re: Blake Sims holding tough.

I didn't say he hasn't developed. I said I hope he has gotten better but that performance worries me. Mainly because CNS had stated that BS had had a really good spring and good scrimmages prior to that game. But when he had the eyes of the world on him, it was a different story. It was a similar story this past spring but not as bad. Maybe he just happened to have 2 bad days and it's not an indication of how he handles the spotlight. I don't know. But it's not something I can just completely discount because I want him to be a success.

It's everyone's first year with this OC though the system will be the same which should be an advantage for BS, Morris, and Bateman over Coker. Need to go back and re-watch A-Day but lost the recording when I had to get a new cable box

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The first thing I want to see against WVU out of Sims is comfort in the pocket. Even with no pressure, he's always looked so uncomfortable and unsure of what to do in the pocket and as a passer.

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True, but just about every QB with little game experience struggles with this.

I just feel like people forget how AJ made questionable decisions when he was a backup and seem to automatically assume that Sims couldn't have made the same strides that he did. Then they point to A Day which (as mentioned) is the worst possible indicator given the limited playbook and special rules. Prior to A Day, the stats from the private scrimmages reflected well on Sims' and his development.

Also, not calling anyone out, but the excuses people make for Coker ("give him a break-- he's used to throwing to 6' 5" receivers!") are received without a second thought while BS NEVER gets the benefit of the doubt. I want the best guy to win, but I am rooting for that guy to be Sims.

For the record, I called BS on the tall WR excuse for Coker in another thread

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For the record, I called BS on the tall WR excuse for Coker in another thread

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I always was under the impression that we were all just messing around with the tall WR thing. He was throwing it high because it was the first day. As Saban said, he still sees some apprehension. Anyone would come into that situation a little apprehensive.

As for the QB battle. I think Sims starts game 1, and I think it could stretch over multiple games. It needs to be resolved by the time SEC play starts. I don't care who wins, and I'm not rooting for anyone. I just want the guy who gives Bama the best chance to win. If it's a draw, it is my personal opinion that Coker is given the job in a draw. My reasoning may be flawed, but in the event of a draw I think you give it to the guy who has more upside and could return next season, so the experience would help your program in the long run.

I think Sims is a well liked player among fans and players, as is Coker. I think it is no coincidence that Coker was placed in the same room with our starting Center. I also think that Coker was brought in to win the job. Doesn't mean he will, but I think he was brought in to win it. He still has to earn it, and Sims isn't going to make it easy on him.

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Playing devils advocate to my own argument, it must be said that Coker will not have a freshman learning curve, having spent so much time at FSU. He will should pick up the O quicker than normal. But will it be fast enough

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Despite what Saban or Coker will say, I'm willing to bet Coker has had a playbook ever since it was certain that he was coming here.

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will he actually make better decisions than the guy who's been in the system much longer

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This will be key. The guy who has the most big plays won't win the job. The guy who makes the better decisions will win the job. Not throwing picks, taking the short throw when you have to, throwing the ball away if it's the only play, etc.

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is he definitively more accurate?

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We won't know until we see them both throw at least 25 passes in a real game, imo. Obviously not in the same game, but I imagine this battle will last at LEAST 2 games, unless one shits the bed against WVU.

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As for the QB battle. I think Sims starts game 1, and I think it could stretch over multiple games

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Yeah it'll be like the 2011 season where McCarron and Phillip Sims split snaps the first couple of games. It was pretty apparent after the first couple of games McCarron was the better option then, and I suspect it'll work itself out this year as well.

I went back and looked up passing stats from the private scrimmages in the Spring. There aren't any interceptions listed. Not sure if there weren't any or if they choose not to report... There were PBU's and FF's listed so my guess would be no INT's.

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PASSING
Blake Sims
First scrimmage: 16 for 23, 227 yards, 2 TD
Second scrimmage: 24 for 39, 288 yards, 3 TD

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LINK
Looking forward to the numbers from the coming scrimmage this Saturday.