Sophomore quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was named SEC co-offensive player of the week, the league office announced Monday. Tagovailoa shared the award with Vanderbilt quarterback Kyle Shurmur.
It’s the third time this season Tagovailoa has been honored by the conference. He set an Alabama record with six total touchdowns this past weekend. He tied a school record with five passing touchdowns and added a sixth on the ground. He completed 25 of his 32 attempts for 324 yards, added 26 rushing yards and didn’t have any turnovers.
Tagovailoa’s performance moved him into a tie for sixth on the SEC’s single-season passing touchdown list and extended his lead over AJ McCarron on Alabama’s single-season passing touchdown list. His 41 combined rushing touchdowns are also the most in school history.
In addition to the SEC honor, Tagovailoa was one of three offensive players of the week chosen by the Alabama coaching staff, along with running back Josh Jacobs and center Ross Pierschbacher. Jacobs had 28 rushing yards on five carries along with four receptions for 53 yards and a touchdown. Pierschbacher didn’t allow a sack or a pressure, helping the offense roll up 500 yards of total offense against the Tigers.
The coaches chose inside linebacker Dylan Moses, outside linebacker Anfernee Jennings and defensive back Shyheim Carter as players of the week on defense. Moses tied for the team lead with nine tackles and had one tackle for loss. Jennings had eight tackles, a sack and his first career interception. Carter had a career-high six tackles, including an assisted tackle for loss, and broke up three passes.
Defensive back Kyriq McDonald and wide receiver Henry Ruggs III were special teams players of the week. Both made one tackle.
Locksley an awards finalist
Offensive coordinator Mike Locksley was among five finalists for the Broyles Award, given to the nation’s best assistant coach, it was announced Monday.
Locksley has guided Alabama’s offense to several records in his first year as coordinator. The Crimson Tide is fourth in the nation with 538 yards per game and has registered 500 total yards in 11 of 12 games this year. Nationally, Alabama ranks second with 49 points per game, sixth in passing yards per game and second in yards per play.
Former defensive coordinator Kirby Smart – now Georgia’s head coach – was the last Alabama assistant to win the award in 2009.
Reach Ben Jones at ben@tidesports.com or 205-722-0196.
