After an intense Quarterback competition, Alabama has finally named a starter for this weekend's season opener against West Virginia. Blake Sims will be the one lining up under center for at least the first drive for Bama as they take on the Mountaineers in the Georgia Dome this Saturday.

Sims may start, but that does not necessarily mean we will not be seeing Jacob Coker either. Nick Saban has been using a baseball analogy to describe his quarterback situation, as told to Alex Scarborough of ESPN.com. “Whatever pitcher starts the game isn't necessarily going to pitch nine innings," Saban said.

With a statement like that, it sounds almost certain that Jacob Coker will get some time on Saturday and that the quarterback position is still, at least somewhat, up for grabs in Tuscaloosa.

Sims has seen limited playing time for the Crimson Tide in his first several seasons, as he backed up Heisman runner-up AJ McCarron. What time he did get was typically at the end of big wins for the Tide, so we have not really seen what he is capable of. It will be interesting to see how he handles being the starter. He is a gifted athlete and certainly capable of playing the position, but in a town where greatness is expected and success is counted in championships, there is sure to be plenty of pressure. Not to mention it, but Coker will be breathing down his neck for playing time.

In the end, the truth is that no matter who is taking the snaps for Alabama, they are a scary team to play. With a number of starters returning all around the field, a stable of top talent running backs, and Nick Saban's always terrifying defense, Alabama will be hard to beat.

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About the author
Sean Roehler
An avid lover of sport, I have played, watched or followed nearly every sport imaginable for most of my life. I played soccer for over twenty years but in my older age I have to rely on sports that can have less impact on the body such as ultimate and softball.