Alabama’s starting offensive line had been the same for 10 games before the configuration changed vs. Charleston Southern Saturday. The Tide took a 49-0 lead into the half, as they made pretty much all the big plays they needed to make in the first two quarters of this one. Well, Cyrus Jones definitely made all the plays.
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Crimson Tide defensive back Cyrus Jones returned two punts for touchdowns while running back Derrick Henry rushed for two scores to power the Tide. Now, of course, it goes without saying that this stat in itself is quite the accomplishment.
In a game that featured eight Alabama touchdowns, wide receiver Richard Mullaney managed to score one that stood out above the rest.
Jackson suffered a high ankle sprain during the Tide’s win over Tennessee October 24, the game before Alabama’s bye week.
Henry finished with nine carries for 68 yards and two touchdowns.
“I thought Korren did a really good job”, Saban said.
“Well, the outcome was probably what we expected”, Charleston Southern coach Jamey Chadwell said, noting that the primary goal was to avoid injuries. Alabama Crimson Tide recorded 233.4 passing yards and 188.5 rushing yards while allowed 197.3 passing yards and 78.5 russhing yards with turnover differential of -0.4.
Coach Nick Saban put it best at halftime: “He’s a talented guy when he gets the ball in his hands”. He batted a pitch down in Charleston Southern’s backfield and almost scored again right after his second TD, making it to the 6.
CSU’s defense, ranked No. 1 in the FCS, was solid throughout, slowing the Tide to 403 total yards.
Once Henry’s day was over, Alabama turned to true freshmen Damien Harris and Bo Scarbrough, who will be called upon to fill the void of Kenyan Drake for the remainder of the regular season.
Charleston Southern recorded its score early in the fourth quarter as quarterback Kyle Copeland slipped into the end zone from three yards out. Scarbrough lead the Tide with 69 yards and the score on 10 carries.
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Alabama now turns its attention to Auburn for this year’s Iron Bowl that kicks off Saturday in Auburn.
