Florida vs. Alabama, Game Thread: Hope and faith, together again?

Photo by James Gilbert/Getty ImagesThe best thing for the Florida Gators about playing Alabama? They get a chance to measure themselves against the tallest tree in all of the forest, taking stock of what they have against a well-supplied roster rife with well-trained football players.

The worst thing for Florida about playing Alabama is the same thing.

This is what all the clichés get used for: The heavyweight bout, the big fight feel, the showdown, the all-in, emptying the tank, pushing the pedal. This is what we’ve all been waiting for. This would be the best reason for the Championship Mode siren that Florida has had on a football field in my tenure as the manager of Alligator Army.

And yet…