The debate that raged on all offseason is officially over — Tua Tagovailoa is Alabama’s starting quarterback.

Nick Saban finally admitted that on Monday, after Tua started the Tide’s 51-14 season-opening win against Louisville in Orlando. While this is something he could have determined weeks, if not months ago, and ended the charade around which quarterback gives Alabama the best chance to succeed on offense, the Alabama coach admits the decision was tough for him.

According to Saban, the issue was that he likes both Tua and Jalen Hurts. In his mind, it’s similar to picking between your children.

“I think everybody knows that Tua (Tagovailoa) is going to start this game, and we’re going to use Jalen (Hurts)’s skill set however we can to benefit the team,” Saban said during his Monday media availability.

“Just to be clear on something — I love all of our players on our team. As parents out there you can relate to this: You love all your children and sometimes your children do things a little better than others.”

That’s certainly an interesting way to put it but there you have it, Tua is the man in Tuscaloosa until further notice.