Tua Tagovailoa is not 100 percent and everyone knows it.
Since news first surfaced on issues with his knee against Arkansas, every opponent and fan base of that opponent has taken responsibility to target his knee. While he has managed to shake off the attempts thus far, Tagovailoa took a shot to his quadriceps muscle over the weekend versus Mississippi State and did not finish the game. Despite Nick Saban and the native Hawaiian stating that “he’s fine,” fans of Alabama football and the competition know that he is not.
He has looked very uncomfortable planting his feet on throws since the Tennessee game, and the reason why the matchup versus the Volunteers is swept under the rug is due to Tagovailoa recording a 300-yard passing performance. On his second interception of the season, he could not position his feet on the throw and the low trajectory on the football caused a turnover.
Along with that observation, watching him get up slowly after each shot he takes has generated a lot of concern for Tide fans. One would never persuade Saban to coach out of fear; however, Tagovailoa is your investment toward a national title and it is wise to protect him.
Redshirt freshman Mac Jones needs to get the start against the Citadel.
Alabama quarterback Mac Jones attempts a pass versus Mississippi State, John David Mercer – USA TODAY Sports
Now before everyone goes haywire, hear this out.
The only way he is going to get better is with more reps in game action. Jones can handle next week’s challenge, seeing how it presents the outlook of a glorified scrimmage like the A-Day game. Offensive coordinator Michael Locksley does not need to give him 20-30 passing plays. If he can hit on 12 of 16 passes and total between 150 to 175 passing yards with two or three touchdowns, then it can be the show of Jones and the running backs at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Nothing would be wrong with the Tide playing Layne Hatcher or walk-on Braxton Barker as well, but with Jones being on scholarship… start him.
Even when it comes to the Iron Bowl against Auburn, Alabama should strongly consider targeting Jalen Hurts to start. People may look at that decision as Saban not showing the Tigers respect in not going with his best signal-caller; nevertheless, there are quite a few players and fans that know this year’s Auburn team is not like its 2017 version. Guz Malzhan may throw the entire kitchen cutlery at the Tide, but Hurts defeated Auburn as a freshman at Bryant-Denny.
Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts smiling in warmups against Mississippi State, Brian Pride – Touchdown Alabama Magazine
Aside from quarterback, running back, kicker and some changes along the offensive line, not much is different between this bunch and the 2016 group for the Tigers. Tagovailoa is a Heisman frontrunner and the center piece for a national championship, and the Tide needs him at 100 percent for the big picture. A survey was conducted via Ricky Green of Touchdown Alabama Magazine as to whether Alabama should sit Tagovailoa for this week, and an overwhelming “Yes” was the respond from fans.
Should Tua Tagovailoa sit next week against The Citadel? @BamaBo17 @TDAlabamaMag #RollTide
— Ricky Green (@rickylamargreen) November 11, 2018
Alabama has Georgia on the horizon in the Southeastern Conference title game and its fifth consecutive College Football Playoff to look forward to. Unless he shows within the next couple of weeks that he is fully healthy, the Tide needs to rest Tagovailoa and go with Hurts and Jones.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
