Crimson Red Sports

The position of starting QB on the Alabama Crimson Tide football team is arguably more coveted and more high profile than the position of Governor. This was fully apparent last year as the sports pages, blogs, and forums lit up with debate over whether it would be 10 or 14, and the matter wasn't settled until we were a few games into the season.

After AJ's outstanding performance down the stretch of the 2011 season, and in the BCS Nat'l Championship game, his hold on the starting spot appeared to be one of the bedrock certainties of the 2012 Crimson Tide. That is what makes the silence about the quarterbacking in the wake of the A-Day game so deafening. Although the success of the white offense was due in large part to TJ Yeldon, #14 had a very impressive second half, and looked very poised in the position. And this after being sidelined with a sore shoulder for much of Spring practice.

On the other sideline, AJ had a decent day but a performance that was most noteworthy for the three interceptions he threw. We all know the emphasis CNS places on penalties and turnovers. He cannot be pleased that his starter gave it up three times.

The Tuscaloosa News had a couple paragraphs about #14's outstanding day, buried in the did-bits section of the A-Day coverage. Little mention was made of #10's afternoon. I wonder what the coverage would have looked like had the tables been turned.

It is interesting to me that the wrap against AJ was that he was a risk to start slinging if the going got rough, instead of staying with the process. For those of us who were worried about that at the start of last year's campaign, those three INTs resurrect these old fears. Hopefully, A-Day will serve as a reminder to AJ about sticking with the process, and about the formidable fellow who is ready to trade AJ a clipboard for the football.

(http://lammatlarge.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/saban-podium.jpg)
"Don't make me say it again."

Remember though, he faced the toughest defense he will see all year.

Tru Dat Coach