QB Sims struggles as Alabama defense dominates spring game

Alabama coach Nick Saban signals a fourth and 1 during Alabama's A-Day NCAA college football spring game Saturday, April 19, 2014, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) (The Associated Press)

Wide receiver ArDarius Stewart (13) is pushed out of bounds by defensive back Nick Perry (27) after a a reception for a first down during Alabama's A-Day NCAA college football spring game Saturday, April 19, 2014, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) (The Associated Press)

Blake Sims' bid to replace AJ McCarron as Alabama's starting quarterback hit a snag Saturday afternoon when the Crimson Tide defense dominated the annual A-Day game at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Playing with the offensive starters on the Crimson Team, Sims completed 13 of 30 passes for 178 yards in a 17-14 loss to the White Team. Sims had a late touchdown and two interceptions.

Alabama's defense had 19 tackles for a loss, seven sacks and four interceptions in front of a crowd of 73,506.

Sims' longest possession was just five plays, while redshirt freshman Cooper Bateman led drives of 14, 10 and eight plays for the White Team. Neither side was able to score in the first half when both teams had 116 total yards.