An oral history of the University of Alabama’s football season, as told by the people who lived it
Uneven Opener By Tommy Deas
Executive Sports Editor
The University of Alabama won its season opener, defeating West Virginia 33-23 in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. But it wasn’t pretty. The Crimson Tide gave up 365 passing yards and looked confused at times with inside linebacker Trey DePriest, the team’s defensive play-caller, sitting out due to a suspension. UA, however, gave up just one touchdown to West Virginia’s hurry-up, nohuddle offense, with the other points coming on a kickoff return and field goals. Blake Sims made his first start at quarterback and played every snap. He passed for 250 yards, but threw an interception and didn’t complete a touchdown pass. T.J. Yeldon and Derrick Henry each topped the 100-yard rushing mark. Alabama didn’t play with the polish one might expect of a team ranked No. 2 in the preseason, but it was a start. Blake Sims, senior quarterback: The first game just trying to get the feel, the first college game, I’m trying to convince my players that Coach Saban made the right decision and I can go out there and play, and just let them know that I can be a great leader for this team. Nick Saban, head coach: He called a couple formations wrong in the huddle, he called a couple plays wrong. There was some confusion on the field.
staff photo | michelle lepianka carter
Blake Sims was 24 of 33 passing for 250 yards and one interception in his first start at quarterback for the Crimson Tide in a 33-23 victory over West Virginia.
Sims: It wasn’t my best game. That’s the best game I can go back and look on and see what I could get better on. Continued