AJ McCarron solidified his standing as Alabama’s starting quarterback Saturday, guiding the second-ranked Crimson Tide to a 27-11 victory at No. 20 Penn State.

McCarron, who split time with Phillip Sims in last week’s season-opening victory over Kent State, completed 19-of-31 passes for 163 yards and a touchdown. Trent Richardson added 111 yards rushing and two touchdowns, and the Crimson Tide defense shut down Penn State’s running game.

The Nittany Lions (1-1) rushed for 107 yards, one week after rushing for 245 yards against Indiana State.

McCarron gave Alabama (2-0) a 7-3 lead with 25 seconds left in the first quarter, finding Michael Williams for a 5-yard touchdown. Richardson scored with 35 seconds left in the first half, capping a 10-play drive with a 3-yard touchdown run as Alabama led 17-3 at halftime.

Richardson added a 13-yard touchdown run with 6:14 to play. Jeremy Shelley kicked two field goals for Alabama. All five Alabama scoring drives were 50 yards or more, and four were 10 plays or more.

Penn State’s quarterback picture also cleared somewhat. Rob Bolden started, completing 11-of-29 passes for 144 yards. Matthew McGloin completed just 1-of-10 passes for 0 yards.

Evan Lewis kicked a 43-yard field goal with 7:34 left in the first quarter for the Nittany Lions. Silas Redd scored on a 1-yard run.

Alabama plays host to North Texas next Saturday before opening SEC play at home against No. 14 Arkansas on Sept. 24. Penn State travels to Temple next Saturday.