ATLANTA — Inside the locker room, minutes after the trajectory of his football career was altered and his future as Alabama’s starting quarterback was thrust into uncertainty, Jalen Hurts received some kind words from the coach who pulled him.
Alabama’s Nick Saban approached the unflappable sophomore who, despite 25 wins in 27 career starts, he was benching in favor of true freshman Tua Tagovailoa on the sport’s grandest stage.
“We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you,” Saban told him after Alabama beat Georgia 26-23 to win a national championship. “You put us in a position by the plays that you made and the way you played all year long.