🏈 Why start Bateman?

[PhillyGirl]

Serious question.

I was unable to watch the Wisconsin and MTSU games so maybe I missed something, but .. what possible reason was there to start him over Coker?

Seems like an INSANELY risky move given the weight of the particular game (revenge, ranked opponent, at home, etc.). Why choose this game?

Obviously with hindsight we KNOW it was a bad move but why on earth did this happen? Did CNS say anything in the post-game interview?

 

[rick4bama]

I wish I knew then I would be coaching!

 

[It Takes Eleven]

Yes, Saban said they thought they would surprise them with Bateman's quickness on the QB option; however, he said Bateman wasn't recognizing the keep option was there. We were going crazy in the stands - had he kept it on any one of a couple of plays he had an easy 30 yards, maybe more.

 

[rocknthefreeworld]

Yes, Saban said they thought they would surprise them with Bateman's quickness on the QB option; however, he said Bateman wasn't recognizing the keep option was there. We were going crazy in the stands - had he kept it on any one of a couple of plays he had an easy 30 yards, maybe more.

Phil kept bringing it up on the radio that at some point Bateman will keep it and run for a bunch. Never happened.

 

[EdfromT'town]

Heard Coker was sick too--flu with fever. Did see him with oxygen looking gassed on the sideline.

 

[psychojoe]

Illness would explain the why. I really was wondering why we had Bateman out there but we weren't running the plays that Bateman could run to good effect. I see I was not alone.

 

[RollllTide!]

Imagine how good Coker will be when he is over the flu.

 

[Crimson&WhiteGecko]

CNS specifically stated in his PC last night that they thought they'd use Bateman for Run Pass Options (RPO) but he didn't run once. I think that is ultimately why he was pulled.

 

[rick4bama]

Phil kept bringing it up on the radio that at some point Bateman will keep it and run for a bunch. Never happened.

Yes, Phil keep talking about that, I just wish Bateman was listen to the broadcast !

 

[Alabiker]

Some people don't like taking the shot, so they pass the ball. Looks like that was the case with Bateman. The corner was available on almost every play that he handed off up the middle. The coaches must have told him to run the damn ball and he wouldn't do it. Therefore a sick Coke had to go in. Boy has a lot of heart.

 

[alabama mike]

I'd also say the decision was based on the weeks practice prior to OM. Neither QB has exactly put any distance in the QB race in the first two games.

 

[MissingRing]

I find it ironic that the supposed primary advantage of playing Bateman pertains to his reputed athleticism (i.e., ability to run when the pocket collapses), yet Coker (and a sick Coker at that) made several excellent runs whereas Bateman did not turn in any good runs in his half of play.