ATLANTA _ While it was storming outside of the Georgia Dome, the University of Alabama’s season opener against West Virginia had the early makings of a shootout Saturday afternoon.

Alabama’s attempt to play keep-away with touchdown drives of 14 and 13 plays was essentially nullified by a 100-yard kick return by Mario Alford. The Crimson Tide got a last-second 41-yard field goal by Adam Griffith for a 20-17 lead.

Running back T.J. Yeldon scored both of Alabama’s touchdowns, on carries off 1 and 15 yards.

In his first career start, senior quarterback Blake Sims completed 15 of 19 passes for 165 yards and no turnovers, but the marque play was on third-and-13 when DeAndrew White turned a short pass into a 38-yard gain.

West Virginia attacked cornerback Bradley Sylve, with wide receiver Kevin White making three catches to set up a short field goal, and then scored a 19-yard touchdown in man coverage.

As expected, sophomore Reuben Foster started in senior middle linebacker Trey DePriest’s place (suspended). Senior Leon Brown also started at right guard, where he had played in the spring before sustaining a summer foot injury, but sophomore Alphonse Taylor also played some in the second quarter.