FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- If it looks like Alabama coach Nick Saban is one step ahead of the opposing offense, it's because he often is.
Saban, who worked with New England Patriots wizard Bill Belichick and shares many of the same philosophies, revealed as much while explaining his philosophy for defending Florida's speedy spread option attack.
"You better package your stuff,'' Saban said, his eyes lighting up at the opportunity to discuss the game of football itself as opposed to other grab-bag topics.
Saban said the versatility of the Gators' skill position personnel demands thorough preparation, and he referred to Tebow as "Larry Csonka at quarterback.''
Saban explained how the Tide's defense had three different play calls on each snap, and the defensive play would be called depending on Florida's formation and/or movement.
Most often, it's the offense that makes the pre-snap read of the defense before going into a play call.
But Saban's philosophy circumvents that offensive advantage and gives the defense an opportunity for the final say - excluding quick snaps, as the Oklahoma offense has proven it can easily do with its no-huddle..
Saban said too many teams get caught up in trying to do too much against Florida. Obviously, that would lead to a degree of confusion and lead to breakdowns.
Saban pointed out the Gators' quick-strike ability is an issue for all opponents. The spread, as its name implies, places players in open space and stretches defenses, placing a premium on open-field tackling and team speed.
Oklahoma has surely figured all of that out; Sooners' defensive coordinator Brent Venables spent a weekend with Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini, who grew familiar with Meyer's offense while serving as LSU's defensive coordinator.
Saban, like former Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer, pointed to Florida's front seven as a key to the game tonight.
"If they have an Achilles heel,'' Saban said, "that (front seven) is it.''
Saban, who worked with New England Patriots wizard Bill Belichick and shares many of the same philosophies, revealed as much while explaining his philosophy for defending Florida's speedy spread option attack.
"You better package your stuff,'' Saban said, his eyes lighting up at the opportunity to discuss the game of football itself as opposed to other grab-bag topics.
Saban said the versatility of the Gators' skill position personnel demands thorough preparation, and he referred to Tebow as "Larry Csonka at quarterback.''
Saban explained how the Tide's defense had three different play calls on each snap, and the defensive play would be called depending on Florida's formation and/or movement.
Most often, it's the offense that makes the pre-snap read of the defense before going into a play call.
But Saban's philosophy circumvents that offensive advantage and gives the defense an opportunity for the final say - excluding quick snaps, as the Oklahoma offense has proven it can easily do with its no-huddle..
Saban said too many teams get caught up in trying to do too much against Florida. Obviously, that would lead to a degree of confusion and lead to breakdowns.
Saban pointed out the Gators' quick-strike ability is an issue for all opponents. The spread, as its name implies, places players in open space and stretches defenses, placing a premium on open-field tackling and team speed.
Oklahoma has surely figured all of that out; Sooners' defensive coordinator Brent Venables spent a weekend with Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini, who grew familiar with Meyer's offense while serving as LSU's defensive coordinator.
Saban, like former Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer, pointed to Florida's front seven as a key to the game tonight.
"If they have an Achilles heel,'' Saban said, "that (front seven) is it.''