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With Alabama’s offense struggling, fans think it may be time for Tua Tagovailoa
By Cody McClure
Published:
Is it time for Tua Tagovailoa?
Alabama’s offense has been all but nonexistent in the first half of the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. The Crimson Tide currently has 94 yards of offense.
Meanwhile, Georgia’s defense has been suffocating — and the Bulldogs have a 13-0 halftime lead.
Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts was just 3-for-8 in the first half with a total of 21 passing yards.
He also missed this wide open touchdown pass to Calvin Ridley (video courtesy of Twitter user @CeeingTheDraft):
Calvin Ridley was wide open after the DB tripped over his footing, but Hurts overthrows him. pic.twitter.com/YosxOKbRS9
— Cagen Cantrell (@CeeingTheDraft) January 9, 2018
In all fairness to Hurts, he was fairly efficient running the ball in the first half. He had 47 rushing yards on six carries.
But Alabama fans on Twitter were urging for a change throughout the first half, particularly at the QB position.
Tagovailoa played in eight games this season, but hasn’t had a ton of meaningful reps.
He did shine in the Vanderbilt game, completing eight of his 10 pass attempts for 103 yards and two TDs. He also went 9-for-12 with 134 yards and a TD against Tennessee.
In all fairness to the Commodores and the Volunteers, Georgia’s defense is a little better. Still, it may be the perfect time for Tagovailoa to enter the game. Alabama clearly needs some sort of energy boost.
The Tide has plenty of adjustments to make if it wants to grab its fifth national title since 2009. Luckily, despite the fact that UGA absolutely controlled the first half, it’s still just a two-possession game.
It will be interesting to see what changes Alabama makes at halftime.
Here’s what a few fans on Twitter are thinking:
Shut out in the first half. Put tua in in the second half. Put Jalen as a running back. Enough is enough. #RollTide
— Bama Bo™ (@BamaBo17) January 9, 2018
If you don’t have the confidence in Jalen to throw on 3rd and 15 get Tua in
— Herschel Walker’s Fav Personality (@CPERRY_5) January 9, 2018
I love you Jalen. I love you with all my heart. But it’s Tua Time
— Christopher Canterbu (@CFBChristopher) January 9, 2018
Kirby is hitting the easy button, knows Jalen can’t pass, Saban hit the Tua button…now!!!! pic.twitter.com/v0x0uAwciD
— Danny fromGardendale (@DGardendale) January 9, 2018
Y’all, I don’t hate Jalen at all. He’s amazing. But I need to see some great passes in the second half. I need some Tua.
— YellowHammered (@TheYellowHammer) January 9, 2018
Bruh get Jalen hurts outta here. Play Tua. Give him the keys man he’s a better QB
— Brandon Jones (@_EasyJones_) January 9, 2018
Wondering if BAMA gone give up on Jalen hurts this off season and switch to Tua Tagovoiloa or
— ⚜️ (@_jcarmouche) January 9, 2018
I usually try to avoid the Jalen bashing but can we see what happens if Tua goes in ? I mean it’s not like we’re scoring anything right now and these plays being called don’t seem to be meant for him soooooo
— Ash ♕ (@ar_wise) January 9, 2018
Alright, I’m fine with giving Jalen the start, but for the love of God put Tua in at this point.
— Sean Delamer (@Ive_Sean_it_all) January 9, 2018
Cody McClure is an SEC Football Writer for Saturday Down South. He lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he also co-hosts a midday sports radio show for FOX Sports. Cody previously worked for Athlon Sports.
