2 | The most years of experience of Tide players who forced a turnover in Saturday’s game. Sophomores Nico Johnson, Courtney Upshaw and Dre Kirkpatrick and freshman C.J. Mosley were responsible for the Tide’s four turnovers.
6 | The number of rushing touchdowns in three games this season for Mark Ingram. He has 35 in his career, which ranks second in Alabama history. Only Shaun Alexander has more with 41.
88 | Alabama has scored 88 more points in the first half than its opponents through five games this season.
52 | Coming into Saturday’s game, Alabama (28) and Florida (24) had combined for 52 straight regular-season wins.
24-3 | The halftime score of Saturday’s game was also the halftime score of Alabama’s 31-3 blowout of Florida in 2005, the last time the Gators visited Tuscaloosa.
3 | The Alabama defense has only allowed three touchdowns in its first five games this season.
Position grades:
Offense: 3.5 Cumulative: 3.68
The offense scored on its first four possessions on its way to a 24-3 lead but did not put up a single point after that. The only other touchdown was an interception return by C.J. Mosley. A lack of explosive plays and letting off the gas after gaining a big lead dropped the unit half a letter grade.
Defense: 3.9 Cumulative: 3.56
For how much scrutiny Alabama’s defense has been under this season, it still has only allowed three touchdowns through five games. Although Florida marched down to the 1-yard line without any points twice Saturday, the Tide still had to force those turnovers, something it has done the entire season.
Special teams: 3.6 Cumulative: 3.64
Punter Cody Mandell gave Florida its first field goal after an awful 26-yard punt deep in his own territory, but made up for it by pinning the Gators back on their own 2 later in the game. Julio Jones also allowed a punt to go over his head and settle at the Tide 2-yard line, giving up 25-30 yards of field position on the misjudgment.
Coaching: 4.0 Cumulative: 3.9
Like usual, Alabama’s game plan was built to perfection. It was a great call by Kirby Smart to recognize the jump pass on Florida’s first drive on the goal line, and although the offense struggled a bit, the play calling was far from the reason. The players also looked more motivated than they have all season.
Quote of the game: “We believe that when we’re on the same page and play with the intangibles that Alabama football is built on like discipline, toughness, execution, everybody being accountable of their job and everybody being supportive of their teammates, that we’re real tough to beat if we’re all on the same page.”
– Junior running back Mark Ingram
Player of the game:
Linebacker Courtney Upshaw
– 7 tackles (4 tackles for loss)
– 1 fumble recovery
– 2 pass breakups
