Adversity has faced every Heisman Trophy winner since the awarded was first presented in 1935, and especially for the honorees at quarterback. Alabama’s signal-caller, Tua Tagovailoa battled a chaotic fan base, head coach Ed Orgeron and the Tigers of Louisiana State University in a 29-0 win for the Crimson Tide.
With fans still concerned about his knee and the sophomore turning in his worst completion percentage in nine games – 59.5 percent – Tagovailoa still guided Alabama’s offense to 576 yards while totaling three touchdowns.
Although he tossed his first interception as a starter, the native Hawaiian has moved to fourth all-time in school history for touchdown passes (27) and total scores responsible for (30) in a single-season. Tagovailoa needs four scoring tossing to supplant former Tide star AJ McCarron (2012, 30 touchdowns) and seven touchdowns overall to pass current backup Jalen Hurts (36, in 2016).
While some members of national media have been turned off by Alabama’s success, both the Manning and Davey O’Brien Foundations recognized Tagovailoa as a semifinalist for awards.
Congrats, Tua Tagovailoa on being selected as a Semifinalist for the @daveyobrien National Quarterback Award! #RollTide#OutworkYesterday pic.twitter.com/hvfpqcWwwP
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) November 7, 2018
The Heisman Trust likes players that present a total package, and for Tagovailoa, he has had stunning moments and moments of toughness.
He and the Tide have three regular season games left before the postseason enters, Heisman voters will continue to document his progress.
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.
