After the College Football National Championship in January, Alabama has been figuring out if quarterback Jalen Hurts will start next season. It’s obvious he didn’t play up to his full potential when his team needed him most. Then, along came the backup quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, stealing the spotlight in the second half of the National Championship. The competition is really tight between the two, but who will come out on top as the leader of the offense?

Jalen Hurts

Hurts has been the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback for two years. He has a strong arm, and he is able to run the ball. Hurts came in as a freshman, won the starting spot, and led his team to a 14-0 record in 2016 and a trip to the National Championship. The Crimson Tide lost to the Clemson Tigers in overtime 35-31. He led the team to a one-loss season the following year with the Auburn Tigers exposing the Tide.

Jalen Hurts (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Alabama still made it to the National Championship, but Hurts didn’t play like Hurts. He only threw for 47 yards, Georgia’s defensive devoured him in the backfield and he threw the ball out of reach of his receivers. Nick Saban’s patience was running low, and it was Tagovailoa’s turn to take over. He sparked a major comeback and threw a 41 yard touchdown in overtime to win the championship. Overall, Tagovailoa had a total of 166 passing yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

Tua Tagovailoa

Tagovailoa is a true freshman heading into his sophomore season. He was mainly called in games for the final minutes when the Tide were up by a lot. The young quarterback has a lot of comparisons to Hurts. He is a fearless, young quarterback who is able to make throws in traffic and is extremely dangerous with his feet. The only difference between the two quarterbacks is size and experience.

Tua Tagovailoa
(Sports Illustrated)

What’s Next?

Now that Tagovailoa had made a name for himself, coach Saban has put the quarterback job up on the market. The two quarterbacks competed for the starting spot during the spring game; and from the look of things, Hurts lost confidence in himself. He only completed 19 of 39 passes, threw one interception and didn’t throw any touchdowns. Tagovailoa suffered a major injury during spring ball, which caused him to miss most of the season.

There have been rumors that Hurt’s dad told Bleacher Report that he would be transferring if he doesn’t get the starting position.The fight for the starting spot isn’t over yet. These two, young, talented quarterbacks still have room left to grow. The final decision will be made during fall practice and the first two games of the 2018 season. For now, the job is up for grabs between the two. Who will win it?

You can like the Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more Sports and Esports articles from other great TGH writers along with Josh

“From our Haus to yours!”