This has been an issue IMO throughout the season... and played a role in CLK's early departure. To me, one of three things occurred. One... we didn't see the need to develop JH's passing ability and thought our defense would be able to carry us to a championship. Two... JH simply didn't have the ability to progress enough to the point he could pass effectively during crunch time. Three... the attention of our coaching staff did not focus completely upon that development.
Of the three, I'm sure we all will have an opinion as to which one was actually the case. But, consider this... we had an entire month to help get JH ready for these two games and enough defensive versatility to mimic both defenses we'd face. That... and he had time to rest mentally and physically from the long grind of the season.
I just don't think CLK's mind was in the right place over the course of that month, and it severely hindered any prospect of getting Hurts properly prepared for the playoffs.
This defense was, IMO, the best of the Nick Saban era. When you truly consider the tight rope we walked on offense all year, and the fact that we weren't seriously challenged outside of Ole Miss and LSU, you have to acknowledge how great this defense was. Last night, they ran out of gas against an excellent offense. It was too much for them to overcome, but I'd argue no other team would have been in the game in the 4th quarter last night. Yet we led with 2 minutes remaining. It's not any sort of consolation, and I hate it we didn't finish on a winning note for this defense.
Next year, the offense is going to have to return the favor. I think they will. And yet, even though we will lose a ton of defensive talent, you just know we will field another good one.