Will a change at quarterback produce a tangible difference in Alabama’s offense?
Fans of the Crimson Tide are hoping so against South Florida.
RELATED: Alabama expected to start Tyler Buchner at quarterback versus USF
Tyler Buchner gets the start in Saturday’s matchup versus the Bulls over Jalen Milroe. After his two turnovers against Texas, Milroe will watch how Buchner controls the offensive unit. Nick Saban told reporters this week that Buchner had a good final scrimmage and has practiced well. He was a productive high school quarterback in California and led Notre Dame to a victory in an entertaining matchup with South Carolina in its bowl game. Alabama does not need a superstar quarterback to win a College Football Playoff National Championship. It needs a decisive and accurate game manager to take command of the huddle.
Buchner has a talented arm, deceptive athleticism, toughness, accuracy, and sharp decision-making.
RELATED: Who is Tyler Buchner? Alabama’s new quarterback from Notre Dame
Tommy Rees, Alabama’s offensive coordinator, coached Buchner at Notre Dame. Rees feels comfortable running run-pass-option, zone reads, roll-out plays, or having Buchner sit in the pocket and pick defenses apart with his arm. He has experience coming from a major program, so Buchner’s ability to process information is strong. Alabama’s offense can go fast or slow with Buchner as his responsibility to keep things steady. The Tide can be good with Buchner at quarterback, but the offensive line has to improve. It allowed several pressures to Milroe in the Texas matchup. Bo Davis, the Longhorns’ defensive line coach, affected Milroe with three-man pressures. Buchner gives the wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs a chance to be more involved.
If he has time to throw, he will create big-play opportunities.
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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 “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
