Top-ranked Alabama opened its national title defense with an easy home victory, rolling up 578 yards of total offense and pounding San Jose State 48-3 on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Alabama played without reigning Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram, but it hardly missed him. The Crimson Tide racked up 268 rushing yards, led by redshirt freshman Eddie Lacy, who gained 105 yards on 12 carries and scored on runs of 37 and 10 yards in the second half.

Trent Richardson added 84 yards on 11 carries and scored touchdowns from four and 39 yards in the first half.

Senior quarterback Greg McElroy completed 12 of 14 passes for 194 yards and a touchdown, and redshirt freshman backup A.J. McCarron added 116 yards and a touchdown on 9-of-15 passing for the Crimson Tide.

Julio Jones led Alabama's receivers with six catches for 92 yards.

Alabama scored touchdowns on four of its first five possessions and added a 42-yard field goal from Cade Foster for a 31-3 halftime lead.

The Crimson Tide (1-0) held San Jose State to 176 yards of total offense, as an inexperienced defense passed its first test. Spartans quarterback Jordan La Secla completed 8 of 15 passes for 92 yards, and Brandon Rutley led San Jose State's ground game with 47 yards on 13 carries.