fit on the right side or even at guard in the NFL. Projects as a first-day pick.

• WR Juaquin Iglesias -- A smooth route runner who sets defenders up with double moves and keeps working to get open when protection starts to break down. He's also a shifty open-field runner with above-average vision, but he doesn't have elite top-end speed so he projects as a first-day pick.

• SS Nic Harris -- Has outstanding size (6-3, 230) for a safety and he's a tough run-stuffer who doesn't shy away from contact. He also shows good awareness in zone coverage but he may not be fluid or fast enough to line up at safety in the NFL. While he has some experience lining up at middle linebacker he hasn't appeared as comfortable in that role and will need time to adjust if moved there. As such, Harris projects as a mid-round pick.

• C Jon Cooper -- Cooper's initial burst and sound footwork allow him to get into position quickly. He also shows excellent awareness in pass protection, but at 290 pounds he's undersized and hasn't shown the ability to regularly drive bigger nose tackles off the ball. Projects as a mid- to late-round pick.

• WR Manuel Johnson -- Reaches top speed quickly and has the body control to make acrobatic catches downfield, but he weighs just 183 pounds so he gets pushed around at times. In addition, he's had problems staying healthy. Projects as a mid-round pick.

• WR Quentin Chaney -- The 6-foot-5 Chaney is a vertical threat who has adequate top-end speed and times his jumps well. However, he doesn't show great burst coming out of his cuts and he's going to have a much harder time separating from man coverage at the NFL level. Projects as a mid- to late-round pick.

Scouts' Edge

The first quarter of this matchup will be extremely telling. Oklahoma must take an aggressive approach to overcompensate for Tebow and Harvin. If Florida can counter by hitting on a deep ball and/or misdirection run it could serve as a shock to the system for the Sooners. From our perspective, it shouldn't take long for the Gators to smell blood in the water and attack. Oklahoma is fast up front on defense but its secondary will be overwhelmed by the depth and the speed of Tebow's supporting cast.

Bradford can spray the ball around efficiently enough to keep pace well into the second half, but as much as the Sooners try to spin it there's just no overcoming Murray's absence from the lineup. It's not a coincidence that Oklahoma's offense took flight down the stretch when Murray's knee was strongest and his production was peaking. Without that threat of a premier back in the lineup the Sooners simply cannot keep Florida's defense honest enough to keep pace on the scoreboard.

Prediction: Gators 37, Sooners 30

[SmooBoy]

I could really use a longer preview than that.

[smupony94]

Did not contain much to judge the players

[mr. pony]

UT has to pull for the Sooners so it can pull out its "45-35" signs again. I think I heard they'll have a "45-35" clothing line too.

[smupony94]

UT has to pull for the Sooners so it can pull out its "45-35" signs again. I think I heard they'll have a "45-35" clothing line too.

SeanJohn's new line

[Peruna_Ate_My_Rolex]

UT has to pull for the Sooners so it can pull out its "45-35" signs again. I think I heard they'll have a "45-35" clothing line too.

I bet it won't do as well as the "Bitter Old Guy" line that will be coming out.

[smupony94]

UT has to pull for the Sooners so it can pull out its "45-35" signs again. I think I heard they'll have a "45-35" clothing line too.

I bet it won't do as well as the "Bitter Old Guy" line that will be coming out.

Bitter beer guy? Which sideline will Oscar be roaming?

[Peruna94&07]

Did you guys see the article on ESPN
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/bowls08/news/story?id=3817929

9. No school. Florida coach Urban Meyer basically said Wednesday that his team has blown off the books all week: "We've asked our players to focus on the task at hand, to win this game, and then everything is in place once we get back to catch up.

Urban Meyer is coming out and telling his guys to blow off school and we take care of it when we get back.......

[ponyboy]

Utah already won the national championship. This game doesn't matter.

[jtstang]

Utah already won the national championship. This game doesn't matter.

Conspiracy theorist.

[ponyboy]

I'm more like a Morman muckraker.

[jtstang]

Tomato, tomato

[smupony94]

I'm more like a Morman muckraker.

JT supports the University of Scientologists - Lord Xenu Branch

[jtstang]

Except I advocate treating seizures wtih medicine.

[HB Pony Dad]

Except I advocate treating seizures wtih medicine.

Someone should medicate the referee in this game.

He is AWFUL!