Alabama overcomes slow 1st quarter to blow out Middle Tennessee

It was a slow start but Alabama roared into life in the second quarter to blow past Middle Tennessee 37-10 in the Crimson Tide's first game this season in Tuscaloosa. Alabama (2-0) quarterback Jake Coker put forward an underwhelming effort that will do little to alleviate concerns, throwing for 214 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Thankfully, he was bailed out by the Crimson Tide's powerful running duo of Derrick Henry and Kenyan Drake, who ran all over Middle Tennessee (1-1).

Here's what you need to know:

• The relatively easy game for the Crimson Tide belonged to Henry and Drake, with the opposing Blue Raiders offering no answers to the powerful duo. Henry ran for 96 yards on 18 carries, collecting three touchdowns. Drake cobbled only 40 yards as a rusher, but also made five catches for 91 yards and one touchdown.
• Replacing Coker for Alabama, Cooper Bateman failed to outperform the man ahead of him on the depth chart. He went 11-for-17 for 98 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
• Another concern for the Crimson Tide moving forward will be the kicking game. Kicker Adam Griffith went 0-for-2 on field goal tries, though he was perfect on extra point converts.
• Middle Tennessee did enjoy a bright spot when Jeremy Cutler made a goal-line interception in the fourth quarter that he returned 77 yards in other way. The Blue Raiders capitalized on the ensuing drive for their sole touchdown of the game.

Play of the Game

While teammate Henry may have scored the early touchdowns, Drake had the play of the game in the second quarter when he got the ball behind the line of scrimmage and ran 69 yards to the Blue Raiders' one-yard line.

Alabama stays home next week to take on fellow SEC program Ole Miss, while Middle Tennessee hosts Charlotte.