Nick Saban sets expectation for Alabama’s quarterback competition

By the time A-Day was over in Tuscaloosa, there was not too much we learned about the Alabama quarterback situation. Head coach Nick Saban has talked about the inconsistencies with both Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson throughout spring. Those showed at times on Saturday, with neither guy really standing out.

The quarterback competition was always going into the fall but there is still work to be done in a major way. Saban has one area he wants Milroe and Simpson to improve and it’s an important one. He expects both guys to be able to identify defenses and then go through their progressions.

“I think the big thing we’re working on with the quarterbacks is — fundamentally, what they have to do to be able to process what the defense is doing,” Saban said. “Get a preread of what they’re playing. Are they playing Cover 2? Cover 7? Are they playing 3-deep zone?

“So that you have a plan in you’re mind. ‘This is where I am reading, this is where I am going, and this is the progression I want to go through.’ And trust in that and believe in that and not start drifting around in the pocket before you give up on what your read might be.”

Both Milroe and Simpson showed their ability to scramble on Saturday. Had the quarterbacks been live, the results may have not been as good. But there were a few plays where a play broke down and No. 4 or No. 15 were off to the races.

Saban knows the dual-threat ability they possess. The skill position players are who Saban wants with the ball in their hands though, as he seems high on the wide receiver, tight end, and running back room. If neither guy has the ability to distribute in the pocket, Alabama cannot execute their offense.

“I think we have pretty good skill guys,” Saban said. “I think we have guys that can make plays. As a quarterback, it’s not only the plays that you can make. I like both guy’s athleticism to be able to extend plays and get out of trouble and make plays with their feet. Which, they did a couple of times today.

“But at the same time, I think we’ve got to work on going through progressions and develop confidence in the passing game so that we can distribute the ball to other people who can make plays more effectively and more efficiently.”

Despite some NCAA transfer portal rumors, Saban has claimed he is happy with the state of his quarterback room. Sept. 2 will serve as the season opener for Alabama, facing off against Middle Tennessee State. Whoever takes the opening snap of the year will have a ton to prove before earning the job in fall camp.

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