Alabama quarterback Jacob Coker now joins the likes of former signal callers AJ McCarron, Greg McElroy and Blake Sims as players that led game-winning drives for the Crimson Tide.
Coker was sacked five times against Tennessee, but he stood firm on Alabama’s final drive and made clutch plays in the passing game. He targeted Calvin Ridley, ArDarius Stewart and O.J. Howard on many occasions, with Ridley and Stewart coming up huge in the fourth quarter.
The Crimson Tide trailed Tennessee 14-13, when Coker guided it on a drive lasting eight plays, totaling 71 yards in 3:25. Running back Derrick Henry capped off the drive with a 14-yard touchdown run, giving Alabama a 19-14 lead. It would go onto win by that score.
Coker connected on 21 of 27 pass attempts for 247 yards. He posted a 77.8 percent completion mark, despite tossing his seventh interception of the season. Alabama’s meeting with Arkansas on Oct. 10 was the last time Coker completed at least 60 percent at home.
Avoiding bad sacks is still a looming concern, but Coker produced big plays against the Volunteers when Alabama needed them. It was not pretty, but he now adds a game-winning drive to his resume. Coker and Alabama will have next week off to rest and recharge.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
