Tua Tagovailoa Defends Jalen Hurts After Replacing Him in CFP Title Game

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Tua Tagovailoa took to Twitter on Thursday to defend teammate Jalen Hurts amid criticism about his play in Monday's College Football Playoff National Championship victory over the Georgia Bulldogs.

"Tired of people not appreciating the fact that if this man led us to the National Championship. And for all the fans that are against Jalen, you against me too. You either WITH US or AGAINST US. Love you 2," Tagovailoa tweeted. 

"Love You Too Lil Bro! Proud Of You!" Hurts replied. 

Tagovailoa replaced Hurts in the third quarter following a scoreless first half, throwing for 166 yards and three touchdowns in the overtime win. He connected with fellow freshman DeVonta Smith for a 41-yard touchdown to clinch the game.

Hurts threw for just 21 yards in the first half. He has served as the Tide's starter each of the last two years, leading them to a pair of national championship game appearances.

"He was gonna step in and do his thing," Hurts said after the game about his reaction to Tagovailoa taking over. "We have a lot of guys in the QB room that play really well, and he stepped in and did his thing. Did his thing for the team."

Tagovailoa taking over for Hurts has led to some early speculation about the latter's future in Tuscaloosa. Tagovailoa is a more naturally gifted passer and a solid runner, and the national championship game could have formally signaled a changing of the guard under center.

Former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy has already said Hurts could transfer to Texas.