2016 SEC Championship final score: Alabama stomps Florida, punches ticket to College Football Playoff

Alabama put the cap on a dominant season with their 54-16 victory over the Florida Gators in the 2016 SEC Championship.

The blowout victory over the Gators all but assures Alabama of their third consecutive appearance in the College Football Playoff. They will be seeking a second-straight appearance in the National Championship Game and will likely have a road paved well for them as they’re primed to be the No. 1 seed and should have their first game be in the Peach Bowl back in Atlanta.

Alabama’s win breaks the 4-4 tie that they had with Florida in their eight previous SEC Championship Game matchups. The Crimson Tide have also now tied the Gators for the most SEC Championship Game victories with seven total in the game’s 25 year history.

The Crimson Tide’s defense was the star of the show as they picked Austin Appleby off thrice and scored the Tide’s first touchdown of the day. Minkah Fitzpatrick netted a pick six early in the first quarter and they never looked back. Alabama continued to pile up non-offensive touchdowns as Joshua Jacobs scored off a blocked punt later on in the first quarter.

Bo Scarbrough led the rushing attack for Alabama and scored two late touchdowns with the game well in hand. Joshua Jacobs and Derrick Gore also compiled a rushing touchdown each. The lone passing TD of the day for Alabama came on a six-yard reception for Gehrig Dieter early in the second quarter.

Alabama’s defense held the Gators to -8 rushing yards on the day on 27 attempts. They forced three turnovers (all interceptions) and were only bitten on third downs as Florida finished with a 7-for-15 mark on third down.

We’ll be back for more later.