Blake Sims will be the likely starter for Alabama in Saturday's game. (John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports)
Blake Sims will start at quarterback for Alabama on Saturday, according to CBSSports.com.
Alabama, ranked No. 2 in the nation by the Associated Press, opens the season against West Virginia.
According to the report, Jake Coker will back up Sims and will see some playing time.
However, coach Nick Saban has not officially named a starter. On Monday, he said, “We’re going to continue to rep both guys.”
He also said the starter may not necessarily finish the game.
“Whatever pitcher starts the game isn’t necessarily going to pitch nine innings,” he said.
It is not clear which one has the competitive edge. Alabama does not open its scrimmages to the media and does not provide passing statistics during preseason camp.
However, Sims is believed to be more comfortable with the offense than Coker and the fifth-year senior was a longtime backup to former starter AJ McCarron.
Coker transferred from Florida State after backing up Heisman Trophy award winner Jameis Winston.
“He doesn’t have the same knowledge and experience,” Saban said of Coker. “We’re trying to get him more and more familiar so he can play with the rhythm we want offensively.”
