Wednesday marked the last Alabama football practice open to the media before the regular season begins in Arlington, Texas, against Southern Cal on Saturday.  

Coach Nick Saban told the media Monday that Blake Barnett and Cooper Bateman are battling for Saturday’s starting quarterback position. Bateman was getting first-team reps, throwing to Calvin Ridley, with Barnett following. Jalen Hurts threw to ArDarius Stewart. 

Alabama QBs getting those deep ball reps in today's practice. Blake Barnett or Cooper Bateman will start Saturday. pic.twitter.com/RmlEzkbKWq

— Terrin Waack (@terrinvictoria) August 31, 2016

It was Barnett and Hurts who hit their targets more often during the media session. Bateman overshot his receivers twice. 

All the quarterbacks worked on slants, deep-ins, outs, stop-and-goes and rollouts with the wide receivers. It is yet to be determined who will take the field with the offense come game time.

Additional Practice Notes:

• The offensive linemen were seen doing shoot drills, keeping their center of gravity low.
• The running backs, led by Bo Scarbrough, worked on cuts while carrying two footballs for a cone drill.
  

  Bo Scarbrough led the Alabama running backs during today's practice before Saturday's game against Southern Cal. pic.twitter.com/Q1dnj3u614

  — Terrin Waack (@terrinvictoria) August 31, 2016

• Defensive backs were seen doing footwork drills which ended with a fumble scoop and score.
  

  Alabama defensive backs running drills during practice before heading to Arlington, Texas, to play USC on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/3OwKEq9Ib7

  — Terrin Waack (@terrinvictoria) August 31, 2016