Some moments in college football are so unbelievable they seem right out of a movie. Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurt’s incredible comeback against the Georgia Bulldogs was even better than that.
Just a year ago, Hurts was benched at halftime during the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship and Tua Tagovailoa took the field. He would watch as Tagovailoa led the Crimson Tide to a comeback win and a national title.
Many expected Hurts to transfer and take his talents elsewhere, yet he remained. He sat back and watched Tagovailoa lead Alabama to a 12-0 record in the regular season, supporting his teammates and hoping his moment would come.
It became a story no one would have believed unless they witnessed it with their own eyes. Tagovailoa struggled mightily in the SEC Championship Game against Georgia. Midway through the fourth quarter with Alabama down by a touchdown, Tua went down with an ankle injury and would not return.
Hurts’ second chance finally arrived. It all came full circle with the opportunity for him to create his own memorable comeback.
At Alabama’s 31-yard line, Hurts executed the story-like script to perfection. He used his legs and his arm to lead the Crimson Tide on a scoring drive and capped it off with a game-tying touchdown pass late in the game.
He brought momentum back to Alabama’s sideline and after Georgia drove down to midfield, Alabama’s defense made the huge stop to put the ball back in Hurts’ hands.
On 4th and 11, Georgia dialed up this fake.
Alabama was not fooled. pic.twitter.com/FBB8DuG2Kp— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) December 2, 2018
Hurts wasn’t going to let his second chance slip away. He drilled a clutch throw on third down to move it to Georgia’s 31-yard line. After a 16-yard strike to Jaylen Waddle, Hurts capped off his magical night with a go-ahead touchdown run fans will never forget.
Jalen Hurts scores a go-ahead touchdown with Tua Tagovailoa cheering him on.
You simply cannot make this up. pic.twitter.com/ngRf95vtL8
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) December 2, 2018
The quarterback who lost his starting job in the middle of the national championship, then spent the entire regular season on the bench, did the unthinkable. As Alabama celebrated, Twitter erupted to the unbelievable story that unfolded in front of everyone.
WE’RE NOT CRYING #RollTide pic.twitter.com/V2UL5raR1f
— Yardbarker (@yardbarker) December 2, 2018
If you want your team to win. Be a Jalen Hurts in your locker room. it’s contagious.
— Tyrel Dodson (@tdots25) December 2, 2018
Jalen Hurts back from the dead
Holy smokes https://t.co/sCShkl26KC
— Eric Rosenthal (@ericsports) December 2, 2018
Live look at Jalen Hurts pic.twitter.com/cjx1Ir1C98
— profloumoore (@loumoore12) December 2, 2018
Jalen Hurts hurting college football fans across America
— Taylor Blake Ward (@TaylorBlakeWard) December 2, 2018
I just told my fiancé I’m marrying Jalen Hurts instead.
— Kristen Ledlow (@KristenLedlow) December 2, 2018
Jalen Hurts!!!
Come on.
— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) December 2, 2018
This guy EARNED THIS. Do you know how much he has probably had to deal w/since last year? The mental toughness it takes to survive and SHOW UP in a game like this? Jalen Hurts you have ALL my respect. When you put the team first, keep your head down and work. It always pays off!
— LaChina Robinson (@LaChinaRobinson) December 2, 2018
https://twitter.com/NorfToSouf/status/1069027258017374209
#RollTide QB Jalen Hurts is just so calm. The entire time he’s been in the game, he’s been in complete control & composed
— Emory Hunt (@FBallGameplan) December 2, 2018
Hard to imagine many players handling a brutally difficult situation like #Bama QB Jalen Hurts did, being replaced at the biggest moment ever… then coming back creating his own moments like this. So, so cool.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 2, 2018