Gators Big Underdog Role Not a Factor in SEC Championship Game

Fortunately for McElwain, Saban called back. McElwain watched everything Saban did between 2008 and 2011, taking unbelievably detailed notes about organizing, managing, administering, controlling and overseeing a program. On the other side of the ball, the 18th ranked Florida Gators look to spoil the party for the SEC West Division champs, staking their claim as to why they deserve a spot in the playoffs.

That type of talk is making Saban even more cranky and irritated. As I’ve said before, he has come a long way. I’m not saying he would leave, but every coach – especially with his type of character – they want to do it on every level.

“I would be surprised if he didn’t give it a go”. It’s all an opportunity to learn and he gave me that opportunity. When asked for McElwain’s best attribute as a coach, Saban couldn’t just pick one.

Robinson was suspended for last Saturday’s game against Florida State for violating a team rule, but Gators head coach Jim McElwain left it up to his team’s seniors to decide if Robinson, a junior and the team’s leading receiver, should be reinstated from his suspension.

Although McElwain’s loose and self-deprecating personality is the opposite of Saban’s no-nonsense approach and dry sense of humor, the two have a lot in common. He was picked off twice in the Tide’s loss to Ole Miss, but has thrown just two interceptions over the last six games. “He’s a good teacher”.

No one knows how to win quite like Batesy, so who better to get this team and this fan base fired up for for the biggest game of the season? He’s innovative in terms of some of the things that he does and the problems he creates.

Push-ups, sprints in the sand, anything he could think of to keep moving forward as a player – the only direction Alabama’s hard-charging running back knows.

The LSU Tigers have not had the great football season that many expected, but they are holding onto head coach Les Miles for at least another season. I think that’s the way it is with all the guys out there that have worked for you before. The Alabama Crimson Tide are having a very successful season and look to be on their way to a berth in the College Football Playoffs.

McElwain brought his notebook and vision for how to run a program to Fort Collins, Colorado, and made an immediate impact. “His passion for the game of football and for his student-athletes is evident in everything he does and we could not be more excited to welcome Mark and Katharyn and their family to Coral Gables”.

Florida’s offense is a testament to former Florida coach Will Muschamp’s recruiting. He challenged everyone in the building.

Why not do something – anything – different when the same old thing obviously isn’t working?

The same goes for McElwain and the Gators, who must come into this game ready to take the fight to the big, bad bully. But he hopes to eventually get a stand-alone football facility, upgrade dorms and make it so everything is top of the line in a world in which food, facilities, facets and features make a difference in the ever-expanding college football arms race.

McElwain should learn something else from Saban on Saturday: where his UF program stands compared to the SEC’s elite program.

“Coach Richt embodies the competitiveness, the integrity, the passion, the abilities, and the experience to lead our young men to ACC and national championships and help them become men of character and success long after”, athletic director Blake James said. “That’s something he’s done an outstanding job of obviously”.

“Mac, whatever you do, make sure you do it with your personality and put your thumbprint on it”, Saban told him.

“That’s a great piece of advice”.