Lane Kiffin Made An Interesting Prediction For Alabama's QB Competition
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 31: Offensive Coordinator Lane Kiffin of the Alabama Crimson Tide and Head Coach Nick Saben of the Alabama Crimson Tide walk during pre game of the 2016 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome on December 31, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)
The major story line this offseason for the Alabama football program has involved the quarterback position. We still don't know if Jalen Hurts or Tua Tagovailoa will be the starter.
Many assumed Tagovailoa would win the job given his performance in the second half of the CFP national championship game. However, he battled a hand injury during spring practice and head coach Nick Saban has been reluctant to say much about the ongoing QB battle.
Saban's former assistant Lane Kiffin is the opposite. He's never exactly been shy about speaking his mind about anything, including what is going on at his old employer.
Kiffin said he expects Saban to utilize both quarterbacks in the season opener. The reason? So neither will transfer.
Kiffin should know about Saban playing two quarterbacks in the season opener. In 2016, he started redshirt freshman Blake Barnett in the first game against USC, but replaced him early on with Hurts.
Barnett did wind up transferring a few weeks later, however. He had an interesting Twitter reaction to Kiffin's quotes today.
Kiffin is probably on to something regarding how Saban will deploy his quarterbacks. Even if Tagovailoa emerges as the No. 1 as expected, Hurts will likely be used in certain packages or even in a "slash" type role where he is used in the slot or the backfield.
Alabama opens up its 2018 season against Louisville on Sept. 1.
