Derrick Henry ran all over Wisconsin. -Getty
Final Score
Wisconsin Badgers 0-7-3-7 — 17
Alabama Crimson Tide 7-7-14-7 — 35
Box Score
What started off as a close game ended in a dominant performance by Alabama. The Crimson Tide defeated the Badgers 35-17 in Jerry’s World. The question heading into the game was who would start at quarterback for Alabama. The answer turned out to be Jacob Coker, and he had a great debut as the starter. He finished the game 15-of-21 for 213 yards and a touchdown. Wisconsin started off well but looked over-matched in the second half.
Here are the key stats, highlights and notes from the game:
Jacob Coker Started at Quarterback for Alabama
Jacob Coker finally gets his chance. (Getty)
Senior quarterback Jacob Coker got the start for Alabama at quarterback. Coker was the back-up quarterback last season behind Blake Sims. He also was the backup at FSU behind Jameis Winston. Nick Saban said before the game that he planned on playing both quarterbacks.
Derrick Henry Rushed for a Long Touchdown
Derrick Henry breaks free for a 37-yard Crimson Tide touchdown. Alabama 7, Wisconsin 0 with 5:54 remaining in the first quarter.
Henry scored the first touchdown of the game on a 37-yard run. The Crimson Tide leaned on Henry, and he delivered.
Wisconsin Tied the Game
The Badgers answered Alabama’s score with a touchdown of their own. Quarterback Joel Stave found Alex Anderson for a touchdown. Stave was 9-of-11 for 88 yards early in the second quarter.
Robert Foster Scored His First Career Touchdown for Alabama
Alabama gets a 17-yard touchdown on a throw from Jacob Coker to Robert Foster. They lead 14-7 with 6:39 left in the second quarter.
Alabama jumped back on top midway through the 2nd quarter. Jake Coker connected with Robert Foster for a 17-yard touchdown pass. Early on, the game was back-and-forth with both teams exchanging blows.
Derrick Henry Found the Endzone for the Second Time in the Game
Henry rushed for his second touchdown of the game. Midway through the third quarter he was averaging 13.1 yards per carry. This was a pivotal point in the game for Wisconsin to respond. Unfortunately, they were not able to.
Derrick Henry Is a Bad Man
Henry was the most impressive player on the field. He scored his third touchdown of the evening late in the third quarter. He finished the night with 13 carries for 147 yards and three touchdowns. Between Nick Chubb, Leonard Fournette and Derrick Henry the SEC might have the best running backs in the country.
Cooper Bateman Came In at Quarterback for Alabama
From what I’m hearing, my expectation is that Jake Coker will start tonight, though I believe Cooper Bateman will see time as well
Before the game started, Nick Saban said he was going to play two quarterbacks in the game. Jake Coker played so well that he remained in the game until there was a few minutes remaining in the third quarter. Coker finished the night 15-of-21 for 213 yards and a touchdown. Bateman entered the game late in the third quarter.He went 7-of-8 for 51 yards.
Alabama Finished the Game With a Dominant Second Half Performance
Nick Saban pleased to win game one. (Getty)
Alabama put their foot on the gas in the second half and Wisconsin had no shot of recovering. The Crimson Tide were clicking on all phases. Derrick Henry had the running game going and Jake Coker was effective at quarterback.
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Wisconsin vs. Alabama: Score, Stats & Highlights