Nick Saban thought Blake Barnett was too nervous

Alabama’s starting quarterback job was in question entering the team’s season-opening game Saturday against USC, but the picture is a little clearer after the team’s convincing win over the Trojans.

The Crimson Tide went with redshirt freshman Blake Barnett to start the game, but after the offense went 3-and-out in its first two drives, they switched things up and put in true freshman Jalen Hurts. Bama’s offense found its rhythm after the change as Hurts threw for two scores and ran for a pair in the massive victory.

At halftime, Bama was up 17-3 and coach Nick Saban explained the reason for the change from Barnett to Hurts. According to ESPN’s Sam Ponder, Saban felt Barnett was too nervous.

Bama poured it on in the second half, outscoring USC 35-3, so they went back to Barnett when they were up big.

Bama finally put Barnett back in the game after the score was 45-6, which was a much more comfortable situation for the freshman from Corona, Calif. Barnett found some success and finished the game 5-of-6 for 100 yards and a touchdown.

Saban said after the game he wasn’t ready to hand the team to Hurts, instead saying he felt the team had two quarterbacks who could play.