No. 12 Alabama got the scrimmage-like tuneup it needed going into the regular-season finale against Auburn, beating Georgia State 63-7 on Thursday at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa.

The Crimson Tide (9-2) scored the first 42 points of the game before Georgia State (6-5), a first-year program headed by former Alabama coach Bill Curry, scored prior to halftime on Albert Wilson’s 97-yard kickoff return.

Alabama scored almost every way possible in the first half, putting points on the board via a run, a pass, an interception return and a punt return. Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy was especially effective in the first half, completing 12 of 13 passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns to Julio Jones, who caught seven passes for 86 yards. Reigning Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram rushed for 86 yards and one touchdown.

The Alabama defense made life hard for Georgia State quarterback Drew Little, who completed only 4 of 11 passes for 69 yards – with 55 yards on one completion to Emmanuel Oqbuehi -- and was intercepted four times. Georgia State managed only 165 yards in total offense and seven first downs.

Alabama completes its season Nov. 26 against No. 2 Auburn in the Iron Bowl. Coach Nick Saban’s team won’t get a chance to defend its national championship, but is again poised to play in a New Year’s Day bowl game.