Originally published September 1, 2012 at 8:08 PM | Page modified September 1, 2012 at 11:33 PM

ARLINGTON, Texas Dee Milliner and that Alabama defense showed they can still dominate.

Even after sending three starting defenders from last year's national championship team to the NFL as first-round draft picks, the second-ranked Crimson Tide threw around eighth-ranked Michigan while pounding Denard Robinson in a season-opening 41-14 victory Saturday night.

C.J. Mosley returned an interception 16 yards for a touchdown for the Tide. AJ McCarron, no longer with third overall draft pick Trent Richardson to hand the ball off to, threw two touchdowns as Alabama won its 11th consecutive season opener.

Milliner, the primary nickelback last season now in a starting role, deflected four passes in the first half, and had an interception after shoving intended receiver Roy Roundtree to the ground and into the Alabama sideline. That set up a touchdown for the Crimson Tide, which shot out to a 31-0 lead.

While Michigan still can recover to contend for a Big Ten title and possible Rose Bowl bid, this could be a confidence-shaking performance.

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At No. 3 Louisiana State 41,

North Texas 14

Kenny Hilliard rushed for 141 yards and two touchdowns, and LSU opened its season with a victory over North Texas.

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