After listening to the Saban press conference this afternoon I made a call to a buddy of mine. I was talking with him asking about the QB situation at Alabama. Saban Stated in the press conference that it was still an ongoing situation as to who would be the starter. I beleived it would be Sims over Coker with both getting about equal playing time in the first game. My thoughts were that Sims would get some playing time but that Coker would get more each game leading up to the Florida game where he would eventually take over the job for good. Why not show both and give Muschamp and Florida something else to prepare for even if one will not play?
Saying all that The friend I spoke with who has been at almost every practice and has been at every scrimage and the A-Day game gave me his insight. He said that Sims has been better than Coker at practice (saying all that Coker was not in the A-Day game or there in the spring). He also stated that Sims has done extremly well running the offense in practice but in the scrimages and A-Day he looked like a deer in headlighs. He seems to not be able to handle the live game simulations very well is what my friend stated. He did say that as long as Coker has been there he has looked a little better in game situations but not as good as Sims in practice. I believe it is because he has only been there 5 weeks and is still adjusting to the new system. My friend also stated that Saban has said he is just waiting for one of them to step up and take control and that neither has done so so far.
Under Saban the starting QB in the first game has ended up starting the whole season barring an injury. Even in the AJ-Phillip Sims who was the closest since he has been there ended this way. I look at it as whomever starts Saturday he trust more not to screw up and it will be their job to lose.
Take it how you want but if Saban doesn't trust either of them right now the under looks like a good play and West Va. plus the points. Look for them to run the ball and clock until they get a little better feeling as to who will be the full time starter. Then I believe he will let Kiffin open it up a little more.