In a surprise move, Alabama is expected to start sophomore Cooper Bateman at quarterback Saturday night against Ole Miss, ahead of senior Joke Coker.
Jake Coker started the first two games of the 2015 season for the No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide, and the senior led the team to a 2-0 record with impressive wins over Wisconsin and Middle Tennessee, respectively.
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But it wasn’t good enough, apparently. According to Aaron Suttles of The Tuscaloosa News, sophomore Cooper Bateman will get his first career start against Ole Miss Saturday night.
The timing of this move is peculiar to say the least, give that the Tide are hosting No. 15 Ole Miss in the SEC opener. Also, the 2-0 Rebels were the nation’s best scoring defense last season (16.0 points per game), and have held opponents to 12 points and 303 total yards per contest through two games in 2015.
But then there’s this from Suttles who also says Jake Coker is listed as the starting quarterback.
In his two starts, Coker completed 30 of 47 pass attempts (63.8 percent) for 427 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Bateman has seen action as well, and is 18-for-25 (72 percent) with 149 passing yards, one TD and one interception. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Murray, Utah native has also gained ten rushing yards on four carries.
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Oddly enough, Bateman was one of the longest of long shots in the Alabama preseason quarterback battle. Most Alabama football fans expected the race to come down to Coker or redshirt freshman David Cornwell. Even Alec Morris and true freshman Blake Barnett were believed to be ahead of Bateman on the depth chart – especially since Bateman split his time between quarterback and wide receiver in spring practice.
Yet, if Suttles’ report is correct, Bateman will have gone from fifth to first just in time to face Ole Miss and a stingy Rebels’ defense that includes All-American candidates Robert Nkemdiche and Tony Conner.
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