Great job, as usual. I would add that Clemson played this game to win offensively while Alabama was clearly playing not to lose. It was clear that Jalen was told once again that if he could play another clean game with no turnovers that Alabama would win. Didn't work out that way. If Jalen is to improve, he has to be allowed to make mistakes. If Alabama is to win a championship with him at QB, he has to believe in his ability to work the entire field. He won't trust himself until the coaches do.
Absolutely. Which was my point prior to the season when I kept saying that there was no reason why Hurts shouldn't be the starter simply due to inexperience. Cooper Bateman was inexperienced also, and the little game experience he had showed absolutely nothing.
Bama had the defense to go out there and win games with a freshman quarterback making mistakes as he developed. They're going to have to let him make some in order to grow. He needs to speed his process up. By that, I mean he needs to
set up faster to throw first of all. You have to set up quickly in order to see things quickly. Hurts is typically not even set up to throw 2 seconds into the play. The ball should already be out by then.
Secondly, where Clemson's passing offense is so advanced compared to Alabama's is the sight adjustments. Hunter Renfrow sight adjusts like an NFL slot receiver. Bama's receivers need to be able to read a DB's leverage and sight adjust the route, and the QB needs to be on the same page. This is the key to converting 3rd downs the way a team like Clemson does. This is deadly when your offensive line can't hold up and the quarterback is being pressured. It gets the ball out of his hands quickly and converts 3rd and medium situations. Furthermore, teach quarterbacks and receivers how to execute the back shoulder pass that is indefensible even when the receiver is covered.
Show the kid that you believe in him and let him know that you both understand it's a process and mistakes are part of it. You don't need to recruit 4 or 5 star kids just be a facilitator or game manager and keep them handcuffed. You can accomplish that with lesser recruits. Deshaun Watson has thrown 30 interceptions over the past 2 seasons.