Nick Saban on Bryce Young after close Alabama win over Florida

Nick Saban knew the Alabama Crimson Tide would be tested on Saturday vs. the Florida Gators.

Florida managed to claw back and keep the game close, but Alabama managed to escape the Swamp with a narrow 31-28 win.

Crimson Tide first-year quarterback Bryce Young was particularly impressive as he faced a stifling Florida defense on the road.

Young’s final stat line tells the story. The Alabama signal-caller finished the game 22-of-35 with 240 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.

Nick Saban on Bryce Young vs. Florida

The Alabama head coach praised first-year quarterback Bryce Young after the game, while offering healthy criticism as well.

“Well, he did a good job but I almost bout had a heart attack a couple of times when the shot clock’s down to one,” Saban said.

Saban acknowledged Young’s poise, particularly in a hostile environment where it was often difficult to hear calls at the line of scrimmage.

“But he did do a great job,” Nick Saban reiterated. He managed the game well. One of the things that was an issue for us — we like to go on clap and the center couldn’t hear the clap; so we had to go on silent. When we went on silent, we got a couple of penalties because we weren’t all on the same page. It’s what happened on the one-yard line with all the noise. But for the most part, guys did a pretty good job.”

Like against Miami, the Alabama offense started the game strong with three-straight touchdown drives. In the first quarter, Bryce Young completed 12-of-16 pass attempts for 138 yards and three scores. Things trailed off from there, as the sophomore only finished 22-of-35 for 233 yards and three touchdowns.

Still, Nick Saban isn’t going to hand out any trophies, but the Crimson Tide pulled off the victory behind the young, calm quarterback play of Young.

If Alabama is going to remain at the top of college football and make a run at yet another College Football Championship, Young is the main key.