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Read: Alabama's defense steps up in 24-7 win over FSU

(Scroll down for a recap of No.1 Alabama's win over No. 3 Florida State)

By Tony Tsoukalas | Alabama team writer

ATLANTA — Led by a dominating defensive performance, Alabama took down Florida State 24-7 Saturday night. While Alabama's offense struggled to finish drives, its defense and special teams were able to step up to secure the win. Here's how the Crimson Tide was able to pull off the win:

While Alabama’s offense struggled to finish for most of the first half, its defense came ready to play. Despite a strong performance from Florida State quarterback Deondre Francois, who torched the Tide for 161 yards and a touchdown on 14 of 22 passes in the first half, Alabama was able to step up when it mattered.

With Alabama leading 10-7 late in the second quarter, a rare shanked punt from JK Scott gifted Florida State with excellent field position. Despite starting at the Alabama 31-yard line, the Seminoles were not able to capitalize.

Continue Reading Here | Alabama's defense came up big when it counted

ATLANTA — Jalen Hurts called it.

With Alabama clinging to a three-point lead right before the half, the Alabama quarterback called defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick over to him on the sideline. The Crimson Tide defense had just stopped Florida on third-and-10 from the from the Alabama 20-yard line, and Seminoles kicker Ricky Aguayo was coming on to tie the game with 10 seconds left in the half.

“I actually called him,” Hurts said. “I said ‘We’re about to block this.’”

Sure enough, the junior defensive back burst through a hole on the left side, stumbling a little bit before diving to get his hands on the ball, sending it ricocheting into linebacker Rashaan Evans’ hands to preserve the lead.

“The (extra point) they had attempted before, I saw that they opened up a hole in between the wing and the end,” Fitzpatrick said. “Coach Tosh (Lupoi) called the next play. I was supposed to go, so I took advantage of the hole. I tripped up a little bit, but I just tried to make the play.”

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Despite coming away with the win, Alabama’s defense took a beating Saturday night, as four of the Tide’s linebackers went down with injuries. Rashaan Evans, Terrell Lewis, Christian Miller and Anfernee Jennings were all forced to leave the game and did not return.

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0 - Turnovers by Alabama

3 - Field goals made by Alabama's Andy Pappanastos

3 - Turnovers by Florida State

8 - Tackles by Alabama's Shaun Dion Hamilton

12 - Times Florida State and Alabama punted (6/6)

14 - First downs Alabama had in the game

15 - First downs Florida State had in the game

18 - % 3rd down efficiency by Alabama

27:13 - TOP for Alabama

30 - % 3rd down efficiency by Florida State

32:47 - TOP for Florida State

40 - Yards Florida State ran for

73 - Yards Alabama's Damien Harris rushed for

96 - Yards Alabama had passing

151 - Yards of total offense by Jalen Hurts

173 - Yards Alabama ran for for

210 - Yards Florida State had passing

211 - Yards punting by Alabama's JK Scott

250 - Total yards by Florida State's offense

269 - Total yards by Alabama's offense

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter

- Alabama 3, FSU 0 - Andy Pappanastos 35-yard FG, 9-plays, 44-yards, 3:18

2nd Quarter

- FSU 7, Alabama 3 - Deondre Francois to Auden Tate for 3-yard TD pass, 11-plays for 90-yards, 5:49

- Alabama 10, FSU 7 - Jalen Hurts to Calvin Ridley for 53-yard TD pass, 5 plays for 85-yards, 2:13

3rd Quarter

- Alabama 13, FSU 7 - Andy Pappanastos with 25-yard FG, 9-plays, 44-yards, 3:18

- Alabama 21, FSU 7 - Damien Harris 11-yard TD Run (Hurts to Ridley 2PT), 1-play 11-yards

4th Quarter

- Alabama 24, FSU 7 - Andy Pappanastos with 33-yard FG, 6 plays, 16-yards, 2:57