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The Alabama No.1 outlasted Florida No.11, 31-29, in a classic SEC battle between legendary interdivisional rivals. It was Crimson Tide’s eighth consecutive victory against the Gators since 2009, although it was the closest the teams have played since a one-point decision (also in The Swamp) in 1999. Alabama led up to 21-3 in the second quarter, while Florida played much better in the final three quarters of the game.
The Gators stuffed running back Malik Davis on a two-point conversion immediately after RB Dameon Pierce ran him 17 yards to narrow the lead to two in the fourth quarter. Tide RB Brian Robinson Jr. then dove just over the opening goal on the third and -2 with just over a minute to go to move the sticks, clear the clock and essentially freeze the game.
It was a remarkable achievement that Florida even stayed close considering how the game started. Alabama traveled 75 yards for touchdowns on each of their first two discs, then turned an interception from Gators quarterback Emory Jones to six on their third disc of the game. It was then that the Florida defense stood up. He held Alabama three and out on three straight drives, walked into the locker room down 12 and walked out of the hot locker room, scoring a touchdown on the first drive of the second half. They’ve scored touchdowns in their next two practices – including one on the 11th play of a 99-yard practice – to keep things interesting.
An extra point missed caused the disparity in the score, forcing Florida to aim for two on their final score, which came with 3:10 remaining in the game. Without the mistake, the Gators would likely have scored an extra point to tie the game in hopes of using their significant on-field advantage inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium to bring the tide to the limit for the remainder of the game. .
Alabama QB Bryce Young scored 22 of 35 for 233 yards on his first road start, which included three touchdowns on the first three drives of the game. Jones struggled in the air in the first half, but coach Dan Mullen opted for a zone reading pattern in the second half. Jones finished with 181 passing yards, 80 rushing yards and a rushing score. Davis finished with a top 98 rushing yards plus a touchdown, while Robinson had 82 total yards and two scores – one for each rushing and one for receiving.
What are the main takeaways now that the tide has escaped the Gators in The Swamp? Let’s break them down.
1. Bryce Young is the real deal
Was Bryce Young perfect? No. Was he unfazed? Again, no. Did things sometimes go too fast for him? Absoutely. That said, he was the biggest star on a lot that was littered with it on Saturday afternoon in Gainesville, Fla. His play in the first quarter put Alabama so far ahead that it was difficult for Florida to catch up.
The Gators turned up the heat in the second quarter, but everything coach Nick Saban said in the locker room at half-time clearly calmed him down. Young was 5 of 8 for 55 yards in the third quarter, led one touchdown and topped another inside the 10 with a field goal in response to back-to-back touchdowns in Florida.
Not a bad effort in what was not only his first road start, but the first time as a college football player to play in a harsh environment. Crowds were limited while Young was a backup last year. Alabama played on a neutral site in this year’s opener, and no disrespect to Tuscaloosa, Alabama fans who watched the Tide take down Mercer last week, it’s not like if it was a big game atmosphere.
Young came in as the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy on Saturday, and he showed you why in one of college football’s toughest environments.
2. The Gators’ defense was strong
This game seemed to be as sideways as the Titanic after hitting an iceberg early on, but the Florida defense died out after being punched in the mouth in the first quarter. The Gators forced three straight three-and-outs in the second quarter before Bama knelt to send him off at halftime, allowing Mullen’s offense to make much-needed adjustments.
They kept the Tide to just 91 rushing yards, 324 total yards and 5.2 yards per game in one of Alabama’s worst offensive performances in recent memory. It’s a huge accomplishment for Florida and an interesting development in the SEC East title race. Georgia’s offense has been hit and miss in the first two games as quarterback JT Daniels battles a heart injury. maybe he will be more vulnerable in Florida than initially thought.
The Gators appear to have a defensive identity and are starting to develop one on offense. Two good signs on his way to repeat himself as division champions.
3. Alabama (and Florida) needed it
The two-point win over Florida is the first time Alabama has been tested in a game since losing to Auburn in November 2019. It’s been almost two full years. It’s a stark reminder that winning college football games isn’t as easy as last year’s national championship team made it seem in 2020. Make no mistake, Saban was mentally smiling from ear to ear. whereas he had undoubtedly put himself in this team in the locker room. post-game. It’s a teaching opportunity Saban didn’t get with the freshmen and sophomores on her roster. It is an important building block in the foundation of a championship level team. If you are in Tuscaloosa and can hear training this week, those loud noises that will sound like coaches shouting at players are not only necessary, they are based on the joy of a staff relishing these opportunities.
On the other hand, there was a significant lack of confidence in Florida’s offense under Jones, who threw four interceptions in his first two games and added a fifth early on Saturday. Not only did Jones calm down, but his confidence visibly increased as he passed and made big gains with his legs. The Gators’ running game also helped him in that regard, as freshman sensation Anthony Richardson was unavailable due to a hamstring injury. Florida has proven to be one of the best racing teams in the country. If that can add anything to the passing game, it’s going to be dangerous.
Emory Jones has found his rhythm
Let’s be realistic. If Mullen had had Richardson available, he would have used him. Jones ‘save came on the third disc in each of the Gators’ first two games of the season, but was sidelined with an injury during it. Of course, Mullen said he was medically cleared, but clearly not enough to play. (He noted after the game that Richardson was under 100%, and Mullen didn’t want to risk further injury.)
As a result, however, Mullen and Jones found out what was working within the offense. The Gators came out and almost exclusively used zone and quarterback play options to calm Jones down while getting back into the game. Mullen now knows that he doesn’t need to force Jones to be someone he clearly isn’t: a passer. The multidimensional rush attack is what motivated this unit on Saturday, and that has to be what the game plan is ahead of. Mullen can give Jones more play at opportune times to further develop as a passer, but knows he can play at an elite level despite his aerial limitations.
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