Alabama coach Nick Saban is making a change at quarterback a week after the Crimson Tide fell to Texas in Tuscaloosa to drop to 1-1 on the young season. The Crimson Tide are expected to start Notre Dame transfer Tyler Buchner instead of Jalen Milroe against South Florida Friday, 247sports John Talty first reported Friday.
Milroe split SEC Offensive Player of the Week honors with Tennessee’s Joe Milton III week one before making a couple crucial mistakes in Alabama’s loss against Texas. The redshirt sophomore quarterback completed 14-of-27 passes for 255 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Milton added 44 rushing yards on 15 carries.
The dual-threat quarterback won a long quarterback competition over Buchner and Martin, Tennessee native Ty Simpson in the offseason after serving as Bryce Young’s backup last season.
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Buchner played briefly in Alabama’s season opening win over Middle Tennessee, completing three-of-five passes for 27 yards while adding a nine-yard rushing touchdown. The San Diego, California native transferred to Alabama after spring practice following his offensive coordinator Tommy Reese.
Alabama’s new starting quarterback started three games for Notre Dame last season, completing 55% of his passes for 651 yards, three touchdowns and five interceptions. The Fighting Irish added Wake Forest transfer Sam Hartman out of the transfer portal this offseason and he’s Notre Dame’s new starting quarterback.
Tennessee football faces Alabama on Oct. 21 looking for the program’s second straight win over the Crimson Tide and their first win in Tuscaloosa since 2003.
Time will tell who starts for the Crimson Tide against Tennessee next month. But Saban is turning to Buchner for Saturday’s matchup at South Florida. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. ET and ABC is broadcasting the game.
