I want this offense to have Tua's identity and he should free to exercise his leadership and swag. Saban said he didn't want either QB to be looking over their shoulder. Failing to appoint Tua the starter does nothing to empower our new QB in all the areas I just mentioned. Is that really fair to Tua at this stage? Saban has given Jalen as the starter the last 2 years something that verbally he wouldn't give Tua and that goes far beyond this cat and mouse game with the press. It's Saban's job to empower these kids and their position on the field. So for me, it's very unfair to Tua and the offense as
@Tidestalker has also said numerous times.
Yep I agree.
In Saban's defense, this is week 2. Now from media reports and general common sense, I would absolutely expect that Tua has looked better in practice also.... Meaning Saban has been watching this unfold for over a month (plus the title game and lead up). At most maybe 1 more week of the charade that there's a competition in order to let Tua settle into being the leader. And probably more importantly - Let Jalen settle into being the backup role. Ultimately is this something he will embrace or run from? If it's something he is sour on, then cut bait and start prepping Mac (I think Jalen would adjust appropriately).
I honestly think seeing Mac in mopup is telling.
Saban RARELY goes 3-deep at QB, even in blowouts. Unless it's like a walk-on at homecoming that Saban just wants to get some playing time. When's the last time we had a walk-on anyway? It's been years.
Point is, Saban historically (virtually) NEVER goes 3-deep in the QB rotation (save for USC 2 years ago, but that's only because the 1st 2 QBs weren't getting it done in the competition). But again, we're talking mopup duty here.
I don't think Jalen will even be QB2, so let's stop hoping he STAYS for a backup role. Ideally, yes. If he's the CONSUMMATE team player and vows to stay, then yes. But Saban knows he's not going to stay and play 2nd fiddle after being supplanted. Saban respects Jalen too much to squander a year of eligibility for him when he knows he's probably transferring this December.
Hide and watch. We'll see less and less of Jalen thru the next 2-3 weeks, and Mac Jones will be QB2. Because this can still count as a RS year for Jalen, up to 4 games (with the new rule passed this summer). So he'll still have 2 years of eligibility when he transfers, instead of 1.