re: Official Fall Camp Discussion Thread - Who Wants to Wear Out That Trojan arse?

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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — We’re 10 days away from Alabama facing USC in AT&T Stadium, and one big question remains for the Crimson Tide: Who will start at quarterback?

USC coach Clay Helton named redshirt junior Max Browne the Trojans starting quarterback last Saturday. Browne edged redshirt freshmen Sam Darnold for the job.

Alabama coach Nick Saban has yet to publicly name a starter despite reports and rumors that he would.

Saban didn’t name a starter prior to the season opener of the last two years when Blake Sims won the job over Jake Coker in 2014, and Coker won the job over Cooper Bateman last year.

There’s nothing to suggest that he won’t stick with tradition and keep the competition open as the games begin.

Bateman, redshirt freshman Blake Barnett and freshman Jalen Hurts are the competitors this time around. David Cornwell essentially is out of the race because of a foot injury he suffered this summer.

There has been a lot of talk about Hurts being the starter, but everyone should pump the brakes a little.

Hurts is the best quarterback on the roster from a talent standpoint. During Alabama’s scrimmages, Hurts has made great plays that impressed teammates and the coaching staff. But he also has made the “freshman mistakes” that can sometimes get a team beat. That’s to be expected to a degree as Hurts is less than a year removed from high school.

Barnett is the only former 5-star prospect on the roster. Barnett has shown a lot of improvement throughout fall camp. He’s put on some good weight and has a better understanding of the playbook.

His problem has been turnovers. Barnett struggles with turnovers during Alabama’s scrimmages. It’s the same thing that took him out of last year’s competition.

Saban demands that his quarterbacks take care of the ball so giving it to the other team is the fastest way to never play a significant down at Alabama.

Then there is Bateman, who appears to be the incumbent.

Bateman is the only quarterback on the roster with collegiate experience. He pushed Coker in last year’s competition, and even earned a start against Ole Miss.

Bateman probably is the quarterback the coaches could trust the most in terms of not making those catastrophic mistakes that would lose the game.

But one wonders if the offense would be limited with Bateman behind center.

Hurts and Barnett both have more upside and arm talent than Bateman.

When reporters have been allowed to watch practices, Bateman has been seen throwing balls at the feet of receivers and underthrowing deep routes so much that the receivers don’t have time to adjust.

Bateman would be able to get Alabama’s offense in the right play because of his knowledge of the system. But would Alabama truly be able to take advantage of the playmakers it has on the perimeter with Bateman running the show?

All three of these quarterbacks have their strengths and weaknesses. Hurts and Barnett both are young and have a tendency to force things.

Of the three quarterback competitions in the last three years, this may end up being the toughest decision for the coaching staff.

Do they go with Bateman and risk not having the offense reach its potential? Or do you plug in Hurts or Barnett and let them learn on the job while occasionally making freshman mistakes?

Barring a change in these next 10 days, look for Bateman to trot out for the first series against USC on Sept. 3.

Beyond that, anything is possible.

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