Alabama’s defense will be tested by Florida’s offense

ATLANTA — Florida coach Urban Meyer said it won’t take long to get a feel for the way the SEC Championship Game is going to unfold.

“We’re going to do a lot of formations early, like we always do, and we have packages to go to after that,” Meyer said. “The first three series will be really intriguing as far as our offense versus their defense.”

That is the key matchup going into the game. Meyer was asked if he looked forward to a top defense like Alabama’s.

“No, I really enjoyed the ones that are awful, and in the third quarter you’re thinking about something other than the game,” Meyer said, drawing laughter. “You think I’m kidding? I’m serious. ... No, I do enjoy the         challenge.”

Harvin’s health: The Gators coach said he would meet with running back/wide receiver Percy Harvin after practice Friday to determine his status for the game.

“He’s actually wearing a protective boot,” Meyer said. “We’ll find out today. I have not seen him, though. He was instructed not to do a thing today until we get here.”

The speedy Harvin, who leads the SEC with 8.7 points per game and ranks fifth in all-purpose yardage (103 ypg) suffered a high ankle sprain against Florida State and is day-to-day.

Alabama coach Nick Saban said Harvin’s status hasn’t affected his team’s preparation.

“They kind of do what they do and have more than one person who can actually go in and play those roles that Percy Harvin plays,” Saban said.

All Tebow, all the time: Heisman winner Tim Tebow is the quarterback and leader of the Florida offense.

But even he struggled at times early in the season.

Meyer said earlier this week that he thought Tebow was trying to do too much.

“I never thought that would happen to Tim,” the coach said. “He’s just one of a few unique, strong-minded, strong-willed players that can handle as much as you give him. But I did feel that.”

Tebow got even better when he started getting other players involved.

Meyer said he noticed that in the fourth quarter of the Arkansas game, a 38-7 win that came one week after Florida’s one-point loss to Ole Miss.

“The one thing that makes Tim one of our best players in college football is his energy, passion and flying around the field,” Meyer said. “There is no question he’s doing it now.”

Tide’s strength: Meyer said Alabama’s offensive line will be a big test today.

“We think this is the most physical offensive line we’ve faced in the last few years,” Meyer said. “And that’s saying a lot, because last year’s LSU team was very physical as well.”

Meyer said he doesn’t want Alabama’s line to get into a rhythm.

“We’re going to have to find a way to get an extra defender in a box like most people do defending the run,” the coach said. “We’re going to have to have a little movement up front, so they can’t just tee off on you with their size. That’s my worst fear. That’s a big part of it.”

Recruiting Tebow: Alabama and Florida ranked 1 and 2 in another football poll three years ago — the Tim Tebow sweepstakes.

Tebow picked Florida over Alabama, but he said it was a tough decision.

Meyer said he thought Tebow was leaning toward Alabama most of the way through the process.

“I thought our guys did a good job in trying to pull that one back, because he’s a Florida guy. But I was very concerned,” the coach said.

Tebow said his relationship with then-Alabama coach Mike Shula continues today.

“We’ve talked a few times during the year,” Tebow said. “He’s a great guy.

“I’m sorry about what happened to him at Alabama, but I think he’s having a great time at Jacksonville, and I think he’s going to be a head coach eventually again, and he’ll do a great job. He’s a great guy.”

The other QB: John Parker Wilson brings another perspective to that Tebow recruiting war. He was a backup to Brodie Croyle as a freshman the year Tebow was a senior in high school.

Now the owner of every significant school passing record at Alabama, Wilson’s answers were short when Tebow’s name was mentioned.

“You’ve got to recruit the good players if you want to be good,” Wilson said diplomatically.

But then came other questions. Do you ever think about what might have happened if he came here?

“No.”

Did you host him when he made his recruiting visit?

“Not really.”

Did you follow his recruitment?

“Not really.”

Do you like answering questions about Tim Tebow?

“Yeah. I love it.”

Wilson’s coach, however, praised his senior quarterback. Saban noted Wilson’s game management and decision-making skills.

“Even though his yardage numbers are not up, his passing efficiency is,” Saban said. “His efficiency as a quarterback has allowed us to play winning football offensively, and I think that’s the most important thing.”