Alabama Football: 3 takeaways from Citrus Bowl blowout of Michigan

3. Could there be a quarterback controversy brewing in 2020?

Coming into this season, there was every expectation that 2019 would be quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s last year in Tuscaloosa before heading to the NFL.

After several injuries limited his playing time, forced him out of games against Tennessee and Mississippi State, and cut his season short, Tagovailoa has made overtures that he might return to Alabama in 2020 for one more shot  at a second national championship and another chance to win the Heisman.

After the way Mac Jones played against a motivated Michigan team in the Citrus Bowl, however,  there could be a real quarterback competition for the Crimson Tide this spring. Against a Michigan secondary that ranked in the top five nationally in the regular season as they held teams under 175 yards per game through the air, Jones made the Wolverines look downright ordinary.

Even after losing Henry Ruggs III from one of the best receiving corps in the entire nation, Jones completed 16 of his 25 passing attempts. The backup-turned-starter put together a 327-yard day through the air as he threw for three  touchdowns. Seemingly the heir apparent under center for the Crimson Tide, Jones certainly looked the part.

If Tagovailoa does return for the 2020 season, there will be plenty of competition in the spring. Jones came out showing that he has no intention of losing his starting spot after taking over late in the season as he carved up a solid Michigan secondary at the Citrus Bowl.