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By Scott Crumbly
Twitter: @ScottCrumbly
SEC Digital Network
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Alabama rolled into Fayetteville Saturday to take on division rival Arkansas, and Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide turned in the kind of dominant performance that SEC fans have become accustomed to in a 52-0 win over the Razorbacks.
The Tide (3-0, 1-0 SEC) got great production from a trio of running backs as Kenyan Drake, T.J. Yeldon and Eddie Lacy all rushed for at least 55 yards and a score on the day. Lacy, a junior, was the biggest standout for Alabama, scoring three times on the ground.
Alabama took control early on in the contest and didn’t let go. The Tide took a 24-0 lead into halftime thanks to a 17-point second quarter. Cade Foster drilled a 51-yard field goal for Alabama before AJ McCarron hit Amari Cooper for a 20-yard touchdown. Lacy finished the half with a 1-yard plunge into the end zone, his second score of the game.
The Crimson Tide defense was stout as usual, holding the Razorbacks (1-2, 0-1) to 1.4 yards per play in the first half and just 2.0 per play for the game. Arkansas, which was playing without injured starting quarterback Tyler Wilson, was held to 137 total yards. The Tide has not allowed a touchdown in its last nine quarters of football.
Quarterback A.J. McCarron was efficient once again for the Tide, finishing with 11.8 yards per pass attempt and one touchdown through the air.
Statistical Leaders
Arkansas
Passing – Brandon Allen, 10-for-18, 60 yards, 2 INT
Rushing – Knile Davis, 20 car, 59 yards
Receiving – Chris Gragg, 3 rec, 33 yards
Alabama
Passing – AJ McCarron, 11-for-16, 189 yards, TD
Rushing – Eddie Lacy, 12 car, 55 yards, 3 TD
Receiving – Christian Jones, 3 rec, 74 yards