ATLANTA — Something about Alabama quarterback Jake Coker runs contrary to the perception that he is merely a game manager, a quarterback with enough skill as a passer not to lead No. 2 Alabama to victory, but only to keep it from losing. The distinguishing characteristics of the Crimson Tide are a stingy defense and a dominant running back in Derrick Henry. But the success of Alabama is also tied to Coker, who runs through arm tackles, dives on loose balls and scrambles to avoid negative plays.
Alabama won its 25th Southeastern Conference championship with a 29-15 win over No.