TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (Interstat) — Keelon Russell passed for 256 yards and rushed for 86 yards on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, to lead Alabama to a 48-10 victory over East Carolina at Bryant-Denny Stadium in front of 100,077.

Russell completed 18 of 30 passes for the Crimson Tide. Alabama took a 10-0 lead in the first quarter on Conor Talty’s 41-yard field goal and EJ Crowell’s 3-yard touchdown run. Daniel Hill added two short touchdown runs in the second quarter, Yhonzae Pierre returned an interception 27 yards for a touchdown and Russell scored on a 3-yard run to give Alabama a 38-7 halftime lead.

East Carolina reached the end zone in the second quarter on Mitch Griffis’ 1-yard touchdown pass to Jeremiah Melvin. Noah Perez added a 34-yard field goal in the third quarter. Griffis completed 10 of 16 passes for 137 yards.

Alabama extended the lead in the fourth quarter on Trae’shawn Brown’s 2-yard touchdown run and Talty’s 21-yard field goal. Ryan Coleman-Williams caught five passes for 130 yards. East Carolina fell to 0-1; Alabama improved to 1-0.