Saban Announces Jake Coker To Start
Against Louisiana-Monroe
Photo Credit: RollTide.com
University of Alabama head football coach Nick Saban today announced that senior quarterback Jake Coker will start this Saturday when the Tide hosts Louisiana-Monroe.
Today during his noon press conference, Saban said, "I think Jake played, when he came in the game, he played with some passion, showed great leadership when he played. We still have things we need to work on and improve. At this point, provided he does the things he's supposed to do, I think we'll start him in this game."
Coker entered the contest between Bama and Ole Miss with the Tide down 17-3, and played the remainder of the game. He was 21 of 44 in passing, throwing for 201 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. He also rushed for an additional 58 yards. During the Tide's three games this season he has passed for 628 yards and five touchdowns.
Cooper Bateman started the contest against Ole Miss but lasted only one quarter after the Tide fell behind by two touchdowns. Bateman will, of course, be available to come in for Cooper this week should he be needed.
Game time this week will be 3 p.m. CT.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bama Stats In Top 10 In One Category Nationally
Here is a look at several of the statistical categories in college football through three weeks of play. Stats are compared both nationally and in the Southeastern Conference. Statistical information provided by CFBstats.com.
Offense
Scoring Offense: 36.3 PPG (38th nationally, 6th SEC)
Rushing Offense: 224.33 YPG (32nd nationally, 6th SEC)
Passing Offense: 288 YPG (35th nationally, 5th SEC)
Total Offense: 512.3 YPG (23rd nationally, 2nd SEC)
Third Down Conversions: 48.2% (45th nationally, 6th SEC)
Red Zone Conversions: 85.71% (62nd nationally, 8th SEC)
Defense
Scoring Defense: 23.3 PPG (63rd nationally, 11th SEC)
Rushing Defense: 72.67 YPG (9th nationally, 2nd SEC)
Passing Defense: 252.7 YGP (93rd nationally, 14th SEC)
Total Defense: 325.3 YPG (37th nationally, 6th SEC)
Opponent's Third Down Conversions: 34.0 % (59th nationally, 11th SEC)
Opponent's Red Zone Conversions: 81.82% (64th nationally, 10th SEC)
