ESPN's Chris Low reveals why Ty Simpson could get some reps against USF

As Tyler Buchner prepares to start at quarterback for Alabama against USF in place of Jalen Milroe, it’s also worth wondering if another QB could see the field. Ty Simpson was also in the mix for the starting job, and ESPN’s Chris Low said he might be able to sneak in some reps on Saturday.

Simpson, a redshirt freshman, attempted one pass in the season opener against Middle Tennessee State but also added 12 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground. He played in four games last year as a freshman to preserve a redshirt, but hasn’t seen much significant game action.

That could change against USF, Low said, because the timing could work out for Simpson to get some game action.

“I think they want to see what he could do in a situation where it’s real,” Low said Friday on The Paul Finebaum Show. “I don’t think he played particularly well or with a lot of confidence in the preseason. I think we’ve always felt like Ty Simpson had the tools and the skillset to be a good quarterback.

“I don’t think in any way, shape or form they’ve given up on him. But he just did not play in the preseason up to the level, from a consistency standpoint, and just playing with confidence and with instincts that they wanted to see him play. Which is why he didn’t get the start. But I still think they want to see what he can do in a game situation, which is why I would not be surprised to see him in there tomorrow at some point to see how he fares.”

Why Nick Saban, Alabama still have a quarterback question despite Tyler Buchner decision

Saban played all three quarterbacks against Middle Tennessee State, just as he said he would at the end of training camp. But Milroe wasn’t guaranteed the full-time starting job because he also started against Texas. Saban was clear the competition would go into the season, and Milroe’s up-and-down performance against the Longhorns likely led to the change for Week 3.

It was clear Saban wasn’t ready to commit to one quarterback ahead of the season, and Low said that’s still a big question as Alabama gets ready for its third game of the year.

“I don’t think Nick Saban, Paul, ever felt like coming into this season, that he had one quarterback that he was gonna be able to ride the whole season,” Low said. “I think he knew that it was probably going to be a little bit of a sort of play-it-by-ear and see who responded, who didn’t, who got better, who didn’t. Who was able to sort of take the criticism and take the adversity and roll with it? And we’re only two games in right now for Alabama.

“And so, I think it’s still sort of have a question that’s unanswered. Who’s their guy? I think Tommy Rees, Nick Saban, that whole staff is still trying to answer the question as we get ready for Week 3.”