Crimson Red Sports

For two weeks they’ve practiced. A game would be nice, but the Alabama football team will have to settle for a Saturday afternoon simulation.

The first of three spring scrimmages begins at 1 p.m. in an empty Bryant-Denny Stadium — closed to the public. Another is scheduled for next Friday before the spring finale in the April 14 A-Day game.

Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban said they were sprinkling in situational drills throughout the week in preparation for today’s test.

“To this point someone’s been out there telling them what to do every time and trying to help them make adjustments,” Saban said. “Now we’ll put them in a position in the practice where they have to make those decisions, they have to make those plays and see who can step up and do that.”