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Alabama did what they were set out to do.
The Crimson Tide played today as if their season was on the line, even though they had nothing to play for but bragging rights. Auburn tried but couldn't quite get the job done. They were held to field goals as their only source of offense, and wound up falling to the top-ranked team in the country by the score of 30-12.
Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts did a pretty good job of passing more than what was expected of him, completing 27 of his 36 attempts for 286 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. He rushed for 29 yards, carrying 11 times, with one touchdown on the ground. His first half was poor, with two interceptions thrown and a bobbled ball twice within a minute of possession in the second quarter. Luckily for the Tide, Hurts was able to bounce back and perform better in the second half.
Alabama running backs Bo Scarbrough and Damien Harris combined for 137 rushing yards on 26 carries.
Auburn’s offense did little to nothing as the Alabama defense, once again, held their opponent in check. Auburn quarterbacks John Franklin III and Jeremy Johnson combined to complete six out of 17 passes for 119 yards. The Crimson Tide defense allowed only 66 yards rushing, which is below their season average.
Auburn’s defense held Alabama in check in the first half and as right as possible but Saban and company found a way as always to loosen the rope and get away with the game.