Richardson shows Heisman flash

AUBURN – Alabama tailback Trent Richardson was slowed somewhat in the first half.

In the final two quarters, Richardson showed everyone why he’s among the frontrunners for this year’s Heisman Trophy.

Richardson rushed for 203 yards on 27 carries in helping Alabama to a 42-14 victory over Auburn on Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium. At halftime, Richardson had 61 yards on 14 attempts.

“To me, Trent’s the best football player in the country,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said after the game.

It was the first 200-yard rushing performance for the Tide since Mark Ingram ran for 246 against South Carolina in 2009. It marked the ninth game this season Richardson has run for at least 100 yards, which ties Ingram (2009) for the most in school history.

Richardson has now rushed for 1,583 yards this season, ranking second on the Alabama single-season list behind Ingram, who ran for 1,658 in 2009. He now has 3,034 career rushing yards, which ranks fifth in school history.

AJ ties record

Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron tied a school record for touchdown passes thrown in the Iron Bowl, doing it by the end of the first half during the Tide’s win.

McCarron connected with Kenny Bell (42 yards), Brad Smelley (35 yards) and Trent Richardson (5 yards) in the first half to tie with three other Tide quarterbacks over the years.

Steve Sloan also had three touchdown passes in a 21-14 Alabama victory over the Tigers on Nov. 26, 1964, Jeff Rutledge had three in a 34-16 win over Auburn on Dec. 2, 1978, and Freddie Kitchens passed for three in a 24-23 win over the Tigers on Nov. 23, 1996.

McCarron had a big first half throwing yardage-wise as well, completing 14-of-18 for 164 yards. For the game, he threw for 184 yards on 18-of-23 passing without an interception.

Smelley good

Tight end Brad Smelley was an early target for the Tide, catching a career-high six passes in the first half for 86 yards, including a 35-yard touchdown reception. He didn’t catch a pass in the second half. Over the last two games, Smelley has 10 catches for 144 yards and three touchdowns.

Sunseri shines

Freshman safety Vinnie Sunseri played well after entering the game early when starter Mark Barron was injured. Sunseri had six tackles in the game, four solos and two assists.

“Vinnie did a good job,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said. “He made a few mistakes, but he made adjustments. Their offense is very difficult to make adjustments for. I think he did a wonderful job out there today.”

Pick six

The Tide put the game away during the first minute of the fourth quarter when Dee Milliner picked off a Clint Moseley pass and returned it 35 yards for a touchdown, giving Alabama a 35-14 lead following a 2-point conversion. The Tide has recorded at least one interception in nine of its 12 games this season.

Tricked you

Alabama’s first TD came on a well executed trick play as tailback Trent Richardson took a handoff and then pitched back to QB AJ McCarron, who in turn threw to a wide open Kenny Bell for a 41-yard touchdown.

Kickoff return part II

For the second straight week, Alabama gave up a kickoff return for a touchdown when Onterio McCalebb went the distance on an 83-yard return to open the second half. Last week, Georgia Southern returned a kickoff for a score against the Tide in the second half.

Sack master

Alabama linebacker Courtney Upshaw made two sacks in the game, and now has 8.5 for the season. It’s the most by a Tide player since Wallace Gilberry recorded 10 in 2007. He finished with five tackles in the game, including two for losses of 13 yards.

Stuff it

The Tide defense came up with a huge stop, holding Auburn on a fourth-and-1 play with 1:32 to go in the third quarter with Alabama up 27-14 when Michael Dyer was stuffed for no gain after taking a direct snap and going up the middle. The Tide defense ruled throughout the game, holding Auburn to just 140 yards and nine first downs for the game. In the first half, Alabama outgained Auburn 221-31 (164-16 edge passing, 57-15 rushing), while gaining 13 first downs and holding the Tigers to just one. Auburn entered into Alabama territory just once in the first half.

Smart rumor

Several websites are reporting that Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart will be one of the candidates interviewed by Ole Miss to replace Houston Nutt, who coached his last game for the Rebels Saturday night. Nutt announced on Nov. 8 he would resign as head coach effective at the end of the season. Smart is in his fifth season with the Crimson Tide.