The Crimson White caught up with Graham Hall, sports editor of the Independent Florida Alligator, to discuss how the Crimson Tide will match up with the Gators in the SEC Championship.
Q:Jim McElwain has managed to turn around the program in less than a year. What is your impression of him as a coach and what did he do that has allowed him to have so much immediate success?
A: I think part of what makes McElwain such an impactful coach in such a small period of time is how strong his personality is. He makes it his mission to get to know each player on a personal level while also building a team mentality. The position coaches and McElwain have accelerated the growth of the team’s offensive line and also gotten the most out of running back Kelvin Taylor. It’s been quite a turnaround here.
Q:Florida’s offense has regressed as of late. Does all the blame fall on Treon Harris and what needs to happen for the offense to get back on track?
A: The blame falls on Treon, McElwain and an inexperienced offensive line. The Gators returned just one player – redshirt senior Trip Thurman – with starting experience last year, and it shows everytime Treon Harris takes off from the pocket after having no time to cycle through his progressions. For the offense to get back on track, UF will have to adapt to Treon’s inability to be an adept passer and use him more on the ground to catch the Crimson Tide off guard.
Q:Can Florida’s front seven slow down or even stop Derrick Henry this weekend?
A:Florida’s defense should be the best unit Alabama has faced all season. While UF has given up more than 180 yards to both LSU’s Leonard Fournette and Florida State’s Dalvin Cook, the Gators should use those games as preparation to identify how to limit Henry. I think it will be up to Jacob Coker to develop an efficient passing attack for Henry to get going.
Q:How good is Florida’s secondary and how much of an impact do you expect those guys to have on the game?
A: Florida’s secondary is more than just junior All-American cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III. Sophomore Jalen Tabor has emerged as a legitimate NFL first round pick if he chooses to leave Gainesville after this season, and the two have combined for eight interceptions this season. The safeties – Keanu Neal and Marcus Maye, who has shined this season – do an excellent job of supporting Hargreaves and Tabor. The entire defensive unit is well-balanced, but the secondary is where the Gators shine.
Q:What does winning the east mean to Florida fans and students?
A: Even though Florida enters Saturday’s game a heavy underdog, just getting back to the conference championship means the program is back on track to being competitive again. It’s also significantly helps with recruiting, and students are filling their section for the first time in years.
