TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) - AJ McCarron hasn't backed down from the challenge of being No. 2 Alabama's starting quarterback - or from big defensive linemen.
The Crimson Tide's first-year starter has shown poise and a dash of feistiness in leading the team to a 5-0 start. He chased after Florida defensive end Dominique Easley after a late hit and quietly absorbed the resulting scolding from coach Nick Saban.
For all that, Saban says McCarron is "in a pretty good place psychologically for his position." He hasn't put up big numbers or needed to on a team boasting a dominant running game and defense Greg McElroy's successor also hasn't thrown an interception since getting picked off twice in the season opener. He'll face aVanderbilt defense with a nation's-leading 14 picks Saturday night.
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