Confetti fell inside the Georgia Dome, and this time quarterback Jacob Coker was not a backup or a spectator.
The once Florida State transfer accomplished something Saturday night that has been eluding him for the last three seasons, a conference championship as a starting quarterback.
Rather than complain, Coker looked on and observed how Blake Sims handled business last year. His toughness earned him respect from his teammates, yet it was his passing mechanics that would later win over Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin.
It is no question that Alabama’s offense runs through junior tailback Derrick Henry; however, 14 of its 29 points against Florida came on the arm of Coker. The senior fired a 32-yard dart to wide out ArDarius Stewart for a touchdown in the third quarter, giving Alabama a 22-7 advantage.
TD!! Coker-Stewart #SecChampionship pic.twitter.com/O186osAK4s
— BamaVideo (@BamaVideo_) December 5, 2015
Senior wide receiver Richard Mullaney brought in Coker’s second touchdown pass, a 9-yard reception with 8:50 left in the fourth quarter. Coker put on one of his finer performances in front of 75,320 fans in attendance, totaling 204 passing yards with two touchdowns and no turnovers.
He connected on 18 of 26 passes, netting a 69.2 percent completion mark. The Mobile (Ala.) native has two conference title rings. Coker and the Crimson Tide now await their opponent in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
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.
