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Alabama Football: Can Jalen Hurts lead the Tide to a national title in 2017?

By Andrew Miller

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Quarterback Jalen Hurts #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates rushing for a 30-yard touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Quarterback Jalen Hurts #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates rushing for a 30-yard touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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Alabama football’s Jalen Hurts came as close as you can get to winning a national title in 2016, so it’s his time to take it home in 2017.

The Alabama Crimson Tide have made a name for themselves as the best program in college football over the last decade with head coach Nick Saban at the helm. However, it hasn’t been the quarterback that’s been the deciding factor for Alabama’s success over the last 10 years.

They have built a consistent, top-notch defense that is constantly filled with five-star recruits every single season. Yet, it looks like things could be changing in Tuscaloosa with sophomore quarterback Jalen Hurts entering his second year starting with the Tide.

Hurts led Alabama all the way to the College Football Playoff National Championship last year, but fell short against Deshaun Watson and Clemson. The Tide were just one play away from coming away with their second consecutive national title. Hurts just did not have the same type of experience that Watson had under his belt. As a freshman playing under Saban, he did have constant pressure to perform at a world-class level.

Two reasons why Hurts has so much pressure on him again this season are the rabid Alabama fan base and a freshman quarterback-in-waiting.

We all know how high the expectations of Alabama fans are. At this point, it’s really national championship or bust every year for the Tide. Falling short by just a few points in the title game would be more than enough for fans of most teams, not the Tide.

Moreover, freshman quarterback and five-star recruit Tua Tagovailoa is hot on Hurts’ trail. If the sophomore does not perform at a Heisman-caliber level this season his leash could actually be pretty short. According to reports, Saban said that Tagovailoa could see some playing time in 2017.

All negatives and challenges for Hurts aside, he’s a tremendously talented young quarterback that can be one of the best the Tide have had in a while. He has the dual threat ability and power run ability possessed by very few quarterbacks in college football. Another year of maturity could be exactly what Hurts needs to get over the hump and bring home a national championship to Tuscaloosa.

Hurts not only has the hype to lead the Tide to another championship this season, he’s also at the top of most Heisman odds lists. According to the latest Heisman odds, Hurts sits at 20-1 odds to win the trophy, tied with players like Penn State running back Saquon Barkley and UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen. Yet, he’s still behind players like Auburn’s Jarrett Stidham (which is a little questionable) and Florida State’s Deondre Francois.

Next: Brandon Wimbush can lead Notre Dame back to the top

If Hurts can progress his stat line even a little bit, he will have the necessary numbers to be a Heisman finalist. Last season, he notched nearly 4,000 total yards and 36 total touchdowns with only nine interceptions. Those kind of numbers can help any team to a national title, especially a team with as much talent as Alabama.

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