TUSCALOOSA, Alabama — For the second straight year, the Alabama-South Florida game was not pretty. For the second straight year, Alabama was able to ride a strong fourth quarter to victory and bring home a win on the night of the official opening of Saban Field.

The Bulls, perhaps inspired by a close home performance in 2023 against the eventual SEC champions, didn’t let on that this game was a one-and-done game and made sure the Crimson Tide earned it again. Alabama (2-0) came alive on offense in the fourth quarter and won 42-16.

The halftime score? 14:6. The score at the end of the third quarter was 14:13. The two rushing touchdowns by Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe up to that point were not enough to create a significant lead. Only after timely defensive stops and a push by the running backs was Alabama finally able to pull away and thwart the Bulls’ second attempt in one of the biggest upsets in sports in recent times.

Penalties also played a big role in this game. Two Alabama touchdowns were taken back because of flags. The game wasn’t the cleanest on either side. However, over the course of the 60 minutes, the reigning SEC champions held the upper hand. For new Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer, it was the first real test at the top. South Florida coach Alex Golesh continued to give Alabama problems, not just last season, but during his time as Tennessee’s offensive coordinator.

Alabama’s next game will be its first road game of the season, a kickoff against the Wisconsin Badgers at 11:00 a.m. CT at Camp Randall Stadium.

Watch the video above as BamaCentral writers Will Miller, Hunter De Siver and Joe Gaither analyze Alabama’s win over South Florida.