Things didn’t look good for Nick Saban and Alabama in the College National Championship game against Georgia. The Georgia Bulldogs, led by former Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart, had the Crimson Tide 13-0 on the halftime and looked like a better team. Then, Saban showed his skills as couch. He recognized that his offense was stalled, and made a switch on the quarterback position. Sophomore Jalen Hurts, who was Alabama’s starting QB the entire seasons, moved to bench in favor of freshman Tua Tagovailoa. Tagovailoa was tasked with turning over the game in Alabama’s favor, although he never started a college game in his life.
It turned out that Tagovailoa was just the spark the Crimson Tide needed, as he led Alabama back into the game, eventually tying the score 20-20.
This didn’t catch Georgia unprepared, since Kirby Smart anticipated such a move from his former mentor, but there was little they could do to stop him.
“We told everybody at halftime there was no question they were going to him because they were struggling and they needed some momentum,” – said Smart. “He provided them some juice.“
Crimson Tide had the chance to win the game in regular time, but kicker Andy Pappanastos couldn’t convert a 36-yard kick with few seconds remaining on the clock. Eventually, Alabama managed to win the game in overtime, 26-23 being the final score. The freshman quarterback threw for 166 yards and two touchdowns, including the 41 yards TD which won the game.
“I thought Tua would give us a better chance,” – said Saban about his decision to switch it up at the quarterback position.
This was Alabama’s 17th National Championship title, and fifth since Nick Saban took over in 2007. Saban now has 6 national titles, including the one he won with LSU in 2003.
