Highlight: No. 10 Alabama Overpowers Eastern Illinois

Alabama showcased its depth and dominance on Saturday, rolling past Eastern Illinois 56-0 behind a powerful rushing attack and a suffocating defense.

Six different Crimson Tide players found the end zone, with Kevin Riley and AK Dear each scoring twice. Despite resting key contributors — including receiver Germie Bernard, center Parker Brailsford and tight end Josh Cuevas — Alabama (9-2) still overwhelmed the FCS opponent. Coach Kalen DeBoer said Cuevas was hurt during practice and his status remains uncertain.

Even short-handed, Alabama amassed 539 yards while holding Eastern Illinois (3-9) to just 34, a mismatch expected between a national powerhouse and an FCS program with a losing record.

The blowout also allowed Alabama to rotate much of its roster onto the field. Quarterbacks Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell each directed scoring drives as Alabama posted a season-high 269 rushing yards — with all eight offensive touchdowns coming on the ground. It marked the Tide’s most rushing touchdowns in a game since 1979 against Vanderbilt.

Fixing an inconsistent run game has been a priority, as Alabama entered the matchup ranked 123rd nationally with just 108.7 rushing yards per game.

“It’s about execution and reps,” DeBoer said. “They all ran hard and took advantage of their opportunities.”

Alabama controlled the game from the start, intercepting the Panthers on their opening drive and turning it into a touchdown. Moments later, a blocked punt set up another quick score. Thirty-one of the Tide’s 38 first-half plays took place in Eastern Illinois territory.

Still, not everything went smoothly. Simpson threw two interceptions — extending his streak to seven straight games with a turnover — and kicker Conor Talty missed a 28-yard field goal, prompting boos from the home crowd. Talty was eventually replaced.

“(Talty) had a great week of practice,” DeBoer said. “We want everyone to support him just like every other player giving his all.”

With the lopsided win, Alabama now turns its attention to next week’s high-stakes Iron Bowl. The Tide can clinch a spot in the SEC Championship Game with a win; a loss could end their College Football Playoff hopes.

“There’s a lot of excitement in the locker room,” DeBoer said. “Everything we set out to accomplish back in January is still right in front of us.”

The Takeaway

• Eastern Illinois: The Panthers earned $560,000 for the guarantee game.

• Alabama: The Tide secured valuable snaps for backups and avoided new injuries ahead of the Iron Bowl.

Up Next

• Eastern Illinois: Season complete.

• Alabama: Travels to Auburn next Saturday.