re: *** OFFICIAL WE TALKIN' BOUT PRACTICE! ***

I'm on record saying that there is zero chance that Sims will be our QB. I said that last year and during the spring. Now, the coachspeak is starting to scare me. I thought one of the younger QB's or Coker would step in and take the lead, but that apparently hasn't happened. Maybe Sims HAS gotten better? If he can play, I have no problem with him leading the team. I just haven't seen it so far. He does seem to be a hard worker and a team player. But, I do still think this is just a case of Saban waiting for Coker to get acclimated, and rewarding Sims for his hard work. The pre-game jitters are getting to me.

So, I'll stick it out and stay with my original assertion: Sims will get some playing time because Saban likes his effort and attitude. And he does have some talent. But, Coker will be the starter. If he gets injured and misses some games, Bateman will take over, and Sims will remain the backup.

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I'm on record saying that there is zero chance that Sims will be our QB.

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I'll be willing to bet that Sims starts the WVU game and we'll see them split time from there until one of them wins the job. Sims might be blowing up practices but will he crumble when its gametime? Coker could be a gamer. We simply don't know. All of the dynamics of this race will change when they go under center in Atlanta. As of this moment, I don't have a lot of confidence in either of them to lead us to a championship. That could easily change and I'm hoping it will.

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Both will get their shot in the cupcakes to ultimately win the starting spot. Will be interesting who gets the first series against WVU

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Sims, and that was never in doubt. Coker could dominate practice from here until game time, but Sims is starting vs WVU and nothing is changing that. He's earned the right through his hard work and dedication.

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I'll be willing to bet that Sims starts the WVU game

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I do think that's a possibility. When I say "starter" I mean once they settle on a starter.

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I'll be willing to bet that Sims starts the WVU game and we'll see them split time from there until one of them wins the job.

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I agree with you here...I think we'll see something similar to AJ's & Phillip Sims' QB competition back in 2011 until one or the other wins out...that worked out pretty well so I'll be comfortable with whichever one emerges...

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As of this moment, I don't have a lot of confidence in either of them to lead us to a championship. That could easily change and I'm hoping it will.

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I kinda felt the same way back in 2011, but probably not to the same extent...while I think we could win a championship this year, I'm not necessarily expecting one, but I didn't think we'd get one in 2011 either...I think we'll be better postured for a run next year. Either way, it should be an interesting year...

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I disagree. In fact, many, many people seemed convinced as of a few weeks ago that Coker was going to run away with the competition and start against WVU. Now that that's looking less and less likely, I think it does BS a disservice to now say Coker never had an opportunity to win the job in camp because CNS wants to reward BS for his service. CNS just isn't that charitable. If Coker was clearly better, then he would start.

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THIS. nice try with the revisionist history though ABDIW.

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I kinda felt the same way back in 2011, but probably not to the same extent...while I think we could win a championship this year, I'm not necessarily expecting one, but I didn't think we'd get one in 2011 either...I think we'll be better postured for a run next year. Either way, it should be an interesting year...

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In 2011, you had AJ and PS. Two QBs who had been in the system and had decent arms. I seem to recall there being more confidence in those two that the current duo. PS was the top QB prospect his year and everyone was familiar with AJ. Everyone knew what we had on defense, so it wasn't as much of a concern. The SEC West appeared to be little less hostile at that time as well.

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I disagree because I feel that the coaching staff will reward Sims with PT in garbage time. I hope Bateman takes over because I am high on him, but I feel like if he doesn't get adequate playing time before an injury, then he won't have the ability to take over after an injury.

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Well there's backups and then there's backups.

Some backups will never get more than garbage time and the coaches never plan on them being "the answer". These are usually upperclassmen who have a decent grasp of the system, but maybe aren't all that talented. And the coaches like them.

Then, there are the backups who are considered to be possible starters in the future. These are usually your talented guys who just need more time and/or are playing behind older guys.

I went into this season believing Sims was firmly in the 1st category. Really, I still think that's where he is. But, Coker needs time before we really know if he has what it takes. And Bateman/Cornwell are young. So, Sims might get more of a chance than he normally would.

However, I still don't think Sims will be a long term "starter". I think he'll likely get certain packages designed for him. But, if Coker doesn't work out, or he gets injured, I'd expect one of the category II backups to move up (Bateman or Cornwell).

That chemistry and respect from his teammates can't be overlooked. Sims never had the full grasp of the team until this year. The fact that he's stayed around tells me that he thinks he has a chance to play.

I think right now at least Sims is playing like he has nothing to lose, which he doesn't. He's a senior, won't play QB at the next level, won't transition and bump another player at another position with our depth. Coker to me is probably already feeling a bit of the pressure. He's heard the hype and was annointed before he got here. It has to be tough on anyone to follow AJ and also be included in the conversation with a Heisman trophy winner. It'll be interesting to see how both guys grow over the next 2 weeks as we begin to install the gameplan.