ATLANTA — Postseason practice had a preseason feel to it Tuesday for the Florida Gators. It was all about tackling.

"We had to-the-ground tackling," Florida coach Urban Meyer said at Friday’s SEC championship game press conference. "We normally don’t do that."

But they don’t normally face running backs like Arkansas’ Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, who rank first and fourth, respectively, in SEC rushing.

Slowing down McFadden and Jones has been the focal points of Florida’s preparation for tonight’s conference championship game (6 p.m., TV: WVLT) in the Georgia Dome.

McFadden and Jones are at their best when aligned side-by-side in the backfield. McFadden, who played quarterback in high school, takes the direct snap in the shotgun formation with the option of running, handing the ball to Jones or — in rare instances — throwing. Although McFadden is 5-for-5 passing, that’s the least of Meyer’s concerns.

"You’ve got one 4.3 (second time in the 40) faking to another 4.3 guy, running behind 315-pound guys," Meyer said. "It’s bad stuff."

LSU can vouch for that. The Tigers hadn’t allowed a 100-yard rusher all season until they ran into McFadden and Jones last week. McFadden rushed for 182 yards, and Jones gained 137.

LSU managed a 31-26 victory thanks to the 3-for-17 passing of Arkansas quarterback Casey Dick, and a big-play passing game.

The fourth-ranked Gators (11-1) have the best rushing defense in the SEC. They also have a proficient passer in Chris Leak and a talented group of receivers who could exploit an Arkansas secondary that has been more vulnerable since the late-season loss of injured safety Michael Grant.

The Gators defense could be affected by injury as well. Meyer said it’s 50-50 whether senior linebacker Earl Everett can play.

If Everett can’t play because of an injured ankle, freshman Brandon Spikes will take his place. Middle linebacker Brandon Siler, who has been hampered by injuries in the second half of the season, is healthy, Meyer said.

Eighth-ranked Arkansas (10-2) has overcome an erratic passing game with a dominant rushing attack and an aggressive defense. Coach Houston Nutt was encouraged by Dick’s performance this week in practice but also gave former starter Mitch Mustain more reps in preparation for the Gators.

"He’s had a very good week of practice," Nutt said of Dick. "He’s been very accurate. He knows about the secondary of Florida. They are outstanding.

"Reggie Nelson is one of the best I’ve ever seen at free safety. Those guys (in Florida’s secondary) are like wide receivers.

"I’ve been telling Casey, ‘You cannot hang the ball up, because those guys will go get it.’ "

Wynn Hurting: Florida tailback DeShawn Wynn is still bothered by a shoulder injury, and it’s questionable how much he will play against the Razorbacks.

Less time for Wynn could mean more time for freshman Percy Harvin, who has played both wide receiver and running back. Harvin, who also has been slowed by injuries, is expected to be at full speed tonight, according to Meyer.

Heisman Hopeful: Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith is the heavy favorite to win the Heisman Trophy, but McFadden has made a strong late-season charge. Nutt said the publicity has been a plus, not a distraction, for the team.

"Our offensive line takes a lot of pride in that," Nutt said. "Darren doesn’t say much about it. He’s so unselfish, he gives all the credit to his offensive line.

"I think it’s brought our team closer together. It’s the first time in a long time the University of Arkansas has had a Heisman Trophy candidate."

Manning Up To Monk: LSU often double-teamed Arkansas 6-foot-6 wide receiver Marcus Monk, but Meyer doesn’t necessarily endorse that strategy. He stressed that he was more interested in aligning his defense to contain McFadden and Jones.

Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knews.com.