Alabama Football: Realistic expectations for Bryce Young in 2020

Alabama football has high hopes for Bryce Young.

We are three weeks away from the start of the Alabama football season, and it appears that Mac Jones has won the starting job. Despite this, hopes are high for Bryce Young as a true freshman. However, Crimson Tide fans need to keep their hopes in check.

Tua Tagovailoa didn’t win the starting job as a true freshman, but he still came in and shined when given the opportunity. In the National Championship game, Tua showed his leadership in carrying the Tide to victory. Bryce Young has the highest expectations since Tua committed, but don’t expect Young to start the second half of the National Championship.

Instead of that, let’s set realistic expectations for Alabama football’s backup quarterback in terms of playing time and statistics.

Realistic expectations for Alabama football’s Bryce Young.

How many games will Bryce Young play in?

Tua played in eight games as a true freshman behind Jalen Hurts. However, most of his snaps were against non-conference opponents in blowout wins. When you move to a 10-game schedule filled with SEC football teams, you can’t expect similar results from Young.

However, I think that Young will see quality time against some easier opponents. He might play as early as the season opener against Missouri. All in all, I think that four games is a reasonable expectation for the regular season. If things go south with Mac Jones, expect that number to rise. The Crimson Tide don’t have to worry about redshirting in 2020, so they will likely try to let bench players see the field earlier in blowouts.

How many touchdowns will Bryce Young score?

Tua scored 13 total touchdowns in his freshman season. Although Young has the talent to reach those numbers, expectations should be set around five or six passing touchdowns. If he becomes the starter, he could easily surpass what Tua did as a freshman. However, most of his reps will include handing the ball off to backup running backs.

How likely is it for Bryce Young to start?

Bryce Young has the talent to immediately contribute for Alabama football. However, Mac Jones has earned the job. The ability to win the position back is mostly out of Young’s hands. If Mac thrives, Young will sit. All he can do is continue to get better and be ready for if his team needs him.

The future is bright with Bryce Young, but don’t expect him to jump out of the gates as the face of the program. It will take time, but all will work out for the freshman and the Crimson Tide.