Alabama’s A-Day game drew in a crowd of 74,732 at Bryant-Denny Stadium. During the game, Alabama’s Crimson team came out on top 24-12. An unlikely name was being heard throughout the day in Tuscaloosa.
Mac Jones, a native of Jacksonville, Florida and a name that is not mentioned too much was the star of the show and earned MVP honors. The soon-to-be redshirt freshman went for 23 for 35 passes and 289 yards. In his outing, he had one interception.
With Tua Tagovailoa out due to a thumb injury, Jones took nearly every snap under center for the Crimson team.
“We’ve been very pleased with the progress that Mac has made,” Nick Saban said after the A-Day game. “That gives us more depth at the position.”
It was the Jones vs. Hurts show. Hurts, in his third spring game, started the game for the White team.
Hurts was 19-of-37 for 195 yards and an interception. He also rushed for 33 yards on 15 attempts.
Despite the lack of consistent play shown by Hurts, Saban didn’t lose confidence in his veteran leader.
“I was not disappointed in the way Jalen played. I think we’ve got some guys that can rush a little bit, and even though we’re rushing four guys most of the time, there was way too much pressure in the pocket for the quarterback to be able to operate like we’d like.
“I think Jalen made some good plays and throws, and I’m sure if you were to talk to him he’d say, ‘ There are things I wish I would’ve done better and can improve on,’ And that’s what we’re going to work on.”
In a game where Hurts had an opportunity to secure the starting position heading into summer, it seems as if the position is still wide open and up for grabs. In the process, Jalen's father Averion Hurts didn’t make the situation any better calling him one of the biggest free agents in college football history.
With Mac Jones being able to drive the team down the field throwing the ball and Hurts continuing to struggle, the question remains the same, will Hurts be at Alabama much longer? And if so, will he be playing quarterback still?
With Tagovailoa injured, the ball is in Hurts' hands to finish the story.
