Saban discusses Tyler Buchner, Jalen Milroe to open USF week

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – After Alabama’s 34-24 home loss to Texas on Saturday, head coach Nick Saban was asked if he gave any thought to making a change at the quarterback position after Jalen Milroe struggled against the Longhorns. He said he did but after Milroe led a scoring drive in the third quarter, the subject was never discussed on the Crimson Tide sideline.

Hypothetically speaking (sorry, Coach), had he gone to another signal-caller, it would have likely been Tyler Buchner, who was the first quarterback off the Alabama bench in the season opener against Middle Tennessee. But neither Buchner nor any other quarterback received snaps in the 10-point loss to Texas. Could that change after Week 2? That remains to be seen.

Saban was asked about Buchner to begin South Florida week and updated his progress.

“He played really well in the last scrimmage, and he’s done well in practice,” Saban said. “So we feel really good about how he’s continued to improve and develop and the confidence in what he’s doing and have a good feeling around the teammates and receivers and all that type of thing.”

Buchner transferred to Alabama after the spring after two seasons at Notre Dame, reuniting with offensive coordinator Tommy Rees and adding another candidate to the Alabama quarterback battle. When the Tide opened preseason practice in early August, Saban said Buchner was still getting comfortable with the system, new terminology and the players around him, but based on Buchner’s rise up the depth chart and Saban’s comments, that’s coming along.

As for Milroe, Saban was also asked about him to begin the third game week of the season. But he mentioned quarterback play earlier in his press conference when discussing pass protection – Alabama allowed five sacks and four quarterback hurries in last Saturday’s defeat.

“The quarterback has to process quickly and get the ball out of his hand,” Saban said. “We can’t hold the ball. So it’s a combination of all those things that I think was a problem.”

Milroe threw for 255 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions on 14-of-27 passing. He also rushed for 44 yards on 15 attempts against his home-state Longhorns. After the game, Saban said Milroe kept a positive demeanor on the Alabama sideline throughout the contest’s ups and downs and was asked about the importance of players keeping their confidence. 

“I think it’s important in all positions, but one thing you don’t want to do is get frustrated as a player,” Saban said. “You don’t want one play to affect the next play and to stay positive. But you can say stay positive, but we all have self-talk, right? You gotta believe it. You can’t just say ‘OK, I’m gonna do this,’ but don’t believe you can do it. You gotta believe and trust in yourself, too. So I think the players stayed positive. They tried to keep the energy level up. 

“They didn’t get frustrated in the game, and Jalen didn’t either. But still, you gotta trust and have faith and confidence in doing what you’re coached to do on a consistent basis and that’s going to help you be successful.”

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