Former SEC QB Jesse Palmer praises Tua Tagovailoa’s performance: ‘He’s more superior’
By Jake Rill
Published:
Tua Tagovailoa had a strong performance during Alabama’s season-opening win over Louisville, and many were impressed by the sophomore quarterback.
That includes ESPN analyst and former Florida quarterback Jesse Palmer, who said that Tagovailoa is a better option for the Crimson Tide than junior quarterback Jalen Hurts.
“Nick Saban made the right decision starting Tua,” Palmer said on ESPN’s “College Football Final.” “Both quarterbacks are very good athletes, but Tua Tagovailoa is by far the better passer. He’s more superior. He gives this offense an added dimension. He put that on display in the second half of the national championship game against Georgia and put it on display again [vs. Louisville].”
Tagovailoa passed for 227 yards and two touchdowns, completing 12 of his 16 pass attempts against the Cardinals. Meanwhile, Hurts was 5-for-9 for 70 yards.
Tagovailoa also added a rushing touchdown while leading the Tide to victory.
Alabama coach Nick Saban hasn’t officially made Tagovailoa the starter, and there’s a good chance that both quarterbacks play again this week when the Crimson Tide host Arkansas State on Saturday.
Jake Rill contributes to news coverage for Saturday Down South. He has covered the SEC since 2016.
