With the advent of the spread offense, run-pass option and esoteric passing schemes, there has perhaps never been a greater burden placed on quarterbacks in college football. Ten of the past 12 Heisman Trophy winners have been quarterbacks.
But in recent years, one prominent team’s on-field tactics and strategy have notably diverged from the consensus. It has preferred quarterbacks who are not at the center of its offense.
That team is this era’s great dynasty, Alabama. The two recent Heisman winners who weren’t quarterbacks, in fact, were Alabama running backs.
The Crimson Tide, under Coach Nick Saban, will play Georgia on Monday night in the College Football Playoff championship game with the chance to win an unprecedented fifth national title in nine seasons.