Things did not work out for him to be the starting quarterback at the University of Alabama; however, he remained with the program to serve in any way to help the team capture a College Football Playoff National Championship.
Tyler Buchner, a former Notre Dame transfer, played two games this season for the Crimson Tide — including a start in week three versus South Florida. The California native completed eight of 19 passes for 61 yards and has a rushing touchdown.
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Buchner possesses athleticism and can extend plays. Michigan has Alex Orji emulating Jalen Milroe of Alabama in Rose Bowl practices, so it only fitting for the Tide to have Buchner representing J.J. McCarthy of the Wolverines. Alabama’s captains on defense — Dallas Turner and Malachi Moore — spoke on Friday about how Buchner has done a ‘great job’ on the scout team.
“Tyler Buchner is fast,” Turner said to reporters. “Having to chase him around every day in practice, it’s a struggle, but he’s helping us prepare for chasing around J.J. McCarthy on Monday.”
Moore, a senior defensive back, said Buchner gives the defense a ‘great look’ at McCarthy.
“J.J. is a mobile quarterback, and Tyler is definitely a mobile quarterback for us,” Moore said. “He does a great job of giving us a great look each and every day. I think he’s doing a great job of getting us prepared for the game. … Whenever he scrambles, Coach has got to tell us to break down on the ball and stay on our guys.”
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McCarthy does not have jaw-dropping numbers, but he is an efficient quarterback.
The junior is projected to be one of the top quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft. He averages 202 passing yards per game, but McCarthy stands with 2,630 passing yards on a 74.2 percent completion rating. He has 19 touchdowns to four interceptions.
McCarthy also has 146 yards rushing and three touchdowns.
Alabama’s defense must remain discipline and not overpursue him when he runs. Buchner is giving the Crimson Tide a good challenge with it. Hopefully, Buchner’s looks put the Tide in the best position to handle Michigan’s offense.
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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.
