Alabama Coach Nick Saban Reportedly Making A Change At Quarterback

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The quarterback situation for coach Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide was less-than-ideal heading into the season, with Nick Saban never officially naming a starter until redshirt sophomore Jalen Milroe trotted out onto the field as the starter in their first game against Middle Tennessee. But, after a less-than-stellar performance in their loss to Texas last week, Jalen Milroe is being reportedly replaced at quarterback by Notre Dame Transfer Tyler Buchner in the team’s game against South Florida.

John Talty from 247Sports was the first to break the news on Friday.

Milroe, Buchner, and Ty Simpson competed for the job during fall camp after Buchner transferred in and joined the competition in the summer. Many actually thought that Simpson, the best pure passer of the group, would win the job for Saban and first-year offensive coordinator Tommy Rees.

But, turnovers reportedly plagued Ty Simpson in camp. Buchner had the advantage of having played in Rees’ scheme at Notre Dame, where he began last season as the starter. But, ultimately, the job went to Jalen Milroe, who had seen important snaps last year when Bryce Young was hurt, throwing 52 passes and running for 263 yards.

Everyone knew he wasn’t a great passer, and that showed against Texas. He made some highlight plays through the air, but costly interceptions and incompletions contributed to Alabama losing, 34-24.

Now, they will go with Tyler Buchner. He definitely has the familiarity with the scheme. The problem is, he might not be any good. The former top 100 recruit in 2021 has thrown for 6 touchdowns and 8 interceptions in 123 career attempts. He looked flat-out terrible last year when the Irish lost to Ohio State and Marshall the first two games of the season. I get that he’s familiar with the offense, but unless he made a major improvement, he’s simply not very good

Bottom line is, with the Crimson Tide one loss away from more-or-less being knocked out of the College Football Playoff picture, the Alabama quarterback situation needs to improve quickly.