COLLEGE FOOTBALL 2014
|
A10
THE TUSCALOOSA NEWS
An oral history of the University of Alabama’s football season, as told by the people who lived it
The Perfect Play Alabama running back Kenyan Drake (17) carries the ball for 87 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter against Florida. It was Drake’s only catch of the game, he also had four carries for 21 yards.
staff photo | Robert Sutton
outburst. It was a play drawn up by Kiffin, Kenyan Drake, UA's first-year offensive coordinator, and it junior running back: showed just how creative and compelling his When I first went out there, it was a cornerback (in coverage). But then the lineIf Blake Sims stepped into a starring role as impact on Alabama's attack could be. This is a look at how that play unfolded. backer, they switched spots. At that mothe University of Alabama's quarterback ment I already know what was coming. against Florida in the fourth game of the 2014 Blake Sims, season, Lane Kiffin was the director. senior quarterback: Will Muschamp, Sims passed for 445 yards and four touchThe Florida game was just a game that Florida head coach: downs in a 42-21 victory at Bryant-Denny The first play of the game we had a man Stadium, and his breakout performance — the I was on and Coach Kiffin was calling the situation outside, but it was good execusecond-best passing game in Crimson Tide his- right plays. tion on their part. tory — was epitomized on Alabama's first ofLane Kiffin, fensive snap. offensive coordinator: The big play was a result of meticulous film Sims hit running back Kenyan Drake, who Sometimes those things work perfect study. Kiffin must have had a crystal ball. He had lined up at wide receiver, for an 87-yard Continued touchdown to set the stage for the offensive like that.
By Tommy Deas
Executive Sports Editor