Alabama’s quarterback competition took yet another twist during their 17-3 victory over South Florida on Saturday.
Jalen Milroe, who had been the Crimson Tide’s starter in the first two games of the season, was benched by Saban in favor of Notre Dame transfer Tyler Buchner.
The thought was Buchner’s familiarity with Alabama offensive coordinator Tommy Rees would help lead to a flawless transition.
Unfortunately, that couldn’t have been farther from the case as Buchner struggled mightily as was ultimately benched himself.
“Alabama’s new quarterback is not making a good first impression…”
Alabama’s new quarterback is not making a good first impression…
🐘🔴🏈⚪️ pic.twitter.com/rpr32xLJKm— Fun Times Media ©️ (@FunTimesMedia) September 16, 2023
Redshirt freshman Ty Simpson was called in to relieve Buchner, and he played the rest of the game. Simpson showed promise, going 5-of-9 for 73 yards and added a 1-yard rushing touchdown.
However, he was sacked five times and never truly got into a rhythm.
(Credit to Milroe for being a good teammate despite being benched – Similar to how Jalen Hurts acted when he was benched for Tua Tagovailoa back in their Bama days.)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe was benched after the team’s second game
And he’s still being an awesome teammate pic.twitter.com/N2Mzyl9kCf
— JM Football (@JomboyMediaFB) September 17, 2023
Alabama head coach Nick Saban, addressed the quarterback situation after the game.
Saban attempted to preemptively address the inevitable questions, saying: “I know you’re going to ask about the quarterbacks. We’re going to evaluate the quarterbacks that 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. And that’s the way we’ll go.”
Nick Saban, on who played quarterback tonight for Alabama, and why. pic.twitter.com/pUzyko7dA0
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) September 17, 2023
When probed further about the decision to play Buchner and Simpson, Saban described it as an “internal” decision and emphasized that the players who practice the best during the week get the nod on game day.
During the game, Saban shared his thoughts on Simpson’s performance with ESPN, saying: “I thought he did OK. Made a couple really good throws. Missed a couple big-play throws. … I thought he played well, managed the game well.”
Saban also acknowledged that Simpson faced immense pressure from South Florida’s defense, with the Alabama offensive line giving up five sacks during the game.
When asked about the offensive line’s performance, Saban responded with a question of his own: “How many sacks did they have today?” He pointed out that there were mental errors in protection and a failure to respond to the Bulls pressure.
Despite the offensive struggles, Saban remained optimistic about his team’s performance, praising their competitive spirit during a game that featured an hourlong lightning delay and several challenges.
He cited adversity, such as starting guard Tyler Booker being sidelined by back spasms, but commended his players for continuously rising to the occasion.
“We didn’t execute great, so I don’t feel good about that,” Saban said. “But the way we competed in the game, I thought, was outstanding.”
Alabama, now 2-1, is set to open SEC play at home against Ole Miss next Saturday. The quarterback competition remains a focal point as the Crimson Tide look to solidify their offensive identity.
The struggles at quarterback mark unchartered territory for Saban who is used to always having a reliable signal-caller under center.
Needless to say, social media wasn’t too impressed with what they saw out of the Tide’s offense on Saturday…
“This Tyler Buchner kid might be the worst quarterback in Alabama history. I haven’t saw him throw a good pass one time today. Saban needs to make the switch back to Milroe, or this is going to be a long, boring game.”
This Tyler Buchner kid might be the worst quarterback in Alabama history. I haven’t saw him throw a good pass one time today. Saban needs to make the switch back to Milroe, or this is going to be a long, boring game. 🐘 🏈
— Carrington Gupte (@CarringtonGupte) September 16, 2023
“‘it’s down between Ty Simpson and Jalen Milroe’ there’s no way alabama fans are this sense and stupid…. Milroe is CLEARLY the better quarterback period. it’s like talking to bricks with these dumb people here my God…”
“it’s down between Ty Simpson and Jalen Milroe” there’s no way alabama fans are this sense and stupid…. Milroe is CLEARLY the better quarterback period. it’s like talking to bricks with these dumb people here my god…
— niah⁷ 🧈🎬 joonie day 💙🦋🩵 (@taescakepop) September 16, 2023
“Alabama has no one at quarterback in a wide-open year of college football … Bad look by Nick Saban – how are Tyler Buchner and Ty Simpson your best 2 options?”
Alabama has no one at quarterback in a wide-open year of college football.
Bad look by Nick Saban – how are Tyler Buchner and Ty Simpson your best 2 options? pic.twitter.com/ZZcfyexXba
— Re2pect Sports (@Re2pectsport) September 16, 2023
“One thing for sure is if it is a quarterback controversy at Alabama it will be between Ty Simpson and Jalen Milroe no disrespect Tyler Buchner you can gone enter the transfer portal.”
Please go back to south bend or wherever
— Terah (@milam_i) September 16, 2023
Who do you think should be Alabama’s quarterback going forward?
Should Saban go back to Milroe? Or do you think Simpson gives Bama the best chance to win?