Nick Saban reveals whether Alabama could use multiple quarterbacks vs. Ole Miss

After two weeks of Jalen Milroe, Nick Saban decided to go a different direction against USF. Tyler Buchner and Ty Simpson played on Saturday, nearly causing a disastrous upset in Tampa. Alabama escaped and heading into SEC play, Saban has renamed Milroe as the starting quarterback.

But in two out of Alabama’s three games this season, there have been multiple quarterbacks to step onto the field. Saban says that will not be the case moving forward, shutting down the idea of using a two-quarterback system.

“We have not considered that,” Saban said during Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference.

During his Monday press conference, Saban said Milroe had “earned the opportunity” to be the starter heading into the Ole Miss matchup. Saban believes the initial guy has played the best of the three, weighing his Middle Tennessee State and Texas performances against Buchner/Simpson’s game against USF.

“From a quarterback standpoint, this is all I’m gonna say about this: Jalen really showed the leadership that I was looking for during the game in terms of supporting his teammates and doing the things he needed to do,” Saban said. “He’s had the opportunity to play. So has the other guys. Jalen played the best of all those guys, and so I think he’s earned the opportunity to be the quarterback.” 

Nick Saban evaluates where the Alabama quarterback cake stands

Saban used a cake analogy to describe the quarterback situation back during SEC Media Days in Nashville this summer. He was asked where the cake currently stands, saying it’s fully been baked — even if it was not fully ready when originally being taken out of the oven.

“I think the cake has been in the oven, out of the oven, back in the oven, and I think it’s ready to go,” Saban said.

With the cake ready to go, there are going to be four candles on there. Milroe is the guy for Alabama as Saban and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees are desperately looking for an improvement against Ole Miss. Otherwise, serious issues are going to pop up for the Crimson Tide.

Milroe has completed 60% of his 45 attempts this season, going for 449 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions — both of which occurred in the loss to Texas. Part of the reason Milroe brings a different element to the offense is because of his feet. On 22 carries, he has 92 yards and two touchdowns.