We now have insight into Alabama’s backup quarterback situation.
Despite earning a 48-14 victory over Mercer at Bryant-Denny Stadium, the Crimson Tide’s offense struggled to establish consistency against the Bears’ defense. Alabama totaled one offensive touchdown in the first quarter, which came on Brian Robinson’s 4-yard run. Bryce Young was the quarterback until the third quarter, and then the Tide brought in Paul Tyson.
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He received one series, completing one of three passes. After hitting freshman wide receiver JoJo Earle for 39 yards, a Trey Sanders fumbled ended the drive. Jalen Milroe took the field in the fourth quarter but attempted only one pass. He ran the football seven times for 33 yards, including a long run of 14 yards. Neither quarterback got extensive work in Alabama’s home opener, and it had some perplexed. The Tide needs to have someone who can run the offense if something happened to Young.
During Monday’s pressure, Coach Saban explained the situation at backup quarterback.
“If something happened to Bryce (Young) we’d maybe use both guys’ skill set to help us at that position,” Saban said. “Right now, Paul (Tyson) is the second guy, and Jalen (Milroe) is a development guy but is doing things that he does well.”
Tyson, a redshirt sophomore, gives Alabama more of a vertical passing attack. Milroe, a true freshman, has a strong arm, but his athleticism presents more mobility. Saban wants to use both players; however, one must win the team as the No. 2 guy.
Alabama will face Southern Mississippi on Saturday, Sept. 25. It will be another chance for Tyson and Milroe to get reps.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “watch” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
