Russell throws for 249 yards, leads No. 13 Alabama to 48-10 win over East Carolina
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBRC) - Keelon Russell made his first start for Alabama Saturday, putting up 335 yards of total offense and a touchdown as the No. 13 Crimson Tide rolled over East Carolina 48-10.
East Carolina
Alabama
Russell completed 17 passes for 249 yards. He was also the Tide’s leading rusher Saturday, putting up 86 yards and a touchdown.
Head coach Kalen DeBoer said he thought Russell got better as the game went on after some early errors.
“I think he kind of started getting in the flow, kind of figuring out how he can move the chains, how he can be a weapon,” DeBoer said. “And as eyes came more to him, he started finding guys down the field. So I just think, again, he’s just every play getting better and (we) kept him in the game quite a while today so he can get those reps, get those snaps.”
Daniel Hill scored twice on the ground for Alabama while rushing for 47 yards. EJ Crowell and Trae’shawn Brown also found the endzone Saturday.
In total, Alabama’s backfield rushed for 253 yards.
Down 17-0 early in the second quarter, ECU quarterback Mitch Griffis threw a 68-yard deep pass to Tyler Johnson down the left sideline to set up a one-yard touchdown to Jeremiah Melvin just one play later.
Despite it being the Pirates’ only touchdown of the day, Griffis completed 10 passes for 137 yards and threw an interception that was returned 27 yards by Yhonzae Pierre for a touchdown midway through the second quarter.
“I don’t think [the quarterback] even saw [Pierre], but you still got to make the play,” DeBoer said. “It was fun to see him. He’s worked hard to have a great year last year and wants to do even more.”
Alabama’s defense held East Carolina to just two rushing yards on the day.
Ryan Coleman-Williams, who had two drops in the first half, finished his day with five catches for 130 yards.
Alabama (1-0) travels to Kentucky next week to open SEC play.
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