I love this debate, everyone has THEE answer yet everybodys opinion is different. Noone and I mean NOONE addresses valid points made by others, just restate their opinion as if that solves it.
Smith starting, doubt it, but could if he shows the maturity. I am not sold, yes reports say his workout was great but Kb posted an reference that a couple NFC scouts didnt like his outs after they went back and reviewed teh tapes. This is what scares me about him, if his outs have float defenses will pick him apart no matter how smart he is.
The thing that gets me hot and bothered is this notion that the "hugger" read what they want into Saban comments yet the "haters" are factually interpreting what Saban said. You use comments but not the circumstances for which they were made. Like the "self determination" comment. Saban didnt offer it up, he was asked a question and he responded. With Marino there was never a question as to him starting, he never "competed for teh job, so stupid comparison. I repeat Saban was asked if it was unfair to have an equal competition since Frerrotte was familiar with the offense, Saban said it was up to AJ to learn it. Saban has said teh best qb will play, so if AJ cannot get up to speed, how can he be the best? Saban has said numerous times this week that they will work very hard to develop AJ to be behind him, to do what ity takes, but Aj has to take it upon himslef to do what it takes, noone can do it for him.
I admit I may have read too much into Saban earlier comments before Frerrotte was signed. I still have reservations about whether it is a true open competition, but it is my feeling not based on fact but how I PERSONNALLY read what Saban has said. So there is an equal chance I am wrong. So be it. I am not against teh competition. I am not against getting a qb at #2, even Smith even tho I have reservations. I just love how everyone KNOWS AJ cant succeed, yet know Smith and Rogers WILL succeed.
Please stop with the "I am objective you are blinded" attitude, that isnt the case any more than the supporters are completely objective. Opinions by nature are subjective.