Alabama QB Tyler Buchner Taking First-Team Snaps in Warmups Before USF Game

TAMPA, Fla.— As reported Friday afternoon, it appears Notre Dame transfer Tyler Buchner will start at quarterback for Alabama Saturday afternoon at South Florida.

During warmups in Raymond James Stadium prior to the game, Buchner was taking snaps with the first-team center (Seth McLaughlin.) He has appeared in one game for Alabama so far this season, going 3-of-5 for 27 yards and one rushing touchdown.

In his pregame interview with Crimson Tide Sports Network, Alabama head coach Nick Saban said that Buchner brings a little more diversity to what the offense can do.

"He played really well in the last scrimmage, and he's done well in practice," Saban said earlier this week about Buchner. "So we feel really good about how he's continued to improve and develop and gain confidence in what he's doing and had a good feeling around the teammates and receivers and all that type of thing."

Redshirt freshman Ty Simpson is the second quarterback in line, taking snaps with Darrian Dalcrout. Jalen Milroe is third taking snaps with James Brockermeyer. True freshmen Dylan Lonergan and Eli Holstien round out the group, snapping behind Terrence Ferguson and Roq Montgomery respectively.

Milroe has started the first two games for the Crimson Tide, but threw two interceptions last weekend in the 34-24 loss to Texas. Saban said he considered making a change at quarterback during the game, but it was never formally discussed among the coaches. He also reconsidered once Milroe led Alabama on a touchdown drive in the fourth quarter.

Buchner joined Alabama in late April after neither Milroe or Simpson took control of the quarterback job throughout spring camp. He played for current Alabama offensive coordinator Tommy Rees at Notre Dame and had 949 career yards, 6 touchdowns and 8 interceptions with the Fighting Irish.

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