Alabama Crimson Tide

Crimson Tide vs. WKU: Saban On Bo, Hurts, and Why He Hasn't Named a Starting QB

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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During this week’s SEC coaches conference call, Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban answered several questions about the team.

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Coach Saban began this week’s call with the typical comments about Alabama’s lower tier non-conference opponents. He noted that “people get beat by teams like this because of their arrogance, and not respecting their opponent and preparing properly.” Speaking specifically about this week, he hopes that Alabama has the “right respect” for Western Kentucky.

It’s not a ringing endorsement of the team’s preparation, but that’s never really been Coach Saban’s style. The dissatisfied reactions from several players following last week’s dismantling of USC suggests that Alabama is not about to overlook WKU.

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When asked about Jalen Hurts, Saban noted that his early arrival helped him learn the offense, but that he’s still operating from a limited “menu” of plays. The plan is to gradually broaden that “menu” in practice.

Sep 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) celebrates with wide receiver ArDarius Stewart (13) during the third quarter against the USC Trojans at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

However, when asked about the plan at quarterback this week, Saban deflected. Asked if one could anticipate all three quarterbacks playing this week, he replied, “you can anticipate whatever you want.”

He also explained why he gives few details on the quarterback battle. “I know that a lot of people out there think that they have the right to know,” he said, “but I also know that some of the Southern Cal players said last week ‘It sure would be nice to know who was gonna play quarterback for them.'”

From the moment USC burned a timeout when Hurts entered the game Saturday, it was clear that his role caught them by surprise. If Alabama can gain an advantage by remaining mum on the quarterback question, then fans should get used to the guessing game. If Saturday is any indication, silence may indeed be golden.

Fans may have noticed that Bo Scarbrough came out of the gate quietly, managing 36 yards on 11 carries against USC. Asked about Scarbrough, Coach Saban noted that this was Bo’s first game in the starting rotation and that the staff is encouraged with his progress. He suggested that a greater attention to detail will hasten Scarbrough’s development.

Obviously, a stronger stat line from Scarbrough would have been preferable, but Alabama’s four-headed rushing attack looked solid in week one. There’s little reason to believe Bo won’t soon look like the same back that we saw against Michigan State.

Apr 16, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Bo Scarbrough (9) carries the ball during the annual A-day game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Saban also responded to a question about the offensive line. He said that their communication was mostly solid and that Bozeman’s performance at center was “pretty good.” Instead, he believes that the line needs to focus on the fundamentals and execute better in the future.

While the offensive line certainly could have played better against USC, it is still a relatively young group. It will be interesting to see how the younger players look against Western Kentucky, and whether Alphonse “Shank” Taylor can regain a starting role.

For the second week in a row, Coach Saban praised an opposing wide receiver. This week, Humphrey & Co. will face the talented Taywan Taylor, who managed 17 touchdowns and over 1,400 yards last year. When asked about him, Saban complimented his route running, hands, and competitive spirit, noting that Taylor “is as good as any receiver we’ll play this year.

If Taylor is as good as JuJu Smith-Schuster, then Marlon Humphrey should have no problems

Finally, Saban also said that playing at home “excites our players.” For my part, I hope the fans at Bryant-Denny do their best to create an exciting atmosphere on Saturday.

Roll Tide, everybody.

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