Breaking Down Alabama-Florida State
By Bill Curry, ESPN.com
Alabama is a very interesting team. It has the potential to be one of the better teams in the SEC by the last four games of the season -- if not a great team. For Bama to improve, John Parker Wilson has to grow up. He had a number of chances against Georgia but wasn't able to finish the job. On the other hand, he's a really gritty competitor who is willing to put his team on his back.
One thing that has mystified me this season is how dominating the Tide's defense looks at times -- sometimes over long stretches -- but at the moment the Tide can least afford it, the D gives up the big play. That's certainly one area concern for Nick Saban's staff.
Florida State, on the other hand, certainly is a work in progress. The Noles are breaking in a new staff on offense and they're implementing gradual changes. It might be a full year before we see what the real Florida State looks like.
Alabama has the upper hand in this matchup, especially because of how tournament-tested this team already is. The Tide has had tough, close, physical games against Arkansas and Georgia, which should benefit them later in the season. We're all creatures of habit: If you've been cruising, it's hard to put it in overdrive. If you've been fighting, however, it's second nature. Those are the teams that are the toughest to beat.
And from Chris Fowler at ESPN...
Alabama over Florida State
We are both a bit surprised that the Seminoles are favored by the same count over Bama as they were at Colorado, when they were outgained and outperformed in most categories, but won. The Noles have had two weeks to get ready, while the Tide were heartbroken Saturday by Georgia. The Jacksonville crowd should be pro-FSU. But the pick is Bama to smother the Seminoles' feeble attack and score enough to eke out a reinvigorating W.