As the second half got underway, the Super Dome was hoping for a more eventful second half. It sure did not start any more eventful as Alabama was forced to punt again. The defenses continued to dominate as USF QB B.J. Daniels threw another terrible pass over the middle that was intercepted by Bama MLB Justin Calhoun. The Tide were now at the USF 7-yard line with 1st and goal. However, the Bulls forced a field goal on a terrific goal line stand to tie the game
10-10.
The stadium was brought back to life when Daniels was able to connect with WR Taylor Rawls for a 22-yard gain over the middle of the field for USF. Daniels would attempt to take advantage of the play when he threw the ball up to WR Patrick Richardson but Bama CB#9 lept forward for his third interception. However, his jump was late and the ball fell in the hands of Richardson where he sped into the end zone for a 23-yard touchdown. South Florida now took the lead
17-10.
The momentum was really in favor of South Florida and the Bull fans were really put in a frenzy when USF CB George Baker picked off stuggling Bama QB Clay Parquet. However, USF was unable to take advantage as they punted after a three and out. It was only a matter of time before Alabama made a play and that is what they finally did when Parquet threw to a wide open WR Erik Durbin, who took it all the way for a 64-yard gain.
Alabama was now inside the red zone as the 3rd quarter came to an end. The ball would go to HB Mark Ingram who was able to leap into the end zone on a 4-yard touchdown run to tie the game
17-17. Now, we had a game and there was not a single person sitting down in the Super Dome.
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Bama HB Mark Ingram leaps across the goal line for a 4-yard touchdown run.[/size]
On the kickoff, USF kick returner George Baker ran into Bama SS Mark Barron who laid the lumber as Baker was decleated and the ball was fell to the turf where it was picked up by Bama SS Wesley Neighbors who took it to the house. The Crimson Tide fans went nuts as Alabama regained the lead
24-17 on the special teams play.
South Florida seemed to have the game in hand and now within just a few minutes they found themselves down by seven points. The Bulls had a drive going until it was stopped when Daniels threw another interception. It was Bama SS Mark Barron that came up with another turnover for the Tide. However, Alabama was forced to punt after another three and out.
South Florida was starting to feel the pressure but USF QB B.J. Daniels had something going as the Bulls made it to midfield where the drive stalled. The Bulls faced a 4th and 5 at midfield. Daniels threw a ball into the flat where the receiver was drilled by Bama SS Mark Barron short of the first down marker for a big stop for the Tide.
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Bama SS Mark Barron stops USF on 4th down.[/size]
This time the Tide took advantage of the field position as QB Clay Parquet hit WR Brandon Gibson in the end zone for a 6-yard touchdown to put the Tide ahead
31-17 with only 2:38 left in the game.
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Bama QB Clay Parquet hits WR Brandon Gibson for a 6-yard touchdown.[/size]
USF QB B.J. Daniels was feeling the pressure as he was pressed to throw another interception. However, the Bulls defense forced a Bama 50 yard field goal that was just wide left. USF would get the ball back with 1:41 remaining. Daniels took the opportunity and marched the Bulls quickly down the field but time was running out. Daniels would connect with WR Patrick Richardson on a 3-yard touchdown to make it
31-24 lead for Alabama but there was only :07 left in the game.
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USF QB B.J. Daniels connects with WR Patrick Richardson for a late touchdown.[/size]
South Florida would need a football miracle. The onside kick was attempted but Alabama came down with the ball. Parquet came in and kneeled the ball from the victory formation as the Crimson Tide celebrated an undefeated season and a BCS championship victory. The Alabama Crimson Tide are your 2011-2012 BCS National Champions.
USF 24
QB Daniels: 25-37, 256 yds, 2 td, 4 int, rush td
HB Murray: 16 car, 54 yds
WR Richardson: 6 rec, 61 yds, 2 td
DE Jackson: 8 tkl, 3 tfl, sk
Alabama 31
QB Parquet: 20-34, 233 yds, 2 td, 2 int
HB Ingram: 20 car, 65 yds, td
WR Gibson: 7 rec, 76 yds, td
SS Barron: 8 tkl, int, ff