Alabama Crimson Tide had Tua little Tua late amid defensive struggles
The second installment of “The Game of the Century” did not disappoint as the LSU Tigers came out swinging, and the Alabama Crimson Tide had the daunting task of mounting a second half comeback.
At halftime, the electricity in Bryant Denny was deflated. The Alabama Crimson Tide’s offensive line play was dismal at best letting Tua Tagovailoa take far too many shots and scramble more than he needed to. Defensive line play was getting little to no pressure on Joe Burrow. Uncharacteristic mistakes were happening left and right.
The LSU Tigers came out ready to make a statement, and that they did.
Yet Sarkisian’s halftime adjustments were huge. The offense that went three-and-out consistently in the first half returned to their usual selves scoring quickly and efficiently in the second half. Najee Harris had a huge game rushing for 146 yards on 19 carries. On an obviously gimpy leg, Tua Tagovailoa ended up passing for 418 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Tua Tagovailoa’s second half was nothing less than absolutely remarkable. He easily could have gone into halftime down three touchdowns, decided he had a gimpy leg and given up on the second half. The defense was struggling to get stops, so throwing in the towel to protect his future would have certainly been the easiest option.
But Tua is a warrior.
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He came out, put the game on his back, and took the Alabama Crimson Tide from a three-score deficit to within five points of winning. He did his part. He led scoring drives every time he needed to at the end. He fought tooth and nail despite barely being able to walk.
Tua’s performance deserves the utmost respect. While Joe Burrow likely secured his future Heisman last night, Tua Tagovailoa proved he was a winner, despite what the rest of the team couldn’t handle.
Tua’s second half performance kept the Alabama Crimson Tide in the game. The fans, dejected at halftime, were right back in it during the second half. The upper deck in the stadium was shaking attempting to get the pressure on Joe Burrow that the defensive line couldn’t. The two fourth and one delay of game penalties on LSU were certainly a result of the electric atmosphere.
Unfortunately, despite Tua’s best efforts, it was too little too late. The defense was incapable of getting stops when they mattered most leaving receivers wide open or letting Burrow scramble for the first down.
Hats off to the LSU Tigers. They came to win and couldn’t be denied. Win or lose, Tua Tagovailoa will always be my QB1.
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Being a part of that atmosphere Saturday night was a privilege. At this point, Alabama Crimson Tide fans can only hope that the stars align and meet LSU again on an even bigger stage.