TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) – Cyrus Jones returned two punts for touchdowns and Derrick Henry also scored twice as No. 3 Alabama romped past Charleston Southern 56-6 Saturday.
The Crimson Tide (10-1, No. 2 CFP) led 49-0 by halftime against the Buccaneers (9-2), who are bound for the FCS playoffs. Alabama is hoping to join them in the FBS version and can clinch an SEC West title with a win next week at Auburn.
Jones scored on returns of 43 and 72 yards. He’s the only Alabama player to score twice on punt returns, according to school records dating to 1944. He’s also the first Tide player to have touchdowns on punt returns in consecutive games.
Henry tied Trent Richardson’s Alabama single-season record of 21 touchdowns before sitting out the second half. He had nine carries for 68 yards.
The few remaining fans gave a big cheer in the final minutes after No. 9 Michigan State upset No. 2 Ohio State. The Buckeyes knocked Alabama from the playoffs last season en route to a national title.