No. 4 Alabama football hosted South Florida on Saturday in Week 2 action at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium, marking the final home game before the Crimson Tide begins SEC play against No. 1 Georgia later this month. Alabama, fresh off a dominating 63-0 season-opening win under new head coach Kalen DeBoer, looked to maintain its momentum as it faced the Bulls.
The game was also a special one for the Alabama community, as the Crimson Tide planned to honor former coach Nick Saban with pregame and halftime celebrations, adding an emotional touch to the evening.
South Florida surprised many early on by striking first. The Bulls got on the scoreboard with a 34-yard field goal by John Cannon, giving South Florida a 3-0 lead with 11:26 left in the first quarter. The early field goal was a confidence booster for the Bulls, who outgained Alabama 91 yards to 68 in the opening 15 minutes of the game.
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However, Alabama responded quickly. Jalen Milroe, Alabama’s dynamic quarterback, put the Crimson Tide on the board with a 10-yard touchdown run, capping a 10-play, 65-yard drive. With 5:08 left in the first quarter, Alabama took a 7-3 lead, setting the tone for what would become a physical contest.
Alabama extended its lead in the second quarter, showcasing Milroe’s mobility and playmaking abilities. The quarterback added his second rushing touchdown of the game on a five-yard run, completing an 11-play, 75-yard drive that demonstrated the Tide’s ability to grind down opponents. With 3:38 left in the second quarter, Alabama led 14-6 after South Florida had earlier narrowed the gap with a 25-yard field goal.
Despite South Florida’s attempts to keep the game close, Alabama’s physicality began to wear down the Bulls. As halftime approached, Alabama held a 14-6 advantage, largely controlling the pace and tempo of the game.
The Bulls showed resilience, managing to score their first touchdown of the night when Ta’Ron Keith rushed for a three-yard touchdown early in the third quarter. Initially planning a two-point conversion, South Florida was penalized for a false start, forcing them to settle for a point-after attempt. This sequence brought the Bulls within striking distance, trailing Alabama 14-13 with 9:35 left in the game.
South Florida’s momentum was short-lived, however, as the Bulls continued to struggle with missed opportunities and costly mistakes. Their attempt to further close the gap ended in disappointment when they missed a 29-yard field goal by Alejandro Mata, further highlighting their inconsistency on special teams.
The game held special significance beyond the score as Alabama took time to honor legendary former head coach Nick Saban. The pregame and halftime tributes added an emotional layer to the evening, celebrating Saban’s lasting impact on the Crimson Tide program.
As fans and players alike reflected on Saban’s legacy, the Crimson Tide remained focused on securing their second win of the season, setting the stage for a critical upcoming matchup against top-ranked Georgia.
With a 14-13 victory secured, Alabama now turns its attention to SEC play, where a highly anticipated showdown with No. 1 Georgia awaits on September 28. The game will be crucial for both teams as they vie for conference supremacy early in the season.
Alabama’s victory over South Florida, while not as dominant as their season opener, provided valuable lessons in resilience and execution. As the Crimson Tide continues to fine-tune their approach under Coach DeBoer, they’ll look to carry the energy and lessons from their non-conference matchups into the heart of SEC competition.
Alabama’s performance against South Florida, marked by strong defensive play and timely offensive drives, suggests they are well-positioned for a strong season. With an expected high-powered showdown against Georgia on the horizon, Alabama will need to build on their current momentum to compete at the highest level.
Alabama’s next test will be against Wisconsin on September 14, followed by a critical bye week before the much-anticipated game against the Bulldogs. The Crimson Tide’s schedule will continue to challenge them as they face top-ranked opponents, but if they continue to play with the physicality and determination shown against South Florida, they’ll remain a formidable force.
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