Good morning!
A few random thoughts on the NCAA championship before Nick Saban calls me into his office and screams at me again for using anonymous sources (sounds familar)...
- The first half of that game was a complete dud, but what a second half and overtime.
- Had one NFL source who has a history with Alabama (and future Patriots?) offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, text me during the first half to say Daboll can't figure out what pass plays to call because Jalen Hurts was throwing the ball so poorly.
- And then Saban showed his GOAT guts and started true freshman Tua Tagovailoa in the second half and it saved the game for the Crimson Tide.
- Just an amazing play to win the game. After making a mental mistake by taking a 16-yard sack on first down — possibly costing Alabama the game because its kicker looked like he was going to vomit on his shoes if he had to tie the game with a field goal — Tagovailoa showed wisdom way beyond his years by looking off the backside safety in Cover 2 for several seconds, before throwing a laser for the game-winning score.
Said during A-Day, Tua reminded me of Russell Wilson. That ability he has to extend plays, run, his vision and his arm all remind me of Wilson. Gonna be great watching him the next 2/3 seasons! He can sling it! #RollTide pic.twitter.com/iNf1Sg8Dtt
— 17 (@fearthe_beard11) January 9, 2018
- That is next-level quarterbacking. There are QBs playing in the NFL who, especially after the sack and the game on the line, who could not make that play. Blake Bortles doesn't make that play and he was the third overall pick.
- Saban is Bill Belichick's only peer as a football coach. Would so love to see Saban give the NFL one more chance — the Colts should back of a Brinks truck — but I doubt it happens. A healthy Andrew Luck would certainly be enticing. And the Colts are almost treated like a college team by the fans.
And away we go...
CATCHING UP
Patriots
Bruins
Red Sox
ON TAP
Bruins are off until Saturday, Celtics until Thursday. Red Sox are still sitting out the offseason.
9 a.m.:
2-4 p.m.
3:15 p.m.
5 p.m.:
7 p.m.
8 p.m.
PARTING THOUGHT
Nick Saban
Nick Saban is...happy? pic.twitter.com/YvHk3HtCso
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) January 9, 2018
GIFT SUBSCRIPTIONS
you’re going to be a hero to a big-time Boston sports fan
HELP SECTION