2014 West Virginia vs Alabama

The No.2 Alabama Crimson Tide avoided a potential season opening upset by defeating West Virginia 33-23 in the 2014 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic at the Georgia Dome. The Tide outscored West Virginia 13-3 in the second half to hold on to their slim lead.

T.J. Yeldon led Alabama with 126 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries. Derrick Henry added 113 yards and a touchdown on 17 attempts.

Amari Cooper added 130 yards on 12 catches, accounting for half of Blake Sims’ completions. Sims was 24-of-33 with 250 yards and one interception.

Sims was named Alabama’s starting quarterback earlier this week over Florida State transfer Jacob Coker. Coker graduated from FSU this spring and has a remaining season of NCAA eligibility.

The game also marked the debut of Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin, who served as Southern California’s head coach last season before being fired in week five. Kiffin’s offense totaled 538 yards, 30 first downs and went 9-of-16 on third downs.

This was the first matchup between the two programs. Alabama extends its August winning streak to eight games and its opening games winning streak to 13 games, the Tide’s longest streak as an SEC team.