No. 10 Alabama pulled away late from USF on Saturday for an uncomfortable 17-3 win. The game was sluggish and featured weather delays, quarterback changes, and plenty of other surprises.
First Quarter
Alabama started the game slowly, punting on their first two possessions. USF also punted on their first two possessions, but they got the ball back late in the quarter and drove down to the Alabama 15-yard line. However, Alabama's defense stiffened and forced USF to kick a field goal.
Second Quarter
Alabama had a chance to tie the game early in the second quarter, but their field goal attempt was blocked. USF then drove into Alabama territory again, but they turned the ball over on downs.
Alabama finally got on the board late in the half with a field goal of their own. The half ended with the score tied at 3-3.
Third Quarter
Alabama came out strong in the third quarter and drove down to the USF 1-yard line. However, they were unable to punch the ball into the end zone and had to settle for a field goal.
USF then responded with a long drive of their own. They reached the Alabama 10-yard line, but they turned the ball over on downs again.
Alabama then took advantage of the turnover and drove down the field for their first touchdown of the game. The drive was capped off by a 45-yard pass from Bryce Young to CJ Dippre.
Fourth Quarter
Alabama added to their lead early in the fourth quarter with a field goal. They then put the game away with a touchdown run by Roydell Williams.
Alabama's win over USF was not pretty, but it was a win nonetheless. The Crimson Tide will need to clean up some things before they take on Texas next week.
Analysis
Alabama's offense struggled throughout the game. They were only able to score 17 points, which is well below their average of 40.3 points per game last season.
The Crimson Tide's defense was also not up to its usual standards. They allowed USF to gain 401 yards of total offense.
However, Alabama did make some big plays when it mattered most. They had a field goal blocked in the first half, but they made up for it with two field goals and a touchdown in the second half.
Alabama also forced USF to turn the ball over on downs four times.
The Crimson Tide will need to improve their offensive and defensive performance if they want to compete for a national championship this season.
What's Next?
Alabama will travel to Austin, Texas to face the Texas Longhorns next Saturday. The game will be a rematch of last year's national championship game, which Alabama won 52-24.
Texas is ranked No. 3 in the AP Top 25 poll and is coming off a 52-10 win over Louisiana-Monroe last week.
The game between Alabama and Texas is expected to be one of the most anticipated games of the season.