TUSCALOOSA, Ala.— One of the key players in No. 4 Alabama’s defensive effort against USF on Saturday was someone who had been here before. The Crimson Tide has struggled against South Florida in two straight seasons, and in the second meeting, defensive tackle Tim Keenan III was the standout.

Keenan recorded nine tackles (three solo, 2.5 for loss) and 1.5 sacks on Bulls quarterback Byrum Brown. The veteran inside presence helped anchor the defense on a night when it took the offensive unit some time to come to life.

“We (had to) get the guy,” Keenan said of Brown, one of the better athletes outside the Power Four and one of the best running quarterbacks in college football. “Kudos to him. He’s a great player, a great athlete. … We did what we had to do. We got the best of him.”

Brown ran for 108 yards, but it wasn’t enough for South Florida (1-1) to beat Alabama 356 days after battling tooth and nail to a 17-3 loss at Raymond James Stadium. The Crimson Tide (2-0) scraped out a 42-16 victory against the backdrop of Bryant-Denny Stadium, which was officially renamed Saban Field.

South Florida’s pace seemed to challenge the Crimson Tide, but Keenan dismissed the idea that the defensive unit was unprepared or otherwise ill-equipped to handle it. The redshirt junior believed the group performed well, from his perspective, and stressed the importance of continuing to line up and get after the ball.

“They’ve got a good team there, a good coach (Alex Golesh), he’s from Tennessee,” Keenan said. “(USF’s) strategy and plan is going to be on point, and he’s got some guys that believe in what he’s saying. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard every day, but we’ve got hard work and talent.”

After three quarters, the game was still in doubt with Alabama holding a slim 14-13 lead. The offense had several scores disallowed due to penalties, which cropped up frequently throughout the game. The Bulls’ rushing attack was potent, with South Florida’s only chance to score coming on the ground. Keenan and the defense held their ground time and time again against a visiting team that perhaps had a chip on its shoulder from the SEC champion’s close game last fall and wasn’t going to give that up for a second chance.

“(We) just had that mindset of, don’t let it stop you, I’ve got to go home,” Keenan said. “Pressure makes diamonds. … I love moments like that, because everybody’s looking for somebody to make the play, and you’re like, why not me? So, just having that mindset of, I’m going to make something happen, I’m going to make a play.”

Defensive line coach Freddie Roach was effusive in his praise for Keenan in the days leading up to the USF game. It would be a safe assumption that Roach would not be among those surprised by Keenan’s performance and leadership under the spotlight on Saturday night.

“He’s a great guy,” Roach said. “Comes in every day, works his ass off. He had a great season last year. He’s started off really well (this season). Helps the young guys as well, I think that’s the biggest thing. Makes them understand what the standard is, what’s acceptable and what’s not. I’d take 10 from him. That kid’s unbelievable… That’s what you appreciate as a coach.”