Blake Sims looked sharp again in win over FAU. (Marvin Gentry)
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — After lightning got to within 10 miles of Bryant-Denny Stadium, Alabama’s game against Florida Atlantic was delayed.
But after a brief conversation between the schools’ athletic directors, the final 7:53 of the game was canceled. Even the lightning delay couldn’t stop the inevitable as No. 2 Alabama took care of business in its home opener, downing Florida Atlantic, 41-0, on Saturday.
The Crimson Tide improved to 2-0, while the Owls fall to 0-2.
Splitting time in the first half, both Alabama quarterbacks had solid performances.
Fifth-year senior Blake Sims got the start and completed 11-of-13 passes for 214 yards and two touchdowns. Sims added 16 rushing yards and a touchdown, playing the first three possessions of the game.
Redshirt junior Jacob Coker came in on the fourth series and played much of the second half. In his first significant game time for Alabama, the Florida State transfer completed 15-of-24 passes for 202 yards and a touchdown
Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper tied the school record for receptions in a single game with 13. Cooper had 189 yards and a touchdown.
Dating to last season, it marked the fourth straight time the junior has gone over 100 yards receiving.
For the Owls, yards didn’t come easy.
Playing with starting quarterback Jacquez Johnson, who injured his non-throwing shoulder against Nebraska, Florida Atlantic gained only 145 yards of total offense.
Starting in place of Johnson, Florida Atlantic quarterback Greg Hankerson was under pressure for much of the day. He completed 12-of-19 passes for 88 yards and was sacked three times.
Alabama opened the scoring on its first drive, with Sims scampering seven yards into the end zone on a quarterback keeper.
On Alabama’s second drive, Sims hit Cooper on a screen pass for a 52-yard touchdown. Later in the first quarter, Sims found running back Kenyan Drake for a 39-yard touchdown.
NOTES: Alabama (2-0) will host Southern Miss. next Saturday in Bryant-Denny Stadium at 6 p.m. ET. Florida Atlantic will play its first home game of the season against Tulsa at 7 p.m. ET, also on Saturday
