AJ McCarron stepped up in Alabama's quarterback race Saturday, throwing for a touchdown and 226 yards as the No. 2 Crimson Tide beat Kent State 48-7.
Vying with Phillip Sims to replace Greg McElroy, McCarron had a 24-yard scoring toss to Marquis Maze and finished 14-of-23 passing.
McCarron was hardly perfect, throwing two interceptions. Sims also threw two interceptions - one that set up Kent State's score - and finished 7-of-14 for 73 yards.
Starting in place of departed Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson scored three touchdowns and ran for 37 yards.
The season-opener was both a tuneup for Alabama before next week's trip to Penn State and the first game in Tuscaloosa since a deadly tornado swept through town. The school honored police, firefighters and other first responders during a pregame ceremony that included Gov. Robert Bentley.
The raucous, 101,821-seat Bryant-Denny Stadium fell still during a moment of silence to remember tornado victims, and the band performed a tribute at halftime. Fans in the uppermost seats could see twisted trees and mangled homes along the trail of destruction in the distance.
Several Kent State players visited Tuscaloosa in July to help with tornado relief, and Crimson Tide fans applauded as the Golden Flashes jogged on to the field before kickoff. 'Bama fans had sent messages on social media sites all week urging the Bryant-Denny crowd to welcome the visitors nicely rather than booing.
Led by Trey Depriest's 10 tackles, the Alabama defense held the Golden Flashes to 90 yards total offense and minus 9 yards rushing.
The Golden Flashes' lone TD was set up by Norman Wolfe intercepting Sims and returning the ball to the Alabama 3. Spencer Keith found Justin Thompson alone in the end zone two plays later after an incompletion.
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