What Nick Saban said about QBs in final presser before game week
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama will kick off its 2023 season in 10 days, and head coach Nick Saban still isn’t tipping his hand when it comes to the Crimson Tide’s quarterback battle.
After Alabama’s 17th preseason practice on Wednesday, Saban was asked if there were any downsides to a competition for the most important position on the field lasting this long.
“That’s kind of up to them,” Saban said. “Like I said in here before. I told the quarterbacks, I said, ‘Quit looking around for me to make a decision about who’s gonna play. How about you playing good enough that I don’t have a choice? That’s what you can control. That’s what you can do.’ And somebody needs to do that.
“And it’s sort of taking shape to some degree, but somebody’s got to do it.”
Then Saban turned his message to reporters in the Naylor Stone Media Suite.
“Where you all think that whoever we name as a starter the first game, that’s like the end of it. That’s not the end of it, it’s just the beginning,” Saban said. “What if a guy doesn’t play good? He’s not entitled to keep playing. And the guy that doesn’t play got every opportunity to practice and be more consistent and win the team over so that when he gets an opportunity to play, he plays really well.
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“We have changed quarterbacks around here a few times during the season. So I know you guys are looking for an end, but it’s not even gonna be the end in the first game.”
Saban has been tight-lipped on the quarterback battle since Alabama opened fall camp at the start of August. Returning backups Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson were the top contenders in the spring, and the team added Notre Dame transfer Tyler Buchner to the mix earlier this summer. In Saturday’s scrimmage, all three players – plus freshman Dylan Lonergan – received reps with the first- and second-team offenses, but the competition behind center continues.
The question was then clarified for the Tide coach, who matter-of-factly responded.
“I know what you asked. I just don’t want to answer it,” Saban said. “We’re gonna make the best of it for our team, and our team has to make the best of it, as well. And whoever plays the position, everybody’s gotta play well around him and do the best job that they can to help them play well.”
Alabama will return to the field on Thursday, Aug. 24, for its 18th preseason practice.
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