Nick Saban details expectations for Alabama's quarterback competition

Nick Saban has not yet named an official replacement for Bryce Young at Alabama. This is despite the fact that the Crimson Tide's first game is only three weekends away.

Alabama's status as a national contender will balance on this decision, which could be why Saban is taking his sweet time. It could also be that nobody has stood out head and shoulders above the competition, though. Reading between the lines, that could be the case in Tuscaloosa.

Recently speaking to the media, Saban said that it's ultimately not on the coaches to make the decision as to who will start at quarterback. Rather, they're waiting to see who will earn the spot.

“What I tell the quarterbacks is it’s not up to the coaches,” Saban said (h/t On3). “You’re looking over your shoulder to see if a coach is going to do this or that? How be you forcing me to play you? Force us to play you. When you get your reps in, you get a chance to play, you play so good we don’t have any chance but to play you rather than worrying about all this other stuff.”

Saban and his staff will be choosing between redshirt sophomore Jalen Milroe, redshirt freshman Ty Simpson and redshirt sophomore Notre Dame transfer Tyler Buchner. 

Milroe was Young's backup last season and threw for 297 yards and five touchdowns with three interceptions while adding 31 rushes for 263 yards and one score. Buchner has starting experience, having started three games last season for Notre Dame, but he suffered a season-ending injury that ended his time in South Bend. Simpson completed four-of-five passes for 35 yards in his redshirt season, so he's undoubtedly the least experienced, though it's worth noting that he's a former five-star recruit.

The fact that nobody has stood out just yet has to be a bit concerning to Tide fans, and the schedule will afford little time for bumps and bruises.  Alabama plays Middle Tennessee in Week 1 but has a primetime matchup with the Texas Longhorns in Tuscaloosa on Sept. 9.