“We are going to play Blake and see how it goes,” Saban said. “We have a lot of confidence in Jake [Coker]. If we need to play him, we’ll certainly have no problem putting him in there and allowing him to play.”
Through their first three games of the season, Sims has thrown for 646 yards with four touchdowns while registering a passer rating of 177. Coker, who has played in all three games in a reduced role, has thrown for 248 yards and a touchdown but has made several mental mistakes during his time handling the offense.
Teammates said the player under center is of little consequence to them.
“When Blake [Sims] is in there, we have confidence in him,” cornerback Cyrus Jones said. “When Jacob comes in, we have confidence in him too. Whoever the guy is going to be, we are going to ride with him and have his back.”
Tony Brown expected to see more playing time this week
Freshman cornerback Tony Brown will get a chance to prove himself this weekend against Florida. With Eddie Jackson still nursing a quad injury and being limited during Alabama’s practices this week, Brown will see an increased role in the defense.
“Tony is definitely improving, definitely getting better,” Saban said. “I think the opportunities that he has had to play in the last two games has been good for his development and his confidence. He will play a lot in this game.”
Brown, a highly touted prospect from Texas, was seen taking first-team reps opposite of corner Cyrus Jones during practice this week. He has seen playing time in all three games this year, but has not started a game.
