Jeff Demps, Trent Richardson a focus in Alabama-Florida game

[Coach Hank Crisp]

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The Gators have two of the fastest running backs in the nation. Jeff Demps has won NCAA titles in the 100 meters outdoor and 60 indoor. He is, potentially, a candidate for the U.S. in the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Fellow back Chris Rainey isn't far behind.

They each topped 100 yards in last week's 48-10 win at Kentucky. But this isn't Kentucky.

No. 2 Alabama sports one of the nation's elite defenses. But even the Crimson Tide seem a little curious how the running games will match up. Alabama, after all, has huge weapons in the backfield, led by Heisman candidate Trent Richardson.

Richardson has played well but expectations are huge . He's grown to admire his opponents for what they've done this year.

"They never give up," Richardson said of the Florida backs. "They don't like to go sideways much. They like to be one cut and go. I know they're very fast and very quick. I got to race against Jeff Demps in high school. He was a senior when I was a junior. He's very fast. He beat me in that race. I think he was the only person to beat me that year.

How do you handle so much speed?

"You've got to press the ball and force the ball with leverage all the time at every position on the field," Saban said. "The backside support guy is just as important sometimes as the frontside guy. Most people that you play, that isn't an issue, but with these guys it's an issue."


Speed, however, isn't everything. Alabama can contain that speed with one of the most physical teams in college football. After all, it's tough to break into a sprint when two or three defenders are on top of you.

[Catch Prothro]

You've got to press the ball and force the ball with leverage all the time at every position on the field," Saban said. "The backside support guy is just as important sometimes as the frontside guy. Most people that you play, that isn't an issue, but with these guys it's an issue."

In other words, don't let these guys get up a head of steam, be aggressive up front.  And cover the backside so they can't change direction.  Nothing Bama can't handle, guys playing their assignments, that's Saban football.

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