Alabama's Nick Saban forgoes depth chart to avoid 'distractions' - ESPN

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Not only did Alabama coach Nick Saban neglect to name a starting quarterback on Monday, but he also neglected to release a depth chart in any form.

It was the first time in Saban's 17 seasons with the Crimson Tide that he didn't release a formal depth chart the week of the season-opener.

Alabama will host Middle Tennessee on Saturday.

Saban said a formal list of starters and backups «creates a lot of distractions» within the locker room.

«And quite frankly, you know, we don't need that,» he added. «I want all of our players to continue to compete, continue to compete for playing time, to try to play at the highest level. And I don't want anybody on our team to think they're a backup player or whatever.»

Saban apologized for not releasing a depth chart, but he said that players know who should start and who shouldn't.

Asked whether he had an expectation to play one or multiple quarterbacks against Middle Tennessee, Saban shot back, «I don't have any expectation.»

«We're going one day at a time,» Saban said. «We're repping the players. And regardless of what happens in this game… just because whoever starts in the first game that doesn't mean that you don't have to continue to compete and play throughout the season because the competition doesn't end like the first game at any position, including quarterback.»

Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson and Tyler Buchner have been vying to replace Bryce Young after the former Heisman Trophy was selected No. 1 overall in the NFL draft.

Milroe, a redshirt sophomore, backed up Young last season. He started one game and completed 31 of 53 pass attempts for 297 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions.

A dual-threat athlete, Milroe also rushed for 263 yards and a