Nick Saban: Alabama will evaluate all three quarterbacks following win over USF
After making a change on Saturday against USF, it appears Alabama still has a quarterback question. Jalen Milroe sat on the sidelines as Tyler Buchner got the start and Ty Simpson came in later in the 17-3 victory, but all eyes are now on how they do against Ole Miss next week.
Following the game, Nick Saban said the plan was to evaluate all three of the quarterbacks throughout the week leading up to the SEC opener.
“We’re gonna evaluate the quarterbacks and the way they played today and evaluate Jalen Milroe in terms of how he played and decide this week, who gives us the best opportunity to be successful as an offensive team?” Saban said. “And that’s the way we’ll go.”
As for why Milroe didn’t play, Saban didn’t get into specifics, only pointing out how much practice plays in to a decision.
“I think that’s an internal team thing,” Saban said. “I think that everybody has the opportunity to respond in the right way when things don’t go exactly like you want them to. We play the guys that practice the best all week long.”
Nick Saban: Ty Simpson ‘practiced the best this week as a backup player,’ which earned him an opportunity
Buchner got the start at quarterback against USF — his first at Alabama after transferring in from Notre Dame. He completed 5 of 9 passes for 73 yards and added 11 rushing yards on the ground. Simpson came in late in the first half and stayed in for the second half, completing 5 of 14 passes for 34 yards.
As for what went into that move, Saban said it all came down to winning. Simpson looked strong in practice this week, and after Buchner struggled, he earned a chance.
“We said we wanted to see if we had a quarterback that could play winning football,” Saban said. “Thought we struggled a little bit. Maybe it was the rain. I don’t know. Ty was the guy that practiced the best this week as a backup player, so he’s got a chance to play.”
Milroe started Alabama’s first two games of the year against Middle Tennessee State and Texas. He struggled against the Longhorns, notably throwing for two interceptions in addition to his 255 yards and two touchdowns. That eventually led Saban to make a change, and it doesn’t sound like the quarterback question is going away.
Next up, Alabama will face off against Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss as the Tide open SEC play. That game, which will be at Bryant Denny Stadium, kicks off Sept. 23 at 3:30 p.m. ET.