Saturday’s game at the Swamp between No. 1 Alabama and No. 11 Florida was a close game that revealed a lot about both teams. Initially, it seemed as though the Tide would throw the Gators out the Swamp when they led 21-3 in the first quarter but Dan Mullen’s team showed their dominance in the last three quarters. 

The Gators defense stood strong after the first quarter. The Gators were able to force three straight three-and-outs in the second quarter which was key in giving the offense the opportunity to make adjustments. Dameon Pierce had a 17-yard touchdown run which got the gators within two but the two-point conversion was no good. Florida had one shot at a hail mary but Emory Jones was sacked in the last seconds of the game. 

Despite the Gators not being able to push through with a win, they showed the world of college football that they have a high chance at beating the top dog. There is a chance that Alabama won’t dominate as much as it has in past years. “One thing is when a lot of teams play Alabama, they sometimes don’t think they are going to win the game maybe. Our guys certainly expected to win the game and played that way…Last year it was six points and this year it was two. Hopefully we get one more shot at them and get an opportunity to compete for another championship as we move forward,” Florida head coach said.

Though Alabama came out with a win, the close game has caused some concerns to rise. “I’m concerned especially on the defensive side of the ball, because we have been told prior to the season this may be the most elite defense of Nick Saban’s tenure. And that defense in the final 2 and 1/2 quarters yesterday was anything but elite” Finebaum said Sunday morning on ESPN’s SportsCenter. 

The Tide’s performance truly shocked Paul Finebaum, who previously said “I don’t think Florida’s in the same category as Alabama” and he expected Alabama to blowout Florida.  “Florida is better than we thought. But Alabama – we better maybe ask for that trophy back that we awarded them two weeks ago,” he said post game.

Alabama quarterback Bryce Young played his role by completing 9 of his 13 passes in the first quarter and throwing three touchdown passes. “Crazy atmosphere…Those fans were really loud. We knew it was going to be a hostile environment coming in, and they lived up to it for sure,” Young said.

Despite the inconsistent performance, Alabama head coach Nick Saban looked at the positive saying they “made the plays they needed to make.” “I think the offense did a great job of answering the bell in the game,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said. “Bryce did a really good job…He was very composed. That was a difficult circumstance and situation to play in….I thought he managed the game really well. Made some really, really good decisions for the most part,” Saban said.

Will Alabama continue to dominate like it has been in the past or will this close game be the start of their downfall? 

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