FINAL: No. 2 Alabama 48, Kent State 7

(The Birmingham News/Mark Almond)

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama - Alabama flexed its No. 2 ranking Saturday with a 48-7 victory against Kent State at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
The Crimson Tide's quarterback competition between AJ McCarron and Phillip Sims was unveiled, and both played virtually equal time behind center -- until the third quarter.
That's when Sims threw back-to-back interceptions to begin the second half. That second interception led to Kent State's only touchdown on an otherwise flawless afternoon by the Crimson Tide defense.
McCarron finished 14-for-23 passing for 226 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He was not sacked.
Sims, who returned in the fourth quarter with the reserves, was 5-for-12 passing for 59 yards, no touchdowns, two interceptions and two sacks. He also fumbled once.
Alabama's defense held Kent State to 89 yards of offense -- just 6 on the ground.. The defense also registered four sacks.