It didn’t look pretty after the first quarter, but it’s the finish that counts. After a sluggish start the No. 3 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide coasted to a 38-20 victory over the Kentucky Wildcats, Saturday afternoon.
Courtesy of a Mark Ingram touchdown the Tide led 7-6 after the first quarter. In the second period, ‘Bama running back Trent Richardson barely got out of the endzone to avoid a safety. The “what could have been” development for
Kentucky…turned into a game changing opportunity for Alabama.
The Crimson Tide would drive 97 yards which would culminate with a Colin Peek
3-yard touchdown reception from Greg McElroy. Then, with the half winding to a close, ‘Bama would score again. In the final seconds of the half Kentucky running back Derrick Locke would get the football popped loose by linebacker Rolando McClain. The ball would fall into the hands of fellow linebacker Courtney Upshaw who then raced down the sidelines 45 yards for a touchdown. Within 19 seconds of “game play” the Tide added 14 points to the scoreboard.
In the second half, ‘Bama would blow the game wide open and take a 31-6 lead. For yet another week, the game was decided before the final quarter ever began. Alabama would add another touchdown and cruise to a 38-20 victory.
Tide running back Mark Ingram ran for a career-high 140 yards and scored two touchdowns against Kentucky. Alabama Tight End Colin Peek, who had some early drops against Arkansas, had a fantastic game with six catches for a total of 65 yards, including a first half touchdown reception from Greg McElroy.
On the defensive side of the ball, Alabama was solid. Linebacker Rolando McClain had a superb outing against the Wildcats. McClain led the team with 12 tackles including a forced fumble in the first half, as well as an interception in the third quarter which led to a Mark Ingram 32-yard touchdown scamper.
The game wasn’t pretty in the early stages, but the Tide dominated the latter portion of the second quarter, and the entire second half. With the victory over Kentucky, the Tide improves to 5-0 on the season, and 2-0 in the SEC.
The wind proved to be a vital factor in the game, but when it was all said and done, it was a “Crimson Tide” that proved to be the most brutal element for Kentucky.
NOTE: Coming soon...Alabama/Ole Miss preview.
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