The real Heisman Trophy winner stood up at Hard Rock Stadium over the weekend and he was wearing crimson and white for the University of Alabama.
While his counterpart – Kyler Murray– was held in check for much of the game, Tua Tagovailoa captivated fans in Miami (Fla.) with a masterful performance in the Crimson Tide’s 45-34 win over Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl. He was razor sharp, completing 24 of 27 (88.9 percent) for 318 yards with four touchdowns and no turnovers.
With the offensive line supplying much protection, Tagovailoa returned to the form that made him an instant star and that is having a mixture of accuracy, touch and timing on his throws. At one point in the first half, Oklahoma accounted for nothing on offense while Tagovailoa had the Tide at 191 total yards and 28 points.
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For a sixth time this season, the sophomore turned in at least 300 yards passing and four scores.
Prior to the game, Tagovailoa had 3,353 passing yards. After his performance, the native Hawaiian is Alabama’s new single-season holder with 3,671 yards. He has now surpassed AJ McCarron, Blake Sims and Jalen Hurts for all records pertaining to a season for the Tide.
Behind the former five-star, Alabama recorded 528 yards offensively and converted seven of 10 third downs. He helped wide receiver DeVonta Smith account for a marquee game, as the sophomore brought in six of Tagovailoa’s passes for 104 receiving yards and a touchdown.
He was projected to be between 80 and 85 percent healthy with his left ankle; however, he looked 100 percent ready for the Sooners. Tagovailoa was awarded Most Valuable Player (offense) for his efforts and he’ll battle Trevor Lawrence and the Clemson Tigers for a national championship.
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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.
