Alabama claimed a 35-17 win against Wisconsin in Saturday’s marquee Week 1 opener.

After reviewing the game, here are some of our thoughts.

5 TAKEAWAYS

  • Jake Coker looked like an SEC quarterback: The Crimson Tide gave Coker a chance to start against Wisconsin, and he responded with a solid effort. While not officially named the starter, the redshirt senior certainly made his case.
  • Derrick Henry is a beast: This isn’t exactly breaking news, but it is worth noting as Henry prepares to assume a larger role in the Crimson Tide running game this season. He set career highs in rushing yards (147) and touchdowns (3).
  • Alabama’s run defense is on point: The Crimson Tide has a reputation as being one of the nation’s best against the run, and the front seven showed that to be accurate by holding the Badgers, who have a reputation for running the ball well, to just 40 yards on 21 carries.
  • The quarterback battle is not over: While Coker certainly made his case to be the Crimson Tide’s starter, fellow QB Cooper Bateman entered the game in the third quarter and made his case for playing time by going 7-for-8 for 51 yards.
  • The Crimson Tide is ready for SEC play While next week’s opponent is Conference USA’s Middle Tennessee State, it is clear Alabama is ready to get things started in conference play after an impressive win over Wisconsin. Things begin in earnest when Ole Miss comes to Tuscaloosa on Sept. 19.

REPORT CARD

Offense: A — Henry and Drake were fantastic, Coker and young WRs impressed.

Defense: A — 17 points, 40 rushing yards, three sacks and an interception. Well done.

Special Teams: D — Two missed field goals and a shanked punt were not pretty.

Coaching: A — Solid game plan on both sides of the ball, Nick Saban managed the game well.

Overall: A — It’s hard to complain about a multi-score victory over a top 20 team at a neutral site to open the season. Things went well.

GAME PLAN

Alabama’s game plan for Wisconsin appeared to work just as the Crimson Tide drew it up. The Alabama defense was fantastic against the run, forcing the Badgers to rely on QB Joel Stave to throw the football. On offense, Lane Kiffin dialed up a nice game plan to keep Coker confident and effective, while also making sure to get the ball into the hands of RBs Derrick Henry and Kenyan Drake as much as possible.

GAME BALLS

  • RB Derrick Henry: If there was any doubt that this guy is one of the best power/speed combo backs in the country, his performance in this game (147 yards and three touchdowns on 13 carries) probably changed minds.
  • QB Jake Coker: No one knew quite what to expect from Coker after a preseason full of questions about the position, but the senior was an efficient 15-of-21 for 213 yards and a touchdown while avoiding turnovers.
  • DL Jonathan Allen: The junior got to Wisconsin QB Joel Stave twice on Saturday, recording two of the defense’s three sacks.