Last Updated 8:10 PM, September 21, 2021
Stan Becton

No. 1 Alabama hangs on, holds off No. 11 Florida's rally

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AP Top 25 football poll breakdown: Oregon, Iowa break into top 5 after big wins
2:15
11:13 pm, September 18, 2021

Postgame recap: Alabama defeats Florida 31-29

Alabama Florida

Despite a second half rally, No. 11 Florida fell short to No. 1 Alabama 31-29. The Crimson Tide have won eight straight against the Gators, tying the longest win streak in the series.

Alabama started off fast, scoring three first quarter touchdowns thanks to the arm of QB Bryce Young. Young was efficient completing 62.8% of his passes for 233 yards and three scores. While the Crimson Tide struggled at times to run the ball, RB Brian Robinson Jr. did run for a third quarter touchdown to maintain separation on the scoreboard. 

Though the Gators slowed down the Crimson Tide offense during most of the final three quarters, the early lead was just too much. On the bright side, the Gators may have settled their quarterback competition. After two weeks of quarterback uncertainty, QB Emory Jones was the lone man under center this afternoon. In addition to his 181 passing yards, Jones ran for 80 yards to contribute to Florida's 258 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

With the win No. 1 Alabama moves to 3-0. Florida falls to 2-1.

See final stats below

Final Stats
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11:01 pm, September 18, 2021

Alabama hangs on for the win 31-29

Alabama ran the ball six straight times before punting to run out the clock and hold on for a 31-29 victory. On the season, Alabama moves to 3-0 while Florida falls to 2-1.

10:50 pm, September 18, 2021

Florida finds paydirt! Alabama 31, Florida 29 |3:10 4Q

Florida RB Dameon Pierce scored his second touchdown of the day, this time from 17 yards out. The Gators failed to convert the two-point try and still trail late in the fourth quarter.

10:39 pm, September 18, 2021

Alabama kicks a field goal. Alabama 31, Florida 23 | 9:25 4Q

Florida's defense held Alabama to a field goal in the redzone. Florida needs a touchdown and a two-point conversion to tie the game.
10:24 pm, September 18, 2021

The 4th Quarter is here!

We have a five point game entering the fourth quarter! Alabama leads Florida 28-23.

See the stats through 3 quarters below.

3rd quarter
10:17 pm, September 18, 2021

99-yard Florida TD drive! Alabama 28, Florida 23 | 0:29 3Q

The Gators drove the ball 99-yards in 11 plays to cut the lead to five points. QB Emory Jones capped off the drive with a touchdown on a quarterback draw.

10:03 pm, September 18, 2021

The Crimson Tide add some distance! Alabama 28, Florida 16 | 04:33 3Q

After an official review gave Alabama a 4th-and-inches from the Florida three-yard line, RB Brian Robinson Jr. rushed for a touchdown. Alabama's has a two-score lead once again.

9:45 pm, September 18, 2021

Florida opens the second half with a touchdown! Alabama 21, Florida 16 | 10:20 3Q

RB Dameon Pierce scored with a 3-yard run on 4th-and-1. Going for it this go around paid off for the Gators.

9:30 pm, September 18, 2021

Halftime Update: Alabama leads Florida 21-9

After two quarters, No. 1 Alabama leads No. 11 Florida 21-9.

The Crimson Tide were powered by QB Bryce Young’s three first quarter touchdown passes. He now has 10 touchdowns on the season.

Florida’s first points of the half came with a first quarter field goal. The Gators took the three points with the ball at the Alabama 10-yard line.

In the second quarter, the Gators defense stepped up, forcing three punts from the Crimson Tide. RB Malik Davis scored Florida’s first touchdown with a 26-yard run.

Florida appears to have recovered from Alabama’s early onslaught. The Gators receive the second half kick and will try and build of second quarter momentum.

See first half stats below:

Halftime
9:07 pm, September 18, 2021

Florida finds the endzone! Alabama 21, Florida 9 | 06:34 2Q

After a series of punts, Florida RB Malik Davis ran in for a 26 yard touchdown. The extra point was missed.

8:33 pm, September 18, 2021

1 quarter down. Alabama leads 21-3

QB Bryce Young's three passing touchdowns have the Crimson Tide in front after one quarter of play.

Check out the first quarter stats below:

1q stats
8:26 pm, September 18, 2021

Alabama capitalizes off the turnover! Alabama 21, Florida 3 | 00:48 1Q

QB Bryce Young found RB Brian Robinson Jr. for his third touchdown of the day, all in the first quarter.

8:21 pm, September 18, 2021

Interception Crimson Tide

,Jalyn Alabama's DB Jayln Armour-Davis intercepts Florida QB Emory Jones. The Crimson Tide will start their drive at the Florida 38-yard line. 03:12 remains in the first quarter.

8:14 pm, September 18, 2021

Young strikes again! Alabama 14, Florida 3 | 04:14 1Q

QB Bryce Young finds TE Jahleel Billingsley for a 26-yard touchdown. Young is now 9/11 for 106 yards and two touchdowns.