Nick Saban evaluates first-half quarterback play during A-Day scrimmage

After a sloppy finish to the first half of Alabama’s annual A-Day scrimmage, coach Nick Saban broke down his quarterbacks’ performance. As the Crimson Tide prepares for a new year without former Heisman-winner Bryce Young under center, the spring football played by Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson will be heavily watched by fans, coaches and players alike.

The scrimmage saw some highs from both quarterbacks as they battle for the starting job — as well as a few lows as they started slow and finished with turnovers. The first four drives of the game saw Milroe and Simpson trade three-and-out drives, with the fourth drive being a four-and-out by Simpson after a first down opened the drive.

Then, when the teams entered two-minute drills before the half, Simpson and Milroe threw interceptions on consecutive plays. Milroe then ended the half with an interception on a 50-yard pass to the endzone with time expiring.

Nick Saban evaluates early quarterback scrimmage play

“It’s been the same way kind of all spring,” said Saban of how he approached coaching his quarterbacks on Saturday. “You know, what we’re really trying to get the quarterbacks to understand is you gotta eliminate the bad plays. The plays that get you beat.

“Just like we threw three interceptions there towards the end, we’re going two minute [drills] the whole time, but you don’t need to force the ball. You’re taking points off the board when you do that. So, I think consistency is the key to the drill. Being able to execute, being a little more confident in executing. Some if it’s technical, but you know, most of it’s just decision-making.”

This year’s quarterback battle is a bit of a new twist on the offseason after Young’s time at the helm. Milroe, a redshirt sophomore, served as the Crimson Tide’s primary backup last year and started against Texas A&M while Young was out with shoulder injury.

Across the field from him today is redshirt freshman Ty Simpson, who doesn’t have the on-field experience of Milroe but brings a five-star recruit rating and plenty of talent.

Ultimately on Saturday, Simpson and his Crimson squad took the victory — and the upcoming steak dinner for the winning side afterwards. The Crimson team beat the White team 30-21.

Milroe led the White team with a strong showing overall, picking up his performance in the second half with two touchdowns. He finished the day with 245 yards throwing, and 20 yards on the ground. Simpson finished with just 155 yards throwing, and an interception of his own with no touchdowns.