No. 1 Alabama was able to escape Gainesville yesterday with a victory over the Florida Gators 31-29.
Alabama started off hot against the Gators jumping out to a 21-3 lead but then the Tide let their foot off the gas and allowed Florida to climb back into the game.
Alabama has yet to put a complete sixty-minute performance up this season and if this team has championship aspirations, it’s time to start putting together more complete performances.
Here is how the Tide graded out this week.
OFFENSE: B-
You could have not scripted a better start to the game than what the Tide offense started out with. Bryce Young led the Alabama offense to three touchdowns on each of the team’s first three possessions. But Alabama scored just ten points the remainder of the contest.
The offensive line play was inconsistent, the running backs did not contribute with any explosive plays and the receivers had a few drops throughout the contest.
Alabama’s young offense needs to sure up in those areas and I still believe they can.
DEFENSE: C-
There isn’t much to say here because we all saw what happened yesterday. Florida ran down the heart of the Alabama defense for a total of 245 rushing yards on 43 carries.
The pass defense was good in spots but was also suspect in other spots throughout the contest.
It’s really simple, the rush defense will need to improve if this team wants to win a championship.
SPECIAL TEAMS: A-
The Alabama special teams unit had a really solid performance against the Gators. Will Reichard was perfect on all his extra points, he also connected on a 24-yard field goal attempt, then he was able to force Florida to commit a miscue on a kickoff that pinned the Florida offense at their own one-yard line.
James Burnip had a solid day punting the ball. He punted a total of four times for 170 yards for an average of 42.5 yards per punt.
Jameson Williams returned two kickoffs for an average of 25.5 yards per return.
OVERALL: B-
Overall Alabama had an up and down performance against the Gators. There were moments when the offense looked unstoppable, then there were moments when they couldn’t move the ball an inch.
The defense played about a quarter and a half of good football before allowing the Gator offense to have their way with them.
I still believe Alabama has yet to play their best football. With opponents such as Ole Miss and Texas A&M looming, it’s time for Alabama to find their groove and put some consistent performances together.
I believe it is also important to note that Alabama was able to beat a top 15 team in their own backyard. Road wins in the SEC are not easy to come by.
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