The Alabama Crimson Tide enter a new era on offense. Lane Kiffin took over the reigns at coordinator and now Blake Sims and Jacob Coker are in place at quarterback, competing all summer to earn the starting spot. For now, head coach Nick Saban has named Sims the starter, but possibly not the finisher as the team takes on West Virginia in Atlanta. Both quarterbacks are expected to see playing time, something Tide might not be used to after the consistency of AJ McCarron.
Attempting to replace the Heisman trophy candidate is certainly not an easy task. Sims has the upperhand simply because of his experience with the team since the quarterback is now a senior. In two seasons with the Tide as McCarron's backup, he has only attempted 39 passes. He won the competition against Coker who transferred to Tuscaloosa after playing behind Jameis Winston at Florida State.
Whichever quarterback becomes the regular season starter has a solid supporting cast behind them. The Tide return running backs TJ Yeldon, Kenyon Drake and Derrick Henry alongside wide receivers Amari Cooper and Christian Jones. Cooper could be one of the nation's best wide receivers. He led the team last season with 45 catches and 736 yards with four touchdowns.
The Tide's defense will be shorthanded. Linebacker Trey DePriest will not play this game after getting suspended for a minor NCAA infraction. He was a preseason first-team All-SEC pick after putting together 65 tackles last season. He is expected to lead the defense. Rueben Foster and Reggie Ragland will take his place.
West Virginia is playing Alabama for the first time. They are trying to improve off of last season's disappointing 4-8 season, their first loosing record since 2001. Clint Trickett will start at quarterback. He threw seven touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2013. He had shoulder surgery in the offseason, but West Virginia is confident he will be fine in Week 1.
