NEW ORLEANS (AP) – Derrick Henry scored on a 25-yard run, Blake Sims hit Amari Cooper for a 15-yard touchdown strike, and Alabama led Ohio State 14-0 after the first quarter in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Sugar Bowl on Thursday night.
The winner will advance to the championship game in Arlington, Texas, on Jan. 12 against Oregon. The Ducks pummeled Florida State 59-20 on Thursday in the semifinal played at the Rose Bowl.
Henry had 56 yards rushing in the quarter, about half on the drive that culminated with Cooper’s touchdown.
Ohio State twice drove inside the Alabama 10 before settling for field goals and also hurt itself with a turnover that set up Henry’s score.
Ohio State (12-1) struck first after running back Ezekiel Elliott stiff-armed cornerback Eddie Jackson to get the corner on the right sideline and then hurdled Landon Collins to break loose for a 54-yard gain to the 5.