If one half of play is any indication, there is no longer a quarterback competition in Alabama.
The No. 3 Alabama Crimson Tide are leading the Florida Gators 21-14 at halftime in a sloppy affair. In the first half, there were multiple fumbles, an interception, dropped passes and busted coverage.
But the play of Alabama’s senior quarterback, Blake Sims, was the bright spot.
Sims is 17-of-23 passing for 335 yards and three touchdowns. The Alabama quarterback made the right decisions throughout and capitalized on poor defensive play by the Gators. Sims found junior Kenyan Drake racing down the sidelines for an 87-yard touchdown connection. Later in the quarter, the senior signal-caller completed a 79-yard touchdown pass to the dynamic Amari Cooper.
Due to Sims’ outstanding play, junior Jake Coker didn’t see the field in the first half. Considering the current score and how well Sims is playing, no one should expect Coker to receive any repetitions in the second half.
Although, Alabama head coach Nick Saban wasn’t entirely thrilled with Sims play. The fiery coach tore into his quarterback when he fumbled the football in the second quarter.
Florida, meanwhile, isn’t getting close to the same level of play from their quarterback. Jeff Driskel. The Gators’ signal-caller is 5-of-17 passing for 53 yards, a touchdown and an interception. The Gators defense, though, made plays to keep the team in the game. If the Florida’s defense can prevent big plays in the second half, Florida has a chance to steal a game from Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
Otherwise, Alabama has been the better team sans the turnovers. Saban surely tore into his team at halftime. We should all expect Alabama to play sound football during the second half.