Alabama is 8-0 and sitting at No. 2 in the College Football Playoff rankings, but sophomore QB Jalen Hurts hasn’t been tested much.

Hurts is usually on the sidelines by the fourth quarter, with Alabama holding a big lead. Therefore, he’s only attempted 151 passes this year.

That doesn’t mean he hasn’t taken big steps forward in that aspect of his game, though. On Saturday morning’s SEC Nation, coach Nick Saban said he’s happy with how Hurts has progressed as a passer (via 247Sports):

“Well, I think Jalen’s made tremendous progress in that area,” he said. “I mean I think we’re a lot better from a passing game standpoint. He’s a lot more efficient in the passing game because of his understanding. I think he has a better idea of where he needs to go with the ball. I think he has more confidence in the receivers and the system that we’re using that helps him make the right decisions to get the ball to the right guy.”

With tough games against LSU, Mississippi State and Auburn coming up on the schedule, Hurts may have to make some plays with his arm before the season is over.

It sounds like Saban is confident the sophomore can handle the pressure, though, which is a good sign for the Crimson Tide.