The Ohio State Buckeyes drew first blood in the Sugar Bowl against the Alabama Crimson Tide but it was Derrick Henry who responded in a grand fashion to give Alabama an early lead.
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Ohio State forced back-to-back three-and-outs from Alabama to begin the game and had a 3-0 lead early in the first quarter in the Sugar Bowl, but it didn’t last too long.
Alabama is playing without starting running back T.J. Yeldon, at least for now, who is slowed by injuries so Derrick Henry got the start for the Tide in the place he starred in last year’s Sugar Bowl.
Following a 73-yard punt from JK Scott, the Buckeyes went back to Ezekiel Elliott who ripped off a 17-yard run, but was stripped by Eddie Jackson and Landon Collins recovered the fumble at the Ohio State 33 to set the stage for Henry.
Two plays later Henry galloped in the end zone for a 25-yard touchdown to give Alabama a 7-3 lead.
The 240-pound Henry may have to carry the load more than usual if Yeldon is unable to give it a go with his hamstring and ankle injuries but so far the former five-star recruit and all-time high school rushing leader looks more than up to the workload.
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