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Alabama QB competition down to Cooper Bateman, Blake Barnett

By Patrick Schmidt

Apr 16, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Blake Barnett (8) passes during the annual A-day game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Blake Barnett (8) passes during the annual A-day game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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The quarterback competition at Alabama is down to Cooper Bateman and Blake Barnett, but who should get the nod for the Tide’s opener vs. USC?

For the third straight year, the Alabama Crimson Tide have a quarterback competition that could linger into the season. Alabama head coach Nick Saban isn’t ready to name a starter yet but did reveal the competition is down to Cooper Bateman and Blake Barnett.

Bateman started the Ole Miss game last year before being removed in favor of Jake Coker for the remainder of the season. The former five-star recruit threw for 291 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions on 37-of-52 passing. He is holding off fellow five-star recruit Barnett who enters redshirted last year as a freshman.

“Bateman and Barnett are the two guys we’re getting ready to play in this game,” Saban said. “That’s the way it’s going to be for right now. We’re going to try to continue to develop all of our guys. And we make this choice, we make this decision with what’s going to give us the best chance to win this game. It’s also about future development of our players. We want to play the guy that’s the most ready to give us the best chance. That’s kind of where it is right now.”

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Saban went on to say Bateman has a good understanding of the offense with the experience he brings to the huddle and has made strides as a passer. Saban notes the team has the utmost confidence in him.

Barnett doesn’t have the experience Bateman has but he brings more upside to the table but has been an effective passer and needs to continue to develop.

The smart money is on Bateman starting the opener against USC. Barnett will still get some reps to see how he handles himself. Saban is no stranger to quarterback competitions lingering into the season. I’d bet that happens for the first couple of weeks this year.

Whoever asserts themselves as the leader just as Coker did last year and Blake Sims did the year before will be the starter while the other assumes the backup role.

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A third quarterback could still work himself into the quarterback equation. True freshman Jalen Hurts impressed Saban in the preseason and thinks he has a bright future. He won’t rush his him, but don’t be surprised if he gets some reps.

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