Alabama Football: 3 takeaways from Tua-less win over Arkansas

1. Mac Jones was impressive in his first start

I don’t want to go as far as to change my mind from last week that Alabama can beat LSU without Tagovailoa playing, but Mac Jones made an entire state a little less anxious at the thought after playing lights out in his first career start.

After struggling last week coming off the bench cold against Tennessee, Jones was outstanding against Arkansas after a week of practicing as the starting quarterback. Offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian deserves a lot of credit for his gameplan that eased Jones into the game with pop passes and quick throws that allowed him to settle in to the game.

After a field goal drive to start the game, Jones led Alabama on four straight touchdown drives that gave the Tide a 31-0 lead just five minutes into the second quarter. Jones hit Henry Ruggs for a touchdown pass, and then hit Jerry Jeudy for two more en route to an efficient 18-of-22 day with 235 yards and three touchdowns.

His best throw of the night was his last of the evening, with Jones hitting Jeudy for a 40-yard touchdown on a dime down the field on Alabama’s first possession of the third quarter.

It seemed like a forgone conclusion that Alabama’s future at quarterback, if Tua goes pro as is expected after the season, was either Taulia Tagovailoa or incoming freshmen Bryce Young, but Jones has shown plenty of ability to compete for the starting job next season, and has inspired confidence that the Tide might not be dead in the water with Tua out.

Alabama isn’t as good with Tagovailoa sidelined, but Jones has enough ability to keep the Tide competitive against anyone.