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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. _ Senior quarterback Blake Sims was named one of the University of Alabama’s players of the week by the Crimson Tide coaching staff for the first time this season.
Sims was one of eight players recognized on Monday, joining junior wide receiver Amari Cooper and senior right tackle Austin Shepherd on offense, junior safety Landon Collins, senior linebacker Trey DePriest and senior linebacker Xzavier Dickson on defense, and freshman Rashaan Evans and junior Kenyan Drake on special teams.
Sims completed 12 of 17 passes for 168 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. He also ran for 46 yards and another touchdown on five carries.
The offense again eclipsed the 500-yard mark in terms of total yardage, which included 333 yards on the ground. Cooper recorded his fifth straight 100-yard game to tie the school record with eight catches for 135 yards and one score. Shepherd had the highest grade on the offensive line and led the team with five knock-down blocks. He did not allow a sack or get called for any penalties.
Collins had a game-high 12 tackles (six solo), a QB hurry while combining on a tackle for loss. DePriest was next with six total tackles and he also had a hurry and a half-TFL. Dickson was credited with three tackles, one behind the line of scrimmage, along with two pass break-ups and three hurries.
The defense limited Southern Miss to 263 total yards and 56 rushing yards. Alabama now ranks second in the SEC and 10th nationally in total defense.
Additionally, Alabama wide receiver Christion Jones was named to this week’s Paul Hornung Award Honor Roll after having a game-leading 175 all-purpose yards with four receptions for 50 yards, one punt return for 14 yards and four kickoff returns for 111 yards. The Hornung Award is awarded annually to college football’s most versatile player.
Christopher Walsh has covered Alabama football since 2004 and is the author of 19 books. In his free time, he writes about college football.
