Alabama is thankful to have Mac Jones at quarterback and this is a big deal.
At one point in time, many Crimson Tide fans were unsure about what the team was getting in the redshirt sophomore from Jacksonville, Fla.
He was a four-star talent upon his arrival in the 2017 signing class, but people wondered if this stage would be too big for him.
Jones was an afterthought in his first two seasons – seeing how the Tide had both Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa – however, he got his chance to contribute more this year and has been strong.
Through 11 games, Jones tossed for 1,176 yards with 11 touchdowns to three interceptions.
He was forced into action versus Tennessee after Tagovailoa sustained an ankle injury and following a week of preparation, Jones earned his first career start against Arkansas.
RELATED: Michigan DC praises Alabama RB Najee Harris, calling him a ‘throwback’ player
In his three starts, he completed at least 60 percent of his throws and accounted for at least two scoring tosses. While he played well versus the Razorbacks and Western Carolina, it was Jones’ valiant effort in the Iron Bowl that brought out the respect from fans. Despite two interceptions, he hung tough in the pocket and provide Alabama with every opportunity to defeat Auburn.
He attacked the Tigers’ secondary for a career-high 335 passing yards with four scores.
His teammates spoke throughout the process on the confidence the team has in Jones, but his performance in late November confirmed it. During an interview with local reporters, the man who has earned “The Joker” as a nickname spoke on how much he loves to compete.
“I hate losing,” Jones said. “It really bothers me.”
A fitting statement from someone who has won at every venue, especially a Class 4A State Championship at The Bolles School in 2016. He had been the sparring partner for Tagovailoa, but now he is the man at quarterback. Not only has Jones embraced the role and is thoroughly prepared, but having Steve Sarkisian as the offensive coordinator does not hurt also.
According to Sarkisian, it has been the increase of reps that’s placed Jones in a mindset to be confident and take ownership of the team.
“Any time you are a backup quarterback and Coach Saban does a good job of getting our one’s and two’s quality reps in practice, but there is something to be said about when you are the one and you are taking those reps in practice and then applying it to the game… a lot of times when you are the backup, you work all week in practice but you may not get into the ball game. So, I think Mac has done an excellent job from when he got thrown in against Tennessee and then you get the week to prepare against Arkansas… I think it naturally builds confidence and with his confidence as it has built throughout the year, I think the confidence of his teammates for him has grown,” Sarkisian said Sunday of Jones at Media Day for the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla.
Prior to the team heading down to Florida, DeVonta Smith told reporters he looks at Jones the same way he looks at Tagovailoa. Smith, a junior at wide receiver, led the team in receiving yards (1,200) and touchdowns (13) on 65 catches.
On top of this, Jaylen Waddle and Jones have developed a connection. The two sophomores were dominant in the Iron Bowl, as Waddle brought in four receptions from Jones for 98 yards and a team-high three touchdowns.
Sarkisian said the biggest improvement for Jones has been his ability to take success from practice and apply it to a game.
With all the draft-eligible juniors on offense deciding to play in the Citrus Bowl versus Michigan, Jones will have all weapons at his disposal.
Don Brown, the Wolverines’ defensive coordinator, will attack from multiple angles yet his guys must get through an angered offensive line of the Crimson Tide. To compete and win a marquee bowl game is something Jones has always wanted to do.
On Wednesday, he shall have the opportunity at Camping World Stadium.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber only content!*
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.
