Second Half defense
As Twitter fired up hot takes about defensive coordinator Pete Golding’s future during the first half, the defense adjusted, allowing 94 yards (35 plays, six possessions for four punts and two interceptions) and shutting out Josh Gattis’ offense in the second half.
Josh Jobe stepped up in place of Trevon Diggs, finishing with one interception. At the beginning of the game, the first two throws were at Jobe, and he shut down his assignment. Shane Lee and Xavier McKinney earned sacks on the Tide’s stiffening D. McKinney, and Anfernee Jennings led the team with ten tackles apiece.
Mike Bernier
The once displaced senior punter resembled JK Scott today. He averaged 42.3 on six points with four inside the 20, one landing on the Michigan 1 and another on the Michigan 3.
Mac Jones
Will Tua stay or will he go? No matter what decision comes out of Tuscaloosa, Mac Jones showed he has the “Bama Factor.” A tough son of a gun, Jones waited until the pocket thoroughly collapsed before he released the ball several times, which allowed the receivers to make great plays. He finished 16 of 25, 327 yards, and three touchdowns.
Mac Jones has been a legitimately excellent QB this year. Only 117 attempts so far and won't appear on official stats, but after the TD his passer rating is 189.3, which trails only Joe Burrow, Jalen Hurts, and teammate Tua Tagovailoa.
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) January 1, 2020
The 2020 QB room stands as the most formidable under Saban. Jones will emerge as QB1 unless Tua returns.