re: State of the QB battle.

I would say, just guessing here, that Bateman takes the first series. But be pretty conservative. By the 3rd series, Hurts will be in, especially if we've had 2 3 and outs.
I just don't see Saban letting Hurts get the start in the big time, since he hasn't 100% made himself better than the others.
From what we've heard, he has made himself the best QB, but Saban knows that in the game is much different than the practice, so he will go with who has at least been there.