University of Alabama head coach Nick Saban told ESPN’s Chris Fowler in a pregame interview that he planned to use both junior Jalen Hurts and sophomore Tua Tagovailoa at the quarterback position in Saturday night’s season opener against Louisville. Saban did not address which player would start, saying he would make that call when “the time is right.
“I think we have two guys that are weapons, and they’ve both played well, so the plan is to play both guys in the game,” Saban told Fowler in an interview that will air on College Gameday on Saturday.
Saban had strongly indicated that both quarterbacks would play in this week’s media opportunities.
“Both guys are weapons to our team,” Saban said on his Thursday night radio show. “Both… in their skill set, can create problems for whoever we play. We can have a role for both guys in the game. They’ve earned that opportunity.
“Everybody wants to know who’s going to run out on the field first, and I’m not going to tell you that. Why do you all think I should tell you, because then the other team will know. You’re going to keep a secret?”
The debate between fans over Hurts and Tagovailoa has been ongoing for several months, intensifying when Tagovailoa came in to replace Hurts at halftime of the College Football Playoff Championship Game, throwing three touchdown passes to lead a memorable Alabama comeback and an overtime win against Georgia.
Reach Cecil Hurt at cecil@tidesports.com or 205-722-0225
