No. 2 Alabama rolls past smaller division Western Carolina 48-14 after slow start

Alabama running back Derrick Henry (27) scores a touchdown during the first half an NCAA college football game against Western Carolina, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (The Associated Press)

Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper (9) avoids the tackle from Western Carolina defensive back A.J. McKoy (30) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Cooper limped off the field after an injury on the play. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (The Associated Press)

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Derrick Henry rushed for two touchdowns and scored a third on a catch, all in the first half, to lead No. 2 Alabama to a 48-14 victory over Western Carolina on Saturday.

The Crimson Tide (10-1) recovered from a slow start to score the final 31 points in its first game since rising to No. 1 in the College Football Playoff rankings. FCS member Western Carolina (7-5) trailed just 17-14 early in the second quarter.

Blake Sims was 17 of 25 passing for 222 yards and two touchdowns, while throwing an interception in the end zone. Henry had touchdown runs of 10 and 23 yards and a 9-yard scoring reception.

Neither played in the second half.

The Tide can clinch a spot in the SEC championship game with a victory next weekend over No. 16 Auburn.

Alabama held out injured tailback T.J. Yeldon (ankle), wide receiver DeAndrew White (hamstring) and placekicker Adam Griffith, whose injury hasn't been specified.