It was a valiant for Alabama quarterback Tua Tagvoailoa; however, Kyler Murray of Oklahoma would end up hearing his name called as the 83rd member of the Heisman fraternity.
Murray becomes the fourth quarterback in Sooners’ history to win the Heisman Memorial Trophy; joining former standouts Jason White (2003), Sam Bradford (2008) and Baker Mayfield (2017) while being the fifth Big 12 signal caller to win since 2000.
Murray totaled 51 touchdowns this season – including 40 passing scores with seven interceptions. During the College Football Awards Show in Atlanta, he took home both Davey O’Brien and Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year awards.
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As for Tagovailoa, the sophomore finished second in the voting.
Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa attempting a pass versus Arkansas: Nelson Chenault – USA TODAY Sports
He guided Alabama’s offense to its most prolific season under Nick Saban, navigating it to 47.9 points and 528 total yards per game. Behind the native Hawaiian, the Crimson Tide posted at least 50 points in eight games –including two 60-point games. Tagovailoa recorded 3,353 passing yards with 37 touchdown passes to four interceptions.
He accounted for 42 total scores, which is a single-season school record and had five games where he recorded at least 300 yards passing.
Despite an ankle injury forcing him to the sideline in the Southeastern Conference title game, Tagovailoa led the team to the matchup against Georgia. He now turns toward the College Football Playoff semifinal against Oklahoma on Saturday, Dec. 29 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Fla.
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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.
