Tua Tagovailoa sparks Alabama’s comeback championship win
Alabama freshman quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had his number called at halftime, and he was the spark the Crimson Tide needed to win it all…
It’s tough for many to root for Alabama, but it’s not difficult to root for Tua Tagovailoa.
Not after his incredible performance in the second half of Alabama’s stunning, come-from-behind, overtime victory over Georgia in the National Championship game.
Tagovailoa provided the spark Alabama needed to get their offense going and out-duel Georgia’s star freshman quarterback Jake Fromm, their stellar running duo, and Roquan Smith and the Bulldogs defense.
Here was his game-winning pass, one play after taking a huge sack on Alabama’s first offensive play in overtime…
WHAT. A. GAME.
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) January 9, 2018
Tua Tagovailoa to DeVonta Smith ... BALLGAME!!!@AlabamaFTBL WINS THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!!!! pic.twitter.com/WxmHdRazCQ
As incredible as that play was, it was merely the cherry on top of an incredible game for the true freshman from Hawai’i.
Tagovailoa was sensational under pressure, even if he wasn’t perfect. He made one play after another as Alabama trailed this game by 13 points coming out of the first half.
Take a look at this:
this was just an insane play by Tua Tagovailoa pic.twitter.com/aZmJ9iWooL
— Yahoo Sports College Football (@YahooSportsCFB) January 9, 2018
THREAD. THE. NEEDLE.
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) January 9, 2018
Tua Tagovailoa with the PERFECT pass. #NationalChampionship pic.twitter.com/5WSnz0QE16
Tagovailoa was throwing guys open, manipulating coverages, and making plays with his legs. He had the Twitter universe speculating as to which school Jalen Hurts would transfer to.
That’s how good he was.
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Hurts, for what it’s worth, was incredibly humble following being benched at halftime of a championship game. He’s a better man than most.
He was the first to congratulate Tagovailoa for his success, and was complimentary of his teammate after the game, showing no signs of disappointment that he wasn’t able to be on the field.
This wasn’t Tagovailoa’s first appearance this season, but it was unquestionably his most significant. College football fans will remember this performance forever. He finished with 14 completions, three for touchdowns, including the overtime game-winner.
What an impressive performance for the young quarterback, who looks like the future at the position for the Crimson Tide.
As long as that kid is on the field, Alabama is going to be really tough to beat.
As though they aren’t already…