The Sports Xchange
Nov 21, 2015
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - No. 2 Alabama trounced Charleston Southern 56-6 in Saturday's Iron Bowl tuneup.
Charleston Southern recorded its score early in the fourth quarter as quarterback Kyle Copeland slipped into the end zone from 3 yards out.
The Buccaneers' two-point conversion attempt failed as Crimson Tide linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton intercepted the pass.
The Crimson Tide scored just once in the second half on a 6-yard run from true freshman Damien Harris. The touchdown was the first of Harris' career.
Alabama took a resounding 49-0 lead into halftime over Charleston Southern.
Alabama's opening drive went 64 yards in nine plays, and was capped by a 17-yard touchdown run from Derrick Henry.
Henry has now scored a rushing touchdown in 16 straight games.
After Alabama's defense forced Charleston Southern to punt, Henry scored his second touchdown of the day to cap a 10-play, 55-yard drive which put the Tide up 14-0.
On its third drive, Alabama's passing game struck as Jake Coker hit Richard Mullaney in the back of the end zone for a 21-yard touchdown to make it 21-0. Mullaney was able to drag his left foot in bounds before falling out of the back of the end zone.
Alabama's special teams joined the scoring party as Tide defensive back Cyrus Jones returned a punt 43 yards to make it 28-0. The punt-return score was one of two on the day for Jones and the third of his career.
On Alabama's next offensive possession, Coker threw a strike to freshman Calvin Ridley for a 30-yard touchdown, pushing the Tide's lead to 35-0.
Jones would strike again, returning a punt 72 yards to make it 42-0.
On Charleston Southern's next drive, Jones intercepted a pitch and returned it inside the 10-yard line. Jones was credited with a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Tide freshman Bo Scarbrough finished it off with a 1-yard touchdown to make it 49-0. The score was the first of Scarbrough's career.
NOTES: Alabama freshman DB Minkah Fitzpatrick (knee) did not dress out for Saturday's game. ... Alabama starting RT Dominick Jackson dressed for the game, but did not play. He was replaced by Korren Kirven. ... Charleston Southern completed three passes for zero yards in the first half. ... In records dating back to 1944, this is the first time Alabama has had two punt return touchdowns by the same player in one game. ... Alabama's two freshman running backs Damien Harris and Bo Scarbrough scored their first career rushing touchdowns. ... With Alabama's win today, the Crimson Tide has won 10 games in every season since 2008.