Game of the Week: Florida battles 'Bama for berth in BCS title game

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Alabama QB Greg McElroy received a huge boost to his confidence after leading the Tide on a game-winning drive against Auburn. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

The final weekend of the regular season is sure to be filled with drama. Texas must clear one more hurdle (Nebraska's stingy defense) to secure a spot in the national title game. Cincinnati must stave off upset-minded Pitt to earn its second straight BCS berth. Georgia Tech must stop the bleeding -- and Clemson's C.J. Spiller.

But for all that intrigue, the SEC Championship Game is the main attraction. It's No. 1 vs. No. 2; the final stop on a season-long collision course. And, oh yeah, the winner earns a trip to Pasadena.

Florida vs. Alabama (SEC Championship)

Three and Out

1. Florida's lack of a deep threat could cost the Gators. This Florida squad sorely misses Percy Harvin and Louis Murphy, both of whom could stretch the field. Receivers Riley Cooper and Deonte Thompson and tight end Aaron Hernandez have shown flashes, but have combined for just five receptions of 40 yards or longer (half of last season's team haul).

Florida has overcome that weakness by riding the run, but considering Alabama allows just 77 rushing yards per game, the Gators will have to keep the Tide honest. To do that, they'll turn to their most dynamic pass-catcher, Hernandez, a wideout in a tight end's body who will draw a linebacker or safety.

2. Don't discount Greg McElroy's confidence boost. The Iron Bowl may have been uncomfortably close for the Tide, but it gave Alabama's signal-caller a chance to carry his team. With the running game struggling, McElroy orchestrated the game-winning drive, his most impressive performance since the season-opener against Virginia Tech.

Some are speculating "The Drive" (apologies, John Elway) allowed McElroy to become a big-time quarterback. We'll find out if that's true Saturday, when McElroy goes against a Florida defense sure to load up on the run and dare him to beat it.

3. One Heisman candidate will get a boost. Tim Tebow could still join Ohio State's Archie Griffin as the only two-time Heisman winner. Mark Ingram could still become the first Heisman winner in Alabama history. This game will provide each a chance to help his cause and distance himself from the other.

Ingram registered his worst performance of the year last week, running for 30 yards against Auburn and sustaining a hip bruise. Tebow, meanwhile, has picked up steam of late (16 touchdowns in his last five games), but hasn't yet delivered a defining game.

One game can't win a Heisman, but with the implications so high, and the opposing defenses so strong (both squads are top-three units nationally), this one could be a huge boost.

Tweet of the Week

Follow: @SI_CoryMC | @SI_24Seven

Each week I'll feature the best prediction or trash talk on the week's featured matchup. Follow me to make your entry and check out the pairing for next week's Game of the Week.

FLA over BAMA: Not that God's necessarily on Tebow's side vs. Crimson Tide, but he does have a good track record vs. Red Sea.
-- @TimCary

The Pick

Not much separates these two contenders. They both boast elite defenses and lean on potent running games, but Alabama has gamebreaking wideout Julio Jones and he could be the difference. But if he's not, the chip Alabama's carrying on its shoulder should be. Alabama 27, Florida 21.