TUSCALOOSA, Ala.– Alabama’s Jalen Hurts continues to play with something to prove as he anchored the Crimson Tide in both passing and rushing versus Ole Miss at halftime.
He connected on 12 of 18 passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for 94 yards on eight carries with a score to give the Tide a 35-3 lead. Running backs Bo Scarbrough and Damien Harris combined for 39 yards on 12 attempts, with Scarbrough scoring a touchdown.
Calvin Ridley led Alabama in receiving with three catches for 38 yards, and a trio of wide receivers – Robert Foster, Jerry Jeudy and Josh Jacobs – each brought in two receptions.
After being bothered by a hamstring during the latter weeks of fall practice, Jacobs recorded his first touchdown of the season on an 18-yard reception.
Tight end Hale Hentges was credited with his second score of the year, bringing in a three-yard grab from Hurts in the first quarter.
Defensively, the Crimson Tide sacked Shea Patterson four times.
Minkah Fitzpatrick led the team in tackles (seven), while Da’Ron Payne totaled five stops and Hootie Jones put in four tackles. Alabama had a trio of defenders –Anfernee Jennings, Anthony Averett and Daniel Wright — with three tackles apiece, and cornerback Levi Wallace turned in the program’s first non-offensive touchdown of the season.
Wallace intercepted Patterson in the first quarter and returned it for a 35-yard score. Ole Miss totaled just 138 yards in the first half and did not convert a third down in eight attempts.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
