Greg McElroy provides update on Alabama quarterback competition
All eyes in Tuscaloosa are on the quarterback competition. Three options are in front of Alabama head coach Nick Saban with seemingly no end in sight. Saban has not shown his hand too much when it comes to the battle, continually saying they are a work in progress as fall camp progresses.
ESPN’s Greg McElroy told On3’s Andy Staples he believes Alabama has “three good options” at quarterback. Jalen Milroe comes in with the most experience, playing critical snaps against Arkansas and Texas A&M when Bryce Young went down. When you look at who has the potential to be the best of the trio, McElroy looks at Milroe.
“Milroe has the highest ceiling,” McElroy said. “He’s got unbelievable speed and athleticism. He’s extremely dynamic. If everything breaks down and everything goes haywire and all 10 guys offensively totally bust, he can still turn nothing into something.”
The ability in the open field has been on display from Milroe. A long, game-changing run against Arkansas shows what he can bring when plays begin to break down. Questions arise when talking about Milroe’s ability as a passer, something McElroy will not ask when discussing Ty Simpson.
“Simpson has to stay within the offense a little bit more but he’s the best pure passer by a fairly wide margin,” McElroy said. “From an accuracy standpoint, from pushing the ball downfield standpoint, from a consistency and decision-making standpoint. He’s the best option there.”
During the recruiting process, On3’s Charles Powers called Simpson “among the more accurate passers in the 2022 cycle.” McElroy’s words back that sentiment up, showing he can make the throws required by Saban and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees.
Tyler Buchner comes in as mix of the two
Tyler Buchner was a late addition to the 2023 roster, joining the program in the spring NCAA transfer portal window via Notre Dame. He was named the Fighting Irish’s starter last season by Rees before missing time a majority of the season with an injury.
If you were to take some of Milroe, parts of Simpson, and then mix them together, McElroy believes you would have Buchner. The nice passing traits are there, while Buchner could be an underrated runner at times.
“Buchner is a blend of both,” McElroy said. “I don’t think people realize how big he is. He’s a physical runner and he’s got pretty good juice himself. Now, I think he’s developing a little more of the accuracy stuff that’s going to come with repetition.”
Notre Dame’s bowl game against South Carolina is a clear example of what McElroy says. Buchner threw for 273 yards and three touchdowns while having 61 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 12 attempts. But he completed just 54.5% of throws and tacked on three interceptions.
Something is just missing and if Buchner can unlock it, he will have a chance at winning the competition.
Greg McElroy gives prediction on Alabama QB competition winner
In the “long run,” Simpson is the guy McElroy believes Saban will roll with. There could still be scenarios where Buchner and Milroe are thrown onto the field, though. The physical traits Simpson cannot provide are ones Alabama can use at different points of games.
“Ultimately, I think it’s going to be Ty Simpson in the long run,” McElroy said. “But I would be absolutely shocked if Milroe and Buchner don’t have a role within the offense.”