The names on the backs of the jerseys late in the fourth quarter told the story. They weren’t those of the Alabama starters against No. 20 Southern California, nor even the primary backups.

It was playing third-stringers and walk-ons, including Cooper Bateman, the quarterback who most people thought would start, but for now at least appears to be on the outside looking in.

It raised the question: What’s a step up from being No. 1?

Whatever it is, Alabama is it.

With just about everyone getting into the game except for offensive lineman Alphonse Taylor, who was suspended for the season opener but allowed t...

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