TUSCALOOSA, Ala.— For the second straight season, a game between Alabama and South Florida wasn’t pretty. For the second straight season, Alabama pulled off a strong fourth quarter to win on the night Saban Field was officially dedicated.

The Bulls, perhaps inspired by a close home performance in 2023 against the eventual SEC champions, gave no indication that that game was a one-off, instead giving the Crimson Tide another win. Alabama (2-0) came alive on offense in the fourth quarter for a 42-16 victory.

The halftime score? 14-6. The score at the end of the third was 14-13. Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe’s two rushing touchdowns up to that point weren’t enough to create a meaningful separation. Only after timely defensive stops and a resurgence from the running backs did Alabama finally pull away, stifling the Bulls’ second attempt at one of the biggest upsets in sports in recent memory.

Penalties also played a major role in the game, with Alabama having multiple touchdowns overturned due to flags. The game wasn’t the cleanest on either side. Over the course of 60 minutes, however, the reigning SEC champions emerged victorious. It was the first real test at the helm for new Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer. For South Florida coach Alex Golesh, he’s been giving Alabama problems not only since last season but also since his tenure as Tennessee’s offensive coordinator.

Alabama’s next game is its first away game of the season, starting at 11 a.m. at Camp Randall Stadium against the Wisconsin Badgers.

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