Quarterback was a hot topic during the spring football games at both Alabama and Auburn last weekend.

Auburn will decide between Joey Gatewood, Bo Nix and Malik Willis as its next starting quarterback. Gatewood and Nix both worked with the first-team offense, while Willis played for the second unit at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

I watched the Tigers’ spring game on TV and it appears the starting spot will come down to Nix and Gatewood. Nix finished 11-of-16 for 155 yards and two touchdowns. Gatewood, the first quarterback to enter, was 7-of-10 with two touchdowns and 123 yards.

Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said after the Orange’s 28-10 win over the Blue squad that he’s not ready to sit down and have a conversation with the three signal-callers.

Gatewood may start the Tigers’ season-opener on Aug. 31, but I believe Nix will overtake him by mid-season. Nix has looked impressive for a true freshman and once he gets adjusted to the college game, the job is his.

With the return of Heisman Trophy runner-up Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama already has its starter.

I saw the A-Day game at Bryant-Denny Stadium, which the White beat the Crimson 31-17. I thought that Tua Tagovailoa looked a little tentative and uneven, especially against a talented, inexperienced first-string defense.

Alabama coach Nick Saban disagreed with the media who brought up Tua’s uneven performance.

“I thought he threw the ball with great velocity just like he did before and I don’t see any difference,” Saban said at the press conference.

I know it’s only a spring game but I expected more consistency from the junior left-handed All-American.

The Crimson Tide’s backup quarterback spot is still up for grabs, but I believe Mac Jones will eventually become second-string over Taulia Tagovailoa in the fall. Tua’s younger brother had his moments in the game, but he’s a true freshman.

Paul Tyson, the Crimson Tide’s other heralded true freshman, looked tentative and overwhelmed in brief action. It appears the great-grandson of legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant is headed for a redshirt campaign.

Alabama and Auburn will have successful seasons in 2019 if their starting quarterbacks can stay healthy.