I think this play has to be in the conversation for biggest throw not only in Alabama history, but college football in general.
There have been many "miracle" plays that might belong in the conversation, but I'm not sure that the deliberateness of the design and the execution don't outweigh such miracles, plus the context gives it a huge boost in terms of greatness.
1) National championship game
2) Overtime
3) Culmination of a second half comeback after being dominated in the first half
4) Long yardage to gain first down after a devastatingly bad play on the previous down
5) A kicker who had just missed what should have been the game winner
6) True freshman quarterback
7) True freshman receiver
8) Gamble on the play call with all receivers going deep
9) QB read to look off the deep safety help
10) perfect throw
One thing that it doesn't have going for it is that it wasn't our last chance, as it didn't happen on 4th down, so the "2 outs, full count, bottom of the 9th" doesn't really apply perfectly. It's more of a "1 out, 1 strike, bottom of the 10th solo home run" which is still pretty great
Also, Tua didn't really have to escape significant pressure or scramble to make the play.
Plus, Alabama was a slight favorite in the game, and not a huge underdog
Great discussion!
