Coach Nick Saban is being mighty secretive about who will start at quarterback for Alabama this season.
AJ McCarron and Phillip Sims are battling to replace Greg McElroy, but it has been tough to gauge who has the upper hand because Saban isn’t saying much.
Saban has gone as far as to say he likes both McCarron and Sims and that they both played well in the Crimson Tide’s scrimmage Saturday, but he didn’t release their stats from that practice. Then he added, “We’re not going to make this a public debate.”
McCarron, a sophomore, played in all 13 games last season, mainly on special teams, but threw for 389 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. Sims is a redshirt freshman from Chesapeake, Va.
“They are both the kind of guys who spend a lot of time trying to learn what they need to do. They enjoy that part of the game,” Saban recently told the Dothan Eagle. “I’m pleased with both guys. It would make it a little easier to make a determination if both guys weren’t doing things in a very positive way.”
McCarron and Sims could share snaps, but whoever plays will have the luxury of handing off to preseason All-SEC running back Trent Richardson, who rushed for 700 yards and six touchdowns in 2010. And despite having to replace its quarterback, Alabama is No. 2 in the Associated Press preseason Top 25.
“There’s no problem with splitting time,” McCarron said. “As long as you’re winning, it shouldn’t matter.”
And then there’s Gainesville’s Blake Sims, who likely won’t start at quarterback, but could see action there — possibly out of the Wildcat formation — in addition to playing running back and returning kicks and punts.
Burning question
Who will replace Knile Davis at running back for Arkansas?
The Razorbacks didn’t expect quarterback Ryan Mallett to be back this season, but they were looking for another outstanding season from Davis, who led all SEC running backs with 1,322 yards rushing and averaged 147 yards in the final seven games.
Since Davis will miss the season with an ankle injury, coach Bobby Petrino has turned to Ronnie Wingo and Dennis Johnson, who combined to rush for 336 yards last season. Johnson was injured in the second week and missed the final 11 games of 2010.
Freshmen Kody Walker and Kelvin Fisher, who was moved from corner to running back last week, provide depth, but look for Wingo and Johnson to receive most of the carries.
In focus
Barrett Trotter’s dream job comes with a huge stipulation: He’s the guy who must try to replace Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton as Auburn’s quarterback.
Coach Gene Chizik named Trotter the Tigers’ starter for their opener against Utah State on Sept. 3, but he was just 6-of-9 for 64 yards last season as Newton led the SEC in passing and rushing and carried Auburn to the national championship.
“There’s a lot of ingredients in there,” Chizik told the AP. “It’s experience; it’s knowledge of the offense; it’s leadership ability. Obviously, consistency managing our team. People believing and trusting in the guy that is their quarterback.”
Trotter, who redshirted in 2008 and missed all of 2009 with an injury, has already earned a degree in communications and is in graduate school. He was named the starter over Clint Moseley and freshman Kiehl Frazier “because we feel like he gives us the best chance to win,” Chizik said.
Quotable
“I tried to tell our guys we’re probably an overrated bunch of dudes right now.” — Steve Spurrier on No. 12 South Carolina’s preseason rankings
“Growth for growth’s sake is not always the best thing. What is the advantage of 16 teams? Do you now have four conferences of 16 and you got 64 teams, and it is those 64 that boo-boo all the rest of the colleges? I would hate to see that. No, that is not something I would look forward to.” — Vanderbilt vice chancellor of athletics David Williams told the Nashville City Paper
By the numbers
2 — Days off for Auburn players so far this week. Chizik said his team was too tired to practice on both Sunday and Monday.
9 — Sacks by South Carolina defensive lineman Melvin Ingram, which was third in the SEC last season and is the most for returning players.
Etc.
C.J. Uzomah made his name as a quarterback at North Gwinnett, but played several other positions. He’s starting his Auburn career at wide receiver. “He’s doing OK. He’s got a lot of things to learn,” Chizik told al.com. “He’s got a long way to go, but right now, if he keeps working and progressing as he has the last three weeks, he’ll have a chance to contribute. How much, we don’t know.” ... South Carolina backup quarterback Connor Shaw (Flowery Branch) didn’t play in a weekend scrimmage after injuring his thumb last week. Junior defensive tackle Alfred Davis (Banneker) is being counted on to help anchor Arkansas’ defensive line. He has eight career starts. ... Running back Mack Brown (M.L. King) faces a crowded backfield at Florida. Jeff Demps, Chris Rainey, Mike Gillislee and Trey Burton all figure to receive carries this season. Demps led the Gators with 551 yards rushing in 2010.
