Alabama To Face Familiar Quarterback In Weirdest Way Possible

For their Week 1 game against Western Kentucky on Saturday, the Alabama Crimson Tide will be looking to stop what was one of the most prolific passing attacks in college football in 2023 and secure the first win of the Kalen DeBoer era .

However, the Hilltoppers no longer have Austin Reed behind center. He is looking to stick on an NFL roster, while former LSU/Auburn/Texas State quarterback, T.J. Finley will be looking to finish his career on a high note.

He is also looking to get a win against Alabama for the first time, as this will mark the third time he has played against the Tide. The only caveat that makes this so whacky is the fact that it will be for a third different program.

As a freshman at LSU, Finley got the starting nod against Alabama but ended up being pulled in favor of Max Johnson in the third quarter of their 55-17 loss. His next showing against the Tide came after he transferred to Auburn. It was a bit better, but still had the same result. He completed 17-of-26 passes for two touchdowns and one pick, but the Tigers lost in the fourth overtime.

On Saturday, Finely has a chance to add his first against the Tide, while also handing DeBoer the first loss of the season.

Head coach Tyson Helton technically named him the starter, but based on his comments, it wasn't a runaway victory.

"TJ will run out there first, but what I've told both quarterbacks is they both need to be ready to play," WKU coach Tyson Helton said . "We'll see how the game goes. I felt like in camp either one of those men were deserving of being the starter. You could flip a coin, to be quite honest with you, and somebody has to run other there first so TJ will run out there first. But you could expect to see Caden in there – wouldn't be shocked if he gets in there.

ESPN has the Tide favored by 31.5.

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