Nick Saban shares what he saw from quarterbacks Tyler Buchner, Ty Simpson in opener

Jalen Milroe got the start for Alabama in its season opener against Middle Tennessee, but he wasn’t the only Crimson Tide signal caller who saw action in the contest.

Tyler Buchner and Ty Simpson also played on Saturday. Buchner was the first quarterback off the bench for Alabama, entering in the third quarter with Alabama comfortably ahead. Simpson entered the game in the fourth quarter with the Crimson Tide leading 49-7.

Alabama coach Nick Saban spoke with the media on Monday and shared what he saw from both backup quarterbacks in Week 1.

“Yea, I think both guys handled the situation well,” Saban said. “They executed fairly well. I think it’s a good opportunity for both of them to be able to learn from some of the things that they did – get some really good game experience – both guys. And I thought they both did a good job.”

Buchner was 3-for-5 passing for 27 yards, while Simpson completed the only pass he threw for a 5-yard gain. Both quarterbacks also showed off their rushing ability as Simpson had two carries for 12 yards and Buchner had one for nine yards.

Overall it was an impressive performance by the Crimson Tide and their quarterbacks as Alabama opened the season with a dominant 56-7 win.

Nick Saban praises Jalen Milroe after Week 1 start, no crystal ball for Week 2

Jalen Milroe performed just as Nick Saban hoped he would during Saturday’s season opener.

After being named the starter for Alabama for Week 1, Milroe executed well.

He was 13 of 18 passing for 194 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 48 yards and two scores. After the game, Saban shared what he saw from the redshirt sophomore.

“I think Jalen did a good job,” Saban said. “I think he’s had a good fall camp. I thought he played well in both scrimmages. I think he’s more confident. He’s doing a good job in the passing game. His athleticism helps him.”

Despite Milroe showcasing a five-touchdown performance in the season-opener, Saban wasn’t willing to provide any prediction on how he’ll perform when Alabama faces No. 11 Texas in Week 2.

“I don’t really know. I mean, I love him. I think he’s doing well. He’s working hard to try and improve. He’s a good competitor. He’s doing everything he can to play his best. But this is a Coke bottle, it’s not a crystal ball. It’s hard to know,” Saban said, grabbing the bottle of Coke that traditionally sits on his press conference podium.