Alabama Football: Breaking down the quarterback battle entering 2018

The case for Jalen Hurts

Jalen Hurts has the most experience of the two quarterbacks for the Crimson Tide. Experience is not the be all end all, but it should factor into Saban’s decision.

In his two years as the starter, Hurts has a 26-2 record. Breaking it down further, he is 3-1 in Playoff games, 12-2 against ranked opponents and 17-1 against conference foes. He has accumulated over 4,860 yards passing with a 61.7 completion percentage, thrown 40 touchdown passes and only 10 interceptions.

His rushing ability also cannot be overlooked. He has rushed for over 1,800 yards and run for 21 scores. Hurts has the ability to take off and rush for big chunks of yards on every play and it makes him dangerous.

Hurts quickly became the starting quarterback during his freshman year and went on to be named the SEC’s Offensive Player of the Year. He and the Tide came up just short in the national championship game against Clemson. At times last season, he had shortcomings in his throwing ability. In last year’s title game against Georgia, Hurts struggled in the first half going 3-for-8 for 21 yards. With Alabama needing a spark, Saban benched Hurts in favor of Tua Tagovailoa. The rest is history and why we are having this discussion.

Regardless of one bad half, Hurts has more than proven he is capable of leading from under center. It will be a tough pill for him to swallow if he is not the starter when the Tide open the season.