Alabama wins its 18th consecutive conference opener

at No. 3 Alabama 35, Arkansas 7: Greg McElroy passed for a career-high 291 yards and three touchdowns as the Crimson Tide (4-0, 1-0) won its 18th consecutive league opener dating to its 1992 national championship season. A relentless defense hounded the nation’s No. 2 offense, as Ryan Mallett went 12 for 35 for 161 yards for the Razorbacks (1-2, 0-2).

No. 7 Louisiana State 30, at Mississippi State 26: The Tigers (4-0, 2-0) stuffed the defense at the goal line with 1:08 left to preserve the victory. It was their 10th straight win over the Bulldogs (2-2, 1-2), who gave up four big plays that proved costly.

at Auburn 54, Ball State 30: Chris Todd tied a school record with five touchdown passes for the Tigers (4-0). Kelly Page passed for one touchdown and ran for another for the Cardinals (0-4). Kickoff was delayed for 30 minutes because of rain and lightning.

at Tennessee 34, Ohio 23: Jonathan Crompton threw for two touchdowns as the Volunteers (2-2) turned to their unsteady passing game to beat the Bobcats (2-2).

Vanderbilt 36, at Rice 17: The Commodores (2-2) ran the ball 43 times for 216 yards and scored four rushing touchdowns. Three quarterbacks played for the Owls (0-4), who had only 17 first downs.