Tua Tagovailoa offers thoughts on Alabama against Miami Hurricanes

Tua Tagovailoa has interest in both sides of the upcoming game between Alabama and Miami. The former Crimson Tide quarterback, now in Miami with the NFL’s Dolphins, was asked during Wednesday’s media availability about the marquee matchup.

“It’s tough,” Tagovailoa said. “I don’t know what Alabama looks like. I don’t know what the Hurricanes look like. You just always hope that when you see two teams go against each other it’s a good game.”

Tua Tagovailoa spent three seasons with Alabama before Miami selected him fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. He led the Crimson Tide to a national title in 2017.

His alma mater will face quite the test in Week 1. The Hurricanes have dual-threat quarterback D’Eriq King and receivers Mike Harley and Charleston Rambo. Meanwhile, Alabama has almost completely different offensive personnel.

Although there are plenty of new faces in Tuscaloosa this year, one will remain the same: coach Nick Saban. The legendary figure has led the Crimson Tide to six national championships and keeps them elite regardless of circumstance.

“Growing up, you hear Nick Saban and you’re like, ‘That’s Nick Saban,'” Tagovailoa said. “You see him in movies. He’s just big time. There’s just something about his demeanor and the way he coaches his players and what he expects out of his coaches. I think that’s what makes him successful.”

Alabama is coming off of an undefeated season and commanding College Football Playoff Championship win against Ohio State. The Crimson Tide enter the season ranked No. 1 in the AP poll.

Former 5-star prospect Bryce Young is set to replace Mac Jones as the starting quarterback. Ranked the No. 1 quarterback in the class of 2020 according to 247Sports, Young has big shoes to fill after Jones led Alabama to a championship and aided receiver Devonta Smith — now with the Philadelphia Eagles — earn the 2020 Heisman Trophy.

The Hurricanes finished 8-3 in coach Manny Diaz’s second season. They lost to Oklahoma State in the Cheez-It Bowl. With as much returning talent as there is on offense, many are predicting this to be his best season yet. It is the first time during his tenure that Miami has started the year in the top 25.

The Hurricanes, however, have a bit of bad luck when it comes to preseason rankings. Three of the past four times Miami has been in the preseason AP poll, it finished the year unranked.

The game kicks off at 3:30 p.m. EST on Sept. 4 in Atlanta.