Joe Burrow of LSU may get the Heisman and the attention that comes with it, but Alabama fans are not concerned about it. Despite the scenarios needed to get back into the College Football Playoff conversations, Crimson Tide supporters it has a quarterback that loves his team.
Tua Tagovailoa had many thoughts running through his mind last week.
Whether it was his NFL Draft stock, losing a fumble on the Tide’s first possession or tossing his third interception of the year before halftime, the junior quarterback could have easily chosen to not play against the Tigers or throw in the towel – upon the team trailing by 20 (33-13) at halftime.
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He was coming off ankle surgery, yet he still wanted to play.
Even with him missing some practice time, the “warrior mentality” inside Tagovailoa did everything possible to help him prepare for the game. He went through intense rehab and regardless of him not being 100 percent, the drive of the native Hawaiian pushed him onto Bryant-Denny Stadium and he gave a performance that almost delivered a historic victory.
Despite a rough first half, he turned the second half into a heavyweight prize fight.
Behind the former five-star, Alabama’s offense had an answer for each LSU touchdown, as Tagovailoa gutted his way to 418 passing yards with four scores. His 5-yard strike to Jerry Jeudy in the fourth quarter cut the deficit to five, while his 85-yard hook up to DeVonta Smith with 1:21 remaining provided fans hope. He endured surgery, rehab and a pesky Tiger defense; however, he still gave the Tide a chance to snatch the game. Toughness is one trait that general managers and coaches look for in the National Football League and Tagovailoa has it in spades.
CLUTCH TUA ? pic.twitter.com/5FHAGsCXf3
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) November 10, 2019
TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA!
Tua throws a strike to Jerry Jeudy to pull the Tide within 5.
WHAT A GAME pic.twitter.com/lXFmv7YDMT
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) November 10, 2019
THIS GAME IS BONKERS! pic.twitter.com/67CL9Q8944
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) November 10, 2019
Having a 46-41 loss hurts, he had a lot of fight in him and should the Tide return to the CFP discussion – this game becomes a huge feather in its cap for battling through adversity.
The coaching staff could have gone with Mac Jones, but Tagovailoa wanted the moment and fans can be nothing but proud of his grit.
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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.
