Alabama’s final game in Bryant-Denny Stadium of the 2013-14 season went much the way previous home games have went, as the Crimson Tide rolled over the Chattanooga Mocs 49-0 to improve to 11-0. The Crimson Tide earned its third shutout, all of which have been at home.
As it was Senior Day, it was the last game for many players in Bryant-Denny, including quarterback AJ McCarron, linebacker C.J. Mosley and wide receiver Kevin Norwood, among others.
Coach Nick Saban was pleased after the game with the overall atmosphere the seniors enjoyed.
“I was really happy the fans that were here stayed and supported the players and came out and supported the seniors,” Saban said.
In a moment obviously designed for McCarron, his younger brother, Corey, was brought in for one play at tight end early in the third quarter. The brothers connected on a 3-yard pass.
“That’s the reason I stayed, for memories like this,” McCarron said. “It’s just something we’ll be able to cherish for the rest of our life.”
Later on that same drive, McCarron connected with Amari Cooper for a 38-yard touchdown in what would be his last drive under center in Alabama’s home stadium. McCarron finished 13-of-16 passing for 171 yards and two touchdowns.
On the defensive side of the ball, Mosley tied sophomore safety Landon Collins for the team lead in total tackles with seven.
“For me, it was perfect,” Mosley said. “We came out with a shutout. It can’t get any better than that for a defensive player. We talked about this being a momentum game, going into next week and the rest of the season.”
Norwood also showed out, leading all Crimson Tide receivers with four catches for 84 yards. Norwood had a 50-yard run and catch on Alabama’s first drive to jump start the Crimson Tide offense. He later added a 28-yard touchdown in the second quarter, his fourth score in as many games.
“It meant everything,” Norwood said of his last home game. “I had my family here. To go out and play the last home game on your turf was just really exciting for us.”
With T.J. Yeldon kept out of the game with a knee injury, freshman Derrick Henry received several touches early in the game. Henry’s first carry went for 27 yards, which set up his 5-yard run on the next play at 12:31 in the second quarter.
Henry averaged 11 yards on six carries, second on the team to Kenyan Drake, who gained 77 yards, including a 19-yard touchdown on Alabama’s first drive.
Linebacker Trey DePriest got his first career interception in the first quarter, after Chattanooga took over in Crimson Tide territory due to a muffed punt by Christion Jones. DePriest finished with five total tackles.
Senior receiver Kenny Bell, who’s been on the team since 2009, was also candid about his farewell at Bryant-Denny.
“It was a sad moment,” Bell said. “It’s bittersweet.”
Freshman Maurice Smith made his first career start at cornerback, as Deion Belue sat out with an injury. Bradley Sylve also got playing time for the first time since the Arkansas game on Oct. 19.
Alabama will next play at No. 6 Auburn on Nov. 30, which will be the first time the Iron Bowl will decide the winner of the SEC West.
