Through two games, Ty Flournoy-Smith was the only tight end targeted by Alabama’s quarterback. He was the intended receiver of three of Jake Coker’s passes against Florida Atlantic. He caught one.
In Saturday’s 52-12 win over Southern Miss, senior Brian Vogler’s waiting was over after connecting with senior quarterback Blake Sims on a 5-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter.
“We are a really humble group,” Vogler said. “I think we’ve been patient all year, and after that touchdown, to see all the tight ends right there waiting on me was a great feeling. We’ve been waiting for three games for that one, and I think it’s going to be a fun time in the film room when we watch that one.”
Alabama puts up season-high rushing yards
Alabama’s run game netted 333 yards. Sophomore running back Derrick Henry led the way with 73 yards on 11 carries. Junior Kenyan Drake ran for 59 yards on nine carries, including three touchdowns.
“I think that we have to be able to run the ball a little more consistently and effectively,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said. “We seem to do pretty well when we run the ball on the perimeter, but our inside running game has not been as good as we’d like it to be.”
Quarterbacks still competing
Saban said he is not ready to name a quarterback even though Sims played most of the game.
“We felt like Blake had a really good week. We thought he was well prepared for the game,” Saban said. “I didn’t feel really comfortable with the way the game was going, and it just didn’t feel right to make a change.”
Saban said they will continue to work both Sims and Coker and develop both players.
“Jake needs to play and needs to develop confidence, but I think we’re going to have to make the decisions on a week-by-week basis on what we think gives us the best opportunity to win,” Saban said.
Sims finished Saturday’s game with 168 yards passing and two touchdowns, one of which he ran in. He went 12-for-17 with a long of 27 yards.
Coker went 5-for-7 for 46 yards passing.
Sims said he doesn’t have any feelings about the quarterback situation.
“I just go out and try do whatever I can do to let the team know I’m ready to play,” Sims said. “And if I gotta be on the sideline, swinging a towel, cheering the whole time while the other quarterbacks are playing, that’s what I’m going to do. If that’s going to get a victory, I’m happy, I just want another ring.”
