Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide are nearing Week 1 and still without a true starter emerging at the quarterback position.

More accurately, Saban is waiting for the true starter to step up and tell him they are ready to take the reigns of the offense.

“What I tell the quarterbacks is, ‘It’s not up to the coaches,’” Saban said. “You’re looking over your shoulder to see if the coach is going to do this or that. How about you forcing me to play you? Force us to play you. When you get your reps and you get a chance to play, you play so good we don’t have any choice but to play you.”

These remarks are aimed at 3 individuals: Ty Simpson, Jalen Milroe and Notre Dame transfer Tyler Buchner. Saban noted Tuesday that all 3 have seen first-team during Alabama’s scrimmage over the weekend.

Saban did not go into further detail about each QBs specific play from that scrimmage, nor did he address whether anyone stood out one way or another. The above comment might speak for itself on that front.

Alabama kicks off its season on Saturday, Sept 2 against MTSU at 7:30 p.m. ET.