LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) Keelon Russell threw for 188 yards and a touchdown to help No. 12 Alabama Crimson Tide beat Kentucky Wildcats 45-17 on Saturday in the Southeastern Conference opener for both teams.

Russell overcame two interceptions in the first half as the Crimson Tide (2-0) overcame a 17-13 halftime deficit, outscoring the Wildcats (1-1) 32-0 in the second half.

″(It was) far from a perfect game,” Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer said. “It wasn’t this crazy energy that we had to have (after trailing). I felt like it was kind of almost just getting locked in, getting refocused, and just knowing the game was going to be ours. We’ve just got to go out and execute.”

Alabama won its ninth straight over Kentucky, a streak that began after the Wildcats had a 40-34 overtime victory in 1997, ending a 75-year losing streak to the Crimson Tide.

Alabama managed just 128 total yards in the first two quarters, including 5 yards rushing. Sparked by Russell and running back Daniel Hill, Alabama finished with 343 total yards, including 155 on the ground. Hill had 104 yards rushing and scored a touchdown.

DeBoer was seen talking to Russell, who said it was just “head coach talking to quarterback.”

“I told him I’m willing to work my (butt) off this week and get ready for FSU and fix the mistakes, Russell said.”

In his second career start, Kentucky quarterback Kenny Minchey threw for 146 yards and a touchdown. Kentucky managed just 62 yards in the second half. He also threw an interception and lost a fumble.

“The ball was an issue,” Kentucky coach Will Stein said. “The interception, you’ve got to take care of the football. Then he got sack-fumbled. The kid competed. He’s our guy no matter what. He’s an elite competitor.”

Amid the early struggles against the Wildcats, DeBoer praised his team’s ability to overcome the slow start, giving his younger players valuable experience.

“That’s going to be part of where we’re at right now, early part in the season,” DeBoer said. “Doing what we did and winning the second half - winning the second half builds belief, builds trust. You’ve got to go through those experiences really for it to shape and build your team.”

Alabama: The Crimson Tide dominated the second half after generating just 5 yards rushing in the first two quarters. Alabama finished with 150 total rushing yards in the second half. Alabama won its 10th straight conference opener and is 34-1 to open league play since 1992. Alabama has scored 93 points in its first two contests.

Kentucky: Kentucky hasn’t beaten a ranked foe since a 33-14 triumph over Florida in 2023 and fell to 2-40-1 overall against Alabama. The Wildcats outgained the Crimson Tide 147-128 in the first half, but finished with 209 total yards.

Alabama: Hosts Florida State next Saturday.

Kentucky: At Texas A&M next Saturday.

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