Alabama got a 37-10 victory over Middle Tennessee State to open the home portion of the Crimson Tide’s 2015 schedule and move Nick Saban’s team to 2-0.

The score was lopsided and the Tide is still undefeated, meaning all their goals for the season are still within reach. But at the same time, the win wasn’t particularly impressive and left Bama with plenty to work on before the high-powered offense of Ole Miss visits Bryant-Denny Stadium next Saturday.

5 TAKEAWAYS

The quarterback job belongs to Jake Coker: Saban insinuated in his postgame press conference that the fact Coker has started both games and Cooper Bateman didn’t come in until the Tide had a large lead should be enough to get people to stop asking about any quarterback controversy.

Alabama is stacked at running back: Derrick Henry is a legitimate Heisman candidate, but he’s not even the most explosive running back on the roster. Kenyan Drake continues to make big plays as both a runner and receiver. Freshman Damien Harris looked good late, getting eight carries for 55 yards.

The Tide defense needs to be better: Middle Tennessee State wound up with only 275 yards of total offense, but marched the ball right down the field on more than one occasion. Early in the game Alabama seemed to be in bend-but-don’t-break mode and it was only a few mistakes by the Blue Raiders that kept them off the board.

Tight end is a strength: O.J. Howard moved around the field like a gigantic wide receiver. He was the most impressive pass catcher on Alabama’s roster. Ty Flournoy-Smith looked good in a limited role and could probably get more opportunities except that would mean less looks for Howard.

Reggie Ragland still rules: There’s not doubt the senior linebacker is going to continue to lead the Alabama defense. He led the Tide with 7.5 tackles, including one for a loss and forced a fumble. He’s the heart and soul of the defense.

REPORT CARD

Offense: B — The running game was nearly unstoppable while Jake Coker and Cooper Bateman combined to throw for 312 yards. But the quarterbacks had two bad interceptions and the passing yardage was boosted by some great runs after the catch.

Defense: B– — It was certainly a passing grade for the Tide defense, and Saban was particularly happy with four takeaways. But there were times when the MTSU receivers were getting open too easily.

Special teams: C+ — JK Scott punted much better this week and the Tide got a safety off a blocked punt, but Adam Griffith missed both his field goal attempts.

Coaching: A- — The Tide made nice adjustments as the game went along. Alabama struggled to throw deep, but found ways to get Howard and Drake more involved.

Overall: B — A win is a win and the Tide took down a team that’s not that bad, but there is certainly room for improvement.

GAME PLAN

The Tide entered the game hoping to handle the quick pace of the Blue Raiders by taking advantage of incompletions to get fresh bodies in on defense and also controlling the tempo itself on offense with a strong running game. For the most part it worked. The Alabama secondary contributed to MTSU quarterback Brent Stockstill completing just 23 of 43 passes and the Tide was able to rush for 220 yards behind a strong day from Derrick Henry.

GAME BALLS

  • RB Derrick Henry: He finished with 96 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
  • RB Kenyan Drake: Drake finished with 55 rushing yards and 91 receiving. Get him in open space and he’s gone.
  • CB Cyrus Jones: The preseason All-SEC pick had three tackles and his interception was an athletic play that put an end to a MTSU drive.

INJURY REPORT

Alabama made it through the game mostly unscathed with no major injuries to report.