The Perfect Showdown Almost Set

What better way to begin my blogging career than to pre-view the SEC Championship showdown between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Florida Gators. At the time of this post the Gators are leading FSU 37-10 in the 4th quarter, so it seems safe to say we are one week away from the first SEC championship game featuring undefeated division champions. The stage is set with #1 ranked Florida and #2ranked Alabama both entering the contest with perfect 12-0 records, but the similarities don't stop there. Both teams feature dominating defenses which rank among the nation's leaders in virtually every statistical category. Both teams will also bring in Heisman candidates with a host of additional playmakers on both sides of the ball, including two of the most electrifying return men in the game. Florida's All-everything QB Tim Tebow plays his final SEC game and fittingly it will be his biggest. All Tebow is trying to do is win another SEC title, another possible Heisman and a chance at a third Nat'l title. Bama counters with their own Heisman candidate with the explosive sophmore RB Mark Ingram. Ingram took a beating at the hands of in-state rival Auburn, and his injury status will be covered throughout the week. Fortunately for the Tide, back-ups Trent Richardson (FR.) and Roy Upchurch (SR.) are more than capable runners. The defenses feature the Gators LB Brandon Spikes (SR.) and Alabama's Junior LB Rolando McClain. The return game will throw in Florida's Brandon James and the Tide's Javier Arenas, who bring an amazing eleven career return touchdowns between them. The game of the century? A game for the Ages? Maybe? A play-off for the National Championship game in Pasadena, CA? Absolutely! The 2009 SEC Championship game will be the 7th championship game between the Gators and Tide since the title games inception in 1992. Alabama won that classic over the Gators 28-21, on Antonio Langham's amazing 4th quarter interception return for a touchdown, as Bama went on to win the program's last National Title. However, Florida has won 4 out of the last 5 championship meetings including last years 4th quarter comeback on their way to the 2008-2009 National Title. So, there's your preview, check back for additional team and player match-ups, injury updates, and my pre-game prediction.