FanPost

Solid reasons why Bateman will start against USC

1. There is no clear cut leader: Each guy has had good and bad both in the spring and again this fall. Now Hurts seems to have had the most big plays, but he has had bad plays too. The difference between the three is slight and in a situation like this Saban will go with the guy who is currently leading the QB’s in drills, starting the scrimmage, etc. - that is Bateman.

2. Saban will always go with the veteran. Neither Barnett nor Hurts have ever taken a snap in a college game. Practice is one thing, but there is nothing like a real game. Bateman may not have done so good against Mississippi. But by making some mistakes then, he is less likely to make the same mistake this year.

3. Bateman deserves his chance. Bateman did poorly against Mississippi in his start last year. But, was it really fair to throw him into that fire? I mean maybe Coker was sick and there was no option. I think we panicked and tried to make a big change before a big game. Regardless, the start against one of the two best teams we played in the regular season for your first start is putting the guy in a position where it would be easy to fail. I think Saban knows this and would like to give Bateman a second chance. Saban is all about second chances.

4. Bateman looks more like a game manager than the other two. Alabama and Saban have done pretty good with game managers. Both Hurts and Barnett appear to me to be "gunslingers." Although that type can win you a lot of games that type does not fit with Saban.

5. The ego/confidence factor. This is a small consideration but one which still must be figured into the equation. If Bateman does not start his confidence will take a major hit. What is wrong with that? Well, if at some point we need to go back to him (injury, a loss, etc.) he will have a tough time. By being younger both Barnett and Hurts would be fine with not starting.

Other factors: Last year’s back up, likely closer relationship with O-line, played receiver for a while and likely closer to receivers, been with Kiffin longer.

From the final gun against Clemson the qb job has been Bateman’s to lose. In spite of two talented guys trying to over take him they have not been able to do so thus far. You would just have to figure they were not able to do so today. Now we start preparing for USC. Bateman should lead the drills as practice for USC begins. I can not see a leap frog at this point.


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