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NCAA Football Alabama Crimson Tide

Amari Cooper Leads Alabama Crimson Tide Past Auburn Tigers

By @TimLetcher

John David Mercer, USA TODAY SPORTS

John David Mercer, USA TODAY SPORTS

The Alabama Crimson Tide appeared to be in big trouble in Saturday’s Iron Bowl game. Quarterback Blake Sims was struggling, throwing three interceptions that allowed the Auburn Tigers to build a 33-21 lead early in the third quarter.

It was at that point that head coach Nick Saban and offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin simplified the game plan for the Tide. They did so by doing the obvious — getting the ball to their best player.

Saban and Kiffin knew that wide receiver Amari Cooper was the best player on the field in this game and they centered their offensive attack on him. Cooper caught a pair of second half touchdowns, the second of which got Alabama within two points. The Tide would score three times in the fourth quarter to win 55-44.

Cooper was phenomenal all game long. He set an Iron Bowl record with 224 receiving yards, scored three touchdowns and showed why he is the nation’s best receiver. Auburn tried several different players and coverages to try to stop Cooper, but nothing worked. Cooper caught 13 passes in the game despite Auburn’s best efforts.

Alabama struggled early in the game, with Sims making several costly mistakes. Each of his three turnovers set Auburn up with scoring opportunities, which quarterback Nick Marshall was able to convert. Marshall had an outstanding game, completing 27-of-43 through the air for a career-high 456 yards, with three touchdowns and one interception.

But Alabama was able to take control in the second half behind the heroics of Cooper and Sims. Now, the Tide face a virtual College Football Playoff quarterfinal game next Saturday in the SEC Championship game, where Alabama will face the Missouri Tigers. If Alabama wins, they will assure themselves of a spot in college football’s final four.

If Saban and Kiffin are smart, they will continue to get the ball to Cooper, who continues to make huge plays at big times for this team.

Tim Letcher is a contributing writer for www.RantSports.com and a member of the Football Writers Association of America. Follow him on Twitter @TimLetcher , on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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