Alabama had played in two previous BCS Bowl games, 2009 Sugar Bowl and 2000 Orange Bowl losing both. Texas was leading the all-time series with Alabama by a 7–0–1 count (2–0 in Austin, 2–0 in Dallas, 1–0 in Miami, 1–0 in New Orleans, 1–0 in Tuscaloosa, 0–0–1 in Houston). Alabama won the coin toss and elected to receive the kickoff. The Longhorns forced a three-and-out. Alabama attempted a fake punt, but P.J. Fitzgerald was intercepted by Blake Gideon at the Alabama 36. Texas drove to the Alabama 11, but on 1st down, Colt McCoy (2008 Heisman trophy runner-up and 2009 Heisman Trophy finalist) was hit on QB option run by sophomore defensive lineman Marcell Dareus, pinching a nerve in McCoy's throwing shoulder and leaving him unable to throw the ball accurately. McCoy was replaced by true freshman Garrett Gilbert. Texas reached the 1-yard line, but was held to an 18-yard field goal for an early 3–0 lead. Julio Jones muffed the following kick-off (a surprise short one), with Texas recovering at the Alabama 30. Texas was unable to get a first down, but chalked up a 42-yard field goal, giving Texas a 6–0 lead. On the other hand, Alabama started working their offense. Alabama's offensive line was able to create holes in the Texas defense. Behind Alabama's offensive line, Alabama running back Mark Ingram (2009 Heisman trophy winner) moved almost at will against a Texas defense. The power offense resulted in Alabama taking a lead it would never relinquish on the first play of the second quarter. Mark Ingram scampered into the end zone for a touchdown behind the block of 360-pound defensive lineman Terrence Cody, who was routinely used by Alabama as a blocker when Alabama was close to the goal-line. Alabama took control of the game midway through the second quarter and Alabama's offensive line allowed freshman running back Trent Richardson to shoot straight down the middle of the field for a 48-yard touchdown run. The PAT made the game 14–6 in favor of the Crimson Tide. McElroy was sacked four times by the Texas defense in the first half, but with Ingram and Richardson both gaining yards steadily on the ground, Alabama rarely needed to pass. The last few minutes of the first half were dominated by the Alabama defense. Javier Arenas intercepted Gilbert to end one drive and Alabama's Leigh Tiffin added a field goal off the interception.