I just figured it out while watching the Cox replay (sober). After Russell went out the first time with cramps, Saban replaced him with Randall, but inserted Russell as soon as he was able to return. Then, with 1:38 left and the start of our final possession he sent Russell in. This was a highly pressure packed win or lose situation and Russell was his choice. There you have it. JaMarcus is the one Saban has the most confidence in.
I agree. If he had any confidence in MR he would have left him in the first time JM went down but he didnt.
As I watched the replay today, I was thinking the same thing. Russel, in adverse conditions, kept his head and made plays. I remember Saban saying, during the Booty, Davey, Nall trials that he was going to select the guy who could make more plays. Davey was injured so he went with Booty. Once Rohan showed that he could make more plays (Tennessee game) he would have been the starter. Unfortunately, Davey was injured again so Booty got to be the starter awhile longer. He held the job until the Peach Bowl when once again Davey moved him out. Unless Saban's criteria for determining the starter has changed, Russell should be number 1. He certainly made more positive plays. Now how long can Randall hold on to number 2?
