TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Eddie Lacy rushed for three first-half touchdowns, AJ McCarron set Alabama's single-season record for passing TDs and the fourth-ranked Crimson Tide routed Western Carolina 49-0 on Saturday.
The Crimson Tide (10-1) rebounded from a loss to No. 9 Texas A&M by building a 42-0 halftime lead against the Catamounts (1-10), a Football Championship Subdivision team with two wins in as many seasons. It was Alabama's third shutout of the season.
McCarron completed all six of his attempts for 133 yards and his 21st touchdown before exiting midway through the second quarter. Lacy ran for 99 yards on 10 carries with two 7-yard touchdowns and a 3-yarder. Neither played after halftime.
Cornerback Deion Belue returned a fumble 57 yards in the final seconds before halftime.
The 42 points was the most Alabama had scored in the first half since producing the same amount against Georgia State on Nov. 18, 2010.
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