Nick Saban talks about Bryce Young’s versatility at quarterback

Nick Saban has continually complimented quarterback Bryce Young in his first year as starter for the Alabama Crimson Tide. 

On Wednesday, the Tide Coach was asked about Young’s versatility as Alabama prepares to host Southern Miss on Saturday. 

“I think he’s done a good job of keeping his eyes downfield and he’s made some plays outside the pocket,” Saban said. 

“He’s run a few times to make first downs. There was one occasion last week where he decided to take a shot and throw it and he might have been able to run for the first down. But I think overall he’s done a really good job of handling himself in the pocket and making good choices and decisions when he has to get out of the pocket.”

Nick Saban on Bryce Young’s performance vs. Florida 

Young completed 22 of 35 pass attempts for 233 yards and three touchdowns against Florida, finding running backs Jase McClellan, Brian Robinson Jr and tight end Jahleel Billingsley for touchdowns.

Alabama escaped the Swamp with a 31-29 victory and Saban was pleased with his young quarterback’s effort against one of the top defenses in the country. 

“I think Bryce did a really good job,” Saban told media after the game.

“I think he was very composed. It was a difficult circumstance and situation to play in. We clapped some, we went on silent some but I thought he managed the game really well. Made some really, really good decisions, for the most part. We did a nice job on third down, which was really important in the game. Made some good reads, guys made some good catches. I thought offensively, other than those three three-and-outs in the second quarter, we did a good job of moving the football.”

Nick Saban honed in on Young’s ability to keep composure in adverse situations.

“We didn’t always score a touchdown,” he said. “But I think when you control the tempo of the game on offense and even when you move the ball and control the clock, keep the defense off the field. Those are important things when you play good teams.” 

Through the first three games of the season, Young has thrown for 811 yards and 10 touchdowns, with no interceptions, completing 68% of his passes. 

On Saturday, Alabama faced their toughest test of the season so far, surviving an upset bid by Florida, who came up short on a two-point conversion attempt with 3:10 left in the game that would have tied the game.

Young should have another opportunity to develop chemistry with his receiving corps against Southern Miss in front of a home crowd in Tuscaloosa on Saturday night.