Wanted to address the complaints about the first half offensive play-calling after the 21-3 lead. Bama had 3 3-and-outs but it could not be considered conservative. 7 of the 9 plays were passes. IMO, the primary problem was that there were 2 sacks (including the IG call) and 3 of the 4 incompletions may have been drops (2 definitely were: Earle and Metchie, the 3rd I couldn't tell for sure even on the replay). The other incompletion was on an RPO where Bryce made a terrible read, JM had a gigantic hole, but Bryce kept it and missed on a route miscommunication with Williams. The two running plays gained 2 on a wide run and 5 on an interior run. One of the drops was the 45-50 yard pass on a scramble perfectly placed in Metchie's hands. All 2 or 3 drops were well-covered but the ball was placed where the WR could catch it.
The sequences were:
1: IG -6, inc pass (drop Earle), inc pass (possible drop Metchie)
2: 5 yard interior run, bad read - inc pass, 50 yd inc pass (drop by Metchie)
3: 2 yard run wide right, sack -3, comp pass to Metchie for 7 yds
Bama's receivers were often well covered, unlike last year with Smith and Waddle, who when covered almost always caught the ball anyway. Metchie and Bolden had a few drops last year and continue to have them this year.
But however one wants to characterize these sequences, Alabama did not go into a shell.
Then in Bama's 3 2nd half possessions Bama scored a TD, drove to the 1 and kicked a FG, then essentially ran out the clock. So, they were successful on all 3 possessions.
UF never had the ball with a chance win, only once with a chance to tie. Not counting the one poss with 4 secs left from their own 23.
Another note unrelated to the offense: this game was so close to being a comfortable win. On UF's first TD, which gave them hope, they had to go for a desperation 4th and 6, bailed out on a very questionable DPI call. On their next TD they had to convert a 4th and 1. Then the 99 yarder where they converted 3rd and 10 from their 1 where all Hellums has to do is make an easy tackle. The next drive required another 4th down conversion. Give UF credit for making them. There is also no doubt that Bama has some issues to address (esp ILB - again). But all in all it was not quite what it seemed at the end.