Agree all around. I had noticed that Tua's production slowed considerably in the second half, and now understand that no-foolin' SEC blitz packages were the cause.
As a pure passer, he might be more talented and polished than Jalen. But as we've stated here numerous times, pure passing is far from the only (or even most important) aspect of the QB position in Saban's offense. There was no question that, with bullets flying, Jalen was the more effective option. Barring disastrous injury to both Jalen and Tua, Jones is headed for a redshirt and a year in Scott Cochran's tender tutelage.
I do think we'll see Tua in meaningful playing time. Not the starter, and probably not a true two-quarterback system, but not limited to mop-up time either. I look for 1-3 meaningful series a game, starting with Fresno State and Colorado State. No way they ask that of him against FSU. But the first four games after that set up well for the development of a backup QB.
PK is a problem. Unless he was hurt (and I have no reason to think that was the case), I think we've seen the last of Andy Pappanostos. Saban had mentioned that he was really accurate, but just didn't have a super-strong leg. So, with that profile, he absolutely can't miss anything under 40 yards. He did (twice), and after the second, they started using JK Scott for even short kicks.
Looking like we have two options: Bulovas and Scott. And that's a bit scary. Bulovas is going to his prom about now, and faces FSU first, then two games to steady himself, then the SEC fray. Not an easy baptism, and there's no way to know how he will react. Or Scott...a known quantity, with a strong leg, but with the inconsistent accuracy you would expect from a guy whose day job is being the best punter in the country. I hope PK duties don't adversely affect his punting.
All that said, I wouldn't trade places with any other fanbase. Looking forward to a productive and uneventful off-season.