Gator Football Hopes To Thrive As Underdogs

It’s been six years since the Gators have had the opportunity to play in a game where they could be crowned SEC football champions. In 2009, Florida was the top team in the country, and their opponent was the second ranked Alabama Crimson Tide. Alabama, the underdog in that game, was led by Mark Ingram’s three touchdowns and 113 rushing yards as they took down the Gators 32-13 and found their way to the BCS Championship Game where they came out as national champs.

Florida’s hopes for a national title are just about non-existent this year, but the Gators are looking for that same upset from 2009 except they are looking for it to ruin Alabama’s chance for a national title. 18th ranked Florida is a heavy underdog against the second ranked Tide who are favored by 18 points, but Florida isn’t listening to the outside noise.

Florida defensive lineman Joey Ivie says the Gators don’t listen to what other people have to say about their team and believes actions speak louder than words.

Florida wide receiver Brandon Powell says no one respects the Gators and that even with 10 wins on the year, people don’t give the team enough credit for what is has accomplished.

Florida (10-2, 7-1) and Alabama (11-1, 7-1) are stellar defensive teams as the Gators rank fifth in the country in total defense (283.6 yards per game) and the Tide are the second best in the nation (264.6 yards per game). The Gators’ front seven will have their hands full trying to contain Heisman contender Derrick Henry who leads the nation in rushing yards (1,797) and touchdowns (22).

The Gators have had to face other tough running backs this year including LSU’s Leonard Fournette, and FSU’s Dalvin Cook, both of whom reached 180 rushing yards against them, but Ivie believes they can take on Henry.

Ivie says there is no reason the Gator defense can’t stop Henry or at least slow him down.

There is little doubt however that Florida is a decided underdog in this game; we’ll see if the Gators can pull off the big upset.