Getting Defensive

Why Florida will win: It’s
hard to look at Oklahoma’s schedule this year and not gawk at the absolutely
eye-popping point totals they accumulated in a record-breaking season. Five
straight games with 60+ points, including hanging 65 on Texas Tech and 61 on
Oklahoma State, both teams having been ranked in the top twelve at the time.
And 702 total points scored in one season. Are you kidding me? The Sooners are
the first team ever to score 700 points. In the history of college football.
But as always, sometimes you have to look beyond the numbers. Yes, Oklahoma
racked up more points in one season than anyone else in college football
history, but look at the teams they did it against. The Big 12 is not known for
having especially stingy defense, in fact its quite the opposite. Big 12 teams
are known for their offensive firepower, which they certainly have a lot of.
But defense? Not so much.  The two
best defenses that Oklahoma faced this season were TCU and Texas. Both teams
held the Sooners to a season-low 35 points, the Horned Frogs in a losing effort
and the Longhorns in a Red River Shootout triumph. And the scary thing for
Oklahoma is that Florida’s defense is better than both TCU and Texas. Yes,
maybe TCU is statistically better, but no unit in the country boasts the speed
and physicality that this Gator D does. Florida ranks ninth nationally in total
defense, sixth in red zone defense and second in pass efficiency defense. Nine
of the 10 BCS champions to date fielded a top 10 scoring defense. Florida's ranks
fourth (12.8 points per game). If Florida can get to Bradford earlier, put some
pressure on the young QB, and force him to make some rushed throw, this
opportunistic defense will have a field day. Now, that task of getting to
Bradford will not be easily accomplished. Oklahoma’s offensive line allowed
just 11 sacks this season, the least allowed by any team in college football.
To add to that, four of the five starters are seniors, meaning that lack of
experience will not be a factor for this determined front line. That being
said, the Sooners have seen nothing compared to what the Gators will bring to
the table tonight. Florida has faced plenty of big offensive lines and high
scoring offensives, and still managed to get it done week after week. Defensive
coordinator Charlie Strong is one of the best in the business and will have his
boys ready to play and ready to hit. Expect the Florida defense to be the difference
maker tonight in the BCS National Championship game as Florida cruises to its
second national championship in three years. Florida 45, Oklahoma 35