re: Your gut feeling...who will start at QB?

The competition will carry into the season like it always does and that's fine with me even though fans hate it. It keeps all of the QBs dialed in working hard, and it prevents valuable backups from transferring out. Smart move by Saban.

I think Bateman starts against USC and whether he keeps the job or not will depend on if he can grow into the position and become a leader like Sims and Coker did. If he shrinks, Blake will get his shot. I think Bateman is the safer choice at least early in the season. Blake has the big arm but he's been an absolute turnover machine in scrimmages both last year and this year which is a massive concern when you have a good defense and turnovers are almsot the only thing that will beat you.