The Tide Keeps Rollin'

#35 Arizona – 6
#3 Alabama – 38

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- In front of 102,000 fans the Crimson Tide offense was able to put up twenty-eight points by half against an overmatched Arizona defense.  Alabama received the ball first and was able to take up most of the first quarter by marching the ball down to the seven yard line. QB Greg McElroy was able to connected with star Julio Jones for a touchdown.

Arizona was able to answer with a field goal in the second quarter, making the score 7-3. On the kickoff Javier Arenas, the best returner in the nation, was able to take the kickoff back for a 82-yard touchdown (14-3).   QB Matt Scott threw an interception to Ali Shariff on the next Wildcat drive, and the Alabama offense was able to capitalize on QB Greg McElroy to Julio Jones connection for his second touchdown of the game with sixteen seconds left in the half (21-3). On the kickoff Arizona fumbled the ball and Jerrell Harris was able to scoop it up and return the abll 15-yards inside the Wildcats' 10 yard line. QB Greg McElroy threw his third touchdown pass to Mike McCoy as the Tide gambled with five seconds left. Alabama went into half leading the game 28-3 after a 21 point outburst in the final 1:26 of the second quarter with a 21 point second quarter.

The second half consisted of more domination by the Crimson Tide defense that eventually led to the Wildcats benching QB Matt Scott for future Philadelphia Eagle Nick Foles. The Tide converted an impressive 53-yard field goal by Leigh Tiffin. Arizona was able to put another three points on the board with a field goal in the fourth quarter.  Mark Ingram added a late 36 yard touchdown run, capping the scoring at 38-6.

Alabama will face the winner of #14 Ole Miss and #46 Missouri.

Stats:
Alabama
Greg McElroy – (260.7) 7/10 133 yards, 3 TDs, INT
Mark Ingram – 11 rush 50 yards, TD; 1 rec 25 yards
Julio Jones – 5 rec 101 yards, 2 TD
Mike McCoy – 1 rec 7 yards, TD
Javier Arenas – 3 tackles; 2 kr 94 yards, TD ( 82 yards)
Don'ta Hightower – 3 tackles, FF
Rolando McClain – 3 tackles, 2 TFL
Ali Shariff – tackle, INT, PD
Jerrell Harris – FR
Justin Woodall – 3 tackles, TFL
Leigh Tiffin – 53 yard field goal; 5/5 extra points