TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Keelon Russell accounted for 335 yards and a touchdown, and No. 13 Alabama opened the season with a 48-10 victory over East Carolina on Saturday.
Russell, a sophomore making his first career start after beating out Austin Mack during training camp, ran for 86 yards and a score. He also threw for 249 yards, including 130 of those to Ryan Coleman-Williams.
Russell directed five consecutive scoring drives to start the game, and Alabama (1-0) finished with 480 yards and 27 first downs.
The Crimson Tide, who ranked 15th in the Southeastern Conference in rushing last season, totaled 227 yards on the ground.
East Carolina (0-1) managed just 162 yards and five first downs. The Pirates were 0 for 9 on third down and gained 2 yards on 22 carries. Mitch Griffis completed 10 of 16 passes for 137 yards, with a touchdown and an interception.
Russell made a few mistakes, including a fumble in the third quarter. But he ended up with more positives than negatives, including connecting with Coleman-Williams for a 58-yard gain.
The takeaway
East Carolina: The Pirates scored their lone touchdown after Griffis connected with Tyler Johnson for a 66-yard gain to the Alabama 1. Jeremiah Melvin scored on the next play.
Alabama: The Tide overcame some early execution issues while Russell displayed his dual-threat ability in his starting debut.
Up next
East Carolina hosts Appalachian State next Saturday.
Alabama opens SEC play at Kentucky next Saturday.
___
Sign up for Top 25 poll alerts here, visit the Top 25 here and see AP’s full college football coverage here
