Using two quarterbacks is a gamble some college football coaches are not willing to take either because of chemistry, leadership or superiority of one player.
Former Florida coach Steve Spurrier implemented this system to mixed reviews in 2000 while rotating quarterbacks Jesse Palmer, Rex Grossman and Brock Berlin
Alabama has found success in the two-quarterback system, using a combination of senior Tyler Watts and emerging redshirt freshman Brodie Croyle to gain the best record in the Southeastern Conference West (8-2, 5-1 SEC).
The signal callers have equal strengths — Watts is a stronger runner with years of starting in experience while Croyle is more inclined to pass, and who likely is the future starter.
Watts has started eight games, throwing for 1,030 yards and five touchdowns. He ranks 10th in the SEC in average passing yards per game and he is 7-1 as a starter in 2002.
Watts is used to splitting time at his position. Alabama has used more than one quarterback the last few years, rotating Andrew Zow with Watts.
LSU coach Nick Saban said Alabama’s passers could give the team just as much trouble as the running backs.
“I think Tyler Watts is a much better passer now than a year ago,” Saban said. “If you play a lot of man-to-man, and [No.] 14’s in there and everyone’s turned around and he takes off, it turns into some big plays.”
Croyle’s statistics mirror those of Watts — he has completed 53-104 passes for 963 yards and five touchdowns. His best game was against Arkansas, when he threw for 285 yards in the 30-12 win against the Hogs.
“Brodie’s more of a passer, but not the same threat as a runner,” Saban said.
If Alabama is to play spoiler to LSU’s SEC Championship run, both quarterbacks will have to make plays to keep the team’s third-ranked defense fresh. Watts and Croyle will go up against an LSU secondary that is looking to reclaim its swagger after giving up multiple big plays against Kentucky.
LSU’s defense, which ranks first against the pass and third against the rush, will try to stop the run and put pressure on whoever takes the snaps.
LSU linebacker Bradie James will have the task of keeping the two passers in check. James leads the team with 109 tackles.
“Tyler Watts, he’s the heart and soul of the offense.” James said. “He is a run threat and this year he’s been passing the ball very well.”
Tide coach Dennis Franchione said the players are looking forward to competing, even though the team is banned from postseason play.
“I believe they are excited about being ranked in the top 10 in the nation, the wins, the success they have enjoyed together,” Franchione said.