Crimson Red Sports

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama - A threat of rain didn't push the Alabama football team indoors Monday. It rained heavily this morning, but the sun then came out, and the third-ranked Crimson Tide (4-0) is outside again, preparing for another big game. It plays at 7 p.m. CDT game Saturday at 12th-ranked Florida (4-0).


News of the day

A year ago, Alabama defeated Florida in a big home game, then fell flat on the road the next week in a hostile environment at South Carolina. Could this be the Crimson Tide's trap game this season? Alabama and Florida met for the Southeastern Conference championship two and three seasons ago, but they combined for seven SEC losses last season. It's hard to think of a game against the Gators as a trap game, but the Crimson Tide is coming off a satisfying 38-14 victory at home over No. 14 Arkansas.

What's hot

Florida's offense is hot. It leads the Southeastern Conference in scoring (40.2 points per game) and rushing offense (259 yards per game), though it has yet to face a ranked opponent. The running of Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey has gotten the headlines, but don't overlook the improvement of senior quarterback John Brantley. He looked like a misfit at times last season running Urban Meyer's spread offense. Now he's managing Charlie Weis' pro-style offense, and look at his numbers. Through four games, he has thrown for 752 yards (52 more than last season) in 86 attempts (28 fewer than last season). He has completed 64 percent of his passes, the same as last year at this point. One key has been good pass protection. Florida has allowed only two sacks in four games. It will face an Alabama defense that can hurry a passer, yet it has only five sacks in four games.

The grind

Key players to watch this week on Alabama's defense might be nose guard Josh Chapman, inside linebacker Nico Johnson, strong outside (Sam) linebacker Jerrell Harris and cornerback DeQuan Menzie. Alabama figures to be in its "regular" 3-4 defense more than usual Saturday. Chapman, Johnson and Harris often come out of the game when the Tide goes to its nickel defense (five defensive backs), and Menzie moves from cornerback to the "star" position as the nickel back, playing inside while Dee Milliner guards the outside. Johnson also will see more snaps because inside linebacker C.J. Mosley (elbow) is questionable with an injury he suffered in the Arkansas game. Mosley shares the inside spot with Johnson and plays more in passing situations. Harris might be moved inside when the Tide goes to nickel or dime. He is practicing today with both the outside and inside linebackers. Also look for freshman linebacker Trey DePriest inside in some situations. He ranks third on the team with 16 tackles, but many have been on special teams. Freshman safety Vinnie Sunseri is spending some time today with the inside linebackers.

On the mend

Mosley is on the field today, and he's not in a black, non-contact jersey, but his right arm is wrapped, and he appears to be doing very little. Backup running back Eddie Lacy (turf toe) also is on the field but appears to be taking it slow for a second consecutive day. Alabama coach Nick Saban said Monday this was the plan but that Lacy should be OK to play against the Gators.