CFB: QB Controversy Scenarios
1. Alabama: Tua Tagovailoa earned the starting nod in Week 1 against Louisville. And it seems like Nick Saban made the right decision as the Crimson Tide 51-14. Not only did they win going away, but Tua looked like one of the best players in the country. He threw for 227 yards on 75.0 percent passing to go along with two passing touchdowns. Jalen Hurts, who is 26-2 as a starter and helped lead Alabama to two straight CFP title berths, is currently the back-up. With Tua playing at the level he is, that likely won't change for Hurts. Because of recent rule changes, players can play up to four games and still keep that year of eligibility. If he were to play in part of the first four games then transfer, it'd make the most sense for all parties involved.
2. Clemson: Kelly Bryant had to sit behind Deshaun Watson for his first two years on campus and then in his junior season, was promoted to the starting spot. Bryant had a good season for the Tigers, as he helped get them to the CFP for the third straight year. Although they lost to Alabama in the Sugar Bowl, Dabo Swinney's team went 12-2 and won the ACC again. And then Clemson brought in No. 1 recruit Trevor Lawrence. Bryant got the start against Furman, but is that going to hold? He threw for 127 yards on 62.5 percent passing and one score, while Lawrence looked a bit better (137 yards and three touchdowns). I think both players will continue to play regularly, but Bryant will keep his job. Lawrence will wait his turn for 2019-20.
3. Georgia: Jake Fromm already had to keep the job away from Jacob Eason in his freshman year and it doesn't look as though his sophomore season will be any easier. However, the QB debate worked out pretty well for the Bulldogs last year as they reached their first CFP (and subsequent championship game appearance). Fromm was really solid, like always, in his first game this year against Austin Peay. Georgia won easily and the starting QB had 157 yards and two TD passes. Justin Fields, the No. 2 recruit in the nation, was used more as a runner and thrower, compiling 63 yards through the air and 33 on the ground. I think Fields plays the first four games and then decides to redshirt (barring an injury from Fromm).
4. Michigan: Shea Patterson got the start after transferring from Ole Miss and while he didn't have his best outing, it still seems like he is the best option for the Wolverines. He completed 66.7 percent of his throws for 227 yards. Unfortunately, he was unable to find the end zone, while coughing up the ball twice (and once was on a potential game-tying drive). When Patterson was suffer ring from cramps, back-up Dylan McCaffrey stepped in and actually looked really good. He only threw six passes, but found his receivers on four of them and picked up a few critical first downs. McCaffrey redshirted last year so he obviously can't do that. I think Jim Harbaugh will stay with Patterson for now, but if he struggles, then that might just change.
5. Miami: Malik Rosier began his starting career at Miami with a 10-0 record. Then last Thanksgiving weekend it started to come crashing down. The Hurricanes lost to Pittsburgh. And then Clemson rolled over them in the ACC title. Since then, the Canes have struggled against Wisconsin in the Orange Bowl and LSU in Week 1, going down 33-17. Rosier threw for 259 yards against the Tigers, but it was only because they dug such a big hole and had to try and comeback. He also completed just 42.9 percent of his passes and threw a pair of picks. N'Kosi Perry was suspended for the opener, according to SB Nation, but he should be back for Week 2. I think Perry will end up being the starter, especially if Rosier can't get it together.
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