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Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sport
Ian Casselberry

Former Alabama Heisman Winner Criticizes Nick Saban for Alabama QB Changes

Alabama's quarterback situation is in disarray three games into the 2023 season. Jalen Milroe was benched for the Crimson Tide's matchup with South Florida in favor of Tyler Buckner. Then Buckner was sidelined for Ty Simpson in a rough 17–3 victory in Tampa. 

Former Alabama star Mark Ingram believes coach Nick Saban made the team's quarterback issue worse by benching Milroe in the first place. 

“I think this is an overreaction,” said Ingram during Fox's Big Noon Kickoff. "There was a lot more glaring issues than just the quarterback play. They dropped [Milroe] back 39 times."

"Utilize his skillset, move the pocket, let him roll," Ingram added. "Let him utilize his playmaking abilities, which he showed several times in that game."

Nick Saban is having difficulty finding the right quarterback for Alabama. 

Nathan Ray Seebeck/USA TODAY Sports

Milroe struggled in Alabama's first two games, completing 27 of 45 passes (60 percent) for 449 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions. But Buckner was worse against the Bulls, completing only eight of 19 passes for 61 yards. Simpson compiled 78 yards on six of 10 passing. Neither quarterback threw a touchdown pass.

Will Saban go back to Milroe for the Tide's matchup with Ole Miss? He may not have a better choice.

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