Along with wanting to win the game, first-year Florida coach Jim McElwain has another goal in mind.
McElwain wants his former employer, Alabama coach Nick Saban, to be pleased with his team and his coaching efforts.
"You know what, I want to make him proud too," McElwain said during Sunday's SEC teleconference. "He took a flyer on some guy from Montana who was out west and gave him an opportunity to coach at one of the greatest places in all of college football in the best conference in the United States of America. For that opportunity, I just can't tell you how grateful I am and how lucky I am."
McElwain served as Alabama's offensive coordinator from 2008-2011, helping the Crimson Tide win national championships in 2009 and 2011. With McElwain leading the offense, Alabama produced its lone Heisman trophy winner in running back Mark Ingram while also molding one of the top wide receivers in Julio Jones.
Alabama had great offensive success under McElwain, but as the self-deprecating coach puts it, the Tide has gotten a lot better since he left for Colorado State following the 2011 season.
"I think the best thing that probably happened to Coach Saban was me getting the Colorado State job so they could get better on offense," McElwain joked. "They've gotten a lot better. What they're doing now is getting the ball in the playmaker's hands and being very efficient in what they're doing. In fact, I think Coach was probably excited about me leaving. They're doing a heck of a job."
Prior to the season, Alabama (11-1, 7-1 SEC) was picked by many to win the SEC West. But Florida (10-2, 7-1 SEC) was tabbed as a middle of the road team in the SEC East. In his first year, McElwain took a 7-5 team to the top of its division, and earned a spot in the league's championship game. McElwain's early success caught many by surprise, but not his former boss.
"I've always thought Mac was a really good coach, really good guy, well liked by his players, really good teacher," Saban said. "Very innovative in terms of creating issues for the defensive team. But doing it in a way that is doesn't create problems for his own players. It's not like you're running new plays all the time, but maybe the presentation is a little bit different. So the guy's integrity professionally, the kind of person he is, it's all A-plus. So any success that he's had is not at all a surprise to me. And he did a fabulous job here with the players that we had at the time, developing a very productive, consistent offensive group that helped us win a lot of games."
NOTES, QUOTES
PLAYERS TO WATCH
--RB Derrick Henry. Henry is already the Heisman favorite according to many pundits. A strong game against the Gators would help put him even further in the lead.
--CB Cyrus Jones. Jones could provide a spark in the return game if the Tide's offense struggles to score early.
--K Adam Griffith. Griffith was a perfect 5-of-5 in the Iron Bowl. Look for him to build on that streak on Saturday.
