Cooper Bateman is one of the Alabama quarterbacks battling for the starting position. (Getty)
It would not be the start of college football season without an Alabama quarterback controversy. Nick Saban has yet to name the starting quarterback for the Crimson Tide. It is of particular interest given Alabama’s difficult opening matchup tonight against USC.
Blake Barnett got the start for Alabama, but the position would not be his alone.
Sources: Blake Barnett to start at QB for Alabama vs. USC t.co/ggWkTGuOfe
Leading up to the start of the season, the buzz out of Tuscaloosa was the coaching staff’s love for freshman Jalen Hurts. Hurts entered the game early on and led a scoring drive in the second quarter by connecting with ArDarius Stewart.
Not one to offer too much information leading up to gameday, Saban did say the competition is down to two quarterbacks.
“Cooper Bateman and Blake Barnett are probably the two guys that we’re getting ready to play in this game, and that’s the way it’s going to be for right now,” Saban told the USA Today.
There had been some discussion that freshman Jalen Hurts could be in the mix, but the race appears to be down to two players. Hurts offers a dual-threat capability that Bateman and Barnett do not.
Saban spoke to AL.com about the growth he has seen in Barnett since last season.
He’s more confident I think in what he’s doing. He’s gotten bigger and stronger, and he’s throwing the ball effectively. One of the strengths on our team, I feel, is the receivers, and we want to continue to try to have an offense that can create explosive plays through those guys. Blake has really been an effective passer for us, so we want to continue to try and develop him and see where his knowledge and experience will take him relative to whether we feel like he can be a winning player at that position or not,” Saban told AL.com.
Whether that growth gives Barnett the edge remains to be seen. Barnett was a four-star recruit in the 2015 class for the Crimson Tide. If Barnett were to start, it would be his first college football action.
Bateman was a four-star recruit in the 2013 class for Alabama. He has seen limited action during his time at Tuscaloosa with just 52 pass attempts for 291 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Keep it here for live updates once a starting quarterback is announced.