Two of the best competitors in college football reunited on the NFL stage in Sunday’s match-up between Oakland and Tampa Bay at Raymond James Stadium. Despite not seeing much of Vernon Hargreaves on Amari Cooper, the former Alabama wide receiver still created a lot of problems for the Buccaneers’ secondary.
Raiders’ quarterback Derek Carr found Cooper 12 times for 173 yards, including a 34-yard touchdown strike in the third quarter. The 2014 Heisman finalist was lined up on defensive back, Chris Conte.
He’s able to get on top of Conte, generating separation on a go-route.
Carr.
Cooper.
RAAAAIIIDDEERRSS.#OAKvsTBhttps://t.co/yvPzyJUrPF— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) October 30, 2016
The score was Cooper’s second on the year and eighth of his career. After totaling five 100-yard games in 2015, he now has four games this season in which he’s eclipsed the century mark. It has not been to the playoffs since 2002, but Cooper has aided a young team to a first place stand in the AFC West.
Oakland’s 30-24 overtime victory over Tampa Bay improved its record to 6-2.
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 @Smsmith_TDALMag.
