SEC Power Rankings: Egg Bowl, Iron Bowl to decide SEC West champ
Nov 21, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Damien Harris (34) carries the ball as Charleston Southern Buccaneers linebacker Jermichael Bailey (45) pursues him at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
The Alabama Crimson Tide once again proved worthy of the No. 1 spot in this week’s SEC Power Rankings following a dominant 56-6 performance against Charleston Southern.
Next: Greatest College Football Players Born in Each State
Sure, the Buccaneers were a FCS Cupcake Week opponent for the Tide, and anything less than a 40-point victory would have disappointed for the league’s lone surefire national title contender. However, Charleston Southern was 9-1 entering the game and had already secured the Big South championship along with a first round bye in the FCS playoff bracket. Nevertheless, Alabama took care of business in impressive fashion.
Heisman Trophy front-runner Derrick Henry scored two first quarter touchdowns and tallied 68 rushing yards on nine carries as the Crimson Tide built a commanding 49-0 lead prior to halftime. The first half scoring outburst also included two touchdown passes from Jake Coker and two punt return TDs from Cyrus Jones, as well as a one-yard TD run from Bo Scarbrough.
More from Saturday Blitz
- Michigan State vs. Maryland: Location, time, prediction, and more
- ACC Power Rankings: Can #4 FSU overthrow Clemson at Death Valley East?
- Most heartwarming social media reactions to Nick Chubb’s injury
- Ranking college football’s top 10 quarterbacks after Week 3
- Things are going to get much darker for the Houston Cougars
Coker finished 11-for-13 passing for 155 yards and Scarbrough led the team with 69 rushing yards on ten carries. True freshman Damian Harris capped the scoring with a touchdown in the fourth quarter and gained 44 rushing yards on ten carries.
The Alabama defense was just as impressive with the only blemish on the afternoon coming on a fourth quarter quarterback keeper for a touchdown. Overall, the Crimson Tide allowed just 134 total yards – 85 rushing and 49 passing – and eight first downs. Alabama also forced two turnovers.
With the SEC West title still at stake, Alabama will travel to Auburn next week for the Iron Bowl against Auburn. A victory would send the Tide to Atlanta for what should be a play-in game for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Next Game: Saturday November 15 at Mississippi State