Keelon Russell shows off dual-threat ability as No. 13 Alabama handles East Carolina 48-10

Keelon Russell accounted for 335 yards and touchdown, and No. 13 Alabama opened the season with a 48-10 victory over East CarolinaTUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Keelon Russell accounted for 335 yards and a touchdown, and No. 13 Alabama opened the season with a 48-10 victory over East Carolina on Saturday.Russell, a sophomore making his first career start after beating out Austin Mack during training camp, ran for 86 yards and a score. He also threw for 249 yards, including 130 of those to Ryan Coleman-Williams. Russell directed five consecutive scoring drives to start the game, and Alabama (1-0) finished with 480 yards and 27 first downs.The Crimson Tide, who ranked 15th in the Southeastern Conference in rushing last season, totaled 227 yards on the ground.East Carolina (0-1) managed just 162 yards and five first downs. The Pirates were 0 for 9 on third down and gained 2 yards on 22 carries. Mitch Griffis completed 10 of 16 passes for 137 yards, with a touchdown and an interception.Russell made a few mistakes, including a fumble in the third quarter. But he ended up with more positives than negatives, including connecting with Coleman-Williams for a 58-yard gain.East Carolina: The Pirates scored their lone touchdown after Griffis connected with Tyler Johnson for a 66-yard gain to the Alabama 1. Jeremiah Melvin scored on the next play.Popular ReadsAlabama: The Tide overcame some early execution issues while Russell displayed his dual-threat ability in his starting debut.East Carolina hosts Appalachian State next Saturday. Alabama opens SEC play at Kentucky next Saturday.___Sign up for Top 25 poll alerts here, visit the Top 25 here and see AP’s full college football coverage hereSponsored Content by Taboola