I'm not going to pull any punches with this. I don't think Tua will play next week at all, and I understand why. Throwing him into his first real competitive game time, not a blowout, against a good UGA defense in the national title game is probably not the best idea. That being said Jalen is not a very good QB in the system that Bama runs. Clemson's super talented defensive line had nothing to do with him standing in a clean pocket and throwing the ball low on multiple occasions to wide open WR's, under throwing a wide open Ridley on the flea-flicker, throwing a rocket at Bo on the swing pass that should have been an easy completion and first down. I was excited about him last year. He struggled at times as a true freshman, and it was understandable. Now we are dealing with a guy that has has been the starter in almost 30 games, and he is no better at reading a defense and delivering a ball on time than he was against USC last season. He shows flashes and I keep hoping the light will come on for him like it did with Coker or he will get comfortable and sling it around like Blake Sims, man I loved watching Blake Sims throw the ball deep. AJ grew so much from his first year starting to his second, and Jalen simply hasn't done that. You're telling me that he is standing there holding the ball for what seems like an eternity and that all of the crazy talented skill guys Bama has are all being covered for 5 to 10 seconds? It is not happening. He missed Ridley the first time on the TD pass to him. Ridley was wide open and Jalen was standing in a clean pocket and simply didn't see him or didn't trust what he was seeing. The development simply isn't there against better defenses. The coaching staff is having to manage the offense and Jalen instead of being able to turn it loose like you saw with AJ, Blake, and Coker towards the end of his year starting.
It is a square peg and round hole issue. Jalen hasn't been able to effectively run a more pro style offense or make the right reads on a consistent basis with the RPO's. Jalen fits in an option style offense like GA Tech runs, or a spread option like the barn ran with Nick Marshall at QB. I think his skill set fits those types of schemes better. I do think Tua is the perfect fit for the offense CNS obviously wants to run. He is a natural passer, and has shown the ability in the time he has played, and I know it was when the game was out of reach, to spread the ball around and make really good throws. I hope there is an open competition and Tua is given a fair shot to win the job next season. I think he is the best option moving into next year. Tua will have had two springs, two fall camps, and one whole season to adjust to the college game. I don't want to see Bama waste these talented skill players. I'm really excited about Jeudy, Smith, and Ruggs. They look like three number one WR's. What a recruiting haul. They need to get the ball. I'm not happy that I think this way. I want Hurts to prove me wrong, but I don't think he will. I've watched and played football for a long time, and I know what I see on the screen and in the stadium. Jalen is a fine young man, and has always carried himself with class and dignity. That doesn't change the play on the field. Put second year AJ or first year starter Blake Sims in this offense and what would happen? It sure wouldn't be 120 yards passing. Call me an eeyore or what ever other names you like, but I'm right. I think Bama can beat UGA next week. They are tailor made for Bama's defense to maul, but Bama will have to win with one arm tied behind their back.
