Alabama hosted South Florida in what should have been an uneventful game. Instead, we got an ugly, error-filled affair that put Alabama in an uphill battle as a 30-point favorite.

The first half was atrocious. The offensive line had to hold back seemingly every explosive play the Tide made, and all but one seemed to be a good decision. Jalen Milroe did his best to drive the ball down the field, but the long ball just wasn’t getting through. Fortunately, his legs still worked well enough to score two points, and the Tide went into the break with a 14-6 lead.

The second half started disastrously. Kendrick Law made a great return of the opening kick, but then dropped the ball at the halfway line. South Florida recovered and immediately got a first down on a facemask penalty from Jihaad Campbell. The defense fought its way forward from there and stopped the ball, which ended in a field goal attempt that missed by a long shot. Unfortunately, the offense wasted the chance and Milroe took a ridiculous loss on a sack after a poor Fran Tarkenton imitation.

The defense made another stop, only to see Jam Miller fumble the ball right back to South Florida in Alabama territory. This time, the defense was unable to catch up, and with 9:35 left in the third quarter, the Bulls were able to get within 14-13. The rest of the third quarter was just as disgusting, as neither team had much luck moving the ball thanks to penalties. By the start of the fourth quarter, Alabama’s offensive line had taken nine penalties alone. Right tackle Wilkin Formby was the main culprit.

On the final play of the third quarter, Cole Adams converted a third down attempt and got injured in the process. That put Milroe and his team in a first-and-goal situation from the five early in the final quarter. After Robbie Outzs caught a pass in the flat and seemingly made little effort to get to the pylon, Milroe went under center and immediately dropped the snap. For those wondering why shotgun/pistol teams stay in their typical formations at short range, this is why. The goal line is no place to deploy something that will have limited repetition.

The defense held firm again and forced a three-and-out. Jaylen Mbakwe made a nice punt return in Adams’ place, putting the Alabama offense in plus territory again at the 34. Finally, the offense was able to take advantage when Milroe connected with Kobe Prentice up the middle for an eight-point lead at 21-13.

This time, it was Alabama’s defense that couldn’t handle the success. Bulls running back Nay’quon Wright managed two explosive runs around a targeted play penalty on linebacker Justin Jefferson and South Florida found itself inside the 10. Quarterback Byrum Brown was stopped on third down at the five-yard line and the Bulls made the questionable decision to settle for three to get to five.

With six minutes left, the Tide got the ball back and Elijah Pritchett came in for Formby. Whether that was the difference or not, things were definitely improving. Jam Miller made two successful runs straight away, then Ryan Williams caught a catch, made a play and ran into the end zone for a 43-yard touchdown. After a final stand by the defense, Miller put the nail in the coffin with a long touchdown run. Justice Haynes scored another touchdown in overtime to make the final score 42-16, which belies the run of play.

We’ll have more on that game tomorrow. Needless to say, the Tide should be able to iron out some issues shortly, as it’s only going to get a lot more difficult from here on out.

There’s still some ball left for you tonight.

Rolling tide.