There’s no denying that the 2019 football season didn’t go as hoped or planned for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Not only did they not make it to the CFB Playoff for the first time in the CFB playoff’s existence, they also lost their star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a season ending injury, and lost the majority of their experienced starters on defense throughout the season as well.
That didn’t stop the Crimson Tide, especially Mac Jones, who finished the season 3-1 as a starter.
Replacing Tua Tagovailoa was no easy task. Tagovailoa’s and Jones’ styles of play were completely different. Where Tagovailoa was more of a dual threat type of quarterback, Jones is the type of pro-style quarterback fans are used to seeing in Tuscaloosa, such as Greg McElroy, AJ McCarron, and Jake Coker, all of which won national titles for Alabama.
Jones handled the task as well as anyone could have in such a position. Sure, there were mistakes here and there, but overall, even his teammates were impressed and confident in Jones’ play making abilities. But Jones was never given the credit he deserved. All throughout the season, he was simply labeled and seen as “Tua’s backup.” Even CBS’ announcers would continue to say several times a game, “Jones is no Tagovailoa.” They’re right, he’s not. But there’s nothing wrong with not being Tagovailoa.
After all, by end of the season, Jones had a quarterback rating (186.8) that ranks as the highest of any returning signal caller (minimum four starts) in the SEC for 2020. Which is amazing, considering his only 4 starts ever, were this past season.
Simply put, Mac Jones proved that he is more than just a backup quarterback.
In his first career start against Arkansas for an injured Tagovailoa (ankle), Jones went 18-22 for 235 yards and 3 TDs.
But Jones was just getting started.
Against Mississippi State, he went in to replace an injured Tua Tagovailoa again, but this time, he would be the official starter for the rest of the season after Tua Tagovailoa suffered a season ending hip injury.
Against Western Carolina, Jones only played in the first half, going 10-12 for 275 yards and 3 TDs.
His last start of the regular season was Auburn, a game that even Tua Tagovailoa would’ve had to play his best in. Although the Tide lost, Jones emerged as even more of a leader. Even after throwing 2 costly interceptions in the game, Jones regained his composure and leadership as he finished the game with 335 yards passing, 4 TDs, and 2 INTs.
Sure, the Crimson Tide’s hopes of playing in the CFB Playoff was over, but this team wasn’t finished yet.
Entering the Citrus Bowl against Michigan, Jones had already racked up 939 yards passing and 10 TDS in just 3 games ( 2 full + 2 (half) games.)
But yet, he was still doubted, criticized, and analyzed. He still is.
Jones shined in the Citrus Bowl, recording an impressive game. He completed 16 of 25 passes for 327 yards and 3 TDs against 15th ranked Michigan.
Jones finished the season with 1,503 yards passing, 14 TDs, and 3 INT.
But yet, some fans still weren’t sold he was the right guy for the job, especially since the Tide signed the No. 1 overall quarterback of the 2020 recruiting class, Bryce Young.
Jones would not only be a starter for many other schools in the SEC, I think he’ll be the starter for Alabama this season, for many reasons.
First off, experience. Considering the coronavirus situation, the players have not been able to practice together yet. But thankfully, the SEC announced that division I student-athletes in all sports will be permitted to participate in voluntary athletics activities beginning June 1. But even if the team would have been able to practice together, I think Jones’ game experience is a huge component. Not only did he have to replace an injured Tagovailoa in several games last season, he also had to start against two top 25 teams: Auburn and Michigan.
Secondly, Jones has won the respect of his teammates, and that’s priceless. Sure, Jones’ game play might not be as flashy or show stopping as Tagovailoa was, but the goal is still the same: to win. And these players know Jones has what it takes to lead this team back to the CFB Playoff.
Lastly, Young is small. He needs to get bigger and stronger before he faces SEC competition. He’s listed as weighing 190 on Alabama’s website. And even though Jones is listed as 205, several players have shared how hard Jones has been working to not only get bigger, but stronger himself.
I certainly think Mac Jones will be the starter on September 5th, if there is a college football season of course.
I think it’s Mac Jones’ spot to lose.
Is Bryce Young talented? Absolutely.
Could Young become a legend at Alabama? Certainly.
Will this be a fun QB battle to witness? Of course.
But do I think Mac Jones is the guy for the job this season? Most definitely.
If Mac Jones continues to improve over the spring and summer like I know he can, Mac Jones might just be the guy to lead Alabama back to the CFB Playoff, and win another national title.
After all, his style of play is similar to Jake Coker and AJ McCarron, both of which led their team to a national title.
And we all remember Blake Sims’ incredible transformation between 2013-2014. In one season, Sims went from an “iffy” back-up, to an incredible starter in the off season. In 2014, Sims completed 252 of 391 passes for 3.487 yards, 28 TDs, and 10 interceptions.
Simply put, Jones overcame adversity, criticism, and doubt, won over the respect of his teammates, and led Alabama to a win over Michigan in the Citrus Bowl.
Sure, he had a few mistakes here or there, but so did Tagovailoa. People forget Tua’s costly mistake in the Tide’s first series against LSU.
But through it all, Jones, and Alabama emerged stronger through it all.
And if there’s anyone who is up for the challenge to prove to the country that this team will be better and stronger than last season, it’s Mac Jones.
Anything is possible. Just don’t count Mac Jones out just yet.
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