Facing one of the most difficult schedules in college football, the Alabama Crimson Tide has seemingly found its rhythm seven games into the 2015 season. There isn’t one star this year, though — it’s a team effort.
Alabama starting quarterback Jake Coker has shown resolve in the face of adversity. Against the Texas A&M Aggies, Coker went 19-25 for 138 yards. Having some success running the ball, Coker has been good at game management, and he has thrown for 11 touchdowns, but he has thrown six interceptions. A bit more consistency here, and we may be hearing Coker’s name for Heisman.
There is a strong offensive leader for the Crimson Tide though — he’s no quarterback — but he’s the guy you depend on in the trenches. With the toughness of steel, he’s definitely been “Built by Bama”. Alabama’s leading rusher, and one name you will hear more of for the Heisman trophy is none other than Derrick Henry. So far this season, Henry has 901 rushing yards on 152 attempts. That’s good for 5.9 yards per carry and also 12 touchdowns.
Affectionately named King Henry, he’s definitely been a beast for the Tide despite some struggles early on, but it would not last. Henry began gaining momentum behind the blocking of the ‘Alabama offensive line.
They are working as a team. The chemistry is there for something special, and you don’t have to be on the field with them to recognize that.
Are there some inconsistencies? Sure. But, for a team many wrote off earlier this season, they are certainly proving to be a traditionally tough Nick Saban coached football program. Toughness. Tenacity. Resiliency. Three simple words that speak to the mindset of what Saban’s teams aspire to uphold.
Behind the leadership of the vintage Alabama defense, the monster offensive line, a cool, calm quarterback, and the workhorses like Henry — the Tide faithful can rest assured: Championships for 2015 are not out of the question, just yet.
Adam Davis is a Columnist for Touchdown Alabama and full-time entrepreneur. You can follow him on Twitter, @adamdaviswriter, “Like” him on Facebook, or visit www.adamdavis.co for more information about his work.
