Tide QB debate still unsettled

TUSCALOOSA  - AJ McCarron or Phillip Sims?

That’s the million dollar question that’s been kicked around throughout the preseason and will continue to be the hot topic of talk this week with one game in the books.

Nothing was really settled at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday during Alabama’s opening 48-7 win over Kent State.

If anything, the picture is even more muddled.

Neither quarterback took much of a leap to distance themselves from the other in the quest to become No. 1.

They were announced as co-starters before the game, and I assume that will be the case again this week.

For the record, McCarron threw for 226 yards on 14-of-23 passing, while Sims was 7-of-14 for 73 yards. McCarron had a touchdown pass, and both threw a pair of interceptions.

Sims’ two interceptions came during the first two drives of the second half. McCarron returned during the third series and led Alabama back into the end zone.

But is anybody really ahead?

From my viewpoint, McCarron gets a slight edge – and not just because his numbers are a bit more impressive.

He looked more in control of the offense, more confident in the pocket and more fluid throwing the ball downfield. Such shouldn’t really surprise considering McCarron is a sophomore with some previous college playing time under his belt.

Sims, a redshirt freshman, showed flashes of his tremendous athletic ability, but never really looked as confident throwing the football with the exception of a few nice spirals. Still, he adds a running threat out of the pocket that McCarron really doesn’t.

We’re left to wonder what each quarterback thinks about their opening-season showing, since neither was allowed to be interviewed by media members following the game.

Alabama coach Nick Saban said he thought McCarron played with “a little more poise.” The coach also said Sims certainly did some good things for a debut.

Not surprising, their teammates lavished praise on each QB.

“Both guys took control of the huddle,” receiver Marquis Maze said. “Each made a few mistakes, but that’s something we can work on as a team starting Monday.

“Both guys are nearly equal.”

Offensive lineman Barrett Jones said much the same.

“I think they did a phenomenal job as far as leadership, and that’s the kind of thing I notice,” Jones said. “I think they were both confident and ready.

“Right now we feel confident no matter which quarterback is in. I didn’t think we missed a beat when we changed quarterbacks.”

And running back Trent Richardson echoed those sentiments, almost as if all the players have been coached on what to say concerning the quarterback situation.

“I don’t think there’s a difference at all,” Richardson offered. “We trust those boys.”

Maybe we'll find out who the leader of the offense will eventually be during the heat of the battle next Saturday at Penn State.

It’s when the pressure is on within a hostile environment that someone will have to step up and lead the way - basically sink or swim.

At that point, maybe no more questions will be necessary.