Bama Expects Tough SEC Opener Against Florida

Play time is over on Alabama’s schedule as they jump into SEC action Saturday against Florida.

Said head coach Nick Saban,"Games like this, players really get excited. If they don’t, they don’t understand Alabama football, and they don’t understand playing in the SEC."

Said Bama offensive lineman Austin Shepherd,"Great players. Great atmosphere. Stadium is going to be rocking. I just love every bit of it."

   The Tide is favored by two touchdowns against the unranked Gators.

Reporter-"Is this a statement game?"

Said Florida head coach Will Muschamp,"They’re all statement games. They’re all important. They all count for one."

Said Saban,"I think Florida has a really, really good team. Maybe a lot better team than even what they’re ranked right now because ratings right now don’t mean a lot."

Said Muschamp,"Well they’ve recruited well. They’ve got good players, and that’s where most of it starts."

   Tide receiver Amari Cooper may be the most talented player on the field.

He currently leads the nation in receptions.

Said Muschamp,"He’s a guy that can stretch a field vertically. They do a nice job in the run game of getting the ball to him in what I call quick situations. Seeing a bad box and getting it out to him on the perimeter. Creating some one-on-ones."

Said Cooper,"I think since we’re such a good running team that teams can’t resist putting a lot of guys in the box. It leaves room for me to get open."

Bama and Florida kick at 3:30pm Saturday on WDEF News 12.