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Two weeks into season, nothing’s changed with Alabama’s quarterback situation
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. _ After both players in the University of Alabama’s quarterback competition got into Saturday’s game against Florida Atlantic, here’s what’s new concerning the position:
Absolutely nothing.
“The quarterback situation is no different than it was before,” Coach Nick Saban said during his press conference Monday. “I know that you all would love to create a quarterback controversy, but I think as much as you might try to do that, the one thing that I wish you noticed is that after Jake Coker’s touchdown pass, who was the first guy to go jump up and give him a congratulations and a hug and all that? Blake Sims.
“Both guys are working to improve. We need them both to work to improve. Both players did good things in the game and both players did things that they can improve on. I think at this point our focus needs to be on trying to help both of those guys to play better.”
Sims competed 12 of 14 passes (85.7 percent) for 228 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions, for an incredible passer-efficiency rating of 269.7. Coker was 15 of 24 for 202 yards with the one score and no interceptions, which added up to a 146.9 rating.
Alabama’s offense ran 24 plays with senior Sims as quarterback, gaining 289 yards for a 12.04 average per snap. Coker was in for 48 plays, for 311 yards, but a 6.48 average.
But both had some red-zone problems, with Sims credited with a lost fumble on a play running back T.J Yeldon appeared to be surprised the quarterback tried to make a handoff, and Coker took a sack allowed the first half clock to run out.
However, Saban essentially pulled out something from a philosophy class when he stated: “We want the focus here to be on the tree not the shadow,” about dealing with the hype surrounding the situation.”
He also answered a question about whether or not Alabama might have an established starting quarterback by the time it faces Florida on Sept. 20, and slightly veered away from the standard “one game at a time” response he usually gives whenever asked about a future opponent.
“To me, whichever quarterback develops and gives us the best chance to win when we play Florida, that’s the guy we’re going to play,” he said. “So far Blake has done a really good job and we’re trying to get Jake experience. Whether he has to play or we need him to play or something happens to another quarterback, he’s ready to play. We’re making those evaluations on a day-to-day basis.”
Alabama hosts Southern Miss on Saturday (6 p.m. ET, ESPN2).
As for the players, the public response has been to downplay the competition, and Saban went so far as to say that the receivers really don’t have to make any adjustments since they practice with both on a regular basis.
“Honestly, there’s no difference for us, all it is is a different voice,” senior right tackle Austin Shepherd said. “We go up there and black and let them do their thing.”
Christopher Walsh has covered Alabama football since 2004 and is the author of 19 books. In his free time, he writes about college football.
