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College FootballHeadlinesJalen HurtsNick SabanTua Tagovailoa

Nick Saban explains decision to make QB switch at halftime

January 8, 2018 by Larry Brown • Comments
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Tua Tagovailoa Alabama

Tua Tagovailoa Alabama

Nick Saban has a new quarterback on his hands.

Saban made the decision to bench Jalen Hurts at halftime and put in true freshman Tua Tagovailoa, and it made all the difference. Tagovailoa rallied the team back from down 13-0 and led the Tide to a 26-23 win in overtime.

Why did Saban make the change?

“I just thought we had to throw the ball in the game, and I thought he could do it better,” Saban said in an interview with ESPN’s Tom Rinaldi. “And he did. He did a good job. He made some plays in the passing game.”

With that comment, Saban made it clear he views Tagovailoa as a better passer than Hurts, which spells bad news for Hurts moving forward.

Alabama has the best problem on their hands — they have two young good QBs who are awesome. And credit to Hurts for being an unbelievable teammate despite being benched.

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