Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell’s first start at the program produced a convincing 48-10 win and got the Crimson Tide college football season going.
Russell put together plenty of individual highlights, completing 18 of 30 passes for 256 yards, although he finished without a touchdown, while adding a team-high 86 rushing yards and a touchdown on 13 carries.
Right after completing the victory over East Carolina, the starting quarterback issued a bold statement about what he expects from his partnership with wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams.
In Russell’s eyes, he and Coleman-Williams will eventually stand above every other quarterback-receiver combination in college football.
“At the end of the season you’re going to be looking at the best duo in the country,” Russell said.
The pair started on the right foot on Saturday, producing good numbers in their first game together with Russell as Alabama’s starter.
Coleman-Williams caught five passes for 130 yards, giving him more receiving yards than every other Alabama pass catcher combined. That said, he also had two second-quarter drops and a lost fumble.
Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News
Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer made clear afterward that Alabama intends to keep Coleman-Williams heavily involved despite those mistakes.
“Yeah, he went out there, made some contested catches too,” DeBoer said. “You know we’re gonna keep feeding him. He’s a relentless worker, and he’s gonna keep getting the ball.”
Russell and Coleman-Williams will have their next chance to build on the quarterback’s prediction when they face fellow SEC program Kentucky in Week 2.
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