Alabama 34, Clemson 10

Zero rushing yards. Think about that.

The University of Alabama's defense held No. 9 Clemson to zero rushing yards Saturday night in the Georgia Dome, as the Crimson Tide opened its seccond season under coach Nick Saban with an impressive 34-10 victory over the Tigers.

ESPN's Ivan Maisel:

If Alabama continues to play as well as it played Saturday night, the Crimson Tide will play in the Georgia Dome again this season -- in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game.

Alabama had 259 rushing yards, and Tide QB John Parker Wilson completed 22 of 30 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns.

Being an Alabama fan means that as long as the Tide has a zero in the losses column, you're thinking national championship. With 14 freshmen in the two-deep lineup, 'Bama is very inexperienced -- they committed too many penalties last night, typical of a young squad -- but against Clemson they showed the kind of physical dominance that inspires expectations.