What If Nick Saban Stuck with Hurts over Tua? | 25

Alternate Routes

For the first time in nearly two decades there’s a new boss in Tuscaloosa, AL. Nick Saban, widely regarded as the GOAT in college football, stepped down in January after winning six of his seven National Championships at Alabama, leading the Tide to eight of the first ten College Football Playoffs, and coaching four Heisman Trophy winners. Perhaps the most memorable championship for Saban came in the 2018 CFP Final when trailing Georgia 13-0 at halftime, he shocked the entire nation by switching QBs from two-year starter Jalen Hurts to unproven freshman Tua Tagovailoa. The move worked as Tua led the Tide to an overtime win and the National Championship. Hurts would eventually transfer, Tua would suffer a serious injury, but both would end up near the top of the highest paid players in NFL history. But what would’ve happened if Saban stuck with Hurts? Does Alabama still come back to win? Does Tua stay at Alabama or does he transfer? Does Hurts win a Heisman as a junior? And which other player becomes the biggest two-sport star since Deion Sanders? Find out on Alternate Routes.

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