He respects the profession of journalists, but Alabama head football coach Nick Saban will always come to the aid of his players. During today’s presser to start game week for Colorado State, he defended quarterback Jalen Hurts’ abilities to be a sound passer on offense.
Much improvement did occur for Hurts between matchups against Florida State and Fresno State. The sophomore was efficient last week, completing 14 of 18 attempts for 128 yards – including a 23-yard touchdown to tight end Hale Hentges on the Tide’s second possession.
He worked through progressions a number of times versus the Bulldogs’ secondary, while generating some explosive plays in the ground game. Hurts averaged 15.4 yards per carry and totaled 154 yards rushing with two scores on 10 tries in Alabama’s 41-10 victory at home.
After securing his fifth career 100-yard rushing performance and being named one of five players of the week from the Crimson Tide’s coaching staff, reporters addressed Saban on whether or not he feels as if the media criticism on Hurts is overblown.
“Everything you guys do is overblown,” Saban said.
“But, I realize why you do it. You are trying to create news and we are trying to get guys to play winning football. Different guys play winning football in different ways. So, if you want to be critical of a guy for rushing for 154 yards and think he shouldn’t do that so he can pass for more than that’s up to you.”
It should be known by now that Saban wants to win.
Regardless if the quarterback rushes for a ton of yards or has a masterful day passing, he will be fine if the Crimson Tide come away with a victory.
“We did pass for 192 yards and that’s the balance we want to create,” he said. “This isn’t more overblown than a lot of other stuff you all do, but I get it. It’s nothing personal.”
Saban, Hurts and Alabama opens this week to prepare for the Rams. Colorado State will travel to Bryant-Denny Stadium holding a 2-1 record, following its 38-10 win over Abilene Christian.
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 @Smsmith_TDALMag.
