Nick Saban’s club completed spring workouts last weekend with the annual A-Day game, won by the Crimson, which had the first-team offense, over the White 14-10. Most eyes were on the quarterback position as sophomore A.J. McCarron and freshman Philip Sims battle to replace two-year starter Greg McElroy. McCarron and Sims split time with both sides and their numbers were practically the same. McCarron completed 21 of 38 passes for 222 yards with one interception and one touchdown, while Sims was 19 of 38 for 229 yards and one interception. Both guys split first-team reps during practices so it’s fair to call the race dead-even.

McCarron would seem to have a slight edge only because he has game experience – McCarron played mostly in the late-game situations of nine games in 2010. While Sims took reps with the scout team, McCarron threw for 389 yards and three touchdowns in 2010.

“In my mind, I can’t tell if there’s a leader or not,” senior center William Vlachos said.

The Tide will again be a favorite in the SEC despite losing McElroy, former Heisman winner Mark Ingram and star receiver Julio Jones. The Tide return nearly every starter on defense, which may have to carry the load for a few games until the offense jells. Overall Alabama has 17 returning starters (including kickers), with nine on defense.

Alabama finished 10-3 last season and crushed Big Ten co-champion Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl. The Tide, who are 11/2 on Bodog’s NCAA football odds to win the national championship, open the 2011 season on Sept. 3 against Kent State before visiting Penn State the following week.

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