Saturday Blitz
Fansided

College Football Week 3: 5 bold predictions

By Hollis Mclain III

Sep 1, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Appalachian State Mountaineers quarterback Taylor Lamb (11) hands the ball off to running back Jalin Moore (25) during the first quarter against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Appalachian State Mountaineers quarterback Taylor Lamb (11) hands the ball off to running back Jalin Moore (25) during the first quarter against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Sep 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) runs for a touchdown against the USC Trojans during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) runs for a touchdown against the USC Trojans during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Jalen Hurts throws for 300 yards and the Crimson Tide win against Ole Miss.

Prior to the start of this season, the Alabama Crimson Tide had more question marks surrounding their position groups than anyone can remember in a long time. Most of the nation knew that the Tide would still be good, but the quarterback position was up for grabs. That is, until Jalen Hurts came onto the scene.

A Texas boy, Hurts played his first snaps as a collegiate football player against the USC Trojans in the neutral site opener. Hurts commanded the offense well, but his ability to move the offense quickly surprised many who hadn’t seen the young quarterback. With the help of his offensive coordinator, Lane Kiffin, Hurts succeed as he got his feet wet. Because the Tide have a threatening running game, Kiffin has been able to call medium to long pass plays, which are mostly open. This wide open passing game has brought Hurts along faster than a normal quarterback.

Jalen Hurts can be seen as a dual-threat quarterback, but he only runs when he has to. Honestly, that has to be the best quality in a dual-threat quarterback. The downfall of most running quarterbacks is that they look to run first instead of throw. Hurts can stay poised as a passer long enough to make goos throws. Of course, Hurts hasn’t been lights out. He has struggled at times. But overall, he is processing into an SEC quarterback.

The Crimson Tide take on the Ole Miss Rebels Saturday in an SEC West rivalry. This game is always a dogfight when these two teams play, and this weekend will be no exception. While the Rebels have a great quarterback of their own, it just won’t be enough to beat the Tide. Jalen Hurts will show up early and often, on his way to passing for over 300 yards against the Rebels. The Rebels secondary was already worrisome at the start of the season, but after losing one of their guys to injury, Hurts is in line to take advantage of them. Look for Hurts to run a couple times, but succeed passing early and ride the Tide to victory.

Next: Texas A&M wins straight up

Home/College Football News