Tua Tagovailoa replaced Jalen Hurts at Alabama. This pivotal moment occurred during the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship game.
The Moment of Replacement
In the highly anticipated 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship, played against the Georgia Bulldogs, true freshman quarterback Tua Tagovailoa stepped onto the field to replace then-starting quarterback Jalen Hurts. Hurts, who had led the Crimson Tide for much of the game, was replaced at halftime with Alabama trailing 13-0.
Tagovailoa, known for his dynamic throwing ability, immediately ignited the Alabama offense. He engineered a remarkable comeback, ultimately leading the team to a thrilling overtime victory. The game concluded with Tagovailoa throwing a 41-yard touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith, securing the national championship for the Crimson Tide.
Key Quarterbacks in the 2018 CFP National Championship
The table below highlights the roles of the two quarterbacks during this historic championship game:
| Quarterback | Role in Championship Game | Outcome/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jalen Hurts | Started the game as Alabama's QB | Replaced by Tua Tagovailoa in the second half with Alabama trailing. |
| Tua Tagovailoa | Replaced Jalen Hurts in the second half | Led Alabama to an overtime victory with a game-winning touchdown pass, securing the national title. |
Impact and Legacy
Tua Tagovailoa's performance in the 2018 National Championship not only secured a title for Alabama but also marked a significant turning point in his collegiate career, establishing him as the team's primary quarterback moving forward. Jalen Hurts, a formidable talent in his own right, later transferred to Oklahoma, where he also had a highly successful collegiate career. The decision to replace Hurts with Tagovailoa in such a high-stakes game remains one of the most memorable and impactful coaching decisions in recent college football history.
For more details on the game, you can review the official game recap and statistics:
