Saban favors QB Jake Coker to start

Based on the film he saw, Saban liked quarterback Jake Coker's performance against Ole Miss for the most part. So much so, Saban said Coker is the early favorite to start.

"Jake came into the game and played with some passion and showed great leadership and energy when he played," Saban said. "We still have things that we need to work on and improve. At this point, provided he does the things he's supposed to do, I think we'll start him in this game."

Coker accounted for four total touchdowns (three passing, one rushing) against the Rebels. But he also had two costly interceptions. Saban wants the fifth-year senior to improve in that area.

"We've got to throw the ball to the right place at the right time and we can't throw it to the other guys," Saban said. "That's probably the No. 1 issue. And executing and doing things properly relative to how we're coached to do it, understanding it. We've got to do a better job of teaching it. We all need to do a better job of executing it."

Contact Anniston Star Sports Writer Marq Burnett at mburnett@annistonstar.com. On Twitter:@Marq_Burnett.

This story was originally published September 21, 2015 at 5:55 PM with the headline "Saban favors QB Jake Coker to start ."