Alabama vs. Florida Atlantic: Grading the Crimson Tide’s Performance

Crimson Tide fans got their first look at Jacob Coker after Blake Sims threw two touchdown passes and ran for another. Sims seemed much more relaxed in the pocket and only had two incomplete passes with 214 passing yards. Coker came into the game shaky, and made a few errors which included a sack in the redzone that ended Alabama's chances of scoring points before halftime. Overall, both quarterbacks played well and showed signs of potential. Sims was more efficient in the offense and continues to be the frontrunner for the starting starting job.

The ground game was not as effective this week as it was against West Virginia. TJ Yeldon and Kenyan Drake both had 7 carries for just under 50 yards, but both players did become crucial parts of the passing game. Yeldon caught a screen pass for a third down conversion while Drake had a 39 yard touchdown reception. Once a starting quarterback is established, Lane Kiffin will balance the offense a little more and give the running backs more carries. Overall, solid performance.

It is hard not to award the wide receivers, primarily Amari Cooper, with anything less than an "A+". If this is a group project at school, Cooper is that guy in the group that does all the work. He tied the school record for most receptions in a game with 13. DeAndrew White's absence did not hurt the Tide's ability to move the ball thanks to ArDarius Stewart. Alabama is missing out on potential opportunities by not using tight end OJ Howard.

The offensive line had a few miscues, but played very well overall. True freshman tackle Cam Roinson continues to improve. Alphonse Taylor seems to have a lead over Leon Brown for guard. All in all, it was a solid performance up front.

The number one concern for Alabama was how they would respond after allowing over 300 yards passing against West Virginia and they answered the bell. The Crimson Tide held Florida Atlantic to just 88 passing yards. Eddie Jackson's return benefited the secondary tremendously. He finished with 4 tackles and a forced fumble. Safety Landon Collins also added 4 tackles from the secondary.

The defensive line helped hold the Owls to just 57 rushing yards. They kept pressure on FAU quarterback Greg Hankserson all afternoon which is something they did not do very well last week. A'Shawn Robinson led the linemen with 4 tackles before letting younger guys get reps. The unit will only get better as the season moves along and do not be surprised to see this D-line finish as one of the best in the Saban era.

Trey DePriest's return from suspension benefitted the linebackers greatly, although it was Reggie Ragland that led the team in tackles. The linebacking corps joined the the effort in slowing down Florida Atlantic on the ground and disrupting the passing game. This game provided the opportunity for more younger guys to get reps including guys like Rashaan Evans who had his first career sack. Alabama still has adjustments to make at linebacker, but the return of DePriest will help.

Overall, there is still plenty of room for improvement. The defense did play to their normal standards and did not allow a single point which is definitely "A" worthy.

Adam Griffith picked up from where he left off last week after being named SEC and National Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance against West Virginia. Griffith was 2-2 on field goals from 22 and 28 yards out. He also added two touchbacks.

Punter JK Scott did not have to punt this week. Scott made an instant impact last week when his first collegiate punt went 60 yards.

Defensive back Cyrus Jones fielded a punt late in the game that was returned 70 yards before he was knocked out of bounds.

No reason not to give the special teams an "A" for the second consecutive week.