McElroy delivers big performance for Alabama
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Alabama's unheralded and underappreciated Greg McElroy was clearly the best quarterback on the field at the Georgia Dome on Saturday.
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He outperformed Florida's Tim Tebow, the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner.
McElroy, a Texas native who came out of the shadows of Alabama legend and Falcons backup quarterback John Parker Wilson, was seen during the celebration flashing two fingers in the air.
"The two fingers were because this is our 22nd championship at Alabama," McElroy said. "It's something that is important. It's a big reason why a lot of people come here. Just to play for the tradition."
"Our fullback Baron Huber said it best today. ‘If you could write a page in history what would you want to say.' We wrote our page tonight."
McElroy entered the game with a passer rating of 138.69, which was fourth-best in the SEC. He completed 12 of 18 passes for 239 yards and one touchdown.
During the season, some of the Alabama faithful questioned if he was the right man for the job.
"As long as you play this game, you're going to have ups and downs no matter what," McElroy said. "You always have to have faith in yourself and the people around you in order to be completely successful."
Alabama scored on its first two possessions to take a 9-0 lead.
McElroy opened both drives with first-down passes to loosen the Gators defense.
On the first drive, he completed an 18-yard pass to wide receiver Julio Jones. The Tide drove for a 48-yard field goal by Leigh Tiffin.
On the second drive, McElroy opened with a 19-yard completion to tight end Colin Peek. Running back Mark Ingram capped the drive with a 7-yard touchdown drive, but Tiffin's extra-point attempt banged off the right upright.
In the second quarter, McElroy delivered a block to spring Trent Richardson for a 6-yard gain. He later did a waltz down the right sideline, staying in bounds long enough to pick up a first down.
"Greg did a phenomenal job," Alabama coach Nick Saban said.
Closing the door
Early in the fourth quarter with Florida driving, defensive back Javier Arenas intercepted a Tim Tebow pass in the end zone with 11:51 left in the game.
It was the only turnover of the neatly played title game.
Alabama had forced 21 turnovers over their previous eight games. Arenas' interception was their 18th over the past nine games.
Jones kept in check
After catching an 18-yarder on Alabama's first play from scrimmage, Jones disappeared.
He had two drops and did not catch any more passes in the first half. In the second half, he was open on a deep route but seemed more concerned with drawing contact from the defender instead of going after a slightly overthrown pass.
He didn't catch another pass until 4:23 left in the third quarter, but it was a big 13-yarder on third-and-7 from Florida's 47.
Jones finished with two catches for 28 yards.
Halftime lead indicator
Alabama held a 19-13 lead at halftime. Teams leading at halftime had won 13 of the previous 17 SEC title games.
The Crimson Tide is now 28-1 when leading at halftime under Saban.
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