Alabama
Predicting The Winner Of Alabama Football QB Battle Between Tyler Buchner, Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson
For years, the Alabama Crimson Tide’s quarterback position has been a stronghold of talent and consistency. From the days of Jalen Hurts to the era of Mac Jones, the lineage of successful signal-callers has been unbroken, seamlessly passing the torch to maintain the team’s dominating performance. However, as the 2023 season approaches, there is a notable difference in Tuscaloosa. Head coach Nick Saban and his new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, are facing a crucial decision: Who will take the reins as the starting quarterback this time around?
Who will be Alabama football’s starting quarterback?
It’s unusual at this juncture, with just weeks before the season starts with Alabama facing Middle Tennessee State in their opener, that the Crimson Tide don’t have their starting quarterback named as of yet. The three-man Alabama football quarterback competition between Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson and Tyler Buchner has lead to tons of speculation and anticipation, yet with still no answer as to who will be the guy. Let’s make a prediction here:
Jalen Milroe
As mentioned, throughout Saban’s tenure, Alabama has displayed an impressive knack for transitioning from one quarterback to another with minimal disruptions. Jalen Milroe possesses the qualities to keep this tradition alive, according to Tim Watts of BamaOnLine. Milroe has the unique dual-threat ability, where he possesses the ability to turn a negative play into a positive one with his athleticism. This capacity to salvage plays and turn them into game-changers could prove invaluable in high-pressure situations, especially playing against SEC defenses.
Milroe’s explosiveness and ability to change the game’s momentum with his legs are also qualities that could set him apart in this competition. “If he ever irons out his passing, I think this is a no-brainer,” Watts told On3.
Milroe’s passing development is a work in progress, as was seen last season. However, in starting only one game in place for Bryce Young against Texas A&M, Milroe went 12-of-19 for 111 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception.
Ty Simpson
As the competition unfolds, Ty Simpson emerges as a strong contender for the starting quarterback role as well. Notably, Simpson has garnered praise for his arm strength and talent, which could bode well for him in the competition.
“Alabama is going to need a guy that can just play point guard, limit mistakes and consistently distribute the football to the sheer number of talent around them,” SEC Network analyst Jordan Rodgers told USA TODAY back at the 2023 SEC Media Days.
Simpson’s prowess in the passing game, combined with his potential to manage the offense efficiently, makes him a compelling candidate to be the next man under center. The redshirt freshman’s display during the spring game certainly opened a lot of eyes as well, where he finished with 156 passing yards and 58 rushing yards while throwing a pick. The only thing stopping the former five-star quarterback will be a lack of consistency.
Tyler Buchner
The quarterback competition takes a twist with the entry of Notre Dame transfer Tyler Buchner. One factor that works in Buchner’s favor is his prior connection with offensive coordinator Tommy Rees during his time at Notre Dame. This familiarity with Rees’ system could provide Buchner with a unique advantage, as he has already undergone a season under his guidance.
Before Buchner left Notre Dame he was receiving great reviews from coaches while in competition with Sam Hartman who transferred from Wake Forest. In his two seasons at Notre Dame, he went 67-for-118, which was good for a 56.8 completion percentage, six touchdowns and eight picks.
The fact the Buchner was brought in, tells you a lot that you need to know where this competition was and maybe even where it is currently. The drop off from Bryce Young is going to be huge. Nonetheless, you have to feel Buchner was brought in for good reason.
Prediction
Something tells me that even when the starter is named for the first game against MTSU, this could change throughout the season. More than likely, we’ll be seeing all three quarterbacks in some capacity in what will be a gimme game for Alabama. The real challenge will be the next week, when the Texas Longhorns come into Tuscaloosa in a rematch from last season.
“Somebody’s got to take the bull by the horns. Somebody’s got to separate themselves. When that happens, we’ll tell you,” Saban said, as reported by Athlon Sports.
This has to be worrisome to Alabama football fans, as this is nothing short of an abnormality for them, seeing even Saban unsure of who his quarterback is going to be. With that being said, it more than likely goes towards experience in this case. With 13 games under his belt and him following his offensive coordinator from Notre Dame, this feels like it’s going to Buchner, with Milroe a close second. But again, this is likely to change throughout the season, where we’re likely to know a lot more once we’re in Week 2 and Alabama faces what is going to be a tough Longhorns defense.
Alabama
Nebraska Women’s Basketball Dominates North Alabama; Natalie Potts Leaves with Injury
A dominant win with a potential loss for Nebraska women’s basketball Tuesday evening.
No. 21 Nebraska hammered North Alabama 85-48 at Pinnacle Bank Arena. The Huskers improve to 5-0 while the Lions fall to 2-3.
NU led by 11 after the first quarter and inched that out to 13 midway through the second. That’s when disaster struck.
A turnover led to a fast break opportunity for North Alabama. Natalie Potts retreated to cut off the scoring chance, but when she turned to contest the shot, her knee gave way and she collapsed to the floor. She was eventually helped to the locker room as a number of teammates were visibly emotional.
“She’s pretty upset,” Nebraska coach Amy Williams said after the game. “Her teammates are pretty upset. We’ll just kind of wait and see, once she’s had a chance to be evaluated, where we go from here.”
Potts returned in the second half to sit behind the bench in street clothes, aided by crutches. Williams said the doctors did not make an immediate determination of how long Potts will be out.
Back on the court, Nebraska continued to pull away, leading by as much as 39 before settling for the 37-point difference.
Nebraska shot 48.4% for the game, making 8-of-21 3s. North Alabama managed to shoot at just a 28.8% clip, including 7-of-18 from deep.
Five Huskers scored in double figures, including Callin Hake with a game-high 17 points. Jessica Petrie was next with 14 points, while Britt Prince and Alberte Rimdal each added 13.
Nebraska heads on the road to Creighton Friday. Tip from Omaha is set for 4 p.m. CST on FloHoops. Subscriptions are $150 for a year or $30 for a month.
Box score
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MORE: Dana Holgorsen Dives Into Some of the Good and Bad of Nebraska’s Offense
Stay up to date on all things Huskers by bookmarking Nebraska Cornhuskers On SI, subscribing to HuskerMax on YouTube, and visiting HuskerMax.com daily.
Alabama
Alabama Community College Conference adds women’s flag football
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – The Alabama Community College Conference has launched women’s flag football as an official sport.
Women’s flag football is one of newest athletic offerings sanctioned by the National Junior College Athletic Association.
ACCC will offer the sport to female student-athletes beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year.
“This new and exciting sport is going to bring additional opportunities to female student-athletes and provide that additional opportunity for them to continue the sport that they love,” said ACCC Commissioner Dean Myrick.
Myrick said women’s flag football has exploded on the parks and recreation level, as well as within the Alabama High School Athletic Association.
Once completion begins next fall, Alabama will feature the largest flag football conference in the NJCAA.
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Alabama
How to buy Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Oklahoma Sooners tickets
The No. 7 Alabama Crimson Tide face a fellow SEC foe when they visit the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024.
If you are looking to find Crimson Tide vs. Sooners tickets, information is available below.
Alabama vs. Oklahoma game info
Shop Alabama vs. Oklahoma tickets
How to buy Alabama vs. Oklahoma tickets for college football Week 13
You can buy tickets to see the Crimson Tide take on the Sooners from multiple providers.
Alabama vs. Oklahoma betting odds, lines, spreads
- Spread favorite: Crimson Tide (-14)
- Moneyline favorite: Crimson Tide (-610)
- Total: 47.5 (O: -110, U: -110)
Odds courtesy of BetMGM
Alabama Crimson Tide schedule
- Week 1: Aug. 31 vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, 63-0 win
- Week 2: Sept. 7 vs. South Florida Bulls, 42-16 win
- Week 3: Sept. 14 at Wisconsin Badgers, 42-10 win
- Week 5: Sept. 28 vs. Georgia Bulldogs, 41-34 win
- Week 6: Oct. 5 at Vanderbilt Commodores, 40-35 loss
- Week 7: Oct. 12 vs. South Carolina Gamecocks, 27-25 win
- Week 8: Oct. 19 at Tennessee Volunteers, 24-17 loss
- Week 9: Oct. 26 vs. Missouri Tigers, 34-0 win
- Week 11: Nov. 9 at LSU Tigers, 42-13 win
- Week 12: Nov. 16 vs. Mercer Bears, 52-7 win
- Week 13: Nov. 23 at 7:30 p.m. ET at Oklahoma Sooners
- Week 14: Nov. 30 vs. Auburn Tigers
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Alabama Crimson Tide stats
- Alabama is averaging 438.2 yards per game on offense this year (30th in the FBS), and are allowing 324.7 yards per game (32nd) on the defensive side of the ball.
- The Crimson Tide have been thriving on both offense and defense, ranking eighth-best in scoring offense (39.5 points per game) and 10th-best in scoring defense (16.9 points allowed per game).
- Alabama ranks 48th in pass offense (246.1 passing yards per game) and 35th in pass defense (192.5 passing yards allowed per game) this season.
- The Crimson Tide are compiling 192.1 rushing yards per game on offense (29th in the FBS), and they rank 53rd on the other side of the ball with 132.2 rushing yards allowed per game.
Oklahoma Sooners schedule
- Week 1: Aug. 30 vs. Temple Owls, 51-3 win
- Week 2: Sept. 7 vs. Houston Cougars, 16-12 win
- Week 3: Sept. 14 vs. Tulane Green Wave, 34-19 win
- Week 4: Sept. 21 vs. Tennessee Volunteers, 25-15 loss
- Week 5: Sept. 28 at Auburn Tigers, 27-21 win
- Week 7: Oct. 12 vs. Texas Longhorns, 34-3 loss
- Week 8: Oct. 19 vs. South Carolina Gamecocks, 35-9 loss
- Week 9: Oct. 26 at Ole Miss Rebels, 26-14 loss
- Week 10: Nov. 2 vs. Maine Black Bears, 59-14 win
- Week 11: Nov. 9 at Missouri Tigers, 30-23 loss
- Week 13: Nov. 23 at 7:30 p.m. ET vs. Alabama Crimson Tide
- Week 14: Nov. 30 at LSU Tigers
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Oklahoma Sooners stats
- While Oklahoma’s offense has been stuck in neutral, ranking 18th-worst with 326.8 total yards per game, its defense ranks 23rd-best with just 319 total yards surrendered per contest.
- The Sooners rank 91st in the FBS with 25.1 points per game on offense, and they rank 40th with 21.9 points ceded per contest on the defensive side of the ball.
- Oklahoma ranks 21st-worst in passing yards per game (183.6), but it has been better on the other side of the ball, ranking 55th in the FBS with 210 passing yards surrendered per contest.
- The Sooners rank 86th in the FBS with 143.2 rushing yards per contest, but they’ve been lifted up by their defense, which ranks 17th-best by allowing only 109 rushing yards per game.
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This content was created for Gannett using technology provided by Data Skrive.
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