Alabama Football: Using Two-QB sets against Clemson

Alabama football has the benefit of two leaders and two superb athletes who play quarterback. Should they continue to be used in two-QB sets against Clemson?

A quick note to Alabama football fans before diving into this subject. A ‘two-QB’ set is somewhat of a misnomer. The ball can only be snapped to one player. We are referring to the sets when both Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa are in the game. We make no distinction between which of the two QBs actually gets the snap.

The question for discussion is whether the ‘two-QB’ sets should be used against Clemson. For an answer, we look to the pros and cons of not any specific play but the overall value on Jalen and Tua being on the filed at the same time.

Advantages of Two-QB sets

• The first advantage has already been achieved. Clemson has to devote game prep to defending this Crimson Tide wrinkle. Because the sets have been used sparingly, Clemson coaches must know previously un-used plays are also in the Crimson Tide playbook.
• Even with advance prep, Clemson cannot predict when the Tide will employ this weapon, making the Tigers vulnerable to miss-alignment and even inadequate personnel.
• Based on recent player interviews, it appears teammates on both sides of the ball are enthusiastic about having Jalen and Tua on the field at the same time.
• The extra sets are a good way to keep Jalen involved and afford him the chance to contribute. Getting him game action, not the result of Tua suddenly going down, is preferable to bringing him in cold.

Disadvantages of Two-QB sets

• The sets have been used so infrequently it is hard to gauge the effectiveness. There have been productive plays but no truly explosive plays.
• When to use them is a tricky proposition. Mix them while the standard offense has been hot risks losing momentum. Going to them after the offense has struggled might just result in a quick loss of downs at a bad time.
• Alabama football has the best quarterback in the college game. As long as he is healthy, why ever take the ball out of his hands?
• If the two-QB sets lead to more rushing by Jalen, is that tactic wise given Clemson’s greatest defensive strength is stopping the run? In addition, as good a runner as Jalen is, he is not better than Jacobs and the two Harris’.
• A trick play or two can be great in a big game. All Alabama football fans remember the perfectly executed onsides kick against Clemson. But relying too much on being clever can be risky. The soul of Alabama football is driven by physical superiority. Going away from strength could backfire on the Crimson Tide.

After thinking through the pros and cons, we have no clear answer. Against a stubborn, well prepared, talented opponent, it is not always possible to “make their asses quit” enough times to win. In that situation, outsmarting or at least confusing an opponent can be of great value.

Games between two evenly matched teams can come down to which coaching staff out-thinks the other. Never bet against a Nick Saban staff – but – Dabo’s staff is stable with far more continuity than Nick’s staff.