t’s only one game.
And yes, it was East Carolina.
But Alabama fans have every reason to be excited about Keelon Russell right now.
The sophomore made his first career start Saturday and immediately showed why Kalen DeBoer handed him the keys to Alabama’s offense.
Russell completed 18 of 30 passes for 256 yards while adding a team-high 86 rushing yards and a touchdown as No. 13 Alabama crushed East Carolina 48-10. He didn’t turn the ball over, either.
But the numbers don’t completely explain how impressive he looked.
Russell looked dangerous.
When the pocket broke down, he created something. On Alabama’s opening drive, Russell escaped pressure and ripped off a 23-yard run, immediately showing the athleticism that could make this offense extremely difficult to defend.
Alabama scored on each of its first five possessions, eventually piling up 487 yards of offense.
That’s a pretty good way to introduce yourself.
There were obviously some mistakes. Russell was called for an illegal forward pass, took a few unnecessary hits and had moments where his inexperience showed.
He’s a sophomore making his first start. That’s going to happen.
The important part is that the talent was obvious.
DeBoer said afterward that Russell is going to be a difficult player to defend because Alabama can open up the playbook with his ability to create with his legs.
Now comes the fun part.
Let’s see him do it in the SEC.
Alabama travels to Kentucky next Saturday for its conference opener, giving Russell his first career road start and first opportunity to lead the Crimson Tide into an SEC environment. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET.
That’s where we’ll start learning a lot more about him.
Dominating East Carolina at Bryant-Denny Stadium is one thing.
Walking into an SEC stadium and doing it again is completely different.
But if Russell looks anything like he did Saturday, Alabama might have found its next star quarterback.
And next weekend could be his first opportunity to make the rest of the SEC notice.
