No. 2 Alabama starts Cooper Bateman at QB vs No. 15 Ole Miss

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) Quarterback Cooper Bateman has made his first start for No. 2 Alabama.

Bateman replaced Jake Coker as the starter Saturday night against No. 15 Mississippi. They were both listed as starters in the pre-game announcement but Coker had opened each of the first two games.

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The former Florida State backup had passed for 427 yards and two touchdowns, with one interception on an overthrown deep ball against Middle Tennessee.

Bateman had also played in both games, completing 18 of 25 passes for 149 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He's the more athletic of the two quarterbacks, even making an experimental move to wide receiver during the spring.

Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban didn't give much hint of his plans, saying Monday ''both guys need to play better. ''

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