Alabama, Blake Sims thriving on third down
It was the drive that ultimately turned the Florida game in Alabama's favor, and during that critical third quarter possession that resulted in a 28-21 lead, the Crimson Tide offense converted six third downs, including plays of third-and-12, third-and-8 and third-and-12, respectively.
Alabama made good on a staggering 12 of 16 third downs that day, and on the strength of that performance ranks No. 1 in the nation in third down efficiency.
That's especially impressive considering a first-year starter at quarterback, Blake Sims, is piloting the offense. Instead of a question mark on third down, Sims has been a difference maker.
Sims has completed 18 of 21 third down passes for 219 yards.
OpponentThird down efficiency
West Virginia9 of 15
Florida Atlantic6 of 12
Southern Miss7 of 11
Florida12 of 16
Total34 of 54
So what's the key to the third down success? Is it Sims' athleticism? Is it offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin creating favorable match-ups?
UA coach Nick Saban implied it's partly due to the level of competition.
"I think we're going to play a lot better teams coming up here that, first of all can affect the quarterback with the rush," Saban said. "So we're going to have to do a better job of protecting. I don't think he's really played against a significant rusher all year."
To Saban's point, Florida, which is considered Alabama's stiffest defensive test to date, ranks tied for last in the SEC with six total sacks.
Junior defensive end Dante Fowler Jr., is one of the conference's best pass rushers, but he was stymied against Alabama's offensive line, especially by true freshman left tackle Cam Robinson.
Sims has leaned heavily on standout wide receiver Amari Cooper for the majority of his third down attempts, targeting him on 11 of 21 third down throws. Christion Jones was targeted three times, DeAndrew White twice, T.J. Yeldon twice, and Chris Black, Kenyan Drake and Derrick Henry each once.
The competition takes a step up this week, as Ole Miss has allowed opponents to convert only 16 of 58 third down plays (28 percent).
The Rebels also boast a secondary which can make the challenge a bit tougher with All-SEC safety Cody Prewitt and physical defensive back Tony Conner.
"ā¦as we get into our league, we saw a little of it last week, we're going to get more closer coverage, we're going to get more people playing us close, doing things to take away what we've done," Saban said. "So I think it's going to be a little more difficult to continue that kind of efficiency."
That efficiency, a 34 of 54 third down conversion rate, isn't likely to continue at the same pace. But it isn't likely to completely drop off either.
"I think it's good planning and it's good execution by the players, so I don't mean to take anything away from our accomplishments, because it's certainly been good," Saban said. "But I think it's going to get more challenging for us to be able to continue to progress when the competition gets stiffer, the coverage gets closer, the rush gets better, I think that's going to be the key."
