Why Greg McElroy Will Negate the Heisman Jinx for the Crimson Tide

Before the season, Alabama FC Larry Burton told us all about the next potential breakout star in QB Greg McElroy.

After watching him put on a show against Florida in the SEC Championship Game, the junior QB has proven to be the real deal.

And with all the attention towards Heisman Trophy winner RB Mark Ingram, McElroy has a shot to steal the show Thursday night in Pasadena against the Texas Longhorns.

McElroy, the Southlake Carroll (Tx.) product, has never lost a game from high school until this season at Alabama.

And McElroy was charged with the task of replacing John Parker Wilson, and he certainly did not disappoint.

He has thrown for 2450 yards and 17 TDs, but more importantly, only four INTs.

The first-year starter had a blazing start to the season, but cooled off in the middle of conference play, bottoming out against South Carolina by completing only ten passes for 92 yards in the game that kicked Ingram's Heisman campaign into high gear.

But where McElroy made his biggest splash was against the Gators, the very same team the Crimson Tide lost to the year before.

In a game where Ingram ran for three touchdowns, it was McElroy who carved up Florida's pass defense for 239 yards on 12-18 passing and a touchdown.

When the Tide needed a big play in the passing game, McElroy delivered in a big way, and a dramatic redzone run to set up an Ingram touchdown in the second half.

He was named the MVP of the SEC title game, reaffirming that when called upon, McElroy can be a gunslinger.

And against a Texas defense that will be keying on Ingram, as well as backups Roy Upchurch and Trent Richardson, that passing attack with Julio Jones and Marquis Maze will be critical.

It won't be easy, with a Longhorns' defense that leads the country in interceptions and run defense.

But if anyone can give Ingram and the Tide the offensive boost they need to preserve drives and maintain possession, it's McElroy.

Ironic enough that McElroy's opponent is from his homestate, but the last time the Longhorns' played for a national title was the last time a running back, USC's Reggie Bush, won the Heisman.

But he has never played on the stage that he will be on in Pasadena, with the world watching and him no longer being a secret weapon for Alabama.

All that said, it's not unreasonable to think that with a Texas defense geared to stop the run that McElroy could have a huge day as he did against Florida.

If he does, he could very well be the MVP of the National Championship should the Tide win.

But if Alabama is to overcome the Heisman jinx that has plagued all but USC since 2003 in championship games, it will have to be Greg McElroy to get the job done.

And if this season is any indication, the Crimson Tide are in good hands.