Florida Football: 3 takeaways from hard-fought loss to Alabama in Week 3

Sep 18, 2021; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators running back Malik Davis (20) runs past Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back DeMarcco Hellams (2) for a touchdown during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

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Florida Gators running back Malik Davis (20) breaks a tackle on a run for a touchdown during the football game between the Florida Gators and The Alabama Crimson Tide, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. Sept. 18, 2021.Flgai 09182021 Ufvs Bama 13 /

2. Florida’s run game is a force

Coming into Saturday’s game, Alabama had the No. 1 rushing offense in the country. After the game on Saturday, it looked like Florida had the best rushing attack in college football.

Roles were reversed in Gainesville as the Gators ran all over the Tide.

In fact, Florida finished with 245 yards and four touchdowns on 43 carries which just went to show how much the Gators dominated in those trenches. OK, 77 yards did come from the legs of Emory Jones, but Malik Davis, Nay’Quan Wright, and Dameon Pierce all played well on the ground and proved that it can be a force all year long.

The Gators averaged 5.7 yards per carry against an Alabama defense that usually doesn’t surrender that type of production on the ground — ever.

On the flip side, Alabama rushed for just 91 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries.

Florida opened some eyes on Saturday.

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