A star was born at AT&T Stadium on Saturday night.
True freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts did more than just play against Southern California; he provided the spark Alabama needed to defeat the Trojans. Despite not getting the nod to start, Hurts entered the game in the first quarter and got the Crimson Tide on the scoreboard with a 39-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver ArDarius Stewart in the second quarter.
TD! Hurts to Stewart #BamavsUsc pic.twitter.com/CeOg6oiRlK
— InsideBamaRecruiting (@RTRnews) September 4, 2016
He would engineer another scoring drive late in the first half, which ended on an Adam Griffith 29-yard field goal. The four-star recruit established more confidence in the second half, as he accounted for three total touchdowns (two rushing) in the third quarter. His debut came with two rookie mistakes (fumble, interception), nevertheless, Hurts possessed a veteran’s demeanor.
Rush TD! #2 @JalenHurts The beat down is on #BamavsUsc pic.twitter.com/1wRN9mrmAM
— BamaVideo (@BamaVideo_) September 4, 2016
In his return to his home state, Hurts was involved on 31 of Alabama’s 52 points in its 52-6 win over USC. Overall, he recorded 154 total yards (32 rushing) and completed six of 11 pass attempts.
Hurts and the Tide will be in Tuscaloosa next week for its home opener against Western Kentucky.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
