Alabama Too Much For UNT

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – No. 2 Alabama’s rushing attack proved too much for the Mean Green Saturday night as the Crimson Tide defeated North Texas 41-0 in front of 101,821 fans at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Alabama (3-0) racked up 347 yards on the ground, including scoring rushes of 58, 71 and 67 while holding North Texas (0-3) to 68 yards rushing. This marks the second time this year the Mean Green has been held under 100 yards rushing.

The Crimson Tide started things off with an 11-play, 69 yard-drive that resulted in a 26-yard field goal and finished the first quarter up 10-0.

The second quarter saw much of the same with running back Eddie Lacy taking one in from 43 yards out on the first drive and kicker Jeremy Shelly adding a field goal for a 20-0 halftime lead.

The fifth-rated Alabama defense was able to hold the Mean Green to only 25 offensive yards in the first half.

North Texas showed life early in the third quarter assembling a nine play, 54-yard drive to open the half, but had the resulting Zach Olen field goal attempt blocked.

The Mean Green would threaten one more time after a Lance Dunbar reception had them at the two yard-line, but the offense stalled and the drive resulted in a turnover on downs.

After registering only one sack in the first two games, the Mean Green defense picked up four on Saturday, including two from Brandon McCoy and the first career sack for senior Julian Herron. Kyle White also recorded the only two turnovers of the game as he recovered two Tide fumbles.

James Hamilton led the North Texas rushing attack on the night with 33 yards on seven carries with senior Lance Dunbar getting 61 total yards.

The Crimson Tide shutout marks the first time that North Texas has been shutout since 2006.

The Mean Green will return home for a match-up with its first-ever Big Ten opponent, Indiana, next Saturday, September 24 at 6 p.m. at Apogee Stadium.