Kendrick Law had a full head of steam. Fifty-two yards of it, to be exact.

The Alabama football receiver and returner brought back the kickoff 52 yards against South Florida to start the second half. Then he fumbled.

The Bulls recovered, and Alabama started the second half on defense. Just like it started the first half.

South Florida couldn’t capitalize on the turnover, missing a 53-yard field goal. But it was the first of three turnovers after halftime, so the Bulls would have more chances.

No. 4 Alabama’s turnover plagued second half prevented the Crimson Tide from gaining much of any separation from South Florida (1-1) until late. Alabama (2-0) pulled out the victory 42-16 thanks to three late touchdowns on Saturday, but the turnovers made the game far more interesting than it should have been.

“We talk about the ball as a program, how important it is taking care of it and also getting it,” Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer said. “Really, we won’t have to raise the level of how much we stress it because we stress it significantly. It’s just guys just learning when you make a big play, there are people behind you. They’re chasing you. They’re coming from all angles. We’ve got to do a better job of being conscious of that. Just guys got out of their game a little bit. Got a little loose with it.”

Later in the third quarter, running back Jam Miller ran for 13 yards but couldn’t hold onto the ball. South Florida recovered, and this time, the Bulls made the most of it. South Florida went on to score to draw within 14-13 with 9:35 left in the game.

Then early in the fourth quarter, Alabama looked primed to score after a long drive. On South Florida’s 2-yard line, the Crimson Tide had a third-and-goal situation. Quarterback Jalen Milroe went under center, but then the snap was fumbled. South Florida recovered and kept the Crimson Tide from scoring any points.

The turnovers didn’t cost Alabama the game against South Florida, but play loose with the ball again next week in Wisconsin, and the Crimson Tide will be in trouble.

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.