Saban Looks to 2015 for Guidance
Alabama’s head coach Nick Saban has turned to the memory of the 2015 campaign to frame the challenges he faces this year. In that season the team cycled through three different quarterbacks before Jake Coker settled into the role and guided the Crimson Tide to a national championship.
Saban says the present situation shares a similar uncertainty. The current offense is the least productive unit in the SEC, but he sees promise in the two young quarterbacks, Keelon Russell and Austin Mack, who he believes can become game‑changing playmakers.
Both Russell and Mack have impressed in practice, and Saban has singled out Russell’s talent and potential as a playmaker. He notes that the offense will need to lean on its running game, recalling how Jake Coker complemented a dominant rushing attack that featured Derrick Henry’s 1,800‑yard season.
Season Opener Against East Carolina
The season will begin with a home matchup against East Carolina on Saturday, September 5, kicking off at 11 a.m. CT in Bryant‑Denny Stadium. The game marks the first test for the new quarterback duo as they look to translate preseason optimism into on‑field success.