Alabama Football: At the half Gators flopping in The Swamp

Alabama Football has had its way with the Florida Gators in the first half. There are two quarters to go but teams never do well when spotting a No. 1 ranked opponent a 21-3 lead. Not having half of his two-quarterback duo has been a major problem for Dan Mullen.

Early on the Swamp noise affected the Alabama Crimson Tide. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is a legitimately difficult setting for opposing teams. The crowd advantage was not enough to bolster Todd Grantham’s Florida defense. First-quarter scoring for the Crimson Tide came on touchdown drives of 75, 75 and 38 yards. In the opening quarter, the Crimson Tide produced 172 yards to 87 yards for the Gators. Most of the Tide’s yards came from 12-16 passing by Bryce Young.

Early in the second quarter, a Florida timeout to avoid a delay penalty gave the Tide a chance to stop a Gators’ fourth-down play. Before the time out, Florida had not subbed leaving the Tide no sub option for the fourth-down play. After the Gators’ timeout, an adjusted and settled Alabama Football defense put quick pressure on Emory Jones. Jones scrambled but his pass was deflected by the Tide’s Brian Branch, ending the Florida possession.

Also early in the second quarter, Florida lost one of its best offensive linemen, Jean Delance. His status is not known for the second half.

The Florida Gators had to battle with some loudly dissatisfied Gators’ in the second quarter. A pass interference call against Josh Jobe was immediately followed by a 21-yard touchdown run by Malik Davis. The score quieted the restless Florida crowd, despite a missed extra point leaving the score at 21-9. A fully energized crowd loved the three-and-out that followed for the Tide that included a sack of Bryce Young.

The next possession showed a more confident Florida offense. After some success, a holding penalty and a big defensive stop by Drew Sanders shut down Florida.

Alabama Football Rushing Attack

If there was a negative for the Tide in the first half, it was the rushing game. The Tide rushed for just 30 yards in the first half. Florida will get the ball to start the third quarter.

Dan Mullen is well on the way to running his losing streak to 0-11 against Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide.