SEC Championship first half open thread

For the second year in a row and the fourth time since 2008, Alabama will meet Florida in the final game of the season to determine the kind of the South Eastern Conference. The Tide enters the game riding their first undefeated regular season since 2009, and looks to add to what has been a perfect performance thus far. Alabama is the heads on favorite to win the game, conference, playoffs, and total championship this year, and anything less would be a huge upset.

Despite this being the game for the SEC crown, many have speculated that it really doesn't matter for Alabama. The Tide is so far ahead of everyone else in the nation that they would still be in the top 4, if not still #1 even if they lost. Obviously, Nick Saban has made it quite clear that he, nor his team, does not view losing as an option.

Florida, on the other hand, is limping into the championship game after a 3-loss regular season-- with their most recent loss being a 31-13 drubbing from Florida State last week. Though Florida has boasted one of the top defenses in the entire nation, led by cornerbacks Jalen Tabor and Quincy Wilson, they enter the game with an extensive list of starters on the injury report. At the same time, the Gator offense has been inconsistent at best, and consistently ugly at worst.

The biggest matchup to watch will be the immensely talented Florida secondary vs. the electric, if inconsistent, Alabama freshman quarterback, Jalen Hurts. If the Gator secondary can stymie the Tide passing game and grab a couple of interceptions, it might give the Florida offense enough field position to score a few points and maybe even score the upset.

Most expect Alabama to walk through this game easily, but Florida is still the best team in the SEC east, and arguably the second best team in the SEC. The Tide will have their work cut out for them.

The game starts at 3 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on CBS.