Alabama’s Arenas breaks punt return record

Javier Arenas ran into the record books in the first half for Alabama as he had 141 yards on four punt returns in the first two quarters, going past the previous punt return mark of 122 yards in a game held by Harry Gilmer in 1947 against Georgia. Arenas’ first punt return of the game went for 87 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter. It marked the fourth punt return for a TD for Arenas, tying him with David Palmer (1991-92) for most in school history.

Arenas finished with 147 yards in punt returns on five tries.

Arenas was injured on his first punt return of the second half when Jordan Ellis blasted him on a hard tackle. Freshman Julio Jones took over the punt returning duties following Arenas’ injury.

Block that punt
Roy Upchurch blocked a Tulane punt late in the first quarter, and Chris Rogers scooped the ball up and ran it in 17 yards for a touchdown to give Alabama a 13-0 lead. The last time the Tide returned a blocked punt for a score was in 2004 by Marcel Stamps for 14 yards against Western Carolina.

Upshaw plays
True freshman linebacker Courtney Upshaw of Eufaula saw his first action of the season and became the 10th true freshman to play for Bama over the first two games.

Big night
Linebacker Rolando McClain recorded 15 tackles — nine solo and six assists — to lead Alabama. Dont’a Hightower followed with 10 tackles — five solo and five assists.

Injury update
Andre Smith, Alabama’s preseason All-American candidate at left tackle, did not dress for the game after he suffered a sprained right knee in the second half of the Clemson game.

It snapped a 27-game streak. He had started every game at left tackle since he arrived as a true freshman in 2006. Mike Johnson moved to left tackle from left guard and David Ross got his first start at left guard.

Backup wide receiver Earl Alexander also sat out the game due to a sprained ankle. Nikita Stover started in his place. Senior receiver Will Oakley, who missed training camp rehabbing a stress fracture, has rejoined the team and did dress out.

Against Tulane, offensive guard Marlon Davis pulled a hamstring.

Remembering John Mark
At halftime, the late John Mark Stallings, who died this summer, was remembered. A tribute to John Mark was shown on the stadium jumbotron as his father, legendary Tide coach Gene Stallings, was presented on video talking about the love his son had for the University of Alabama.

Best/Worst
Best return: Javier Arenas returned a punt 87 yards for a touchdown following Tulane’s first punt of the game.

Best block: Roy Upchurch breaking through to block a Tulane punt.

Best timeout: Alabama called a timeout right before Tulane kicker Ross Thevenot got off a 23-yard field goal attempt right before halftime. After the timeout, the Tulane kicker missed.

Worst debut: Freshman Corey Smith got off to a rough start in his kicking debut, missing an extra point and a 37-yard field goal try while filling in for an injured Leigh Tiffin. Tiffin later returned to kick the final PAT.

Worst protection: John Parker Wilson was dropped behind the line of scrimmage three times in the first half.

Worst production: Alabama had 0 net yards rushing in the first half and 38 yards in passing yards.