🏈 Tua: How the decision was made

[TerryP]

I have the highest respect for Jalen Hurts and I wish him nothing but the best. I hope he has a continued on the field role for this team, just not at quarterback. I would wager the vast majority of Alabama fans feel the same way.

I get what you're saying here but still have to disagree with the premise. (I won't pretend to speak for any Bama fan, much less the fan base.)

My issue now, and it's been that way since this whole story started, is where do you put Jalen? I've seen mention of running back. Now, instead of being #2 on the depth chart he's #4 or #5. I've seen the same with a H-back role being suggested and we're still in the same situation--he'd be dropping on the depth chart IF he were to move/change positions.

Unless Jalen has a total change of heart he's a quarterback. He's a quarterback that lacks the proficiency in passing--which in turn diminishes his chances at the league--but he's still a quarterback.

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?

Why does everyone think that because Saban hasn’t publicly announced that one has won the competition, that he hasn’t told the two where they stand. Personally, I believe he has...

Great point, Scotty. About two weeks ago the conversation was the public was more involved in this story than the team. The narrative ran "it's not something that's coming into play in the locker room." {sic}

IE: There was an image shot with Tua's parents praying before the game Saturday that was turned into "they're giving thanks because they didn't ,know who was starting." Yet, the team knew Thursday who was taking the first snap.

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.

When has Saban said "Jalen is our starter" in the last two years? There was no announcement, per se', two years ago when Barnett and his dad pulled their stunt. There wasn't an announcement last year. Think about that USC game. The only thing "the public" knew is Bama is playing USC. There was a ton of speculation--divided among groups like the BB6 clan--but no definitive answer until the first snap.

He's treating this the same way he's done for years and now it's not fair to Tua because he's being treated the same way as the team?

 

[Tidestalker]

When has Saban said "Jalen is our starter" in the last two years? There was no announcement, per se', two years ago when Barnett and his dad pulled their stunt. There wasn't an announcement last year. Think about that USC game. The only thing "the public" knew is Bama is playing USC. There was a ton of speculation--divided among groups like the BB6 clan--but no definitive answer until the first snap.

He's treating this the same way he's done for years and now it's not fair to Tua because he's being treated the same way as the team?

No he's not. He's playing 2 QB's... And told the media he planned to do so before the game.

Words and actions have been different for this starter than the last one.

 

[TerryP]

No he's not. He's playing 2 QB's... And told the media he planned to do so before the game.

So, the QB question was answered--just not to your satisfaction. Just like it has been in the past--answered on the field of play.

Words and actions have been different for this starter than the last one.

The last one was last year. Yet, he didn't "name" Jalen a starter. Last year it was who would 'shirt, not who would start.

The year before we have this:

“Cooper Bateman and Blake Barnett are probably the two guys that we’re getting ready to play in this game, and that’s the way it’s going to be for right now,” Saban said. “We’re going to try to continue to try to develop all of our guys. We made this choice, we made this decision because it’s what’s going to give us the best chance to win this game, but it’s also about future development of our players.​

​

Damn. Looks like practically the same thing, eh?

The only difference in this season and the ones in the past have been laid out in detail--including things like SECPOTY, 26-2, and him leading the team to two NC games. It's added more to the story, but the crux of the matter remains the same.

 

[footballer]

I believe all the coaches and all the players knew in their mind who the best QB is and who would be the starter for several months.

 

[UAgrad93]

including things like SECPOTY, 26-2, and him leading the team to two NC games. It's added more to the story, but the crux of the matter remains the same.

These are the things that people are adding to the equation that CNS has not when it has come to the QB position battle. Saban has looked at it as 2 great kids that have been a great addition to the program, they have acted in a classy manner, done all that has been asked, and their teammates love them both.

 

[TUSKtimes]

Yet, the team knew Thursday who was taking the first snap.

I understood that Tua and Jalen knew on Thursday but the team was notified closer to game time. More cloak and dagger stuff.

When has Saban said "Jalen is our starter" in the last two years? There was no announcement, per se', two years ago when Barnett and his dad pulled their stunt. There wasn't an announcement last year. Think about that USC game. The only thing "the public" knew is Bama is playing USC. There was a ton of speculation--divided among groups like the BB6 clan--but no definitive answer until the first snap.

He's treating this the same way he's done for years and now it's not fair to Tua because he's being treated the same way as the team?

Actually, Saban told all of us that Barnett and Bateman were the co-starters for USC. Instead, we got Jalen. Even many of his teammates were surprised he got in and some openly acknowledged they were skeptical about what Jalen could do as a true freshman.

In this case, Tua has already been seen in practice and played multiple minutes against SEC caliber teams and won the NC game. When do you actually think all this empowering should have honestly taken place? I mean, in comparison to when they made the big switch for Jalen over Barnett, Bateman, Cornwell?

So the odyssey continues and we have to watch Mac Jones clearly outplay Jalen through spring game conditions. Then we are told suddenly this is a close competition again in fall camp based on a single 2nd scrimmage and it gonna go to gameday, season TWO of Tua's career.

Whenever coach Saban gets around to empowering Tua as the starter it will be much later than sooner. About a year by my calendar.

 

[TerryP]

I understood that Tua and Jalen knew on Thursday but the team was notified closer to game time. More cloak and dagger stuff.

I don't know where you're getting that from. It was announced to the team Thursday and was part of the walk-through Friday. The "cloak and dagger" crowd was found out here--among fans and media members.

Actually, Saban told all of us that Barnett and Bateman were the co-starters for USC. Instead, we got Jalen.

Barnett started that game. Jalen came in after the hit he took during the second series. If you recall, on the third series Jalen fumbled. He (Saban) chose to put him back in for the fourth series (much lauded by the fan base stating "he didn't want to break his confidence.)

Whenever coach Saban gets around to empowering Tua as the starter it will be much later than sooner.

Empowering Tua. Empowering Tua?

He was handed the reigns to the offense to start the season and there's a feeling Tua needs to be empowered?

What would empower Tua to a greater degree? Saban stating "Jalen is the back-up?" Is that not the same as stating "Jalen lost the starting job" which is, literally, Saban doing exactly what he said he wouldn't do with Maria Saturday night.

 

[ColAngus]

I have the highest respect for Jalen Hurts and I wish him nothing but the best. I hope he has a continued on the field role for this team, just not at quarterback. I would wager the vast majority of Alabama fans feel the same way.

I get what you're saying here but still have to disagree with the premise. (I won't pretend to speak for any Bama fan, much less the fan base.)

My issue now, and it's been that way since this whole story started, is where do you put Jalen? I've seen mention of running back. Now, instead of being #2 on the depth chart he's #4 or #5. I've seen the same with a H-back role being suggested and we're still in the same situation--he'd be dropping on the depth chart IF he were to move/change positions.

Unless Jalen has a total change of heart he's a quarterback. He's a quarterback that lacks the proficiency in passing--which in turn diminishes his chances at the league--but he's still a quarterback.

[QUOTE="TUSKtimes, post: 1246331,

All true. It’s a tough situation but I believe the best option for Jalen is to redshirt this year and transfer with two years of eligibility remaining. I doubt he cares what I think is best for him and there’s no telling what he’s being told by family and friends. It has to hard for him, but his chances of playing qb in the league are close to zero. And if that is his goal Alabama is not the place for him.

Saban needs to end this though. And it’s not disrespecting anyone. It’s a decision that will have to be made at some point so why drag it out.

 

[TUSKtimes]

Empowering Tua. Empowering Tua?

He was handed the reigns to the offense to start the season and there's a feeling Tua needs to be empowered?

What would empower Tua to a greater degree? Saban stating "Jalen is the back-up?" Is that not the same as stating "Jalen lost the starting job" which is, literally, Saban doing exactly what he said he wouldn't do with Maria Saturday night.

As far as the Maria interview, Saban felt the need to apologize today and qualify his intentions. Saban said:

"I don't want any player to be vilified" and likened the players on the team to his' children,' saying that "while some may do things better than others it doesn't mean any one of them needs to be demeaned."

Then he names Tua the starter for the next game so why not just tell Maria and the world to start with? You know he actually gave a funny answer and disarmed the whole thing with the 30 seconds, can't you just wait that long, comment.


Not sure what's the point of discussing the rest of this stuff with you. You're just going to take little bits of my quotes, and imply you're making some great counterargument. I get it, you are the great Jalen/Saban apologist here.

 

[Tidestalker]

No he's not. He's playing 2 QB's... And told the media he planned to do so before the game.

So, the QB question was answered--just not to your satisfaction. Just like it has been in the past--answered on the field of play.

Words and actions have been different for this starter than the last one.

The last one was last year. Yet, he didn't "name" Jalen a starter. Last year it was who would 'shirt, not who would start.

The year before we have this:

“Cooper Bateman and Blake Barnett are probably the two guys that we’re getting ready to play in this game, and that’s the way it’s going to be for right now,” Saban said. “We’re going to try to continue to try to develop all of our guys. We made this choice, we made this decision because it’s what’s going to give us the best chance to win this game, but it’s also about future development of our players.​

​

Damn. Looks like practically the same thing, eh?

The only difference in this season and the ones in the past have been laid out in detail--including things like SECPOTY, 26-2, and him leading the team to two NC games. It's added more to the story, but the crux of the matter remains the same.

Saban did not open last year's starting position up to a competition, and sure didn't advertise as doing such in the media like he is this season.

If he had, we may have (should have) gone through this last season. So no, it's not being handled the same at all.

And pleeeeeaaaase can we relent on the idea that giving praise or credit to Tua is disrespecting Jalen. The sensitivity is painful.

 

[Tidestalker]

What would empower Tua to a greater degree? Saban stating "Jalen is the back-up?" Is that not the same as stating "Jalen lost the starting job" which is, literally, Saban doing exactly what he said he wouldn't do with Maria Saturday night.

Absolutely. Tua is the starter... The charade is only bringing more cringe-worthy media attention, is it not?

EDIT: He kinda said Tua as the starter.... I think....

 

[#80]

A blind man could see who the starter is and it's obvious to me he has won the team.

 

[TerryP]

Saban did not open last year's starting position up to a competition, and sure didn't advertise as doing such in the media like he is this season.

Which is exactly what I said on this page of this thread.

The last one was last year. Yet, he didn't "name" Jalen a starter. Last year it was who would 'shirt, not who would start.

He didn't name AJ as his starter in his last year but it was well known who was going to take the snaps--no different from last season with Jalen.

And pleeeeeaaaase can we relent on the idea that giving praise or credit to Tua is disrespecting Jalen. The sensitivity is painful.

Which is something I haven't said.

 

[TerryP]

The charade is only bringing more cringe-worthy media attention, is it not?

You know my vocabulary is literal. So, what are you saying here?

Are you suggesting there's an crazy pretense he's putting out there just to make the situation more pleasant? For whom? You? Me? The media?

There is a lot of absurdity in this whole story. I also suspect a lot are staring at a skinny-ass tree instead of looking at the edge of the forest, much less the entire thing.

 

[TerryP]

All true. It’s a tough situation but I believe the best option for Jalen is to redshirt this year and transfer with two years of eligibility remaining. I doubt he cares what I think is best for him and there’s no telling what he’s being told by family and friends. It has to hard for him, but his chances of playing qb in the league are close to zero. And if that is his goal Alabama is not the place for him.

I see a huge difference in what you're saying and what others have said. As example, "I believe the best option for Jalen is to redshirt this year and transfer with two years of eligibility remaining" versus those who are saying "he needs to change positions" or "he needs to transfer."

I realize this is me coming out here. It's what I think about everyone in just about every situation. Who am I to tell Jalen what he needs to do?

I do find this somewhat funny in regards to how a lot of this started. We have an interview with Matt Hayes--a guy who has proven to be a "news maker" instead of a "sports reporter" and the subject of free agency was printed. Everyone jumped on that statement without taking into context who led his father to that statement. It's a detail, I believe, can't be overlooked.

Saban needs to end this though. And it’s not disrespecting anyone. It’s a decision that will have to be made at some point so why drag it out.

He has, with Arkansas State.

But, before today, I saw--and still don't see--any reason to end any speculation with those in the media or those in our fan base. It wasn't affecting the team. It was affecting the support of our fan base for the team.

 

[JoshB]

I get it, you are the great Jalen/Saban apologist here.

I've been defeated! Thank you @TerryP

 

[TerryP]

Not sure what's the point of discussing the rest of this stuff with you. You're just going to take little bits of my quotes, and imply you're making some great counterargument. I get it, you are the great Jalen/Saban apologist here.

I've been defeated! Thank you @TerryP

You've known me a bit now...when have I implied anything when it came to an opinion? It seems, at least from my personal introspection, if anything I am far too blunt.

If anything, Matt has the direct opposite opinion than I--good to care what other people think? That...doesn't fit me real well.

 

[Sgt. Lincoln Osiris]

With Tua Tagovailoa at QB, can 50 points a game be the norm? Maybe

 

[JoshB]

With Tua Tagovailoa at QB, can 50 points a game be the norm? Maybe

If Alabama played Louisville's defense every week they could average 70 a game but we all know Saban is always going to pull the throttle back when it becomes an ass beating (at least usually). I mean the entirety of that fourth quarter was Mac Jones turning around and handing it off up the gut.

 

[Tidestalker]

I believe Saban took the first uncomfortable step of shifting the primary QB responsibilities towards Tua. I think we're almost on the same page, which is exciting.

Now that the wheels are in motion, I'll be interested to see how Jalen handles his new role. No doubt in my mind this year that at some point, Tua will miss some time.... He's real good at moving in the pocket and extending the play which could lead to some dings.

Could def see a series each half dedicated to Jalen... Maybe even a 4 minute offense type of setup where they can use that option play and few others. And at some point, fake a run and pop a big one over the top.

It would crazy to see how humbled he was today in that presser. Seemed a little exhausted from the drama. I'm sure he's happy to be moving forward... With what appears to be the best QB in college football!