GATORS V. TIDE: DEBUNKING THE POWER V. FINESSE MYTH

 Apologies to all for the intermittent posting of late.  Travel, child, wisby, and family have been demanding.  On with the show…

Fresh off beatdowns of their hated rivals, Bama, Florida, and their zealous constituencies can now legitimately focus on one another.  The first, and most predictable, framing of this week’s game by the pundits and fans is ‘Bama’s power v. Florida’s speed. 

For those prone to believe that all shiny things are valuable, or that a rear-spoiler makes a cheap American sedan fast, the power v. speed paradigm seems to fit.  After all, Bama is anchored along the lines of scrimmage by 2 behemoths, Cody (DT) and Smith (OT)-both first round certanties in the upcoming draft. 

‘Bama also works largely from the I-formation, which is the traditional set for the “run-first” power teams, and uses the run to set-up its play action passing game.

Florida, conversely, lines up all over the field with speedy little (by football standards) fellows, most of whom do or could run track in the offseason.  Florida also throws the ball a great deal-or more accurately, looks like its going to throw a great deal-and has only 1 player recognized nationally (Spikes) on its defense. 

At first blush, therefore,the Power v. Speed characterization seems to fit.  As is often the case, however, the initial diagnosis misses the mark.  The more well-reasoned framing of this game is ‘Bama’s Power v. Florida’s Power and Speed.

To be continued…