Lots of people are still psyched about Tua’s performance in the National Championship game. I think it’s likely they’ll both play, but who opens and why?

 

Herbstreit: Tagovailoa ideal choice, Alabama QB battle far from over

Jalen will start, but I hope to see more of Tua.

I think Tua starts. Jalen by most accounts has thrown the ball well this fall, but I think Tua will win the job.

Wish I had problems like that.

Tua should start. Tua should’ve started all of 2017 he was better than Hurts the day he stepped on campus. Something tells me Hurts starts game 1 though.

Tua should start. Tua should’ve started all of 2017 he was better than Hurts the day he stepped on campus. Something tells me Hurts starts game 1 though.

 

Tua has better skills, but Jalen was a great leader and did exactly what was asked of him. I don't think Tua should have started all of last season...but should have got some time in the Auburn game.

C. It doesn’t matter

Tua has better skills, but Jalen was a great leader and did exactly what was asked of him. I don't think Tua should have started all of last season...but should have got some time in the Auburn game.

Tua is every bit the leader Jalen is IMO. It’s definitely tough to sit someone who just led you to the championship game as a true freshmen, but Tua is just better. Alabama had the best receiver in the country last year and couldn’t get him the damn ball because Hurts just can’t make the throws he needs to. If all that’s asked of Jalen Hurts was to go out and not lose them the game, then I agree with that assessment. If what was asked of him was to go win them a game he failed miserably time and time again. I’m pretty sure I’m on record somewhere before last season saying Tua is the better QB so not to toot my own horn but I was definitely on the right track. Personally, I’d love to see Saban trot Hurts out there (for obvious reasons). With the schedule that Bama has this year it doesn’t really matter. Both will get plenty of reps. The backup will play the 2nd half of at least 50% of their games.

Tua is every bit the leader Jalen is IMO. It’s definitely tough to sit someone who just led you to the championship game as a true freshmen, but Tua is just better. Alabama had the best receiver in the country last year and couldn’t get him the damn ball because Hurts just can’t make the throws he needs to. If all that’s asked of Jalen Hurts was to go out and not lose them the game, then I agree with that assessment. If what was asked of him was to go win them a game he failed miserably time and time again. I’m pretty sure I’m on record somewhere before last season saying Tua is the better QB so not to toot my own horn but I was definitely on the right track. Personally, I’d love to see Saban trot Hurts out there (for obvious reasons). With the schedule that Bama has this year it doesn’t really matter. Both will get plenty of reps. The backup will play the 2nd half of at least 50% of their games.

 

I could see packages for both QBs that would keep both engaged throughout the season. I don't think you can count on having 2nd halves of blow outs to keep your QB fresh.

I could see packages for both QBs that would keep both engaged throughout the season. I don't think you can count on having 2nd halves of blow outs to keep your QB fresh.

I think both of them will play as well simply because you have to do something to make sure the one that isn’t the starter doesn’t transfer.

Hurts is better at running, decision making and protecting the ball. Tua is a much better passer but he is high risk high rewards type of player.

Will be interesting to see which way Saban goes. I expect that Hurts starts this game but Tua takes over before long.

Hurts is better at running, decision making and protecting the ball. Tua is a much better passer but he is high risk high rewards type of player.

Will be interesting to see which way Saban goes. I expect that Hurts starts this game but Tua takes over before long.

Hurts is typically the type of guy Saban loves. Tua is a potential top 10 draft pick. If Hurts starts it’s because Sabans stubbornness finally won out.

Hurts is typically the type of guy Saban loves. Tua is a potential top 10 draft pick. If Hurts starts it’s because Sabans stubbornness finally won out.

 

If he was that stubborn, he would have lost the title game last year to Georgia.

Tua is the guy.

If he was that stubborn, he would have lost the title game last year to Georgia.

He was stubborn enough to have 5 weeks between Auburn and the playoff and still trot Jalen out there. Clemson just wasn’t dynamic enough offensively to make a difference in the Sugar Bowl. They should have at least incorporated Tua into the game plan after the Miss St game last year. Saban is stubborn as hell. That’s part of what makes these great coaches so great. They always get there way. It almost cost Saban last year but 99% of the time it works out for him.