With his most recent performance versus The Citadel Bulldogs, Tua Tagovailoa has undoubtedly become the best quarterback ever for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
As No. 1 Alabama improved to 11-0 on the season with their blowout win over The Citadel on Saturday, sophomore Heisman Trophy hopeful quarterback Tua Tagovailoa made history.
Tagovailoa broke the school record for most passing touchdowns in a season with 31. Tagovailoa completed 18 of 22 passes for 340 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. In essence, he’s almost certainly locked up his bid for the Heisman Trophy.
But it’s more than that. In only his first season as a starter for Alabama, he has undoubtedly emerged as the greatest signal-caller in Crimson Tide history. Yes, we can now make that claim without any hesitation.
Tua Tagovailoa: 3️⃣1️⃣ TDs and counting.
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) November 17, 2018
The @AlabamaFTBL record for most passing touchdowns in a single-season. pic.twitter.com/5svJfkQLCo
Though Alabama has historically won with a stout running game and a great defense, Tagovailoa is now beating the brakes off just about everybody with his incredible accurate left arm. He looks to be the third Crimson Tide player to win the Heisman, joining Mark Ingram Jr. and Derrick Henry, both of whom play on Sundays in the NFL at running back.
By setting the single-season passing touchdown record at Alabama, he has elevated beyond what is truly great company. Here are some of the guys that have played quarterback for the Crimson Tide in their illustrious history: Bart Starr, Joe Namath, Ken Stabler, A.J. McCarron, Jalen Hurts. Those are three Pro Football Hall of Fame players, a First-Team All-American and an SEC Player of the Year.
Let’s not forget that Tagovailoa is just getting started. Keep in mind that he is only a true sophomore. He will have to play at least one more year of college ball before turning pro and entering the draft.
Though relatively short in stature, his undeniable accuracy to all spots on the field has set him apart from his contemporaries in not only the SEC but the entire Power 5. Alabama has never looked this imposing on offense, especially through the air. Add in the always dominant defense and relentless running game, and who seriously is going to lose to the Crimson Tide this fall?
Alabama is on course to become the first team in the College Football Playoff era to go 15-0. Of course, Alabama needs to beat rival Auburn in the Iron Bowl next week and defeat the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship on Dec. 1. And that’s before the Playoff even begins.
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While dismantling The Citadel at home during Cupcake Week isn’t normally anything to write home about, seeing Tagovailoa break an impressive school record like touchdown passes in a season only further solidifies his place in Crimson Tide quarterbacking hierarchy, firmly at No. 1.