Alabama score: How Ryan Williams, Crimson Tide survived upset bid from USF

Alabama got off to an uncharacteristically slow start last season, and it wasn't just the home loss to Texas that raised red flags. The Crimson Tide also had a hard time shaking USF the following week in a downpour, prompting serious questions about their offense.

The college football world knows how that ended. Alabama survived and went on to not lose again until the national semifinal, proving that 'Bama was still 'Bama.

Even under new leadership, Alabama still initially struggled dominate USF the way it dominates so many other programs. The Bulls gave the Tide about all they could handle on Saturday, hanging around well into the fourth quarter before Alabama turned a tight battle into a comfortable win.

Here's what you need to know about how Alabama was able to run away from USF's upset bid.

MORE: What to know about new Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer

Alabama vs. USF box score

USF scored only three points in last year's upset bid against Alabama, but it was the Bulls' defense that kept them in the game. The defense again impressed early on, even with a highly-regarded offensive mind on the other sideline in Kalen DeBoer.

Alex Golesh's squad allowed two touchdowns in the first half but silenced the Tide in the third quarter as they pulled within a point. Big plays kept USF in the game. One third quarter Alabama drive ended when Jalen Milroe was sacked for a huge loss, while another was cut short by a Jam Miller fumble.

The Bulls forced two turnovers and two punts in the third quarter, and they carried that momentum into the fourth when they recovered a botched snap to abruptly end what was almost certainly going to be an Alabama scoring drive.

As is often the case with upset-hopeful teams who go into Bryant-Denny Stadium, USF could only hold down Alabama's offense so long. The Bulls' offense just wasn't staying on the field long enough to give the defense much of a breather, and Alabama was able to extend its lead with two quick touchdown drives.

A big return by Jaylen Mbakwe gave the Tide ideal field position early in the fourth quarter, and Milroe took advantage of it with a touchdown pass to Kobe Prentice. When Alabama's defense held USF to a field goal on the next drive, the offense came back and gained 75 yards in three plays -- including a 43-yard touchdown by 17-year-old freshman Ryan Williams.

Alabama would finish the fourth quarter with a stunning 28 points, turning what was a tense game with only 11 minutes remaining into a 42-16 final that looks much more like a blowout than an upset bid.

MORE: What blowout loss to Texas means for Michigan

Who is Ryan Williams?

Williams continues to impress as he starts his college career. The 17-year-old — yes, he was born in February of 2007 -- is playing well above his age, with 206 yards and three touchdowns through his first two games in an Alabama uniform.

His touchdown was one of the most explosive plays of the night for the Crimson Tide on Saturday.

It's rare for a true freshman to make such a quick impact, particularly for a program loaded with talent, but Williams was special coming out of high school. He ranked as the No. 8 overall player in the class of 2024, according to 247 Sports, and the No. 3 wide receiver behind Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith and Auburn's Cam Coleman.

Smith has similarly shined in his first pair of games with the Buckeyes, while Coleman has 115 yards on four catches for the Tigers. In what could be a memorable receiver class, Williams has a chance to lead the way.

Alabama's hit-or-miss offense didn't have a DeVonta Smith or Jaylen Waddle type of player last season. It might take some time for Williams to become that kind of player, but to be doing what he's doing at such a young age underscores why the Tide view him as their next great wide receiver.