Alabama Football: Tua Tagovailoa must start in 2018

3. Hurts has underwhelmed in moments he was needed the most

It’s hard to poke holes in a resume that includes a 26-2 record as a starting quarterback, but Hurts has underwhelmed on the big stage. Whether it be the final game of the regular season or the College Football Playoff, Hurts has vanished in games where the quarterback is supposed to take charge and be a difference maker. Here’s Hurts’ stat lines in the last three games of the last two seasons:

2016

• Florida (W): 11-of-20 passing, 138 yards and one touchdown. Eight carries for one yard.
• Washington (W): 7-of-14 passing, 57 yards. 19 carries for 50 yards.
• Clemson (L): 13-of-31 passing, 131 yards and one touchdown. 10 carries for 63 yards, one touchdown.

2017

• Auburn (L): 13-of-23 passing, 177 yards and one touchdown. 18 carries for 82 yards.
• Clemson (W): 16-of-24 passing, 120 yards and two touchdowns. 11 carries for 40 yards.
• Georgia (L): 3-of-8 passing, 21 yards. Six carries for 47 yards

Next: Way-too-early Top 25 rankings

Hurts has accounted for more than 200 yards of total offense once in the six biggest games of his career. He’s had just as many games without a touchdown in those six games than he’s had games with multiple scores. The level of competition is higher, but making the Playoff is the bare minimum expectation in Tuscaloosa. When the light shines brightest, Hurts hasn’t shown up and he’s had more than enough opportunities. Buckle up, it’s Tua time.