Revisiting the 2018 NCAA Football Championship: The game that thrust Tua Tagovailoa into stardom
Some moments are so special that they forever leave a lasting impression on college football fans. One such occasion came back in the 2018 NCAA Football Championship. It was a game that marked the rise of multiple future NFL superstars.
The stage was set on January 8, 2018, as the Alabama Crimson Tide faced off against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
Alabama had seen off the Clemson Tigers in the semifinals while Georgia overcame the Oklahoma Sooners to reach the summit tie.
Involving two teams with an age-old rivalry, the game promised to be one for the history books. However, what unfolded over the next four quarters would exceed even the loftiest expectations.
2018 CFP National Championship
•Alabama (12-1) vs Georgia (13-1)
•The last competitive CFP championship game https://t.co/xqr5IyHRLm
Tua Tagovailoa's championship masterclass
The Georgia Bulldogs started the game with a dominating defensive display under the leadership of linebacker Roquan Smith. They ensured that Alabama's offense, led by Jalen Hurts, struggled to find their rhythm early on.
Alabama's struggles continued well into the second quarter as the Bulldogs held a commanding 13-0 lead heading into halftime. The pressure was on 'Bama head coach Nick Saban to bring about changes that could inspire them to a comeback.
Undoubtedly the biggest decision he made that game was benching Jalen Hurts, who had been Alabama's starting quarterback since the start of the season, for a relatively unknown freshman named Tua Tagovailua.
With the weight of the Alabama dynasty on his shoulders, Tagovailoa showcased his immense poise to lead a thrilling comeback.
January 8th, 2018
Tua Tagovailoa throws a 41-yard TD to DeVonta Smith to give Alabama the 26-23 overtime victory over Georgia in the National Championship! #TuaTagovailoa #DeVontaSmith #Alabama #CFP #CollegeFootball https://t.co/FUT9sYJRtD
The Crimson Tide went on to win the game 26-23 in overtime with a 41-yard touchdown pass from Tagovailoa to DeVonta Smith ultimately sealing the deal.
The relatively unknown QB ended the game with three touchdown passes to his name earning himself the offensive MVP of the game award.
2018 championship game was an important step in Tua and Jalen Hurts' careers
Tua's remarkable championship-winning performance secured him the starting berth for the following season, ahead of Jalen Hurts.
While Hurts received a sizable amount of playing time, he was considered second fiddle to Tua. This eventually led to the future Eagles QB's transfer to Oklahoma for his senior year.
Tagovailoa's name became synonymous with excellence at Alabama after the championship game. He went on to have a stellar career with the program, throwing 7,442 yards and 87 touchdowns.
Save for a season-ending injury in 2019, it is believed he would have been the first-overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Ultimately, the Dolphins picked him up with the fifth overall pick.
Hurts too was drafted the very same year albeit by NFC East side Philadelphia Eagles, where he now plays alongside former teammate Devonta Smith.