Unlike a season ago, the Alabama Crimson Tide are heading into the spring without knowing for certain who their starting quarterback is going to be. It’s an interesting mix of guys in the quarterback room, and it should make for quite the battle heading into the 2020 season. But, given his experience, Mac Jones should be the front-runner, and he’s absolutely capable of being “the guy” for the Tide in 2020.
I had to eat a bit of crow because of my thoughts on Jones back during the 2019 season. I didn’t think there’d be a huge dip in production going from Tua Tagovailoa to Jones. That was proven hilariously wrong. Maybe it was a bit unrealistic to think he’d step in right away and play well in high pressure situations. But, I’m sticking to my larger points from that article for 2020. The guy’s got talent. He has experience now. And, he has the opportunity to put it all together and lead the Tide offense.
Jones had two disastrous picks against the Auburn Tigers, a loss that ended up likely costing the Tide a spot in the College Football Playoff. It’s easy to remember those, but he still had 335 yards and four touchdowns in the game. He was absolutely stellar against the Michigan Wolverines in the Citrus Bowl – going 16/25 for 327 yards and three touchdowns. He threw 13 touchdowns in his four starts (3.25 per game). As a pure pocket passer, he’s still one of the best in the SEC. It’s easy to look subpar in Tua’s shadow, but if it wasn’t for Tua’s presence, Jones would probably be considered among Alabama’s most talented quarterbacks under Nick Saban.
So, with a full offseason program with him installed as the starter, there’s no reason to think he won’t improve in the role. The question, of course, is whether or not Saban and company see him in that role.
Taulia Tagovailoa didn’t end up transferring as some speculated he would. Tua’s little brother enters his sophomore season after being one of the most highly-touted recruits of the 2019 class. He’s talented, but he brings virtually no experience to this quarterback battle, having only attempted 12 passes a season ago.
Then, there’s the wild card – the five-star incoming freshman, Bryce Young. This kid is as electric as they come. He was the top quarterback prospect in this class, and some pundits have even called him Lamar Jackson 2.0. He certainly looks like the most talented guy in the room from a raw talent standpoint. The question for him is how quickly he can put it all together.
Ultimately, because of Jones’ experience with the Tide and his talent as a pocket passer, I think he’s the guy that starts against the USC Trojans in Week 1 of the 2020 season.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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